1. Darlin Creek Preserve

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Olympia, WA

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Darlin Creek Preserve

5.0 (1 review)

Darlin Creek Preserve Photos

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3 years ago

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Olympic National Forest - Berries along the trail

Olympic National Forest

4.4(17 reviews)
6.9 mi

This is the biggest national forest I've ever visited! There are many ways to get in, but one thing…read moreis for sure..do not follow this Yelp address. It will only take you to the headquarters. The forest is an hour away from this building. You can type in the name into any map and choose one of the entrances. The way we went was through a back road passing several homes in the flat valley that's surrounded by mountains and woods. It will lead you to the welcome sign, then you'll pass a camp ground. There are less people going this way, so the hikes might only have 1/2 a dozen people on it. You will see many trails options, and they will all be gorgeous! The Skokomish Lower South Fork Trail is a great one. It has a very small gravel parking area, and it is a 6 mile hike in total. You'll go in 3 miles to Brown Creek, and then back 3 miles. I would say it's a semi strenuous hike. There's some down hill, and uphill, but mostly its level. Bring plenty of water, SPF, and snacks. Also stop at the restroom just before heading up the gravel road to the beginning of the trail. You'll pass a few little ice cold babbling brooks that will be very easy to walk across without getting your feet wet.

went here with Brandon and it was so nice with the clean air coming in at any elevation. There are…read moreshort and long hikes, so up to you what you want to do. There are levels to the hiking trails if you want steepness or not. Just do your research beforehand where it is you want to go and what it is you want because there is no signal here at times. this is a reeaaalllly big park, so a lot to do, but also a lot where you could get lost. there are winding roads to drive through and it gets a bit scary if you going during nighttime because the downhills make u go fast...especially with the snow ;-; watch urself and have gps on!!!!

Photos
Olympic National Forest - One of the welcome signs

One of the welcome signs

Olympic National Forest - Skokomish Lower South Fork Trail ends at Brown Creek

Skokomish Lower South Fork Trail ends at Brown Creek

Olympic National Forest - Trail becomes a tunnel at one point

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Trail becomes a tunnel at one point

McLane Creek Nature Trail - Information sign

McLane Creek Nature Trail

4.5(13 reviews)
3.5 mi

I have several favorite walks in Olympia including Capital Lake, Watershed Park, and Darlin Creek…read moreNature preserve. Each has its charms, but I keep coming back to McLane more often than any other. I like that there are always people there, yet it never feels crowded. Two loop trails joined by a connecting path provide plenty of options depending on your energy level and time limitations. There are several water features, and plenty of waterfowl to view. Much evidence of beavers, yet oddly I've never seen one. Dogs are allowed and honestly these are the politest dog owners around as I've never felt menaced as I have at some other locations. There is a pet waste collection bin, and people seem to use it. A rest room is provided, as well as a small covered picnic area near the larger parking area. Be sure to bring your Discover Pass as it's required for parking. If you don't have one, there are a couple of wide spots along Delphi Road where you could park.

This is a very easily walkable 1.1 mile trail that leads to a spawning ground for wild chum salmon…read more The trail is very well marked and level. I visited during mid December, so there were still a handful of salmon making their way upstream and spawning in the gravel beds. There's a little footbridge spanning over the stream and so you can get a good look at the fish swimming without being tempted to wade into the water itself (which is highly, highly discouraged since it's very easy to crush fish eggs and disrupt the migration). I would describe this as a multisensory experience as you can see the fish, hear them splashing in the water...and smell the dead fish. I wouldn't advise going if you have a sensitive nose! This was a cool experience otherwise.

Photos
McLane Creek Nature Trail - Salmon life cycle

Salmon life cycle

McLane Creek Nature Trail
McLane Creek Nature Trail - Salmon spawning

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Salmon spawning

Darlin Creek Preserve - parks - Updated October 2026

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