Yelm Tenino Trail

The Wilkowski Park – Yelm Tenino Trail loop from Yelm offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through the diverse rural scenery of South Thurston County. You'll pedal through wetlands, dense forests, and agricultural lands, with the chance to spot herons near McIntosh Lake. This moderate route, covering 25.5 miles (41.1 km) with a gentle 449 feet (137 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to explore the area's natural beauty and small-town charm.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is mostly paved and well-maintained. Wilkowski Park in Rainier is a key access point, providing seasonal restrooms for convenience. The route is generally suitable for family friendly cycling, and with an estimated duration of 2 hours and 19 minutes, it's perfect for a leisurely day trip. Always check for current trail conditions, especially regarding any marked root heaves between Yelm and Rainier.

This rail-trail is built on a former railroad corridor, ensuring a mostly flat and gentle grade that makes it accessible for beginner touring cycling. It seamlessly connects the towns of Yelm, Rainier, and Tenino, offering opportunities to stop for refreshments or explore local history. For those seeking longer popular routes cycling, the trail also intersects with the 21-mile Chehalis Western Trail, opening up possibilities for extended adventures.

The McIntosh Lake – Wilkowski Park loop from Tenino offers a wonderfully accessible touring cycling experience, guiding you through a tapestry of rural Washington landscapes. You'll pedal past forests, open agricultural lands, and tranquil wetlands, with a particularly scenic mile-long stretch along McIntosh Lake where you might catch sight of herons. The route is primarily well-paved, making for a smooth ride as you explore the area's natural beauty.

This moderate 27.6-mile (44.5 km) loop, with a gentle 480 feet (146 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 2 hours and 31 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for cyclists of all fitness levels looking for a comfortable day out. Parking is available at various trailheads, including in Tenino, and the trail is well-marked, making planning your visit straightforward. Consider cycling during spring or fall for the best weather and scenery.

Following a former Burlington Northern Railroad line, this route is part of the longer Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail, known for its consistent, gentle grade. It's a segment used by participants in the annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, highlighting its suitability for touring. The trail also connects the communities of Tenino, Rainier, and Yelm, offering a glimpse into local life and history.

The Monarch Sculpture Park – Wilkowski Park loop from Olympia-Lacey offers a delightful touring cycling experience, blending smooth trails with unique artistic discoveries. You'll spend 3 hours and 35 minutes covering 39.5 miles (63.6 km) on this moderate route, which features a gentle 576 feet (176 metres) of elevation gain. The journey along the Chehalis Western Trail is characterized by shaded sections under looming trees, eventually leading you to the open prairie and hills of the sculpture park, where art and nature intertwine.

Planning your visit to this popular cycling route is relatively easy, as the Monarch Sculpture Park is directly accessible from the Chehalis Western Trail. The park itself is free to enter, allowing you to explore its grounds and art installations without a fee. While specific parking for the entire loop isn't detailed, the Olympia-Lacey cycling network is well-established, providing various access points for cyclists.

What truly sets this route apart is the Monarch Sculpture Park, a 5-acre contemporary outdoor art space showcasing over 100 sculptures from artists worldwide. Beyond the art, you can explore a fantasy garden, a bird and butterfly garden, a Japanese garden, and even an interactive sound garden with sculptural musical instruments. It's considered a "primitive park," offering a natural and integrated art experience that makes it a notable destination among easy cycling routes near Olympia-Lacey.