More Than a Place to Hike

A step onto a trail can tell you a lot about the community of the space you’re in. Some trails feature landmarks that are remnants of their previous lives, others provide refuge for wildlife and plant life. A trail might share space with other points of interest with fascinating histories or give you a glimpse into who calls the region home. When you’re out hiking on one of these trails, take a second to look around and see what the trail can tell you about the area — you may be surprised by what you learn.

Olmstead Place Historical State Park

Yakima area

Follow the footsteps of 19th-century homesteaders for a half mile along a scenic creek that connects historic buildings and surrounding nature to our present story.

By Wes Partch

Begin your hike on the south side of the historic Seaton Schoolhouse, where a signpost marks the beginning of the Coleman Creek Interpretive Trail. Pass between barns on your left and the willow-lined creek on your right; soon a metal bridge will appear over the creek. Although the trail does not continue on the other side, it’s worth a stop here to take in the scenery.

The trail continues along the eastern side of the creek, now on a boardwalk with interpretive signs that tell the story of homesteading over a century ago. After the short boardwalk, the way stays close to the creek and can be muddy in places. As you pass through the narrowing corridor, blackbirds, magpies and mourning doves flit about and fill the air with their songs.

Two benches sit at scenic bends in the creek with peekaboo views. Nearby logs with their branch ends chewed to pencil points mark the presence of beaver. After a half mile, the path leaves the creek and heads across open fields toward the southern end of the homestead. On sunny spring days, the highlands surrounding Kittitas Valley gleam a brilliant white under a big blue sky.

Finally, you’ll arrive at the southern end of the hike, marked by a charming homestead with a red barn, vegetable garden and original cabin from 1875. The grounds invite exploration and include an alternate parking lot, picnic area and vault toilet. One can also peer through the dusty windows of the old cabin and imagine living here almost 150 years ago. Return the same way you came.

WTA pro tip: There are two trailheads at Olmstead Place Historical State Park. If you like, you can park at the far end of Ferguson Road, where the southern trailhead is accessed. Both ends have a nice picnic area, although only the north end has an ADA-accessible restroom.

Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip ◆ Elevation gain: 25 feet

Highest elevation: 1,570 feet ◆ Map: waparks.org/parks/olmstead-place

Permit: Discover Pass ◆ Dogs: Leashed

Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/olmstead-place-historic-state-park

Trailhead: From Main Street in Ellensburg, head east on Mountain View Avenue for 3.8 miles, then turn right onto North Ferguson Road. In a half mile, turn right into the enormous gravel parking lot at the north end of the park, where you’ll find an ADA-accessible restroom and a large picnic area. The trail begins next to the schoolhouse.

Nearby Hikes

Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park: A flat trail adjacent to the Yakima River in Ellensburg. Free public park with restrooms, picnic shelter and swimming area. (2.2 miles of trails, minimal elevation gain)

Whiskey Dick Wildlife Area — Bluebird Trail: This trail is roughly a half-hour drive east of Ellensburg. Hike along a dry creek that is home to bluebirds, among other fauna. (1.7 miles roundtrip, 315 feet of elevation gain)