Gateway to Paradise Destination Rainier 2013
Tenino • Rainier • Yelm • Roy • McKenna • Eatonville Elbe • Ashford • Mt. Rainier A supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Bruno’s celebrates its 5 year! th
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 slowroasted 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. Remember that Bruno’s has a Happy Hour special 3:30 -5:30 p.m. and 9 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday evenings. There is live trivia on Thursdays and tons of fun for the whole family, play in the dining room or bar, with a chance to win Bruno’s gift cards. Also 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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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 five 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-toorder, beer battered Alaskan cod, now made with Bruno’s Dog House Amber beer, which was added in May to the great selection of microbrews on tap. In keeping with the belief of giving their customers something new and fresh to try along with their go-to favorites, Bruno’s will celebrate by adding some fantastic new salads and entrees for them to enjoy. Two new salads include the Mozzarella Caprese Salad made with fresh Mozzarella cheese balls, delicate grape tomatoes on a bed of red and green heirloom spinach drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze or try the Heirloom spinach salad with feta cheese, Bruno’s bacon crumbles, sliced grape tomatoes and red onions with their own warm bacon Balsamic dressing. They are also introducing a new seafood dish with their pan-seared Alaskan cod with cilantro lime sauce that is sure to be a hit. Bruno’s cod used for its beerbattered and pan-seared dishes are 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. 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
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 3
‘Gateway to Paradise’ showcases the splendor of our area from MY DESK By Michael Wagar
It was with much pleasure I was able to direct the coverage of the annual “Gateway to Paradise: Destination Rainier 2013” special section. As a new publisher for the
Nisqually Valley News, I’ve just begun to learn about the splendor of this area. In detailing the worthy stops from Tenino through Yelm up to the foothills and then to Mount Rainier, Gateway to Paradise has lured me in. I had heard of, for example, Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm, but never delved deep into its offerings. I promise I’ll be by the mill soon for a fresh sip of cider. Another trip I plan to take this summer is a bike ride on the Yelm-Tenino Trail. And the week Gateway to Paradise
inserts into the Nisqually Valley News coincides with my birthday. I plan to spend it at Northwest Trek taking the ziplines and then viewing the Northwest beasts that roam the 435-acre compound. I also look forward in the coming weeks to stops at both the Yelm and Tenino farmers markets for juicy fresh produce. Within the cities, I found a new appreciation for what makes Yelm so special: the Christmas celebrations in the heart of the city, which is provided free for all and includes a big bonfire,
photos with Santa, local choirs and bands, and even free hot chocolate and cider. Other area events that are a must see are the upcoming rodeo in Roy, Oregon Trail Days, Yelm Prairie Days, and also the Rainier Roundup Day which incorporates the 21st Annual Bluegrass Pickin’ Party. Sometimes we forget just how much beauty and quality activities are found within our communities. Please use this guide as a map to enjoy all that is found throughout the Gateway to Paradise.
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4 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Table of Contents
About the cover
Introduction...................................... 3 Tenino.......................................... 5-8 Rainier........................................ 9-10 Yelm.......................................... 11-14 Roy................................................ 15 McKenna....................................... 16 Eatonville....................................... 17 Gateway to Paradise map........... 18-19 Elbe............................................... 20 Ashford.......................................... 21 Mount Rainier............................ 22-24 Lattin’s Country Cider Mill.............. 25 South Sound Speedway.................. 26 Yelm-Tenino Trail............................ 27 Offut Lake Resort........................... 28 Wolf Haven................................... 29 Red Wind Casino........................... 30 Northwest Trek.............................. 31 Farmers Markets............................. 32 Calendar................................... 33-34
Cover photo was taken by Deby Dixon courtesy of VisitRainier. com. With majestic Mount Rainier in the background, Reflection Lake is one of the most-photographed vistas whether it is summer, spring, fall or winter. The area is considered Mount Rainier National Park at its best with colorful blooms, enchanting animal life, and scenic, awe-inspiring beauty framed by an alpine lake and a volcano.
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 360-458-2681, ext. 1613 Design Editor Nicole Kiourkas SALES REPRESENTATIVES Tyler Whitworth, Yelm 360-458-2681, ext. 1622 Brandi Littlejohn, Yelm 360-458-2681, ext. 1614
WRITERS Staff of the Nisqually Valley News PRODUCTION Brian Edwards To request copies of Destination Rainier 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.
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 5
Gateway to: Tenino
Nisqually Valley News file photographs
Tenino City Hall, left, is one of 15 sandstone structures sprinkled throughout the town. At right is the historic equipment that made the famous wooden money in Tenino, found inside the Tenino Depot Museum.
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 the 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. 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, some chocolates, a meal at the Sandstone Cafe or for some shopping.
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Tenino’s natural rock quarry swimming pool, fed by 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 which 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
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6 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Tenino Chamber of Commerce South Sound Wine tour: Sept. 13-15 ChehaliS Wine tour: Sept. 28 & 29
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Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 7
Welcome to
2013
15
minutes from anywhere
Tenino… C
ome for Tenino’s history, from an old sandstone quarry now a swimming pool, to the 15 majestic sandstone buildings in the downtown and a lesson in Great Depression economics via wooden money at the Tenino Depot Museum. Stay for a relaxing day outdoors in the Tenino City Park and visiting the many inviting downtown stores. Mix both the old and the new by attending the Oregon Trail Days celebration the weekend of July 26-28.
Experience the…
OutdOOrs/Park/trail
A
Events…
day in Tenino should include some time in the great outdoors and it starts in the Tenino City Park. Begin with a summer swim at the quarry pool — truly a priceless, unique gem of the Northwest. Following a swim, take a pleasant hike in the nature trails above the quarry and then rent a picnic shelter or throw down a blanket. Next up is a leisurely walk, a strenuous jog or a bike ride on The Yelm-Tenino Trail which intersects with the 22-mile Chehalis Western Trail, linking the cities of Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, Tumwater, Lacey, Olympia, and Woodard Bay on the Puget Sound. When you’ve exhausted the outdoor activities, head indoor to the Train Depot Museum built in 1914 which houses the original press to make the original wood money, and the Ticknor School House both located in the Tenino City Park. Additional amenities in the park include camping, public restrooms, playgrounds and athletic fields.
June
Opening Day at Tenino Farmer’s Market: June 1 (First Saturday in June) Father’s Day fishing derby at Offut Lake: June 14 - 16 (must purchase day pass) 8th Anniversary at Tenino Farmers Market: June 29 (Last Saturday in June) Shop the Downtown celebration: June 29 (Last Saturday in June)
July
Lions Club Yard Sale Oregon Trail Days & Four Square Mile Music Festival: July 26 - 28 (Fourth weekend of July) Annual Blue Ribbon Pie Contest: July 27 (Saturday - Oregon Trail Days)
August Quarrymen Car Club Show-n-Shine: August 18
September
South Sound Wine Tour: (Second weekend in September) Chehalis Valley Wine Tour: September 28 & 29
November
Wolves & Wine for Wolf Haven: November 9 at Worthington Center at Saint Martin’s University
December
Tree Lighting - December 6 (First Friday in December) Winterfest - December 7 (First Saturday in December) Holiday Bazaar - December 7 (First Saturday in December)
January Polar Plunge: January 1, 2014
Join theC
hamber
Visit the chamber’s website at www.teninochamberofcommerce.com for more information.
8 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Oregon Trail Days
From Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28 this year, Tenino throws a birthday party that’s hard to beat, Oregon Trail Days. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Adam Craig Music Foundation hosts a benefit concert on the Quarry House Stage with local musicians and a beer and wine garden. Proceeds benefit the Tenino School District and Tenino’s famous Quarry Pool. This year there is a family area so the show is for all ages. On Saturday, early planning will help find a good parking place in town as the main road through the city is shut down in preparation for the parade. The T90 motorcycle drill team revs their engines at 10:45 a.m. for a thrilling run down the parade route to entertain and build anticipation for what’s next. The streets will be lined with locals and tourists as they watch for their favorites, like the black powder rifle shooters, or the Lakefair float, or for new entries. Businesses, organizations, political candidates, animals and children are also part of the parade along with fire trucks and possibly a real airplane. The park is where the action is for music, vendors, Trader’s Row and kid stuff before and after the parade. Homemade craft vendors, great food and
Nisqually Valley News file photographs
Black powder rifle shooting is central to Oregon Trail Days celebrations, and includes some booms and smoke during the annual parade. Oregon Trail Days is July 26-28 in Tenino, and features music from Adam Craig, a beer and wine garden, a car show and much more.
entertainment for the kids make for a fun-filled weekend sure to please everyone. A visit to the Depot Museum should also be on the list of things to do over Oregon Trail Days weekend. South Sound Reading Foundation will give books to kids aged 4-12 at the Kids Zone, where there will be gunny sack races, candy in a haystack, water balloons and other games. Prizes for the kids games were donated by local businesses. Out of the park there is usually at least one car show in town and a rock and gem show. Sometimes there’s a large book sale at the Tenino Timberland Library. Of course, wandering the streets also gives visitors the
Kids scatter for candy treats during the Oregon Trail Days parade. The colorful event kicks off with the T90 motorcycle drill team at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, July 27.
opportunity to see all of the beautiful buildings made from local granite mined at the park
a long time ago. Visible, living history is what makes Tenino’s birthday party so special.
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 9
Gateway to: Rainier Three Rainier men once got an idea to gather musicians for a bluegrass jam session. Now the annual event has turned into a weekend of pickin’ and grinnin’ at Wilkowski Park in Rainier, sponsored by the Rainier Lions Club. The 21st Annual Bluegrass Pickin’ Party officially runs Friday, Aug. 23 through Sunday, Aug. 25 at Wilkowski Park, in Rainier, but campers show up days in advance. They fill the park and tend to hold informal jam sessions throughout most of the week. There have been as many as 100, but it averages about 70 campers over the last few years, Art said. Friday is the open mic jam session from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, shows begin at 2 and 6 p.m. on the Bluegrass Stage, after the Rainier Roundup Day Parade, which starts at 11 a.m.
Sunday morning an informal Gospel jam is set for 9:30 in the park. Throughout the weekend, Rainier Lions will cook and sell food for lunch and dinner, with breakfast available Friday and Saturday. Famous for killer corn on the cob, the Lions Club also makes a number of different dishes to satisfy any appetite. Food and craft vendors line the pathways leading to Wilkowski Park. No alcohol is allowed and dogs must be on a leash. Camping spots are $15 per rig or $20 for the week. Electrical access is limited for campers. Not only is there a lot of music in Wilkowski Park the weekend of Rainier’s Bluegrass festival, there is also a parade — a fun family favorite. The route is 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 Rainier Roundup Day parade an annual must-do
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Binghampton Street and the Yelm-Tenino Trail. Nearby there are activities such as coin tosses, where children can win live goldfish and a dunk tank.
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10 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Downtown Rainier
They went to work on a comprehensive business plan, leased a small space in the old hotel and opened in January of 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 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat-
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Photo by Michael Wagar
Bethany Peterson, manager of the Main Street Cookie Company in the city of Rainier, loads up the cookie case. The slogan of the company is “We bake with BUTTER.”
urday. 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. For information call: 360446-0232, or visit www.mainstreetcookies.com Right across the street from Main Street Cookie Company is Ginger Street, a shop featuring Washington state made
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gifts. From home and garden decor to cards, gifts and even hand blown glass, shoppers can find a bit of everything. The items for sale are both vintage and new. Ginger Street is both 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
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If your destination is Paradise, you must 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 fresh-baked 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.
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 11
Gateway to: Yelm Prairie Days
If you’re in the Nisqually Valley toward the end of June you might just find yourself in the middle of Prairie Days. This annual event is Yelm’s oldest and biggest, it brings everyone in the community together. Prairie Days a community parade, a carnival, vendors booths and games, keeping a tradition of more than 60 years alive. This year’s Yelm Prairie Days is Thursday, June 27 through Saturday, June 29 at Yelm City Park. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. with a parade, presented by the Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday evening. Following the parade, the fun moves to Yelm City Park with food, games and entertainment. Prairie Days is hosted by the Yelm Lions Club and is the club’s main fund-raiser for the year. This is targeted for more family and community-oriented entertainment, including local vocal groups, school choirs and bands. During Prairie Days, residents
can browse among vendors and information booths, or enjoy the thrills and excitement of the Davis Carnival. The family-run Davis Amusement Cascadia brings exciting, state-of-the-art rides and concessions that are sure to please young and old. Organizers call it a first-class, safe carnival with a family orientation. It stays in operation through Sunday, after the rest of Prairie Days is over. Prairie Days started in the 1940s as just a one-day party. The event has deep, agricultural roots. Yelm historians say during the first half of the century, Yelm farmers would get together in the late summer to hold a town party celebrating the berry harvest, that usually evolved in the evening into a street dance. In 1938, when the Lions Club was formed, members thought they’d create a carnival during the festivities to raise club funds. At first, the carnival was near the town water tower, but moved to the park in the 1950s.
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Prairie Days, from June 27-29, includes a Saturday parade, carnival and tons of events.
as a parade of pets and kids. Longtime residents remember that the old, original celebration had games of chance and contests of all kinds.
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Whichever version you believe, Prairie Days has always been in or near today’s Yelm City Park. Over the years, buildings were added to Yelm City Park to support the festival, including a stage, hamburger stand and picnic shelters. Events started multiplying as well. A pet parade, dog show, water fights by local firemen and a royalty contest have all been held. A children’s costume contest is a tradition brought back a few years ago to boost community involvement in the parade, especially by children. The Prairie Days parade began
t Nexor do ... to.
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12 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Yelm City Parks Yelm, perhaps best known for its Mount Rainier vistas, has several parks that are worth a side trip. The most visible of the parks is Yelm City Park located at State Route 507 and Mosman Avenue in the heart of the city. Owned and operated by the city, the property was donated by Chuck and Wilma Demich, in 1950. It is approximately one city block in size. Special events of all kinds are held at the City Park, such as Prairie Days, Octoberfest, Christmas in the Park, Yelm Lions Easter Egg Hunt and Car Show. The park provides kitchen and covered facilities, a playground area, skateboard park, picnic tables, public restrooms
and a softball backstop. Cochrane Memorial Park, hidden right off State Highway 507 in Yelm is a nature-packed treasure that serves both in beauty and functionality. The park is a multi-acre expanse of ponds, waterfalls and shady, tree-lined paths. The park, located on Mill Road just a few blocks from busy Highway 507, is actually part of a functioning water treatment system. On sunny days, you can find residents strolling through the trails, children fishing off a small dock and blackbirds warbling among the reeds. It is a great park to come visit for a lunchtime picnic or even to have a BBQ.
Yelm Prairie Historical Museum
Sports enthusiasts may not know Yelm has a little gem on the outskirts of town. Longmire Park is a recreational facility that offers multiple ball fields, perfect for outdoor recreation. It offers three baseball fields, a soccer/football field, volleyball court and several walking trails. Baseball fields may be reserved by calling 360-458-3244. Playground equipment includes swings, a bridge connecting to two roofed hideouts and a staircase. The city also opened new facilities at the park, a concession stand and bathroom facilities. Tournaments throughout the season bring thousands of ball players and their families. Longmire Park is located at 16820 Canal Road S.E., Yelm, between Grove Road and Rail-
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
Cochrane Memorial Park offers a calming respite inside Yelm city limits.
way Avenue. It is open 8 a.m. to dusk year-round. Aside from the recreational aspects and park rules, Longmire offers a beautiful view of Mount Rainier when the skies are clear and the sun is shining.
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Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 13
Yelm Activities Yelm Prairie Lanes
Prairie Lanes is a state-of-theart, eight-lane bowling alley family owned and operated. From karaoke tournaments to the 11th Pin Cafe, Prairie Lanes can entertain the whole family. Bowling activities include Monte Carlo on Fridays, Glow Bowl and Rock-N-Bowl on Saturdays. Open bowling is available seven days a week. A specialty of the bowling alley is kids and adults birthday parties. n For information: 360-4582629, www.yelmprairielanes.com
Tahoma Valley Golf & Country Club
With stunning views of Mount Rainier, very affordable rates and
great conditions for tees to greens, Tahoma Golf and Country Club in Yelm (15425 Mosman Ave. SW) is worth a stop along the way to the mountain. The 18-hole par 71 course is 5,930 yards off the blue tees, including three par 5s and three par 3s on the back nine. The course includes a pro shop and restaurant. n For information: 360-4583332, www.tahomavalleygolf.com
Yelm Historical Museum
Located at 3rd Street, the Yelm Historical Museum is open noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Yelm has a long history with close ties to Mount Rainier National Park. Stopping by the mu-
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seum on the way to Paradise helps put the history into perspective, including exhibits on some of the first people to summit Mount Rainier. The first known man to climb to the summit of Mt. Rainier, P.B. Van Trump, and the first woman, Fay Fuller, were both associated with Yelm and are the stars of the “The Bloomer Girl and the Mountain” exhibit at the museum. n For information: 360-9708036, www.ci.yelm.wa.us
Yelm Cinemas
With 8 movie screens and stateof-the-art equipment, the cinema offers all the latest first-run films. Located at 201 Prairie Park Lane SE, the cinema offers comforts of a big town theater with a small town atmosphere. The cinema has a reputation as clean and comfortable all around.
Don’t pass on the popcorn and the selection of seasonings. n For information: 360-4003456, www.yelmcinemas.com
The Triad Theater
The Triad Theater showcases live music, lectures, live comedy, drama and independent films. 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, and even hosts the Alpha Centauri Lecture Series which focuses on cutting edge science and exploration of the unknown. The Triad Theater is always abuzz with activity, changing weekly. You are encouraged to get the latest shows and gigs on its website. n For information: 360-4583140, www.thetriadtheater.com
14 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Christmas in Yelm
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
On the first Saturday of December, Yelm turns into a version of the North Pole, without the cold.
Each year Yelm residents look forward to ringing in the holiday season as a community. On Saturday, Dec. 7, residents of Yelm will celebrate a community Christmas in a way that’s uniquely Yelm. Residents continue a traditional kids’ parade. After the parade, the community gathers at Yelm City Park for a one-day social event. Civic and business leaders introduce the city’s Youths of the Year and Youth Good Citizenship award winners. Yelm youth are also recognized for their essay writing skills, during a contest that usually centers around their Christmas memories and family traditions. Local school choirs and bands take the stage to offer their Christmas wishes through music and song. Christmas in the Park features day-long amusements, including a free photo with Santa, booths, games and entertainment.
Amazingly, everything is free. Treats including hot dogs, cocoa and cider are distributed throughout the day, while supplies last. As children play in the park, make crafts, or wrap a free book for a friend at the Friends of the Yelm Library booth, the park becomes a candy lane with entries in the gingerbread house contest, which is open to all ages. The day is topped off with an evening tree lighting blessing from a local pastor. A bonfire is kept lit throughout the day where everyone sings carols. Just across the street at 207 1st Street South, make sure to stop off at JZ Rose. Its exclusive and exquisite inventory which draws people from across the state is transformed into a winter wonderland of gifts, with something for everyone’s shopping list, from delectable chocolates to the most treasured toys for tots.
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 15
Gateway to: Roy Mountain Meadow Lavender Farm
For those who yearn for a little less excitement, try the 10-acre Mountain Meadow Lavender Farm near Roy. Farm hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday May through September. The farm offers fresh and dried arrangements, handmade sachets, eye and neck pillows, soap and body products.
Eight varieties of lavender plants, including Royal Velvet, Melissa and Folgate will be available, and include planting instructions and recipes. In July and August, enjoy lavender ice cream. Stroll through lavender scented paths and enjoy the product of this fragrant and multi-purpose flower of the summer. Mountain Meadow Farm owners Barbara and Jerry Hulscher, have spent the past decade planting and cultivating lavender varieties on the 10 acre farm they inherited from Jerry’s father. The farm is centrally located behind Fort Lewis at 919 304th
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
The Roy Pioneer Rodeo takes place both in June and September.
St. South, near Roy at the corner of 8th Ave South. and 304th St. South.
1 off admissiOn $
adults $10 seniORs $6 ChildRen (6-12) $4
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For those who live life on the wild side, the Roy Pioneer Rodeo is right up your ally. Brave men and women, along with thousands of fans, will lasso the city of Roy at its annual twopart rodeo. The first pro rodeo is June 1-2 and the second is Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Gates open at noon and the rodeo is generally 1:30-4 p.m. Seating is first-come, firstserved. Parking is free and admission prices vary. Ages 13 to adult cost $10, seniors are $6, ages 6-12 are $4 and children 5 and younger get in free. The rodeo features 10 events: bareback riding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, bull riding, businessman’s wild cow milking, calf roping, military bull riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and team roping. Each event generally has 10 competitors, and hundreds of riders compete annually from around the Pacific Northwest. The rodeo is sanctioned through the Northwest Professional Rodeo Association and is part of the NPRA season series. Competitors must also compete in September. Roy’s first rodeo was June 19, 1960 and netted $500, said former Roy Rodeo Treasure Norma Erb said. The event now makes more than $100,000 annually. All other proceeds go to the
riders and improving the grounds. The rodeo is held at 28300 86th Ave. S., Roy.
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Roy Pioneer Rodeo
16 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Gateway to: McKenna 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, 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, a former timber company town founded in 1908, 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
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
Stewart’s Meats in McKenna prepares its product the old fashioned way. When heading to Mount Rainier, the meat market is a great place to stock up on everything from beef jerky to a whole luau smoked pig.
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
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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 slowsmoked 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 also 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 daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Other items are also on the menu, but when it comes to Jim Bob’s, the ribs stand out. n For Jim Bob’s information: 360-458-5050 For Varsity Pizza information: 360-400-3100 For Stewart’s information: 360-458-2091, www.stewartsmeatmarket.com
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 17
Gateway to: Eatonville 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 & 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. Help with the barn chores or visit the replica Ohop Lutheran Mission schoolhouse. Rules and punishments for both students
5 stAr shop Service you can trust!
and teachers are hanging on the wall inside. The village takes you back further to before the first local contact with Europeans. The tours are one and a half hour guided tours 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. The Eatonville Lions Club Art Festival is Aug. 2-4, 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
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
The Pioneer Farm Museum & Ohop Indian Village is located in Eatonville. Visitors are taken back to the days of homesteaders at the museum, and then farther back in time in the village.
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 how they do it. Nearby, a mile away to the west, Nisqually Mashel State
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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. n For more information: www.eatonvillechamber.com
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18 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Olympia
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Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 19
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20 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Gateway to: Elbe Elbe, located on Highway 7, is home to the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, the Mount Rainier Railroad Dining Company and the historic Little White Church of Elbe. A picturesque town, the Nisqually River runs through the heart of Elbe and empties into Alder Lake, a popular boating and fishing destination. The Mount Rainier Dining Company is a family-owned business that started as a popcorn stand in the center of Elbe. The business expanded when the family opened The Hobo Inn (a caboose motel), a gift shop, and the Cascadian Dinner Train restaurant and lounge.
The dinner train once was the American Freedom Train, which toured the country with 26 cars displaying more than 500 Americana treasures. Continuing with the railroad theme, Elbe is home of the depot for the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, which offers vintage steam train excursions and themed rides through the foothills of Mount Rainier. The train steams between Elbe and the town of Mineral seven miles away. New this summer is a logging and locomotive museum at the stop in Mineral. The steam train runs most weekends from mid-May through October. The depot
is located at 54124 Mountain Highway East in Elbe. A Mount Rainier Visitor Center is located inside the Historic Train Depot in Elbe. Elbe, named after the founder of the town who came from the Elbe River Valley near Hamburg, Germany, still has reminders of its rich German heritage. While in Elbe, make sure to take in the Historic Elbe Church, which sits on its original location right off Highway 7. The church, built in 1906, still has its original four-foot iron cross atop the steeple, which houses the first bell forged by the town blacksmith. Inside is the original altar, elevated pulpit and one of
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad steamtrain ride out of Elbe is a popular destination.
the hand-carved pews. The original Farrand & Votey bellows organ is still used for worship and weddings. Church services are still held at 2:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month from March through November.
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 Hobo Inn with us ... over 97,000 songs! We’re biker-friendly ... ride on in! With a Original rustic caboose with modern conveniences: sink, toilet, shower, beds and electricity! We hope you full bar — beer, wine and spirits — you’re sure to wet your whistle at find your stay a trip back into time. the Sidetrack Room. Try our famous Derailer. Open daily at 11 a.m.
Looking for a unique place for a wedding? We are located next to a historic church, walk to reception and we have lodging!
54106 Mt. Hwy E. • Elbe, WA 98330
13-496591R
Check out our website for details on all our entertainment 360-569-2505 • 888-RR-DINER Wednesday, Friday & Saturday! elbetrain@yahoo.com • www.rrdiner.com
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 21
Gateway to: Ashford Your destination is Rainier, and you are almost there. One last stop is in the quaint town of Ashford, a mountain-climber’s mecca tucked away in the forested foothills. Located six miles from the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier National Park on Highway 706, the mountain community and base camp for climbing Mount Rainier has outfitters, shops, restaurants, and several lodging options including hotels, spas, cabins and bed and breakfast inns (go to www.mt-rainier. com for a full list of places to stay). Stop at the Mount Rainier
Visitor Center at Ashford at RMI Basecamp, inside Whittaker Mountaineering’s Summit Haus. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. after June 15 (until June 15 hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday). Mark Nov. 2 down for the 4th Annual Mount Rainier Fall Wine Tasting and Brew Festival in Ashland. Beyond the gateway to Paradise, near Ashford you can find more than 20 miles of exhilarating and challenging mountain bike trails in the intermediate to expert category, along with hiking trails, and in the winter, snowshoe routes.
Photograph courtesy of Mount Tahoma Trails Association
The mountain climbing community of Ashford is also near more than 20 miles of exhilarating and challenging bike trails.
A new addition to Ashford is the community park, located on Highway 706. The 30-acre park
offers a children’s play area, accessible trails and a restroom facility.
22 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Gateway to: Paradise Paradise found at Mount Rainier With 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 tree house, 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
Gateway to e s i d a r a P n
Destinatio
RainieR 2013
VisitRainier.com/Loren Lane
Paradise Inn, your final destination at Mount Rainier, is truly the cherry on top of the sundae.
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 See RAINIER, page 23
Advertise in this premier guide to events and activities in 2014.
Call 360-458-2681 or e-mail to advertise@yelmonline.com
YOU CAN VIEW this publication online at www
.destinationrainier. com
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 23
RAINIER: Continued from page 22
How to get to Mount Rainier:
Highway 706 from Ashford to the park’s Nisqually entrance, in the southwest corner of the park and 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 permitting. Call 360569-2211. 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
Historical roots:
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. Bordering the national park are the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie
VisitRainier.com/Deby Dixon
Groomed hiking trails make for a pleasant afternoon along the flank of Mount Rainier.
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: Visit Rainier.com See RAINIER, page 24
You’ll FLIP over all we have to offer!
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Teens 13+ ~ Toddlers Older Child 6+
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24 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
RAINIER: Continued from page 23
Other key attractions:
Trails for all ability levels — An established and well-maintained trail system within and outside the park offers varying
Visit us for all your gardening needs!
Sun Combo Baskets Tray Pack Annuals & Veggies Great Potted In-Store Deals Roses Herbs & More!
Jason’s Greenhouse OPEN 7 Days A Week 9 am-5 pm Check Us Out On
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11337 Bald Hill Rd. SE ~ Yelm
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 Trial System — the nation’s most extensive no-fee hut-to-hut system trail, offers 50 miles of trails, 20 of which are groomed, three huts and a yurt. Designed for use by cross-country 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,
VisitRainier.com/Jeff Caven
Paradise Inn is celebrated as a girlfriend getaway for three.
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 intersec-
tion of 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
The new
ELM.coM
Gateway to the Nisqually Valley
13-496583R
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 25
Destination: Lattin’s Cider Mill
Available at Lattin’s farmers market are Eastern Washington fruit, farm fresh eggs, fruit syrups, dried fruit, honey, jam, smoked salmon, Johnson’s Smokehouse meat and cheese products, crisp apples and delicious frozen pies – ready to bake. Along with seasonal produce, Lattin’s sells pastries and donuts, baked fresh daily. On Friday before noon or all day on the weekend, don’t miss the apple fritters. In the fall, Lattin’s features an Apple Festival complete with tractor-drawn wagon rides to a Pumpkin Patch, the Maze and bluegrass music. If you stop by in December, you’ll enter Lattin’s Winter Wonderland with thousands of lights and freshly cut Christmas trees, and, of course, Christmas cookies. n For more information: 360-491-7328 or www.lattinscider.com
Photographs courtesy of Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm.
An old water wheel decorates the scene at Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm. Fresh peaches are just some of the offerings.
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
13-496441L
Start your destination to Mount Rainier with a visit to Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm just a few miles east of Interstate 5 and north of Tenino. At the center of operations located at 9402 Rich Road S.E. is the delicious cider, which the small, family owned farm has been making since 1976. The apples are purchased directly from the same high quality growers each year, and stored at a controlled 32 degrees to preserve crispness. They process up to 75 tons of apples a day during their busiest times, producing more than 4,000 gallons of cider each week. Lattin’s sorts, cuts and washes all by hand, and mixes just the right varieties. After the apples are ground and pressed, they are pasteurized and bottled immediately, with no additives, preservatives or sweeteners. Testing is the old-fashioned way with each batch: taking a sip. Lattin’s also makes cider out of fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and even creates spiced ciders. Lattin’s can be purchased throughout Puget Sound, but a stop to the mill and farm offers so much more than the delectable taste of their cider. Lattin’s is open year-round, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays June 1 to Dec. 31. Visitors can wander through the flower and vegetable gardens, picnic and feed the baby farm animals, including goats, chickens, roosters, pigs, calves, bunnies and lambs. Kids will enjoy a play area and maze open all year.
26 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Destination: South Sound Speedway
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 South Sound Speedway, located at 3730 183rd Avenue S.W. in Rochester, can be accessed by taking Exit 88 and going east on Old Highway 99. Most races take place on Saturdays, although there are a few on Sundays. Perhaps the highlight of the racing season is on 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 cash or checks; no credit cards are accepted. Pit passes can be
KAB 13-496448R
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360-791-1925 www.kellykab.com
May 25 — Super 4, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Outlaw Compact 26 — Mini Stocks, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Stinger 8 June 1 — Super Late Model 100, Bumblebees, Legends and Pro Nationals 8 — Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Stinger 8, Pro 4 Trucks and Vintage Modifieds 15 — Street Stocks, Bumblebees, Legends, Pro Nationals and Outlaw Compact 22 — Super Late Model Twin 50’s, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, and WMRA 29 — West Coast Street Stock Series, Legends, Bumblebees and Pro Nationals
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
A vintage racer cruises at South Sound Speedway just south of Tenino.
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, although 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.
OPEN 7 Days a WEEk
July 6 — Fireworks, Super Late Model 125, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Super 4 13 — Legends, Street Stocks, Bumblebees, Pro Nationals, WMRA and Vintage Modifieds 20 — Big Rigs, Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Bumblebees
27 — Street Stocks, Outlaw Compacts, Legends, Pro Nationals and Stinger 8 August 3 — Super Late Model Miller 200, Mini Stocks and Bumblebees 10 — Super 4, Legends Regional Qualifier, Hobby Stocks and Pro Nationals 17 — WMRA, Street Stocks, Bumblebees, Mini Stocks and Stinger 8 24 — Super Late Model 100, Hobby Stocks, Pro Nationals and Vintage Modifieds 31 — Dennis Smitham 100, Legends, Mini Stocks and Bumblebees September 1 — Dennis Smitham 100, Legends, Mini Stocks and Bumblebees 7 — Super Late Model 100, Hobby Stocks, Pro Nationals and Outlaw Compact 14 — WMRA, Super 4, Mini Stocks, Bumblebees and Legends 21 — Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Pro Nationals, Stinger 8 and Outlaw Compact 28 — Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Bumblebees and Legends
Monday - Friday 9am - 9pm Saturday & Sunday 9am - 5pm
201 Tahoma Blvd SE • Suite 102 • Yelm, WA 98597 • • • • •
Tamara Bunn, MD Cheri Dorhauer, MD Kathleen May, FNP Bethany Sweet, MD Andrew Larsen, MD
• • • •
Kirk Dawson, DO Laura Lindsay, MD William Penn, MD Jessica VanFleet-Green MD
360-458-7761
• Robyn Davies, MD joining August 2013
www.yelmfamilymedicine.com
13-496634R
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 27
Destination: Welcome to Yelm -Tenino elm Trail
Visit a Park Today! L OnGmire , C OChrane , Y eLm C itY P ark
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
The Yelm-Tenino Trail links the two prairie cities. The trail is enjoyed by walkers, hikers, dog fanciers and bicyclists.
pedestrians, bicycles, and other forms of non-motorized use. The Yelm trailhead is located behind the 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. You can access the trail from just about every road crossing.
360.458.3244
www.ci.yelm.wa.us
13-496642R
The Yelm-Tenino Trail offers a pleasant, paved path for walkers, bikers, runners and dog lovers, and even includes a trip along McIntosh Lake near Tenino that sports a few decent fishing holes. The Yelm-Tenino trail corridor was acquired by Thurston County in 1993. Historically it operated as a Burlington Northern railroad from about 1869 through the late 1980s. This 14.5 mile line runs eastwest through the southern portion of Thurston County and connects the communities of Yelm, Rainier and Tenino. The trail traverses forest and agricultural lands, wetlands, creeks, and other habitat and runs parallel to State Route 507. The trail begins near Yelm City Hall, passes near Wilkowski Park in Rainier and ends at Tenino City Park featuring views along the way of the Deschutes River west of Rainier and of McIntosh Lake. The Yelm-Tenino Trail intersects with the 22-mile Chehalis Western Trail, linking the cities of Yelm, Rainier, Tenino, Tumwater, Lacey, Olympia, and Woodard Bay on the Puget Sound. Permitted uses of the trail are
Y
G et O utside !
28 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Destination: Fishing Offut Lake Resort, just a few miles north of Tenino, has everything for both the accomplished and beginning angler, from equipment to lures to a fishing dock and boats — you can even buy a fishing license. The resort on the south shore of the lake is small and family owned. Fishing is year-round on the 200-acre lake, and a 5 mph speed limit is enforced. Adding to the tranquility, only electric boat motors are allowed. Camping and rustic cabins are also available, along with the general store. Once you dip a line in the water, trout limits are not out of the norm, as the resort raises trout in net pens.
Offut Lake Resort Boat Rentals Electric Motor Boat — 4 hours $25 to $55 2-5 man boats 6-man Pontoon — $75 for 4 hours Canoe — $10 per hour Pedal Boat — $10 per hour Kayaks — $20 for 2 hours
The resort includes RV sites with fire pits, free WiFi, access to cable TV, water, electric and septic. Two tent areas are available near the lake, and although cars and pets are not permitted, a soft cedar bed lays under your tent, with a fire ring and table nearby. A pet-friendly area farther back in the park allows you to bring Fido and park your car
Fir Lane Memorial Park FUNERAL HOME CREMATORY-MAUSOLEUM & CHAPEL
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Family Owned Since 1958
(253) 531-6600
924 EAST 176th ST., SPANAWAY
13-496941M
pREARRANgEd FUNERALs AvAiLAbLE
Photograph courtesy of VisitRainier.com
Alder Lake is formed by the Nisqually Valley reservoir and offers 2,931 acres of serene fishing.
at the site. Offut Lake Resort also has showers in the campground restroom facilities, a laundry room, and a day-use picnic shelter available for groups. A two-night minimum stay is required for weekends, and a three-night minimum stay for holiday weekends. Offut Lake isn’t the only place to fish when driving to Mount Rainier. Scores of lakes are stocked with millions of fish caught by thousands of anglers. The area also sports many rivers and streams perfect for an afternoon of fishing. The most popular lake in our area is a bit of a drive to Mineral, but success rates year-after-year continue to attract fishermen going after some big lunkers. Other Thurston County lakes worthy of a try are Lake St. Clair (19,000 2-pound trout stocked since March, with 500 jumbos stocked in May); Lawrence (23,000 2-pounders stocked since March, along with 300 jumbos this
month); and McIntosh (11,000 2-pounders stocked in May, with 250 jumbos). Closer to Mount Rainier In Pierce County, lakes that have been stocked include Clear, Harts, Kapowsin, Ohop, rapjohn, Silver, Spanaway and Tanwax. The two best lakes for Pierce County are Clear, which has 14,725 rainbows stocked, and Ohop, which just in May had 5,000 jumbos and another 1,300 2-pound trout stocked. Once in Mount Rainier National Park, an abundance of large and small rivers beckon, along with serene lakes nestled in the woods and hills. We suggest you try Alder Lake with its 2,931 acres. Open yearround, you can catch rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee, largemouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie and even bullhead catfish. The lake is formed by the Nisqually River reservoir five miles south of Eatonville just below the entrance to Mount Rainier at Ashford on Highway 7.
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 29
Destination: Wolf Haven Wolf Haven’s involvement with the animals dates back to 1994 when it was selected to 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 the photo tours the sanctuary is closed to the public and the number of participants is limited. A new summer event this year is A Midsummer’s Night, where 25 guests are offered an exclusive opportunity to explore Wolf Haven. It includes a dinner, prairie tour, extended enrichment tour in the sanctuary with animal care staff, songs and s’mores around the campfire, overnight camping, and a continental
schedule of events July 28-Aug. 2 — Wolves and Wildlife Tracking August first four weekends — A Midsummer’s Night campout Aug. 26-30 — Kids Day Camp Sept. 28 — Wolves and Wine Fundraiser at Saint Martin’s University Nov. 17 — Wolf Photography Tours
breakfast followed by a morning sanctuary visit. Cost is $75 for adults, $65 for youth. A Midsummer’s Night dates are the first four Saturday nights and Sunday mornings in August, although as of press time the Aug. 17-18 weekend had al-
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
Wolf Haven, just north of Tenino, offers sanctuary to endangered Mexican gray wolves.
ready sold out. For more information: 360264-HOWL and www.wolfhaven.org
10 Beds (5 bedrooms & bathrooms)
Retreat facilities with full kitchen and work area, above a gorgeous 3,200+ bolt Quilt Shop. Highest quality cotton quilting fabrics, huge selection of reproduction, vintage, florals, batiks and contemporaries. We have it all — Plus An ElEvAtor
360.893.0202 • www.thewildrosequiltshop.com 13-496560M
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 provides 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 from 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 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Wolf Haven is closed the month of February. 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.
125 Van Scoyoc Ave. SW • Orting, WA 98360 Shop hourS: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-4
30 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Destination: Red Wind Casino 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 SqualliAbsch 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 Center, which opened in May of 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 community 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.
Photograph courtesy of Red Wind Casino
Throwing the dice, along with 975 slots, beckons visitors.
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Nisqually Red Wind Casino has 975 electronic slot machines and numerous table games, craps, roulette, blackjack, Pai Gow and three card poker, Keno and Speed Keno, to name just a few. With the absolute best gaming in the area all under one roof, why play anywhere else? Play in the wind!
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redwindcasino.com (360) 412-5000 | (866) 946-2444 | 12819 Yelm Hwy, Olympia OPEN 24 Hours 8 am THURS to 5 am MON | MON through WED 8 am to 5 am
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 31
Destination: Northwest Trek 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 this year is a series of zip lines that are a must stop for visitors going to Mount Rainier.
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 and friendly naturalist narrates the tour with fun animal
facts and interesting stories about the park.
Walking Tour
Walk a paved path through the forest to see large predators such as grizzly bears, wolves, cougars and other native forest animals, all in naturalistic exhibits. The trail is wheelchairand stroller friendly. A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent at the main office, on a first-come first-served 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. View the schedule for Trailside Encounters.
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
Photo by Jesse Michener/Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
A wobbly-legged bison calf was born on April 28 at Northwest Trek. Pictured at one week old, she is the 17th bison in the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
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 observa-
tion 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. n Source: Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
1506 Yelm Ave. W. ~ 360.458.9298 ~ www.bunkhousebbq.co
13-496581R
Now Open for Breakfast t h e Bunkhouse Yelm, WA Breakfast at 7am! Burgers • BBQ Come check out our N e w o N ! Open: Mon. - Sun. 7am - 9pm indoor plumbing! Locati
32 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
Come See Where Your Food Comes From…
Destination:
Come and see your Local, Sustainable, Family Farm.
Shopping at a farmers market is a wholly unique experience that benefits farmers and producers directly, offering you more unique products, more heirloom varieties, and more opportunities to build relationships and learn about healthy eating. Farmers markets are a community experience, where you can meet your neighbors, friends, artisans, and farmers, and where more of your dollar will stay in the community. Two farmers markets are found on the prairie in Yelm and Tenino.
Wilcox Farms offers something rarely available in today’s egg farm industry, which is more often than not dominated by large corporations. Wilcox local, sustainable, family farm provides production coupled with friendly service, and with this we are devoted to providing excellent quality local and fresh egg products. We offer local tours of our 1600 acre farm so our customers can actually see where their food is produced. Also, being one of the only “working farms” that is left available to the public. The Wilcox family thanks Yelm and surrounding communities for all its support over the last 100 years.
Presented by, The Rainier
Antique Tractor Club
June Jubilee June 29 & 30, 2013 10 am - 4 pm
Tractor Pull FREE Farm Tours Hay Rides Presented by, South Pierce County Fire & Rescue
Easter Egg Hunt 2014
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April 12, 2014
(Weekend before Easter)
10 am - 4 pm TWO Egg Hunts! 11 am & 2pm
Wilcox Omelets Hay Rides FREE Farm Tours
360•458•7774
www.wilcoxfarms.com
40400 Harts Lake Valley Rd. • Roy, WA
Farmers Markets
Yelm Farmers Market
The Yelm Farmers Market, now in a new location, is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday from the last weekend in May through October. Located in the outskirts of Yelm and 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
Tenino Farmers Market
The Tenino Farmers Market is an open-air, seasonal market
Photograph courtesy of Yelm Farmers Market
A youngster enjoys some fresh produce at the Yelm Farmers Market.
open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays June through September. The market features fresh, locally-grown produce, plants, handcrafts, music, workshops and community outreach. The market is located at the Tenino Elementary School at 301 Old Highway 99 North 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 Day which includes a Vendor Appreciation Day and a Great Pumpkin Contest.
Calendar of
May
Events
24-27 — Packwood Flea Market, Packwood 26 — Yelm Farmers Market opens 5 — Northwest Trek Project Learning Tree. Project Learning Tree repeats August 10
30th Anniversary June 27-29 — Yelm Prairie Days 29 — Northwest Trek Build A Better Backyard 29 — 8th Anniversary of Tenino Farmers Market
July
SEASONS
Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 33
Queen size beds • Air conditioning • Wireless internet • Flat Screen T.V. Extended cable • Coffee makers • Hot Continental breakfast • Blow dryers Microwaves and Refrigerators in every room
360-496-6835 • 877-496-6835 Corner of Hwy 12 • Morton, WA
www.lodgingmtrainier.com Call us today to help you plan your next high country adventure!
The Nisqually Lodge 31609 S.R. 706 • Ashford, WA 1-888-674-3554 (360) 569-8804
Conveniently close to the Sunrise, Paradise, and Longmire facilities - three of the most popular attractions on one of the tallest mountains in the lower 48 states. 24 Mountain Size Rooms • Private Baths • TV • Wireless Internet Air Conditioning • Guest Laundry • Hot Continental Breakfast
www.lodgingmtrainier.com
Crest Trail Lodge “A Home Away from Home” Hot Continental Breakfast • Flat Screen T.V. Wireless Internet • Refrigerators & Microwaves
Gateway to White Pass Ski Area, Mt. Rainier & Mt. St. Helens 1.5 Miles West of Packwood on US HWY 12
360.494.4944 • 800.477.5339 www.lodgingmtrainier.com
Stay in comfort as you visit Mt. Rainier, Northwest Trek, Pioneer Farm, Alder Lake, Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and more! Hot Continental breakfast • Wireless internet • Flat Screen T.V. Microwave & Refrigerator • Air conditioning • Cable TV with HBO Blow dryers & coffee makers in every room
360-832-3200 800-832-3248 210 Center St. Eatonville, WA
www.lodgingmtrainier.com
CH495214ca.db
6-7 — Northwest Trek Family Camp: June Family Camp 1 — Tenino Farmers repeats July Market opens 13-14; July 20-21, 1-2 — Roy Pioneer July 27-28, August Rodeo 3-4, August 10-11, 8 — Northwest August 17-18 Trek Photo Tour. 20 — Wilkeson Photo Tour National Handcar repeats August Races, Wilkeson 3-4, October 12, 20-21 — Northwest November 9, Trek Endangered December 8 Species Weekend 14 — Yelm Flag Day 26-28 — Oregon celebration Trail Days 14-16 — Offut Lake Resort Father’s Day 27 — Northwest Trek Giving Nature A fishing tournament Helping Hand 22-23 — Northwest See EVENTS, page 34 Trek Slug Fest’s
MOTEL
CENTRALLY LOCATED HALF WAY BETWEEN MT. ST. HELENS AND MT. RAINIER
34 Gateway to Paradise a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News
EVENTS: Continued from page 33
August
2-4 — Eatonville Arts Festival 17-18 — Northwest Trek Cool Carnivores 18 — T-9-0 Quarrymen Car Club 12th annual Show-n-Shine 23-25 — Rainier Roundup Days and Bluegrass Pickin’ Party 24 — Northwest Trek Caring for Carnivores 31 -Sept. 2 — Northwest Trek Get Out of the Rut Weekend 31 - Sept. 2 — Roy Pioneer Rodeo
September
All month — Northwest Trek Half Price Senior Month 8 — Northwest Trek Elk Bugling Tour. Elk Bugling Tour repeats September 14, 15, 21, 22, 28.
28 — Northwest Trek It’s Easy Being Green 28-29 — Chehalis Valley Wine Tour
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
Offut Lake Resort offers plenty of options for those looking to reel in a rainbow.
October
5 — Northwest Trek Run Wild. Choose from a 5K or 8K run, or a 5K walk 25-26 — Northwest Trek Hoot ‘n’ Howl
November
2 — Mount Rainier Fall Wine Tasting and Brew Festival 11 — Northwest Trek Veterans Appreciation Day
www.nwtrek.org
The Zip Wild Adventure course at Northwest Trek gives riders a full zip line/ challenge experience.
December
1 — Northwest Trek Eatonville Resident Free Day 6 — Tenino Tree Lighting 7 — Christmas in Yelm 7 — Tenino Winterfest 26 — January 1 — Northwest Trek Winter Wildland
January
1 — Offut Lake Polar Bear Plunge
Nisqually Valley News file photograph
Get your racing fix at South Sound Speedway just south of Tenino.
160 W. Old Olympic HWy • Olympia 360-866-8491 • www.boulderequip.com
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