Nolte State Park

(Photo of Deep Lake inside of Nolte State Park)

Earlier this summer, Sean and I had a rare day off together so we decided to head to Nolte State Park to check out Deep Lake. Our friend had been raving about for months and we were not disappointed! Hidden on a back road in Enumclaw/Cumberland, this secluded park offers peaceful relaxation even among crowds of people. 

 (Rachel and Sean were here! Photo by Rob Worl)

Sean and I brought snacks, books, a blanket and my camera (of course!) and settled in for a beautiful, sunny day by the lake. I love to people watch so I was happy to watch the families, kids, and dogs that were playing around and in the lake, while Sean unsuccessfully tried to take a nap (I kept bugging him).

(Part of the picnic area at Nolte, right up the hill from the sandy beach)

Later that afternoon, we discovered the most beautiful walking trail that circles around the lake. It's a 1.5 mile loop that has adjoining trails that lead down to small beaches and fishing areas. The light that day was phenomenal! It took Sean and I ages to walk the trail because we kept stopping to just stare at the light filtering through the canopy. The carpet of pine needles under our feet muffled our steps enough so that it was almost completely silent other than the birds chirping and the wind rustling the leaves above.

(Nolte's  beautifully forested trail)

Sean and I returned to Nolte for a church event this past week and were able to speak with one of the Park Rangers named Sebastian. He was incredibly friendly and eager to tell us about the history of Nolte. We found out that the park had been a private resort owned by the Nolte family, complete with cabins around the lake and a floating dance hall! Seriously, how cool is that! In 1972, the Nolte family gifted the land to the state with the express purpose that it be preserved for the rest of time for future generations. We're sure glad that they did!

(Sunlight filtering through the canopy)

Overall, we love this park. It is small and intimate and even when you're surrounded by people, it still feels peaceful. The main trail and side trails were great for discovering little spots on the water and increasingly gorgeous views of Deep Lake. It's an easy walk, perfect for kids or if you're looking for a short jaunt that's chock-full of nature. There is no camping here, but there is a swimming area, picnic area, bathrooms, and a modern playground.

(One of the adjoining trails that leads down to Deep Lake)

Keep your eyes out for wildlife! You never know who you may see if you walk quietly, respectfully, and observantly. We met a little squirrel who chirped at us and held still for a portrait. 

 (Our little squirrel friend)

 Here is the link to the official Nolte State Park page: Complete Information for Nolte (parks.wa.gov)

We hope you visit soon!

-Rachel and Sean

Location of Nolte State Park:

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Scenic Beach State Park (Our First Visit!)

(A view of the Olympics across Hood Canal from Scenic Beach State Park)

Sean and I deliberated over which park to choose to kick off our new adventure. Did we want trees or open space, ocean or river, east or west, long or short drive? We changed our minds a few times but we finally settled on Scenic Beach State Park on the Hood Canal. At the very least it had to be pretty, because otherwise it would have to have been a victim of terribly false advertising. (Thankfully, it lived up to its name!)

(Sean in his Captain Morgan pose)

Sean and I both dearly love the Washington State Ferries, so we decided to ride the one from West Seattle to Southworth, with a stop on Vashon Island. Fun fact: when Sean and I used to live in West Seattle, we would head down to Lincoln Park every chance we'd get and I'd always tell him that someday, I wanted to ride that ferry that took off from that dock. It was every bit as beautiful as I'd always hoped it would be! We stopped for lunch in Silverdale because we were both ridiculously cranky and then we headed out to the park in a much improved mood.

(The picnic space in the forest overlooking Hood Canal)

This park was so picturesque and peaceful. There was a picnic space sheltered by towering trees, another on a sprawling green lawn, and a sweet little beach absolutely covered with oyster shells. It also had hushed walking trails, a historic family house with a breathtaking view of Hood Canal, and secluded camping spots a short walk from the beach access point.

(The picnic area and volleyball net on the lawn of the Emel House)

(My favorite kind of walking trails; cut right through the undergrowth)

Sean and I got lost in the park (we apparently can't read maps), but we certainly got to see all of the park, parts of it even a few times over and over! We finally made our way down to the beach access and walked until we found a spot to ourselves and then just relaxed and stared at the amazingly close Olympic Mountains.

Overall, we liked this park a lot. We got both a lush forest and a wide open beach just a few yards away from each other (this is the number one thing I ADORE about Washington), and there was enough space in the park to be friendly with people but also find a secluded place when we wanted one. There was such an awesome variation of trees; Western Red Cedars, Western Hemlocks, Douglas Firs, Big Leaf Maples, Madronas, and White Pines, to name a few. The Rangers were very nice, but we didn't get a chance to really chat with them because the weekend camping crowds were coming in at the same time we did. I couldn't believe that we were so close to the Olympics and that they didn't have any snow on them! I kept asking Sean, "are you SURE those are the Olympics? They look so small!"

 (I couldn't resist the crystal clear water, so I took off my boots and waded in!)

 (Sean's favorite thing to do at the beach)

We're really looking forward to exploring the other parks in this region! We had an amazing time!

For more information please visit: Complete Scenic Beach Information (parks.wa.gov)

For camping information, please visit: Camping at Scenic Beach (parks.wa.gov)

Have a wonderful rest of your weekend!

-Rachel and Sean

Location of Scenic Beach State Park:

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Coming Soon!

Our first official State Parks visit (and post) will be on Friday, August 16th. Come back and see what adventures we encountered!

We're crazy excited!

Rachel and Sean