Riffe Lake and Swofford Pond

Riffe Lake and Swofford Pond are both located near Mossyrock in Lewis County, a large county with many acres to explore. When we head out to the Mossyrock area, usually during blueberry season and for the Blueberry Festival, we make a point of visiting Mayfield Lake, especially one of our favorite parks we discovered last year, Ike Kinswa State Park.

But on this particular day, we decided to venture further past Mossyrock to explore parts of Riffe Lake and the surrounding area. And when I say only parts of the lake, I mean it because Riffe Lake is over 23 miles long. After the long drive and some exploring, we wanted to take a break and were thrilled to discover a quiet, cozy place to stretch our legs and eat lunch at an out-of-the-way rest stop near the Mossyrock Dam.

Jozee has a ton of energy but even she couldn’t deny the relaxing atmosphere we had all to ourselves was nice.

Once we were well rested, we explored more of the area around the lake and saw a sign for Swofford Pond. Curious, we drove the short distance to the pond, which we quickly discovered was a favorite fishing pond. There were multiple areas along the pond where someone could park, sit along the shore and throw out a line and there were also quite a few boats out on the water. Later after reading up on Swofford Pond, it appears to be home for a large variety of fish, even sturgeon, although it’s a rare find.

We drove around the lake, over a bridge and spotted access to the Swofford Pond trailhead. It was a nice, easy walk through grass, brush and trees, over creeks, through tight trails and wide open areas. It was a nice “jaunt.”

However, as we were leaving, we spotted a sign for yet another trail on the other side of the bridge on the road. This hiking-biking trail goes through Swofford Flats to Riffe Lake and it all but invited us to stay and explore. Too bad we had neared the end of the day and had to get back on the road.

Not only did we have another fun day exploring beautiful areas not too far from home, we have another new trail we can visit and explore some day.

Frye Cove County Park

Frye Cove County Park is another county park we heard about after we began exploring areas around our PNW location. The park is located off Ed Inlet, which isn’t an area we’ve explored much so it was a nice break from the usual parks around Budd Inlet.

 

  

Frye Cove is a pretty place to visit for a nature walk through beautiful forest and some playtime on the beach. Before you head out on the trails, there's a playground, picnic tables and a few shelters, so for those inclined to bring snacks or a lunch, it's also a nice area to picnic. The picnic area was a bit overgrown when we visited but the trails were nicely kept and the walk through the woods was peaceful and full of lush green vegetation.

There’s a view while you’re on the trail of the water and the mountain beyond. It’s also a nice place to just sit and enjoy the moment.

Yet another beautiful local park we can visit when we want to get away from it all, but don’t want to travel too far to get there.

Deschutes Falls Park

 

This gem is Thurston County’s newest park and it is absolutely beautiful. While it can be a drive considering the back roads necessary to get there, it’s still fairly local in view of its location to Yelm and is definitely worth visiting for a day trip.*

While the park is over 150 acres, it’s not necessarily a place to visit if you’re looking for miles of hiking trails. This park is more for those who enjoy river walks, waterfalls and photography. There is a long road you will walk to access the forested area and once there, you can explore to your heart’s content.

When you enter the forested area, look to the right where a quick jaunt on a short trail will bring you to a fenced area overlooking a large waterfall. It’s not the best view of a large waterfall I’ve ever seen, but it was still nice since there aren’t many large waterfalls in Thurston County. Finding an access for a better view is not an option considering the dangerous and slick rocky gorge below the fence and surrounding area. 

The best views are upriver if you're into a short river walk.

As you make your way, you can walk along the water on the rocks while scouting for crawdads. Jozee didn’t know what to think of this crawdad but she enjoyed dipping her feet in the nice cool water.

Your next option is to follow the trail to the left of the forested entrance and after a bit of a walk you’ll discover a PNW treasure you’ll have a difficult time leaving. Once you make your way down to the river, you’ll find yourself moving over natural rock monoliths. These rocks are fun to move along as you explore the river, the pools of water and small waterfalls along the way. Here the river flows through a long beautiful gorge and the whole area is just a stunning area to explore. The gorge is also where you’ll find swimmers enjoying the natural lazy river. Except for die-hard hikers, there’s something for everyone.

And while this park doesn’t offer hiking trails like other parks, be sure to keep track of your personal items as you move around the park or you will get more than your fair share of steps in. We found that out the hard way when we had to retrace our steps and walk the road and trails multiple times looking for my driver’s license after it fell out of a pocket. We were fortunate that a family spending time at the gorge happened to find it and held on to it until they spotted me and recognized it was my ID. This setback could have put a damper on our trip to the park but we were thankful it ended on a positive note!

Jozee would have loved to explore the fields outside the park, but leashes are required so this was as far as she got. Even so, she enjoyed herself and had fun hiding in the long grass as she sniffed out critters.

* As with all parks, especially during the time of Covid restrictions, please check the park website before your planned visit to verify it is open and accessible to visitors.

 

Rainbow Falls, Long Beach & Cape Disappointment State Park

Some days we visit just one park, other days we cram a whole bunch into one day. On this particular trip, we ventured to three different areas and made it one long fun-filled day.

Our first stop was at Rainbow Falls State Park. It had been years since I’d visited this park, long before the original bridge over the river had been washed out, so that finding the park entrance took a little more time. Once we parked and began to explore the park’s day use area, memories flooded back to me of my visits there as a kid when we would stay in the campground. We quickly made our way to the river, after first stopping to get a look at a relic…a phone booth. The phone is missing and I don't believe the paper phone book was in the binder, but the booth was such an odd sight in the middle of the greenery at the park and seeing it just made me smile. 

The river walk was fun and the river was beautiful. We made our way down to the water to walk along the rocks and in the water and we also moved along the trail for more views of the river. Jozee enjoyed both the trail and a walk in the shallow areas of the river. The trail was easy and just enough for what we were looking for as a way to stretch our legs before hitting the road again. 

Our next stop was Long Beach, another area I hadn’t visited for quite some time. The beach is like any other Washington beach and this day was like many…cloudy and cool. But we enjoyed a walk along the boardwalk and in the sand and also had fun watching some pretty spectacular kites being flown by beachgoers that day. 

         

When we were ready to head indoors, we visited Marsh’s Free Museum, a tourist trap of the best kind. I’ve never been to Long Beach without also visiting this store. The museum is filled to the brim with your beach-related gift and souvenir items and so much more. It’s full of funky antiques and curios, to include antique arcade games and photo viewing machines, and oddities like Jake the alligator Man. It is a full-fledged curiosity shop and worth a visit. Jozee waited outside while we took turns exploring the store…I don’t think dogs were allowed inside but I also don’t know what she would have thought about some of the stuffed animals they have inside the store! 

After Long Beach we took a trip to Cape Disappointment State Park. Again, this is a park I’ve been to before but it’s been awhile and this was our first time with a pup tagging along. The park is very dog friendly and we enjoyed hiking up the trailhead past the lighthouse keeper's residence, Deadmans Hollow and an old bunker before we arrived at the North Head Lighthouse. Jozee met another pup along the way and they became fast friends. 

   

    

The weather was still cloudy when we arrived at the lighthouse but it began to clear up so that we were able to enjoy the surrounding views before we ventured back down the hill. The views from above by the lighthouse are truly beautiful on a clear day.

One note I should make is that this visit to Cape Disappointment was pre-Covid…I believe some of the park and access to the lighthouse is closed until further notice. However, when it opens up again, it’s definitely worth the visit if you haven’t had the chance yet.

We thought we were done for the day when we found another beach area nearby we’d never visited before. It’s called Waikiki Beach and it was a fun find. We had a different view of the lighthouse from across the water, rocks to explore, beach to access and it’s a beautiful beach cove with cliffs on one side and regular waves I imagine surfers often enjoy. We didn’t venture any further in to check out any trails the park might offer since it was so late in the day, which only means we have a reason to go back to this park someday.

Washington State has a beautiful coastline and while a visit to the beach is often cloudy and windy, you might get lucky with blue skies and sunshine to match the wonderful views. Since the weather can vary, it just gives you a reason to go back for another visit.

Tolmie State Park

    

Tolmie State Park is a great local park we have access to in our corner of the PNW. With three miles of hiking trails in beautiful forested land, as well as access to the beach and saltwater marsh, Jozee gave it 4 paws.

We hit the hiking trails first and really enjoyed the boardwalks and bridges, bunnies and birds and so many large beautiful trees! 

The forest in this park really is beautiful.

        

When we finally made our way down to the beach, we used the long boardwalk to get there. It made for a grand entrance. 

 

The tide was out which gave Jozee many smells and sights to see. We had to watch out for the crabs and sand dollars though, which were everywhere so that we had to watch our step. Low tide also means a large amount of seaweed left behind on the beach so we had two reasons to watch our step: not only for wildlife hiding underneath but also so we didn’t slip and fall! I regretted only wearing sandals so that I had to go barefoot rather than wear my water socks...seaweed in the toes is not a fan favorite.

          

Jozee was extremely curious about the crabs, but we made sure she didn’t get too close. A nip to the nose would have really spoiled the day! 

 

But she managed quite well and if she wasn’t sniffing out crabs, she was having a ball digging in the sand.

       

Tolmie also has an underwater scuba park, which I expect must be a treat for underwater enthusiasts, but it’s obviously not an experience you can partake in if you have pets with you.

Overall, this is a nice day park to visit, especially on a beautiful day when you can take advantage of the views across the Puget Sound.

Priest Point Park & Burfoot County Park

You don’t have to travel far from home to find great parks to enjoy with your pup…

Ellis Cove Trail

Jozee enjoying the view

Priest Point Park:

Priest Point Park is easily accessible and in a location not far from downtown Olympia, close to the marina and on the shore of Puget Sound at Budd Inlet and Ellis Cove. The trails are well maintained and a nice little hike, especially the Ellis Cove Trail, where Jozee enjoys taking a break while we have a snack. My favorite photo on one particular day is when she was gazing out at the water from the top of the bluff while we were taking a break. It really is a wonderful trail with a beautiful view. 

Beach at Budd Inlet

At the end of the trail we gain access to the beach, a nice area to walk with plenty of trees close to the shoreline if you find yourself in need of shade. We enjoy the view and Jozee enjoys playing around in the water before we head back to the trailhead.









On one particular day while we were walking this trail, Jozee met another young pup who looked like a young Husky she enjoyed playing with when she spent time at doggy daycare. When the two of them began to move toward each other, very intent on interacting, we finally determined with the owners at the other end of the leash that this was in fact her playmate at the daycare.

It’s a small world, even for dogs.

Ellis Cove Trail

The only negative we found while visiting Priest Point Park is when we accessed the water using the short trail on the south side of the park and had to walk in the mud flats at low tide. The mud flats are, well, muddy. They are also slick and slimy and after trying to maneuver through them just once, that was enough for me. I prefer the beach area further north where we access it from the Ellis Cove Trail and where the rocky shore gives us more traction.

Burfoot County Park:

While I had visited Priest Point even before Jozee, I had never taken the time to drive further along East Bay Drive to discover what might lie beyond. Since I’m always on the lookout for new parks to visit with Jozee, we finally ventured out that way and were pleasantly surprised with Burfoot County Park. 

A huge field where dogs can play fetch is close to a large playground area for kids and surrounding that field are multiple entrances where you can begin your walk either through the nearby woods or down the trail toward to the beach. 

The difference between this beach compared to the Ellis Cove Trail access is that there isn’t much in the way of shade. However, some days we have the beach to ourselves, at least for a short time period, and there are benches just above the beach where you can sit and enjoy the view for awhile. While on the beach we look for little crabs under rocks, spot evidence of what lies beneath based on holes in the sand and Jozee’s reaction to water squirting up at her when she stood over the holes was priceless.

Both parks have their own perks and both have become local favorites whenever we want to visit the water but have to stay close to home.

Jozee met a little friend