From Your Corner of Washington: The mystery of Mima Mounds

If you’re looking to do a short hike in an unusual locale, or if you just want to see a true geological marvel, check out the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve south of Olympia. The main attraction in this 624-acre preserve, of course, is the Mima (pronounced my-muh) Mounds, those mysterious-looking, uniformly spaced mounds that are six to eight feet high. Over the years, many theories have been offered about the mounds’ origin, ranging from Native American burial sites to erosion to even pocket gophers creating the mounds while building underground dens. (Bill Murray’s “Caddyshack” groundskeeper character would not have approved of that one.) Alas, no consensus has been reached. However, early this month, The Seattle Times ran this recent story that talked about how laser mapping revealed that all the mounds formed near the margins of retreating glaciers, supporting an idea about the mounds’ origin first proposed nearly a century ago.

The National Park Service designated Mima Mounds as a National Natural Landmark in 1968. The Mima Mounds preserve features a half-mile paved ADA trail to a kiosk, a 2-mile loop trail, and 3.2 miles of other trails. In mid-May, there will be an abundance of camas wildflowers. In the summer, butterflies and bees can be spotted.

To reach the Mima Mounds preserve from I-5, take Exit 95 (Maytown/Littlerock) and drive west on Highway 121 to Littlerock. Once in Littlerock, continue on 128th Avenue SW until it ends at an intersection with Waddell Creek Road. Turn right onto Waddell Creek Road. The Mima Mounds entrance will be on the left.

On May 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a fully accessible adjunct will be featured as part of Prairie Appreciation Day on May 9 from 10-3:00 for mobility impaired folks, families, toddlers and more. All are welcome. For more info, contact the Department of Natural Resources at (360) 596-5144.