Posts Tagged ‘wildlife’

So if you are looking for a fun day to fill a day around Olympia here is a suggestion that will not break the bank.

First head off to Wolf Haven and take a tour (which start on the hour). You get to learn a lot about wolves and why they are such a beneficial part of the ecosystem. Admission is $10, if you grab one of our maps or coupons you get $2 off. Either way it is well worth the price of admission.

Next it is off to the Monarch Sculputure Park. This is a non-profit outdoor art gallery. Self guided tours. Donations excepted. It is also located on the Chelalis Bicycle Trail. So if your keen you could do this as part of a bike ride from Olympia. It is an interesting mix of art and worth the stop.

Finally a bite to eat will be in order so on your way back to Olympia stop at Lattin’s Cider Mill. The apple cider is great! They have a country style produce store, home made pies and donuts. All the fixings for a nice casual lunch in their gardens and farm.

Of course ideally you will wind up back at our Bed and Breakfast for a relaxing late afternoon, followed by a delicious dinner at one of Olympia’s great restaurants.

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We think Olympia is a great place to base yourself while traveling the Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Olympia has great restaurants to come back to after a day of sightseeing, driving, hiking or biking.

Our favorite day trips include;

1. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is only a short drive north of Olympia, however you could spend a full day their walking and birdwatching.
2. Mount St Helens is about is under 2 hours south east of Olympia. A short drive down Intersate 5 then a peaceful drive to the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
3. Olympic National Park is very big and offers many opportunities for hiking or a scenic drive. You can do the loop in a day if you push it, but we do not recommend it. A drive out to the beaches or the Hoh Rainforest is great.
4. Port Townsend is a scenic 2 hour drive up the Hood canal. Great beaches at Fort Warden. Nice restaurants.
5. Mount Rainier is just over an hour away, but more realistically 2 hours to get to the first hikes. Paradise makes a great stop for lunch.

So we hope that gives you a little inspiration!

This 615-acre park has a little bit of everything: lakes, trails, meadows and plenty of animals. Northwest Trek is home to more than 200 North American animals.

A 30 to 40 minute drive from the Swantown Inn. This makes a great day trip.

For more information visit: Northwest Trek