Destination Rainier — Gateway to Paradise

Gateway to Paradise Destination Rainier 2014

Tenino • Rainier • Yelm • Roy McKenna • Eatonville Elbe • Ashford • Mount Rainier A Supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

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a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

It’s Time to Make Your Nisqually Valley Bucket List Editor’s Notes

By Michael Wagar

Now a bit more than one year into my stint as publisher and editor of the Nisqually Valley News, I’m beginning to understand what makes this valley standout.

At its most wonderful essence is the people. This community cares. I was deeply impressed, for example, at Christmas in the Park this past December. The warm bonfire, the choir and

band concerts, food and pictures with Santa, bounce toys for the kids, and so much more, and all for free. Children’s books were handed out, then wrapped, again all for free, ensuring every child would have the opportunity to give a present to their best friend, regardless of economic circumstances.

It was a fabulous display of this area’s community spirit of giving.

The Nisqually Valley News staff participated in both Prairie Days and the Christmas parades.

Again, the participation level by the community made both grand days in the valley.

Beyond the people, this area has so much to offer. This

tourism-based guide gives you a glimpse into all the places and activities found from Tenino through Yelm and all the way to Paradise on Mount Rainier.

We start with a calendar of events to give you a blueprint, a guide for activities, and then end it with a series of places that everyone, traveler or resident, should take in.

This past year I was able to attend many events and places, including recent trips to Northwest Trek and Paradise Lodge.

On my Nisqually Valley bucket list for this year I include trips to South Sound Speedway, Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm, Wolf Haven and fishing followed by dinner at Offut Lake Resort.

I plan to trek the Yelm - Tenino Trail and purchase fresh produce from both the Yelm and Tenino farmers markets.

All too often we live in these splendid areas full of wondrous sights and activities, yet how many of us have been to these jewels in our own backyard?

About one million tourists from across the world travel each year just to take in Mount Rainier. We can get there in but an hour and a half. If you haven’t been up to the mountain lately, it’s high time.

I urge you to make your own Nisqually Valley bucket list, using this publication as a guide, and enjoy the splendor of this corner of the world.

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Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 3

Table of Contents

About the Cover

Intro.......................................................... 2 Schedule of Events................................ 3-12 South Sound Speedway ........................... 13 Lattin’s Cider Mill .................................... 14 Offut Lake and Fishing in the Valley ......... 15 Wolf Haven ............................................ 16 Tenino Sights ........................................... 17 Centerspread Map ...............................18-19 Downtown Rainier .................................. 20 Yelm-Tenino Trail .................................... 21 Yelm Parks .............................................. 22 Yelm Activities ........................................ 23 Red Wind Casino .................................... 24 Farmers Markets ...................................... 25 Stewart’s Meats ....................................... 26 Lavender Farm ........................................ 27 Northwest Trek ....................................... 28 Pioneer Farm Museum ............................ 29 Elbe ........................................................ 30 Ashford ................................................... 31 Sculpture Park ......................................... 32 Gateway to Paradise ........................... 33-35

A lenticular cloud hovers over Mount Rainier at sunset in this view from Klapatche Park Camp in Mount Rainier National Park. Drew Perine / The News Tribune

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION Gateway to Paradise is an annual publication of the Nisqually Valley News in Yelm, Washington.

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Michael Wagar AD MANAGER Angie Evans, Yelm 360-960-1500 SALES REPRESENTATIVES Christy Clarke, Yelm 360-960-1509 Jenn Harshfield, Yelm 360-960-1501 WRITERS Staff of the Nisqually Valley News

DESIGN EDITOR Nicole Kiourkas

PRODUCTION Brian Edwards To request copies of Gateway to Paradise for your location, or for advertising or editorial information, call the Nisqually Valley News at 360-458-2681, or e-mail to mwagar@yelmonline.com COPYRIGHT Destination Rainier and its contents are copyrighted by the Nisqually Valley News in Yelm and Lafromboise Communications, Inc.

4 Gateway to Paradise 2014

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Gateway to Paradise Events and More

May

23-26 — Packwood Flea Market, Packwood 26 — Memorial Day Ceremony at Rainier’s Veterans Memorial Park 31-1 — Roy Pioneer Rodeo

Roy Pioneer Rodeo Perhaps the biggest event of the year in Roy, the Roy Pioneer Rodeo covers two weekends this year, May 31 and June 1, as well as August 30 and 31, and the outdoor rodeo is held in Roy at 8710

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The rodeo draws participants and thousands of fans alike each year to not only take in the traditional Roy events but also to enjoy a souvenir booth, food booth as well as a beer and wine garden.

Fans will see all types of events from bareback riding and saddle bronc riding to calf roping, steer wrestling, military bull riding, breakaway roping, team roping and barrel racing. Also seen will be the opening ceremonies, clown acts, cow milking and businessman’s wild cow milking.

Children can partake in a stick horse racing event, too.

Typically, each rodeo event sees about 10 competitors, with hundreds competing annually from around the Pacific Northwest. Those who compete must also compete in August if they want to win a buckle.

Buckle winners are the participants who win the most money at both rodeos in each event.

Sanctioned through the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association, the

Nisqually Valley News Photo

The Roy Pioneer Rodeo brings cheers and spills twice a year.

The first rodeo is May 31 to June 1, followed by a late summer competition Aug. 30-31.

Roy Pioneer Rodeo is also part of the NPRA season series. The first Roy rodeo was June 19, 1960 and brought in $500, and now brings in more than $100,000 each year. All proceeds go back into funding the rodeo, as the Roy Pioneer Rodeo is a nonprofit association.

The rodeo starts 1:30 p.m. each day, with gates opening at noon. Admission is $10 for children ages 13 up through adults, $6 for seniors, $4 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children under 5. Cashonly is accepted on rodeo grounds, so be sure to bring plenty.

Visit www.royrodeo.com for more information and

to view rodeo photos from past years.

June

1 — Yelm Farmers Market opens 1 — Spring Swing Foundation Golf Tournament at Tahoma Valley Golf Course 7 — Tenino Farmers Market opens 14 — Yelm Flag Day celebration 13-15 — Offut Lake Resort Father’s Day fishing tournament 26-29 — Yelm Prairie Days

Yelm Prairie Days As the fastest-growing town in Thurston County, the city of Yelm will likely

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Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 5

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Yelm Prairie Days will transform the prairie city into a massive celebration June 26-28. The centerpiece of the event — the Saturday day parade — attracts upward of 5,000 viewers.

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half of the century, Yelm farmers gathered in the summer to hold a town party celebrating the berry harvest, which usually evolved into a street dance in the evening.

With the changing times came growth, as buildings were added to Yelm City Park to support the festival, such as a stage, picnic shelters and a hamburger stand. Events started expanding, too, with the well-known pet parade, dog show, water fights by local firemen and a royalty contest. A children’s costume contest is a tradition that was

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Yelm Prairie Historical Museum

207 Third Street S.E. • Yelm, WA 98597 Wednesday - Saturday: Noon - 4:00 p.m.

Private tours and groups by appointment

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have thousands of people partake in a communitywide event that spans more than six decades.

It’s called Prairie Days, and if you’re traveling through the Nisqually Valley in late-June headed to Mount Rainier, you may just become part of the city’s biggest annual festivity.

Prairie Days is June 26-29 at Yelm City Park, with a “Flowers Blooming Across the Prairie” theme parade — presented by the Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce — 7 p.m. opening night. Following the parade, the good times move to Yelm City Park with food, games and entertainment.

Hosted by the Yelm Lions Club, Prairie Days is the club’s main fundraiser of the year, in which proceeds benefit activities throughout the area.

Attendees, whether local or from afar, will be privy to family and communityoriented entertainment such as local vocal groups, school choirs and bands.

Other attractions include special events for children, like a “Kid Zone” and the Magnificent Mutt contest on Saturday.

Residents and visitors can browse among vendors and information booths, or get an adrenaline rush courtesy of the Davis Amusement Cascadia — which offers state-of-the-art rides and concessions that

are sure to please any age.

Organizers claim it truly is a first-class, safe carnival for everyone.

The carnival operates through Sunday, after the rest of Prairie Days concludes.

In 1938, when the Yelm Lions Club formed, members created a carnival during the event to raise club funds. Initially, the carnival was near the town’s water tower, then shifted to the park in the 1950s.

According to the record books, Prairie Days started in the 1940s as a one-day gathering with deep, agricultural roots. Yelm historians claim the first

360-970-8036 • www.ci.yelm.wa.us

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brought back several years ago to boost community involvement in the parade.

The Prairie Days parade began as a parade of pets and kids, but now includes businesses and anyone else who wants to enter. And, even if parades aren’t your thing, Yelm City Park will likely have something that is.

July

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Oregon Trail Days transforms the city of Tenino into a frontierthemed village July 25-27. A highlight of the festival is the Adam Craig Music Foundation all-ages concert.

20 — Wilkeson National Handcar Races 12-13 — Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic 25-27 — Oregon Trail Days

Oregon Trail Days Held the fourth weekend every July, the city of Tenino’s annual Oregon Trail Days is sure to be a blast — especially with the ever-popular Four Square Mile Music Festival.

Occurring July 25-27 in downtown Tenino — which is just off the beaten path toward Mount Rainier — what the small city lacks in population, it more than makes up for with a big birthday bash to honor history.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Adam Craig Music Foundation hosts an all-age benefit concert on

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Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 7

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Nisqually Valley News Photo

The Oregon Trail Days Parade is one of many events taking place in Tenino July 25-27. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. led by the T90 motorcycle drill squad.

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Bowman, revs their engines around 10:45 a.m. for an the Quarry House Stage adrenaline-pumping ride with local musicians and down the parade route a beer and wine garden. to build anticipation for Proceeds benefit the what’s to come. The streets Tenino School District and will surely be lined with the city’s Quarry Pool. locals and tourists who Last year’s event raised are waiting to see their thousands of dollars, favorite entries, such as the according to the Four popular black powder rifle Square Mile Music Festival’s shooters.

Facebook page. The The list of participants Adam Craig Foundation is practically endless, donated $4,000 to including businesses, the Quarry Pool Fund, organizations, political purchased 14 iPads for candidates, animals, Parkside children, fire Elementary trucks and School and more. paid for 13 Before sixth-grade the parade students to begins, the attend Cispus first-ever Outdoor Oregon Trail Education Days 5K Camp. to benefit The Tenino High Adam Craig School crossFoundation country thanked the Nisqually Valley News Photo will be The Seattle to Portland Bicybusinesses, cle Classic cruises straight underway. sponsors, through the Nisqually Valley. Finishers everyone receive who donated, and plan medallion and participants to have another great have the option of a showing this July.

T-shirt, which can be However, before all of seen at facebook.com/ those rockin’ memories oregontraildaystenino. The are made, don’t miss out 5K starts on the parade on the parade 11 a.m. route right before it begins.

Saturday that travels up Family discounts are and down Sussex Avenue, available, and age group lasting about an hour. awards will go to the top Established in 1984, three in each category, the T90 motorcycle drill, Continued on page 8 led by captain Chad

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Nisqually Valley News Photo

Carnival rides thrill the kiddies at a past Oregon Trail Days in Tenino. For adults, try the historic sandstone building tour.

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and potentially a pennypinching sale at the Tenino Timberland Library.

Oregon Trail Days is a showcase of cherished history, which can be seen everywhere, such as the city’s old-school buildings made from granite mined at the park many, many decades ago.

Although the event may not be as old and visible as Mount Rainier, it can provide nostalgia and appreciation for those who make the fun-filled visit.

with five year increments, according to the event’s Facebook page.

From there, swarms of people will head to the city park for music (remember the Four Square Mile Music Festival?), vendors galore, Trader’s Row and kid activities.

Yummy, stomach pleasing food, as well as all of the entertainment options for every age, is almost guaranteed to please everyone who stops July 26 — Yelm Rotary by for a great time.

Badminton Classic Looking for something 30-3 — Thurston County enlightening? Stop by the Fair Depot Museum for the list of things to do throughout Thurston County Fair Oregon Trail Days’ festive The Thurston County Fair weekend. offers “fun for the whole The South Sound herd” this summer.

Reading Foundation The 2014 provides Thurston books for County ages 4-12 Fair is July at the Kids 30 through Zone, where Aug. 3 at there will be the Thurston sack races, County candy in a fairgrounds, haystack, 3054 water Carpenter balloons and Nisqually Valley News Photo other games. The Thurston County Fair Road in features top 4-H competition Lacey.

Prizes for the starting July 30.

Each games are year’s fair donated by offers a carnival, vendors, local businesses. livestock shows, and a Other activities include a car show and gem show, Continued on page 9

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 9

Continued from page 8 concert series featuring a variety of entertainers.

The carnival provides a variety of rides: tame ones for young children, as well as some death-defying attractions for older thrill seekers. Food ranging from corn dogs to hamburgers will keep visitor’s stomachs from grumbling throughout the day.

Animals serve as the heart of the fair, with high school students from Future Farmers of America chapters throughout the county showcasing local livestock.

Young students get a chance to show off their livestock-raising skills as well through 4-H. The organizations give students a chance to gain a variety of leadership skills and build confidence in themselves.

As the fair nears, the full schedule of events will be listed at http://www. co.thurston.wa.us/fair/ schedule.asp.

August

1 — Prairie Street Rod Association Show 2-3 — Southeast Thurston County Relay for Life 7-10 — Morton Loggers Jubilee 15-17 — Tenino Antique and Classic Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show 15-17 — Helsing Junction

Farm and K Records Annual Sleepover 17 — T-9-0 Quarrymen Car Club 12th annual Show-nShine 16 — Yelm Lions Club Poker Run 22-24 — Rainier Round-Up Days and Bluegrass Pickin’ Party

Rainier Round-Up Days and Bluegrass Pickin’ Party Late August is the city of Rainier’s time to shine.

The Rainier Round-Up Days celebration has been going strong for more than 20 years, giving people a chance to celebrate their hometown while enjoying toe-tapping bluegrass music.

“It’s Rainier’s annual celebration,” Rainier Mayor Randy Schleis said.

The 22nd Annual Rainier Round-Up Days and Bluegrass Pickin’ Party is Aug. 22-24 at Wilkowski Park in Rainier.

It’s an opportunity to come out and hear great bluegrass music, enjoy food sold by the Rainier Lions Club, and check out vendors, including one run by a local Boy Scout troop, Schleis said.

There are a couple new ideas floating around for this year, including a reenactment of the Civil War. But it’s not yet known

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Nisqually Valley News Photo

Rainier hosts a Round-Up Days and Bluegrass Pickin’ Party Aug. 22-24.

10 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

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Nisqually Valley News Photo

Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm hosts an apple festival and pumpkin patch Sept. 27-28, and every week to follow in October.

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if that will be included in this year’s festivities, Schleis said. The committee plans to meet to finalize plans for the event.

A highlight of the annual event is the Bluegrass pickin’ party.

“I always look for the bluegrass,” Schleis said.

“It’s nice to be able to go down and even if they’re not putting on a performance, you can walk around to the different campsites and see if people are jamming.

You can just pull up a seat and sit there and listen to them.”

Food and crafts line the pathways to Wilkowski Park.

The annual parade is Aug. 23 and features a route short enough for kids to walk.

A large number of youth groups from baseball, football, cheerleaders, dance troops, Scout troops, churches and 4-H groups make the Rainier Round-Up Days parade an annual must-do activity.

The parade lasts less than an hour and also includes politicians, businesses and people who just like to be in parades. Nearby activities include games for kids.

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Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 11

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August

24 — Eatonville Arts Festival 30-31 — Roy Pioneer Rodeo 30 — Wounded Warrior Car Show

September

5-21 — Washington State Fair 12-14 — South Sound Wine Trail 27 — Nisqually Watershed Festival 27-28 — Chehalis Valley Wine Tour 27-28 — Lattin’s Country Cider Mill Apple Festival and Pumpkin Patch

November

1 — Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce Anniversary Bash 15 — Mount Rainier Fall Wine Tasting and Brew Festival

December

6 — Yelm Christmas in the Park

Yelm Christmas in the Park Yelm’s Christmas in the Park is as warm as the massive bonfire that burns throughout the day and deep into the night on Saturday, Dec. 6.

If the holidays are a time of thanksgiving, the gathering together with loved ones and a season of giving, this community celebration is a perfect fit.

The entire Yelm community is invited to embrace the 26th anniversary of the daylong event, which starts with a parade and ends with a concert by the Yelm Orchestra. In between are a slew of concerts by students from 13 area choirs and bands.

“The choirs go all day right to the end, one after another,” said Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cecelia Jenkins, who has volunteered for Christmas in the Park since its inception.

“All those darling kids

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Nisqually Valley News Photo

A the center of Yelm Christmas in the Park is a warm bonfire to take a bit of chill off during the day of free festivities Dec. 6.

singing holiday songs; it’s very entertaining.”

The community blessing and the lighting of the Christmas tree and water tower commence at 5:30 p.m.

Central to the celebrations is a commitment to offer everything for free, from photos with Santa and a candy cane to hot dogs

and beverages, making ornaments, wrapping presents and a children’s book present for every kid. A gingerbread house contest also brightens the park.

One rule for the event is that every group that has a booth must give something away for free. Timberland

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EVENTS:

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Nisqually Valley News Photo

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Opening Day June 1!

Library gifts children with a free book, helps the kids wrap them up, and then encourages the books go to a good friend as a Christmas present. The local FFA students will pop popcorn and hand it out all day.

The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends with Santa on a Southeast Thurston Fire Authority fire truck.

For those participating in the parade, lineup is at 8:30 a.m. and trophies are awarded at 9 a.m. Parade staging is in the Yelm Cinemas parking lot and along West Road.

Parade participants are also asked to have walkers pass out candy and treats during the parade; throwing candy from moving vehicles onto the street pavement is discouraged.

The parade proves popular year after year, no matter if it is sunny, raining or snowing, attracting about 5,000 spectators.

The parade is sponsored by the city of Yelm’s Park Advisory Committee and the Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The whole community gets together for a big loving celebration,” Jenkins said. “Everybody is welcome. It creates warm

feelings, but we’re frozen by the end of the day.”

That’s where the bonfire, and several portable heaters, along with free hot coffee, hot chocolate and hot cider, come in.

The inner warmth comes from the act of giving.

“Low-income families or families with a lot of children can’t afford to have photos taken with Santa, and food and entry to bounce ups (the event includes free bounce houses for the kids) or write letters to Santa for free — and Santa answers them all,” Jenkins said.

“Everyone has a chance to have a Christmas celebration, and it’s all about the kids. The park will be filled with kids.”

Jenkins said the entire event, which will attract upward of 5,000 people to the parade alone, is due to a dedicated army of volunteers.

“It takes a lot of hands,” she said. “So many people make the whole free day for kids and families happen.”

December

5 — Tenino Tree Lighting 6 — Tenino Winterfest and Holiday Bazaar

2015 January

1 — Offut Lake Polar Bear Plunge

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South Sound Speedway Revs Up for Racing

By Nisqually Valley News For the gearheads in our midst, the South Sound Speedway just off Interstate 5 at Rochester offers a racing season full of roaring engines and more than a crash or two.

The .375 mile oval race track includes a figure eight course with racing most Saturdays through September.

The South Sound Speedway, located at 3730 183rd Ave. SW in Rochester, can be accessed by taking Exit 88 and going east on Old Highway 99.

Most races take place Saturdays, although there are a few on Sundays. Perhaps the highlight of the racing season is July 6 when a fireworks show takes place along with the races.

The ticket windows open at 4:45 p.m. The track takes only May

Saturday, 24 — Street Stocks, Vintage Modified Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Stinger 8 Sunday, 25 — Street Stocks, Vintage Modified Mini Stocks Saturday, 31 — Super Late Model 100, Bumblebees, Legends, Baby Grands

June

Saturday, 7 — 4 Cylinder Late Models, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Stinger 8, Vintage Modifieds Saturday, 14 — Street Stocks, Bumblebees, Legends, Baby Grands, Outlaw Compacts Saturday, 21 — Super Late Model Twin 50’s, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Stinger 8

Photo by Eric Anderson

A race car catches fire during a heat this May at South Sound Speedway south of Tenino.

cash or checks; no credit cards are accepted. Pit passes can be purchased as well starting at 1 p.m. of race day.

After each event, the pit opens to the public for free, allowing race fans to inspect the cars and meet the drivers.

While there, make sure to take in the “Seattle Million Dollar Toilets” in the pit area.

The track offers a full slate of food and drinks, including ice cold beer, at two separate concession areas.

Camping is also available, al-

though no campfires are allowed.

For the racing VIP, you can rent a suite for a group of people as the track has 16 VIP sky boxes. n For more information: 360-858-1464 or southsoundspeedway.com.

Saturday, 28 — Winged Sprint Cars, Street Stocks, Open Wheel Midgets, Bumblebees, Baby Grands

August

September

July

Saturday, 5 — Fireworks. Super Late Model 125, 4 Cylinder Late Models, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks Saturday, 12 — Open Wheel Midgets, Legends, Street Stocks, Stinger 8, Outlaw Compacts Saturday, 19 — Big Rats, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Bumblebees Saturday, 26 — Super Late Model Twin 50’s, Legends, Baby Grands, Stinger 8

Saturday, 2 — Street Stocks 75 Laps, Super 4 100 Laps, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Bumblebees Saturday, 9 — Super Late Model Miller 100, Legends Regional Qualifier, Outlaw Compacts Saturday, 16 — Street Stocks, Baby Grand, Mini Stocks, Vintage Modifieds, Bumblebees Saturday, 23 — Winged Sprint Cars, Open Wheel Midgets, Hobby Stocks, Baby Grands, Stinger 8 Saturday, 30 — Super Late Model 100, Dennis Smitham Memorial Qualifiers (Street Stock Shoot Out), Legends, Mini Stocks

Saturday, 6 — Open Wheel Midgets, Super 4, Hobby Stocks, Baby Grands, Stinger 8 Saturday, 13 — Super Late Model 100, Mini Stocks, Bumblebees, Legends Saturday, 20 — Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Baby Grands, Stinger8, Outlaw Compacts Saturday, 27 — Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Bumblebees, Vintage Modifieds The back gate opens at 1 p.m., front gate opens at 4:45 p.m., qualifying at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 6:30 p.m.

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Perfecting Cider Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm Offers Much More Than Juice

By Nisqually Valley News Get those tastebuds going on the way to Mount Rainier with a visit to Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm, located a few miles east of Interstate 5 and north of Tenino at 9402 Rich Road SE. Like many other tried and true attractions around the area, Lattin’s is a small, family-owned farm that has been cultivating and perfecting its cider since 1976. The apples used in the

cider-making process are purchased directly from the same high-quality growers each year, then stored at a controlled temperature to preserve their crispness.

The family and its employees sorts, washes and cuts each apple by hand — which amounts to up to 75 tons of apples a day during peak times, and translates to 4,000 gallons of fresh cider in one week.

To take a look into the precise process of creating Lattin’s own specific tastes of ciders: The

apples are ground and pressed, pasteurized and bottled immediately but no additives, preservatives or sweeteners are added.

Once it’s time to test the product, there is only one way — to take that first sip.

Although apple cider is Lattin’s claim to fame, the mill also produces cider from strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, and they even add a kick to some apple ciders to make spiced ciders.

Visitors can wander about the flower and vegetable gardens, enjoy a picnic complete with cider to drink, and even feed baby farm animals — goats, chickens, roosters, calves, bunnies, lambs and pigs. Lattin’s also offers a year-round maze and play area for kids.

Lattin’s farmers market pro-

vides a spread of Eastern Washington fruit, farm fresh eggs, fruit syrups, dried fruit, honey, jam, smoked salmon, Johnson’s Smokehouse meat and cheese products, crisp apples and readyto-bake frozen pies. Lattin’s also sells pastries and donuts, baked fresh daily.

Apple fritters are available Fridays before noon and all weekend.

If You Want to Go:

Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm is open yearround, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, June 1 to Dec. 31.

For more information call 360-491-7328 or visit http:// lattinscider.com.

MT. RAINIER RAILROAD DINING CO.

Come dine in a real train dining car from 1922. Robert W. Thurston is the founder of this fantastic idea. Family owned and operated since 1987, enjoy the “family secret recipes,” proudly preparing everything homemade and to order. A “must have” are our “inhouse smoked daily” B.B.Q. items, indescribably fantastic! Enjoy a domestic or imported beer, local Washington wine or spirits with your meal. Save room ... we have the “BEST” homemade cobbler or bread pudding on the Mountain! We also cater on site or off, for all your special events. Hold your next gathering here we can hold up to 200 people. Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., serving the best breakfast, lunch and dinner around.

SIDE-TRACKED LOUNGE Serving Local Wine, Beer & Spirits. Come and get “Side-Tracked” in our lounge, where you’ll enjoy an outside beer garden through Labor Day. Come sing Karaoke with us ... over 97,000 songs! We’re biker-friendly ... ride on in! With a Hobo Inn full bar — beer, wine and spirits — you’re sure to wet your whistle at Original rustic caboose with modern conveniences: the Sidetrack Room. Try our famous Derailer. Open daily at 11 a.m. sink, toilet, shower, beds and electricity! We hope you find your stay a trip back into time.

Looking for a unique place for a wedding?

Located next to a historic church, walk to reception and we have lodging!

Room Rates $115.00 per couple per night in your own real caboose!

14-520951L.

Check out our website for details on all our entertainment Wednesday, Friday & Saturday!

54106 Mt. Hwy E. • Elbe, WA 98330

360-569-2505 • 888-RR-DINER elbetrain@yahoo.com • www.rrdiner.com

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 15

Nisqually Valley Abundant With River and Lake Fishing Opportunities Offut Lake Resort Offers a One-Stop Angling Experience Complete With Fine Dining A longtime attraction for local and out-of-town fishermen alike, Offut Lake Resort just a few miles north of Tenino offers everything an angler could need or want no matter what level of experience — equipment, lures, fishing docks and boats, and even a fishing license.

All of this is found on the scenic and peaceful 200-acre Offut Lake, which is open for year-round fishing.

The small, family-owned resort located on the south shore of the lake also provides camping and rustic cabins, as well as a general store. The campground has RV sites with fire pits, free Wi-Fi, access to cable TV, water, electric and sewer.

Two tent areas are also available near the lake, beneath where a soft cedar bed lies.

Cars and pets are not permitted, and a 5 mph speed limit is enforced on the grounds. Additionally, only electric boat motors are allowed.

Anglers of all expertise levels will be likely to catch trout, as the resort raises them in net pens.

Visitors are welcome to park their cars and even bring

pets to the pet-friendly area farther back in the park.

In addition to its other amenities, Offut Lake Resort has showers in the campground restroom facilities as well as a laundry room and a day-use picnic shelter for groups. A two-night minimum stay is required for the weekends and three-night stay is required on holiday weekends.

New to the resort is the lakefront restaurant Lady of the Lake, which serves fine dining in the spirit of Washington state cuisine.

Beyond Offut Lake, the way to Mount Rainier provides a plethora of other fishing spots, as the Nisqually Valley and surrounding area is one of the country’s prime locations and pulls for anglers, abundant with lakes and other bodies of water.

Perhaps the most popular lake in the area lies in Mineral (Mineral Lake) because of its success rate for fishermen year after year.

Anglers eager to try other spots could also turn their equipment to trout-heavy lakes in Thurston County: Lake St. Clair (tens of thousands of rainbow and brown trout), Lake Lawrence or McIntosh Lake.

Even closer to Mount Rain-

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Offut Lake north of Tenino is a one-stop fishing center, complete with a delicious new lakefront restaurant.

ier in Pierce County, several lakes have been stocked with trout: Clear, Harts, Kapowsin, Ohop, Silver, Spanaway, Tanwax and Rapjohn. Clear and Ohop are considered the best locales in Pierce County.

Once in Mount Rainier, the fishing opportunities only continue with the sight of large and small rivers and lakes found in the woods and hills. One option is Alder Lake, a 2,931 acre body of water that’s open year-round.

You can catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and bullhead catfish.

Formed by the Nisqually River reservoir five miles south of Eatonville, the lake is found just below the Ashford entrance to Mount Rainier on Highway 7.

Don’t pass us by on the

Road to Rainier!

Great Menu Including:

Homemade Pizzas Elk & Buffalo Burgers & Much More!

Local Wines, Spirits, Beer & Microbrews

Hot Bartenders Cold Food • Warm Beer Bad Service 119 Mashell Ave., Eatonville

360-832-GRUB(4782)

11am-11pm Mon.-Thurs. • 9-close Fri.-Sat.

14-520949L.B

By Nisqually Valley News

16 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Wolf Haven

Provides Sanctuary for Endangered Species

BY NISQUALLY VALLEY NEWS Wolf Haven International is hidden away as a sanctuary should be, but certainly worth the short drive north of Tenino.

Located at 311 Offut Lake Road SE, Tenino, its mission is to “Conserve and protect wolves and their habitat.”

The nonprofit Wolf Haven accomplishes this mission through providing sanctuary, education and conservation.

Wolf Haven rescues and pro-

Open all year!

Rates as low as

79

$

tax included

Private bathroom & entrance.

Free full breakfast & WIFI

Conveniently located in the heart of Yelm!

Weekly rates

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available.

360.400.1327

conley-suites.com

vides sanctuary for displaced, captive-born wolves, offers educational programs about wolves and the value of all wildlife, promotes wolf restoration in historic ranges and works to protect our remaining wild wolves and their habitat.

The sanctuary is open six days a week April through September (closed on Tuesdays). Tours start every hour on the hour, with no reservations needed except for group tours.

Wolf Haven is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Sundays (noon to 4 p.m.).

During the winter months of October through March, it is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m.

Sundays. Wolf Haven is closed Feb. 16 to March 16.

Currently, only about 75 Mexican gray wolves are living in the wild, mostly in Arizona and New Mexico. About 300 remain in captivity in the U.S. and Mexico.

The wolves received protection under the Endangered Species Act 37 years ago. The Mexican grays remain one of the most imperiled mammals in North America and are the world’s most at-risk subspecies of gray wolf.

Wolf Haven’s involvement with the animals dates back to 1994 when it was selected to

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Wolf Haven just north of Tenino offers sanctuary to the endangered animals. Visitors are welcome.

participate in the Species Survival Plan, a recovery program designed to oversee captive population management and enhance conservation in the wild.

In the mid-1970s, the Mexican gray wolf had nearly disappeared from North America.

Five of the rare species were captured in the wild and another two from captivity formed the basis for the genetic restoration of the nearly extinct animals.

Since Wolf Haven got involved, it has produced five litters of Mexican gray pups and released two packs — 11 wolves — into Arizona’s

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Some of the first Mexican wolves to reenter the wild came from Wolf Haven, which is one of just three pre-release facilities for the species in the United States.

One of Wolf Haven’s most popular events is the amateur photography tours, held during the colder months when the wolves are wearing their winter coats and are most active.

During photo tours, the sanctuary is closed to the public and the number of participants is limited. n For more information: 360-264-HOWL and www. wolfhaven.org

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 17

Tenino Showcases

Historic Quarry Pool and Sandstone Buildings Tenino’s natural rock quarry swimming pool, fed by a natural spring water, is the go-to spot for summer fun.

Located in Tenino City Park, it is the remnant of the abandoned Tenino Stone Company quarry where miners once harvested sandstone, a sedimentary rock that consists of sand or quartz grains cemented together.

Not only is it a cool place to swim, many people just go there to hang out and bask in the beauty of the natural stone, moss and trees that surround the park.

A natural waterfall flows in the background, lending a resort-like feel to the experience.

Many locals grew up going to the quarry pool and it still attracts many regional visitors.

The pool has a high dive and chlorinated wading pool.

Admission and hours vary.

The pool is located near the Tenino Depot Museum at 399 Park Ave. W. Tenino City Park is located several block east of Sussex Avenue, the city’s main drag.

The Yelm-Tenino Trail begins at the park, which also has facilities for camping, picnic shelters, fire pits, hiking, play structures, athletic fields, public

restroom and plenty of parking.

The trail is 14.5 miles of paved path that links Yelm and Tenino by way of Rainier.

It is a popular trail that follows what was once a railway route. The tracks were removed to make the path, which crosses state Highway 507 only once.

Take a Walking Tour of Historic Sandstone Buildings

Just a few blocks from the city park is the attractive downtown core with its many sandstone buildings. Stop by for a glass of wine, chocolates, a meal at the Sandstone Cafe or for some shopping, then stroll through the historic buildings and sites.

Founded in 1872, Tenino was known for its early years as a terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad and later the junction for the Olympia and Tenino Railroad line.

In 1888, a large deposit of sandstone was found near Tenino. By the 1910s quarries were operated by the Tenino Stone Company and the Hercules Sandstone Company. These companies supplied Tenino sandstone for buildings throughout the West from San Francisco to Vancouver, B.C. and from Aberdeen to Missoula, Montana.

Nisqually Valley News Photo

The Tenino rock quarry swimming pool is a popular spot to cool down during the hot summer months.

The quarries gradually were phased out as concrete replaced stone as a building material. The last quarry closed in the 1930s.

Like so many cities in the West, Tenino’s commercial district was destroyed by fires. The

1905 fire destroyed a block on the south side of Sussex and the 1917 fire the other side of the street. In rebuilding and using Tenino’s own sandstone, the town was left with a unique legacy of its sandstone quarries.

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18

Gateway to Paradise 2014

Olympia

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

5

Lacey

Nisqually

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

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99 S

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Mount Rainier National Park

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Longmire Mineral

508

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19

20 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Take a Stop in Rainier for Cookies and Gifts

By Nisqually Valley News

Main Street Cookie Company

If you are headed to Paradise on Mount Rainier, stop by to find a bit of heaven at the Main Street Cookie Company in the city of Rainier.

The kitchen and cookie case are located at 112 Binghampton St. NE inside the former Rainier Hotel on the main street through town. As you walk up to the front door, the smell of freshbaked cookies pulls you in.

Main Street Cookie Company is owned and operated

by Joycelyn and Carl Zambuto, who decided in 2005 they would harness Joycelyn’s talents in recipe creation and build an all natural, artisan cookie bakery around them.

They went to work on a comprehensive business plan,

Tenino Farmers Market OPENING DAY - JUNE 7 th 14-519952M.N

Every Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Love Your Farmers Market Celebrating 10 Seasons

301 Old Hwy 99 N., Tenino (Tenino Elementary)

www.teninofarmersmarket.org

leased a small space in the old hotel and opened in January 2008. In the short time since its inception, Main Street Cookie Company has been developing a reputation that is spreading regionally as baking the finest, local, always from scratch cookies one can buy.

The Main Street Cookie Company has become a destination trip in Washington for many, as some folks will drive an hour to buy the artisan cookies.

The Main Street Cookie Company is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The company slogan couldn’t be better: “We bake with BUTTER.” That means sweet cream butter only — no vegetable shortening, no oil and no hydrogenated product of any kind. n For information call: 360-446-0232, or visit www. mainstreetcookies.com

Ginger Street

Right across the street from Main Street Cookie Company is Ginger Street, a shop featuring Washington state made gifts.

From home and garden decor to cards, gifts and even hand blown glass by Joe Cat-

Nisqually Valley News File Photos

For the best cookie found throughout the Nisqually Valley, stop in at Main Street Cookie Company in Rainier.

Just across the street from Main Street Cookie Company in Rainier is the quaint Ginger Street shop featuring Washington state made gifts.

tuti, shoppers can find a bit of everything. The items for sale are both vintage and new.

Ginger Street is visually stimulating and interesting.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. n For information call: 360-446-3100, or visit gingerstreetstore.com.

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 21

Yelm-Tenino Trail Links Nisqually Valley Cities Together The Yelm-Tenino Trail’s nearly 14 miles offers a pleasant, paved path for walkers, bikers, runners and dog lovers.

The trail connects the cities of Yelm, Rainier and Tenino, passing through Wilkowski Park in Rainier and ending at Tenino City Park.

The trail traverses forest and agricultural lands, wetlands, creeks and other habitat parallel to state Route 507. It’s filled with scenic views, including the Deschutes River west of Rainier and McIntosh Lake near Tenino.

The trail, which runs east to west, was acquired by Thurston County in 1993. It operated as a Burlington Northern railroad from about 1869 through the late 1980s.

Pedestrians, bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles are permitted on the trail.

The Yelm-Tenino Trail intersects with the Chehalis-Western Trail, linking the cities of Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, Tumwater, Lacey, Olympia and Woodard Bay on the Puget Sound.

Thurston County Public works is close to completing a pedestrian bridge on Pacific Av-

enue that will link the Chehalis Western Trail with the Woodland Trail and I-5 Bike Trail.

The Yelm trailhead is located behind City Hall and features parking, picnic tables, restrooms and an information kiosk. The Rainier trailhead is located between Centre and Minnesota Streets behind Rainier Market with restrooms available. The Tenino trailhead is at the Tenino City Park on Washington Avenue with access to restrooms. The trail can be accessed from just about every road crossing.

Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic

Each summer the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic cruises through the Nisqually Valley, taking advantage of the smooth ride found on the Yelm - Tenino Trail.

STP this year is Saturday and Sunday, July 12-13. Most riders will flow through the Nisqually Valley Saturday afternoon, heading for an overnight stay at the midpoint of the ride in Centralia.

The 200-mile bicycle ride is the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest, with up to 10,000 riders participating.

Nisqually Valley News Photo

This quiet photo of the Yelm-Tenino Trail will be transformed July 12-13 when about 10,000 bike riders cruise through.

Enjoy a visit in the country…

Garden Vegetables Frozen Berries/Jam Ready to Bake Pies

Bring the Family to Feed Our Farm Animals!

Award Winning Ciders Fresh Fruit • Donuts Daily Apple Fritters Every Weekend

Apple Festival Last Weekend of Sept & Every Weekend In Oct. Pumpkins - Oct. Easter Egg Hunt - April, day before Easter

360-491-7328

Open Mon. - Sat. 9:00 am - 5:30 pm

9402 Rich Road SE ~ Olympia

3 miles south of Olympia Airpor t, 1/2 mile down Rich Road. www.lattinscider.com ~ Closed Sunday January - June

14-519952M.N

By Nisqually Valley News

22 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Yelm Offers

Several Quality Parks to Enjoy Whether It’s Children or Adults, Parks Offer Something for Just About Everyone

By Nisqually Valley News

Yelm City Park

Yelm City Park is the area’s most popular destination, located at state Route 507 and Mosman Avenue in the center of town. Owned and operated by the city, the property — which is about one city block in size — was donated by Chuck and Wilma Demich in 1950.

Various special events are held at Yelm City Park, including Prairie Days, Octoberfest, Christmas in the Park, and Yelm Lions Easter Egg Hunt and Car Show. While hosting events that can involve a carnival (Prairie

Days), the park offers a kitchen, covered facilities, picnic tables, a playground area, softball backstop and public restrooms, although park renovations are underway and many of those amenities will not be available until the summer of 2015.

A skatepark was located there for about 20 years, but a new one is set to be built at the city’s old public works yard adjacent to the park.

Longmire Community Park

And for the sports enthusiasts out there, look no further than Longmire Community Park, located on the outskirts of

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Cochrane Memorial Park, located just blocks away from downtown Yelm, offers a quite respite for travelers.

town at 16820 Canal Road SE. Longmire Park is Yelm’s sports complex, providing three baseball fields, a football/soccer field, volleyball court and walking trails. Tournaments throughout the year bring hundreds, if not thousands of ballplayers, along with their families and friends.

Oh, playground equipment is also available such as swings, staircase and a bridge that connects to two roofed hideouts.

It is open 8 a.m. to dusk yearround. Come for the athletics, but stay for the park’s pristine view of Mount Rainier when Mother Nature cooperates.

Cochrane Memorial Park

Cochrane Memorial Park is not as visible, but the off-the-

beaten-path gem is beautiful and loaded with things to do.

Cochrane Memorial includes a multi-acre expanse of waterfalls, ponds and tree-lined paths.

The park, located at 750 Mill Road SE, is part of a functioning water treatment system. Here’s how it works: “All the water in the park is reclaimed water that is infiltrated back into the ground to recharge the aquifer,” according to the City of Yelm website, www.ci.yelm.wa.us.

More so, the park provides a pristine spot for some rest, relaxation and recreation. Amenities include a covered picnic area, children’s play area, and, of course, restrooms. It is available for reservation to hold a special event.

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 23

Yelm Prairie Lanes

Prairie Lanes is a modern, family owned and operated eight-lane bowling alley.

Prairie Lanes caters to leagues, recreational bowling, fundraisers and parties. There is limited open bowling during leagues, so call ahead for open bowl times.

In addition, karaoke tournaments and the 11th Pin Cafe are also offered, which add to the entertainment value for the whole family — or friends, dates and everything in between. Bowling activities include Rock-NBowl on Friday nights, which includes black lights and music.

Open bowling is available seven days a week, and a specialty of Prairie Lanes is kids and adults birthday parties. n For information: 360-458-2629, www.yelmprairielanes.com.

Tahoma Valley Golf Course

With beautiful views of Mount Rainier, affordable rates for nearly any budget, and great conditions from tee to green, Tahoma Valley Golf Course in Yelm is a leisurely, worthwhile stop along the way to the mountain.

Located at 15425 Mosman Ave. SW, the 18-hole par 71 course is 5,930 yards off the blue tees (5,730 yards from white), including three par 5s and three par 3s on the back nine.

The course includes a pro shop and new restaurant, Big Daddy’s on the Green, which serves a hearty breakfast and lighter fare lunch and dinner. n For information: 360-458-3332, www.tahomavalleygolf.com.

Yelm Cinemas

With eight movie screens and updated equipment, Yelm Cinemas offers all the latest movies in the heart of town.

Located at 201 Prairie Park Lane SE, the cinema offers comforts of a big-city theater with a small-town atmosphere.

It is clean, comfortable, provides all the yummy treats one would expect, and — for before and after movie fun — has an arcade. n For information: 360-400-3456, www.yelmcinemas.com.

Yelm Historical Museum

The Yelm Historical Museum, located on Third Street, is open noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.

Yelm has a long history (checkout yelmhistoryproject. com) with close ties to Mount Rainier National Park “due to Yelm’s historical gateway to the mountain before modern

Visit the City’s New & Expanded Website at

www.ci.yelm.wa.us

The Triad Theater

Looking for some live music, comedy, lectures, drama and independent films? Look no further than The Triad Theater.

Located in the Wolf Building at the corner of First Street and Yelm Avenue, its eclectic offerings reach out to the local art community with acting and music classes, as well as hosts the Alpha Centauri Lecture Series that focuses on innovative science concepts and

roads made accessing the park much easier,” according to thecentralcascades.com/yelmhistorical-museum.

Stopping by the museum on the way to Paradise puts the history into perspective, such as exhibits on two of the first people to summit Mount Rainier. The first known man to climb to the summit of Mount Rainier, P.B. Van Trump, and the first woman, Fay Fuller, were associated with Yelm and are focused on in “The Bloomer Girl and the Mountain” exhibit at the museum.

Van Trump made his famous climb in 1870; Fuller was a young teacher in Yelm and Van Trump’s friend. n For information: 360-970-8036, www.ci.yelm. wa.us.

The City of Yelm

“Pride of the Prairie” Enhanced Features Include: u Send

a Comment to Mayor Harding

u

Online Utility Bill Payments

u

Project Updates

u

And Much More!

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Document Library 14-520978R

Yelm Activities

exploration of the unknown.

The Triad Theater offers ever-evolving activities that change weekly. To learn more about the latest shows and gigs, go to its website, printed below. n For information: 360-458-3140, www.thetriadtheater.com.

24 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Nisqually Indian Tribal Center, Casino a Worthwhile Stop

By Nisqually Valley News With 975 slot machines, craps, roulette, blackjack, Pai Gow and three-card poker, Keno and Speed Keno, the Red Wind Casino is a must stop on your way to Mount Rainier.

Located just north of Yelm on Highway 510, for dining the casino offers the Blue Camas Buffet, the high-end Squalli-Absch Grille, The Medicine Creek Deli and the full-service bar Pealo’s landing.

For entertainment, take in The Coho Cabaret for live acts, as well as sporting events played on a 150-inch screen.

The casino is part of the holdings of the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s reservation on 1,000 acres, originally established by the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854.

Nisqually Tribal Center

While at the casino, take time to visit the nearby Tribal

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Red Wind Casino near Yelm is a popular spot for gambling, but also is well-known for its many restaurants, including a mouth-watering buffet.

Center, which opened in May 2013. The Tribal Center includes conference rooms and offices for tribal divisions such as the tribal council chambers, community, social service, legal, financial and human services.

The two-story building, constructed at a cost of $8 mil-

lion, has a water feature, art and artifacts meaningful to the Nisqually Tribe. The rooftop resembles a native salmon.

A memorial totem pole is on display on the first floor, and was carved and painted

by Tommy Dunstan from the Thompson Salish people with help from Nisqually commu-

nity members. It honors their grandmother, Josephine Skamink.

A large piece of bark from a local sequoia tree has been fashioned into a table for one of the boardrooms.

Strike it rich on the casino floor, then take in the strikingly stunning new Tribal Center.

Yelm, Wa 67 Rooms & Suites Meeting Spaces

www.prairiehotel.com • 360.458.8300

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42” Flat Screen TVs, Microwaves and Refrigerators in Every Room as Well as Complementary Wired or Wireless Internet and Extremely Comfortable Pillow Top Beds

Prairie Hotel

“Where the comforts of home await!”

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 25

Yelm, Tenino Host Thriving Farmers Markets

By Nisqually Valley News

With about 350 farmers markets in Washington state, the cities of Yelm and Tenino provide its own one-stop shopping for just about everything local and healthy.

Not only is fresh food available directly from farmers, unique products and artisans provide an experience everyday grocery stores cannot.

Plus, the money spent stays directly in the community, and same goes for the Rainier Community Garden, which provides locally-grown plants and vegetables by Rainier High School students.

Yelm Farmers Market

Day, which includes a Vendor Appreciation Day and a Great Pumpkin Contest.

Rainier Community Garden

Entering its third year, the Rainier Community Garden is a project developed by Angie Karnes, agriculture educator at Rainier High School, and her environmental science students.

The purpose, according to its Facebook pages, “is to bring the Rainier community and surrounding areas together and provide educational gardening opportunities for everyone while growing fresh food and impacting local hunger issues.”

Since 2011, the Rainier

Established in 2005, the Tenino Farmers Market is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays from June 7 through September. The market features fresh, locallygrown produce, plants, handcrafts, music, workshops and community outreach.

The market is located at Tenino Elementary School, 301 Old Highway 99 N. at the corner of Old Highway 99 and Garfield Avenue. Highlights include Opening Day June 1, Grand Opening June 29, Blue Ribbon Pie Contest July 27, Cabbage to Sauerkraut Aug. 10, Summer Fest Smoothies Aug. 24, Salsa Saturday Sept. 14, and Closing

Community Garden has locally served those in need who desire a healthy choice. Along with Karnes, more than 60 community volunteers, around 90 students and 30-plus donors have helped the project grow — figuratively and literally. About 40 raised beds are built, harvesting broccoli, lettuce, beans, cabbage, strawberries and raspberries, just to name a small handful.

Last year, the garden project produced more than 2,900 pounds of vegetables and donated around 2,250 pounds to the Rainier Food Bank, which serves more than 800 families per month, according to its Facebook page.

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Bald Hills resident Karen Rae is the new market manager for Yelm Farmers Market. Rae hopes to grow the market in the coming years.

Rae said this year’s market will offer a broader range of produce than in years past. All produce must be from Washington and it has to come directly from a farmer. That allows the market to offer produce from Eastern Washington; however, Rae is quick to point out competition with local farmers will not occur.

Along with honey, eggs, meats and local produce, the market will have baked goods, crafts, live music, entertainment for kids, veggie starts, plants and perennials for sale. Prepared foods will also be on sale from

various food vendors. Area artists are most welcome. She is still accepting applications for vendors, and also will host a nonprofit organization and a business booth each week.

The market will accept payments by EBT, WIC and SNAP as well.

The Yelm Farmers Market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday from June 1 through Oct. 26.

Located in the outskirts of Yelm at the bridge where state Route 507 crosses over the Nisqually River, Yelm Farmers Market is on Nisqually Springs Farm, 17835 state Route 507. Open rain or shine, the market often features live entertainment. For more information go to www. yelmfarmersmarket.yelmfood. coop.

Shantel

205 N. 1st St.

~

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Mary

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26 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Before Heading Up to Rainier,

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Stewart’s Meats is a famous oldschool butcher shop located just east of Yelm city limits on Highway 507.

Load Up in McKenna Stewart’s Meats a Throwback to Country Butcher

By Nisqually Valley News You started out at Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm and loaded up on cider and an apple fritter, caught a few trout at Offut Lake Resort, bought some wine at Scatter Creek Winery in Tenino, hit both farmers markets in Tenino and Yelm, bought frosted cookies at the city of Rainier’s Main Street Cookie Company,

Come Early & Stay Late

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loaded up on wholesome natural foods from the Yelm Co-op, and now are on your way to Mount Rainier.

Next, as you exit Yelm heading east, you’ll need to go through the city of McKenna. McKenna has a rich history and needlein-the-haystack attractions you won’t want to miss out on.

McKenna is a former timber company town founded in 1908 and still bears remnants of that time, though the buildings now operate under the guises of other businesses and purposes.

Walt’s Place Tavern, the only bar in McKenna, is the epitome of the sentiment that everyone who walks in the door is a friend.

New owners Susie and Mike Hull took the reins in August 2013 and have made sure to keep it operating with the same look and feel as it did for the 52 years it was in the Coffel family prior to the Hull ownership.

The tavern, built in 1895, stands as one of the oldest buildings town. It used to serve as a supply/convenience store for the Salsich Lumber Company workers living in the boarding house across the street.

For Jim Bob’s: 360-458-5050 For Varsity Pizza: 360-400-3100 For Stewart’s: 360-458-2091, www. stewartsmeatmarket.com

What was once the boarding house for the timber company workers has now transitioned into Nisqually Valley Care Center, a skilled nursing home.

McKenna is the perfect stop to get some steaks and jerky from Stewart’s Meats, perhaps a tasty slice of pizza at Varsity Pizza, or some ribs from Jim Bob’s Chuckwagon BBQ before leaving for the great outdoors.

Stewart’s Meats is a long-time local destination. Emmett Stewart opened up the family business during the Depression in 1929.

Back in those days everything was locally raised, slaughtered and sold at country meat markets.

While most of those meat markets have disappeared, Stewart’s remains. Much of the beef is from Stewart’s own herd, and the pork is purchased from nearby farms.

His original commitment to quality meats at reasonable prices, along with customer service, remains today.

Stewart’s still uses the original family secret after four generations.

Stock up for your Mount Rainier outing with meatloaf, hamburgers, smoked meats, New York and T-bone steaks, hams, rib

roast — you can even purchase goat and lamb meat and an entire, whole luau pig slow-smoked on low heat from natural hardwoods.

Stewart’s is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

If it’s pizza you desire, Varsity Pizza is right on the way at 35025 90th Ave. S. in McKenna just off state Route 507 (open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., serving generous portions and also salads, pasta and sandwiches). The pizza is influenced from a New York pizza expert who trained employees to make the perfect slice. Varsity Pizza a restaurant on Mountain Highway East a few miles north of Eatonville on Highway 7.

Varsity has four big screen TVs featuring sports events.

If you’re looking for some tasty, already cooked ribs, Jim Bob’s Chuckwagon BBQ fits the bill, located at 35119 state Route 507. Made fresh daily, they take at least six hours to cook but when they’re done, the meat falls off the bone. Jim Bob’s is open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Other items are also on the menu, but when it comes to Jim Bob’s, the ribs stand out.

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 27

Lavender in Roy Mountain Meadow Lavender Features About 1,000 Plants and Variety of Products

By Nisqually Valley News Barbara and her husband Jerry Hulscher started growing lavender with a “test garden” in 2001.

Today, they have about 1,000 lavender plants at Mountain Meadow Lavender in Roy, which also boasts a shop that offers a wide variety of products made from lavender, including soaps, body lotions and bath salts.

The shop also has culinary varieties of lavender blended with spices or teas.

Despite her passion for lavender, Hulscher doesn’t have any trade secrets. She’s eager to share her knowledge with anyone willing to learn.

Hulscher’s lavender plants for sale come with instruction sheets detailing how to grow them, as well as landscaping suggestions.

For people lacking green thumbs, Hulscher has lavender-made products for sale.

She’s seeing increasing interest from people who have never grown lavender before, as the plant appears to be getting more popular. Whereas lavender farms in Washington used to be isolated to the Sequim area, they’ve popped up all over the place in

Nisqually Valley News Photo

Mountain Meadow Lavender features 1,000 plants at its Roy farm.

recent years, she said.

She credits lavender’s growing popularity with word spreading of the plant’s many uses.

“If you want it to just be a landscaping plant, great,” she said. “But there’s other things to do with it and once you get them in the ground, in the proper place, and you trim the stems off every year, you don’t really have to do much to them and they’re drought tolerant.”

When people come out to her farm, they’re also getting more than a get in, get out experience, she said.

Many brides come with their mothers and women in their wedding parties to pick lavender for their ceremonies. If they make an appointment, Hulscher makes sure to have treats such as lavender cookies and lemonade on hand, she said.

Mountain Meadow Lavender is located at 919 304th St. S., Roy, and is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May through September, or by appointment. For more information, call 253-843-4109 or log on to www.mountainmeadowlavender.com.

28 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Native Animals Profiled at Northwest Trek For the Adventurous: New Series of

Zip Lines Take You Through Tree Canopy

By Nisqually Valley News A narrated tram tour of the free­-roaming area allows you to see bison, Roosevelt elk, moose, mountain goats and other native animals, up close in their natural habitats.

A self­ -guided walking tour along the paved trails in the core of the park provides the opportunity to see grizzly bears, wolves and more in naturalistic exhibits.

New last year is a series of zip lines that are a must stop for visitors going to Mount Rainier. Four zip line courses all require mental toughness and physical agility.

Northwest Trek is located at 11610 Trek Drive E. just six miles north of Eatonville on state Route 161.

Tram Tour

See bison, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and more from the comfort of heated, enclosed trams. The 50-­ minute, naturalist­-guided tram tour winds through 435 acres of meadows, woods, and lakes filled with wildlife native to the Pacific Northwest.

Be the first to spot the bison herd. In the spring, scout a bighorn ewe and her kid in the meadows. Or in the fall, glimpse bull elk locking antlers as they tussle over a mate during the “rut” or breeding season. A knowledgeable, friendly naturalist narrates the tour with fun animal facts and interesting stories about the park.

Walking Tour

Walk a paved path through

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The Zip Wild Adventure course at Northwest Trek gives riders a full zip line/ challenge experience.

the forest to see large predators such as grizzly bears, wolves, cougars and other native forest animals, all in naturalistic exhibits. The trail is wheelchair­ and stroller ­ friendly. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the main office, on a first­-come, first­served basis.

Animal Trailside Encounters

Animals are the stars of these trailside presentations, led by keepers. Get up close to a beaver, porcupine, skunk or other small animal. Learn about where they live and what they eat.

Cheney Family Discovery Center

Discovering nature is fun for kids of all ages in this interactive environment, which is home to some of the park’s smallest

critters. Meet toads, snakes and salamanders. You can’t touch the living animals but you can enjoy hands-­on activities from puppet play to touchable animal pelts.

Baker Research Cabin

This representation of an old trapper’s cabin is all about conservation and research including citizen science. Here you have the opportunity to spy on the wolf pack from the kid-­ sized observation tunnel or use remote cameras to observe the foxes and coyotes.

Nature Trails

Experience the beautiful Northwest forest scenery on five miles of paved and primitive trails. Each trail is coded with a different icon so following the right path is easy. A map is available at the trailhead.

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Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 29

Experience the Pioneer Life Pioneer Farm and Indian Village Found Near Eatonville

By Nisqually Valley News On the banks of the Mashel River, Eatonville is one of the last major stops between the Nisqually Valley and the quaint communities near Mount Rainier.

A must-stop for those touring the area is the Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village, which provide glimpses into Indian and pioneer life and work, as well as offering extensive interactive educational programs for schools and small groups.

The museum takes you back to the 1880s to experience the homesteading life in Washington state, including two homestead cabins.

Do the chores that pioneer children would have done in a log cabin such as grinding grains, churning cream, scrubbing laundry, and carding wool.

You may dress up like pioneers, get your hair curled with an old curling iron and shave with a dulled straight razor.

You can help with the barn chores or visit the replica Ohop Lutheran Mission schoolhouse.

Rules and punishments for both students and teachers are hanging on the wall inside. The village takes you back further to

before the first local contact with Europeans.

The one and a half hour guided tours are from Father’s Day through Labor Day. Eatonville hosts a number of popular community events for holidays such as Christmas and the Fourth of July.

They also have their own unique festivals and attractions, which draw visitors each year.

Eatonville Lions Club Art Festival

The Eatonville Lions Club Art Festival is Aug. 1-3, when more than 100 artists of all forms gather in the park. Music, vendor booths and tons of fun are to be found at the free event.

The event is a major fundraiser for the Eatonville Lions Club and all proceeds go back into the Eatonville community.

Artists from all over the area visit the town of Eatonville to display and sell their work.

About 50 booths, along with food stands, beer garden and stages fill up Glacier View Park over the weekend.

Artists display artwork for sale including photography, oil and watercolor painting, woodcarving and sculpture.

Many of the artists spend their day practicing their craft as a way of showing onlookers

Nisqually Valley News Photo

For those wanting to take a trip back in time, the Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village is a must-stop on the way to Mount Rainier.

how they do it.

Nearby, a mile away to the west, Nisqually Mashel State Park offers expansive views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Gorge.

The park also features fishing, rafting, hiking, bird watching, picnicking and mountain biking. The park lies beside a salmon and steelhead spawning grounds.

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30 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Highlights of Elbe Steam Engine Railroad, Historic Church, Among the Sights of Quaint Town

By Brittany Whitehead Nisqually Valley News

Although the town of Elbe boasted a population of just 29 people in the 2010 census, this small town has quite a bit to offer to visitors traveling through.

The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum, a nonprofit heritage railroad, begins its train rides at its depot in Elbe, located at 54124 Mountain Highway E. Those who take advantage to experience this excursion will get to ride on the longest continu-

ously operating steam railroad in the Northwest, a rarity these days as few steam-powered passenger railroads still exist in the Northwest.

Starting this summer, passengers will get to see phase two of the new Mineral museum, along with the world’s largest collection of displayed steam logging locomotives. The steam train runs almost every weekend from May through October.

The Historic Train Depot also houses one of two Mount Rainier Visitor Centers heading toward

the southwest entrance to Mount Rainier. The visitor center is open Thursday through Sunday, from Memorial Day to Oct. 31.

Mark your calendar for July 19, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Steamfest, in which tourists can see five beautiful steam engines during an all-day special event originating at the museum in Mineral. The depot in Elbe will be closed for the day. Visit www.mtrainier.com for the year’s events calendar.

Visitors to the area can also enjoy taking in the sight of the Historic Little White Church of Elbe, built in 1906 and still standing in its original location, right off Highway 7. The 18-by-24-foot church is an emblematic structure for the historically German town as it reads “Ev. Luth. KIRCHE” (Evangelische Lutherische Kirche) on its steeple, a reminder of the founders’ German origins.

The church was designed by its first pastor, Karl Kilian, and built by the townspeople. It still bears its original altar and elevated pulpit as well as one of the handmade pews.

Worship services are held 2:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month from March through November, and the church is open to tourists during the summer.

For a dining break and even a place to stay, tourists can head over to the Mount Rainier Railroad Dining Company, which sits right on the pathway of the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, at 54106 Mountain Highway E. The family-owned company offers quite the array of food on its menu, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The family prides it-

Nisqually Valley News Photo

The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum features rides on steam trains.

self on offering a unique dining experience and is most proud of its “family secret” house-smoked tastes, including alder smoked prime rib and smoked poultry, pork and fish. Other favorites include home-cut cheddar fries, hand-dipped Louisiana prawns, homemade lasagna and beer-battered hoki.

Since starting out as a popcorn stand on a street corner in Elbe, the Rainier Railroad Dining Company has expanded by adding The Hobo Inn (a caboose motel), a gift shop, the Cascadian Dinner Train as well as the restaurant and lounge.

For those interested in a classic American hamburger and milkshake, across the street from the Rainier Railroad Dining Company is the greasy spoon joint Scaleburgers. Some claim there is no better burger, and it is listed as the ninth-best burger in the state by www.road-quest.com (the toprated burger is none other than one found at Yelm’s Bunkhouse, 1506 Yelm Ave. W).

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 31

On the Doorstep of Rainier Ashford the Center of Northwest Mountain Climbing

By Brittany Whitehead

T

Nisqually Valley News

he gateway town to Mount Rainier’s Nisqually Valley, the only year-round entrance to the park, Ashford offers local and out-of-town visitors alike a plethora of options as it pertains to lodging, dining, shops, outfitters and even spas and fitness centers during their stay.

Just six miles from the entrance to Mount Rainier on Highway 706, Ashford is a base camp of sorts for those pushing onward to climb and scale the peak. Lodging is unique to the area, from cottages to lodges to bed and breakfasts, cabins and even a chalet, which blend in perfectly with the mountain theme and experience. For a full list of places to stay, visit www. mt-rainier.com.

Get Comfortable.

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High Rock Lookout offers a stunning view of Mount Rainier and is considered one of Washington state’s most stunning lookouts. Hikers gain an elevation of 1,350 feet during the steep 3.2 miles and estimated three-hour hike. No trailhead pass required. Go to www.visitrainier.com for details on the trail and specific location of the starting point.

For those not only interested in climbing Mount Rainier, Ashford offers more than 20 miles of intermediate to expert category mountain biking, hiking trails and, in the winter, snowshoeing routes. The outskirts of Gateway to Paradise are also home to Painters Art Gallery and Ashford Creek Pottery, both on Highway 706.

Ashford also boasts the fairly new Ashford County Park, a 30-acre park that was completed in the spring of 2010. It has a children’s play area, a 1.2-mile perimeter walking path as well as interior paths, a restroom facility and a native plant life list.

The park is located along 706 as

Nisqually Valley News Photo

The small town of Ashford is one of the last stops on the way to Mount Rainier. The town is the center of the local mountain climbing community.

well.

The Mount Rainier Visitor Center in Ashford, located in Whittaker Mountaineering’s Summit House (30027 SE 706 East), holds summer hours of 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and is open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 5 p.m. during

the winter.

Ashford holds an array of restaurants, including Wildberry Restaurant, Rainier BaseCamp Bar and Grill, Gateway Inn Resort, Copper Creek Inn and Lodge, Alexander’s Country Inn, and Highlander Steakhouse and Lounge.

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32 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Turning Junk Into Art

Man Builds Elbe Sculpture Park After Discovering His Passion

By Steven Wyble Nisqually Valley News

A hobby Dan Klennert picked up when he was 6 years old helped birth an iconic sculpture park in Elbe, a small town in the shadow of Mount Rainier.

When he was 6, Klennert would walk around Seattle with a little red wagon. His family had just moved to Seattle from rural Minnesota, and he needed an urban pastime to replace the outdoor activities he’d loved in Minnesota — fishing, catching wildlife and running through the woods.

Art served as that replacement.

In the mornings, people would throw out old belongings on the curb. Klennert would pick them up and haul them away in his wagon, finding new uses for people’s old junk.

When he was working as a mechanic at age 22, Klennert said he “fell in love with the shape of sprockets” and other automobile parts, and started putting some together with a welder.

He decided to practice welding by putting “junk” together to make art.

He ended up buying a secondhand welder and making more

sculptures with found materials, giving them out as birthday and Christmas presents.

“People went crazy for them,” he said.

He started going to art shows and made money off his creations.

Nisqually Valley News Photo “There’s something to be said The Elbe Sculpture Park offers a unique set of art made out of about picking through a pile of discarded items. The park is on the final road to Mount Rainier. junk and maybe having five or 10 dollars invested in it and selling by Walt Disney Pictures. He re- segregated by political party afit for thousands,” he said. “You cently had documentarians from filiation — one box for Democan’t find a business like that to- Australia at the park, and Mount crats, one for Republicans, and day. The cost of putting it togeth- Rainier Visitors Center is bring- one for independents. er was nothing.”

Independents consistently doing in a journalist from France to While his sculptures were speak with him, he said. nate the most, he said, followed popular at the art shows, it be“I’m not in it for the money,” by Democrats and then Republicame cumberKlennert said. cans. some to haul “I just wanted to prove him “My whole thing them from show is sharing. If I wrong and I did it,” Klennert said. to show.

Klennert takes joy in the fact can put a smile That’s when on people’s faces his sculptures inspire people. he acted on someand enlighten Several years ago a kid came up one’s advice: their lives, that’s to the sculpture park with his dad.

“Build it and they more rewarding He’s now making horse sculpwill come.” than money — tures that sell for thousands of He bought although, I do dollars, Klennert said. a piece of land “People need to find their pasneed to pay the in Elbe in 1998, sion and ride it, take it to the end,” bills.” cleaned it up and, He accepts he said. “I’m not a college-eduover the next five donations to help cated person, but I’m telling you years, turned it maintain the what, I enjoy my life better than into Ex-Nihilo park. A couple anybody on this planet. … You Sculpture Park, years ago, one of can’t buy it (living out your paslocated three Dan Klennert turns dis- his friends said sion). People think you’ve got to miles east of Elbe carded items into art at “You know Dan, make millions of dollars to enjoy on state Route this Sculpture Park. the Democrats life. All I’ve got to do is pick up 706. support the arts as long as the Re- some scrap metal, drill it together Klennert has been featured publicans pay you for it.” with a welder and I’m one happy by the television show “Evening Wanting to prove him wrong, son of a gun, you know what I’m Magazine” and a documentary Klennert put out donation boxes saying?”

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 33

Gateway to Paradise W

ith the Northwest’s singular natural icon as its centerpiece, the Mount Rainier region is comprised of some 2,800 square miles including one national park as well as portions of seven wilderness areas, three national forest areas and picturesque mountain communities.

A tourist destination drawing visitors from across Washington state, the country and with a big draw of international tourists, Mount Rainier is but 68 miles from Seattle and 95 miles from Portland, the two big metropolitan areas of the great Northwest.

Mount Rainier is an active volcano that erupted as recently as 1854. As you drive off of Interstate 5 and through the communities of Tenino, Rainier, Yelm, McKenna and Roy, stunning views of the mountain give an indication of the splendor found. The mountain rises about three miles from the lowlands and is a towering presence — at 14,411 feet tall — it’s the highest peak in the lower 48 states, with the largest glacial system in the lower 48 and 25 named glaciers.

Mount Rainier, part of the Cascades Range and the Ring of Fire, forms a trine with Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams.

Lodging options in the Mount Rainier area are plentiful, and include historic inns within Mount Rainier National Park, historic lodges in Mineral

and Ashford, historic hotels in Packwood, resorts, hotels, spas, mountain vacation retreats and vacation home rentals, bed and breakfasts, cabins, a treehouse, and more in Ashford, Greenwater, Crystal Mountain and other surrounding communities.

The area is primed to serve visitors, with restaurants, cafes, espresso stands, climbing and other outdoor activities outfitters, gift shops, grocery stores, and more can be found in the communities surrounding the mountain. Within the park, there is a restaurant at the National Park Inn, Longmire, and snacks at gift shops in the Sunrise and Paradise visitor centers. n Source: VisitRainier.

Contact Executive Director Mary Kay Nelson at: VisitRainier@LocalAccess.com; toll free 877-270-7155 or www. visitrainier.com

How to get to Mount Rainier:

Highway 706 from Ashford to the park’s Nisqually entrance, in the southwest corner of the park, is the only year-round access to the park.

Highway 706 can be accessed

by Highway 7 — to the west or, in the summer, via Skate Creek Road — to the south.

The road from Longmire to Paradise within Mount Rainier National Park — closes nightly and reopens each day, weather

Associated Press Photo

Hiking in the snowfields of Mount Rainier is a must for those visiting the volcano. The tourist destination draws in more than 1 million visitors each year.

permitting. Call 360-569-2211.

Highway 410 over Chinook Pass (on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park) — check with Washington State Department of Transportation by calling 800-695-7623. Closed in winter.

Highway 12 to Highway 123 — approaching from the south side of Mount Rainier National Park. East from Morton, Randle and Packwood or west from Naches (over White Pass).

Carbon River Road (Highway 165 South off of Highway

410 near Buckley, northwest of Mount Rainier National Park) high clearance vehicles recommended. Check for closures due to flooding by calling 360-5692211. Open year-round.

Highway 123/410 over Cayuse Pass (on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park) — check with Washington State Department of Transportation by calling 800-695-7623.

Closed in winter. n Source: VisitRainier.com See paradise, page 34

34 Gateway to Paradise 2014

a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News

Come See Where Your Food Comes From…

Wilcox Farms offers something rarely available in today’s egg farm industry, which is more often than not dominated by large corporations. Wilcox sustainable, family farm is devoted to producing fresh and local egg products. We achieve this by providing friendly service coupled with quality production.

We offer tours of our 1600 acre farm so our customers can actually see where their food is produced. Our farm is one of the only “working farms” left that is available to the public. The Wilcox family thanks Yelm and surrounding communities for all its support over the last 100 years.

Visit your Local, Sustainable, Family Farm

Presented by, The Rainier Antique Tractor Club

Gene Glasunow / Associated Press

High Hut, one of the cabins in the Mount Tahoma trail and hut system, provides overnight places to stay for skiers, snowshoers and snowboarders.

June Jubilee June 28 & 29, 2014 • 10 am - 4 pm

Tractor Pull • Hay Rides

Continued from page 33

Presented by, South Pierce County Fire & Rescue

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Long before European explorers, Mount Rainier was known as Talol, Takhoma, Tahoma and other names by Northwest American Indians who frequented it to gather wild huckleberries and hunt game.

Captain George Vancouver penned the name Mount Rainier after his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier, upon observing the mountain on May 8, 1792.

One of the first recorded white explorers to Mount Rainier was Dr. William Tolmie in 1833.

The first known successful summit climb was by Hazard Stevens and P.B. Van Trump in 1870.

James and Virinda Longmire built the first hotel on the

mountain, Longmire’s Mineral Springs Resort, in 1890. That same year, Fay Fuller, a schoolteacher, was the first white woman to climb Rainier.

Mount Rainier National Park was the fifth park established in the system by an Act of Congress on March 2, 1899, under President McKinley. n Source: VisitRainier.com

Parks, Forests and Wilderness:

Mount Rainier National Park, covering 235,612 acres, includes such well-known sites as Paradise, Sunrise at 6,400 feet, the highest point in the park accessible by car, Longmire, Ohanapecosh, Grove of the Patriarchs, Tipsoo Lake, 25 named glaciers, and wildflower carpeted sub-alpine meadows.

See paradise, page 35

Gateway to Paradise 2014 a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 35

From paradise, page 34 Bordering the national park are the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and Wenatchee National Forest, as well as the Wilkeson, Norse Peak, Clearwater, William O. Douglas, Tatoosh and Glacier View wilderness areas. Goat Rocks Wilderness borders both the Tatoosh and William O. Douglas wilderness areas. n Source: VisitRainier.com

Other Key Attractions:

Trails for all ability levels — An established and wellmaintained trail system within and outside the park offers varying levels of difficulty, diverse terrain and many scenic vistas. More renowned trails include the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which skirts the park’s east boundaries, and the Wonderland Trail, which circumnavigates Mount Rainier.

There are 240 miles of maintained trails within the park itself.

Mount Tahoma Trails Association Hut-to-Hut Trail System — the nation’s most extensive no-fee hut-to-hut system, offers 50 miles of trails, 20 of which are groomed, three huts and a yurt. Designed for use by crosscountry skiers during the snowy months, the trail is enjoyed by mountain bikers and hikers during the rest of the year. The system is best accessed from Highway 706, one mile west of Ashford.

Crystal Mountain and White

Pass ski areas — The Mount Rainier region boasts some of the best snow in the west with 350 inches of average annual snowfall on Crystal Mountain, the largest ski area in Washington, and at White Pass. The two ski areas offer days of downhill and/or Nordic runs. Crystal Mountain also offers dinners at the summit during the summer.

Crystal clear mountain lakes, sparkling streams and milky, mineral-rich glacial rivers treat the visitor. There are five major rivers: the Carbon, White, Cowlitz, Nisqually and Puyallup, which originate from Mount Rainier, and more than 100 waterfalls in the park alone.

Flora and fauna viewing opportunities — With extensive wilderness lands, national forests and protected national park habitat, the Mount Rainier region supports an abundance of wildlife. The Oak Creek elk and mountain goat feeding stations in the Naches Ranger District (east of White Pass, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and Highway 410) provide easy viewing during feeding times in the winter months and other opportunities year-round. On rocky slopes within and outside the national park, marmots can often be spotted. In all, 50 species of mammals make their homes in the park. Bird populations are plentiful with 130 species spotted within the park; abrupt elevation changes allow for observable vertical migrations. The environs also support a profusion of wildflowers in sub-alpine meadows. n Source: VisitRainier.com

Bruno’s, the Place for Fabulous Food and a Tail Waggin’ Good Time a corned beef fan? Bruno’s now slow roasts their own corned beef in house for their ever popular Grilled Ruben and homemade corned beef hash!

If you are in the mood for a fantastic burger, Bruno’s has a great selection of them from their most popular bacon cheeseburger with thick sliced bacon and certified Angus® beef patty, to the over-the-top great Northwest burger piled high with buffalo, elk , certified angus® beef, thick sliced bacon and three cheeses. They also offer buffalo, elk, wild boar, chicken breast tenders and veggie patties for any of their burgers.

Bruno’s has a huge selection of menu items, and everyone is sure to find something they like whether it is for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Bruno’s believes in serving nothing but quality ingredients including wild Alaskan cod and salmon, certified Angus® beef/steaks and burgers, (always fresh never frozen), and is even used to make Bruno’s famous chicken fried steak, made from their Denver steak, hand cut, pounded then breaded to order with their special blend of spices and smothered in homemade sausage gravy. Another favorite is the slow roasted prime rib dinner served every Friday and Saturday night starting after 4 p.m. Get in early as it goes fast!

Of course they would not forget the kids with a great selection of menu items specifically geared to the young ones.

They have added mini corn dogs and mini tacos both served with fries or tater tots to the kids menu and also pasta to the already fun kids menu.

Don’t forget about desert! Bruno’s has expanded it homemade desert offering’s considerably this year along with some of the old favorites. They use fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Their logger’s apple pie recipe was from the former restaurant at the location they bought in 2008 and has not changed since. Huge slice of pie with apples, raisins, cinnamon and powdered sugar glaze on top served warm and don’t forget to ask for à la mode to complete this treat. They have also added coffee cakes, cobblers, fresh homemade

pies and look for other special fresh fruit treats as the weather warms.

Remember that Bruno’s has a Happy Hour special 3:30 -5:30 p.m. and 9 -11 p.m. With 8 great beers on tap most from local breweries and their own Bruno’s Dog House Amber. There is also a full service bar with lots of great drink specials, blended drinks with real fruit juices and don’t forget to try Bruno’s renowned Bloody Mary’s. Come and watch your favorite sporting event on one of the seven HD flat screens with DIRECTV® programming including NFL Sunday ticket. When the weather is nice you are welcome to have your favorite lovable mutt to dine on the patio with you. Bruno’s is easy to find, on the corner of Highway 161 (Meridian) and Alder Cutoff Road. Just a short drive from Hwy 7. The entire menu is available on-line and you can call ahead and use the pickup window.

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Steak Caesar Salad

www.EatBrunos.com Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Late Night

Bruno’s Prime

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204 Center St. E. Eatonville, WA

OPEN 8am Mon. - Fri. • 7am Sat. & Sun.

Family Restaurant & Bar

360-832-7866(83-BRUNO)

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

14-520948L.N

Eatonville, Wash. – Bruno’s Family Restaurant & Bar opened its doors in June of 2008 and received a warm welcome from the residents of Eatonville and surrounding areas. Whether you’re 2 or 102, coming from the lake or coming from the office, they are always happy to see new or familiar faces. During Bruno’s six years serving great food there have been many new items added, and lots of favorites that have stayed on their extensive menu.

A hit with a lot of regulars is the made-to order, beer battered Alaskan cod, made with Bruno’s Dog House Amber beer, specially brewed for Bruno’s this fullflavored amber ale has a smooth, malty sweet aroma & a steady hop balance.

Bruno’s cod, used for its beer battered fish, is wild Alaskan long-line caught. It not only makes for a whiter, firmer and tastier fillet but also helps protect the ocean seabed and other species caught inadvertently when net harvesting fish.

In keeping with the belief of giving their customers something new and fresh to try along with their go-to favorites.

Not only are they continuing the offering of fantastic cheesy fettuccine alfredo but have expanded their pasta lineup to include homemade spaghetti and meatballs, hand breaded chicken parmesan and a mouth-watering seafood pasta with steamer clams, prawns and cod sautéed in our garlic wine sauce and served on a bed of spaghetti noodles.

They are also serving warm garlic bread sticks with pasta dishes and large salads.

When it comes to appetizers you can’t go wrong with Bruno’s famous deep fried pickles served with homemade chipotle mayo or the new humus platter, served with warm flat bread, diced green onions, tomatoes and drizzled with garlic infused extra virgin olive oil.

Always a win, win are Bruno’s famous steamer clams steeped in our garlic wine sauce and served with garlic bread or try a pile of their Golden Ale battered shrimp with house made cocktail sauce or zesty orange sauce. These are just a few of the many new and original appetizers to choose from. Are you

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