Commentary by Brian Mittge / For The Chronicle
Happy Berryuary! It’s my favorite time of year: the midsummer season when Washington’s woods are at their bountiful best.
The native trailing blackberries are delicious, the red huckleberries are fantastic, the thimbleberries are terrifically tart and even some late salmonberries are still around as a treat for the tongue.
We haven’t quite hit Himalayan blackberry season (I just picked my first handful today off of a precocious cane in a sunny area), but that just means we can fully focus on enjoying the more delicate native berries that are in the woods all around us.
Of course, don’t try any berries unless you’re certain of what you’re eating — so find someone who can show you, then get to gobbling!
Obscure Parks
My recent column on the top ten outdoors spots in our area left me feeling guilty for all the fine but lesser-known spots I left off. So here are the dark horse candidates, the behind-the-garden-fence spots that offer an excellent outdoor experience if you’re willing to explore a little.
- Cathedral Falls: This is a stunner in the national forest and not too far off the road, just south of Riffe Lake. A short trail takes you to an enormous rock overhang and waterfall. The gap under the overhang is so enormous that big cedar trees grow underneath the mountain over your head. This family-friendly hike is off Goat Creek Trail #205.
- Stations of the Cross: One of my favorite places in Lewis County is this switchback trail in Mossyrock that leads from a chapel, past hand-painted images of Jesus on the way to be crucified, then ending at a giant cross overlooking Mayfield Lake. While the nearby DeGoede Bulb Farm has been sold, the DeGoede family kept ownership of this wooded hillside trail and continues to generously let the public hike the trail.
- Agnew Mill Pond (China Creek) Park: This is one of the area’s newest public spaces. A flood retention project that doubles as a walking trail, it’s a strange mix of post-industrial wreckage and burgeoning natural area. Much of its 38 acres is covered with water at least some of the year, but there are trails all around it. Watch for birds, deer and signs of the mill that once flourished there.
- Wilbur Parkins Park: First off, “Parkins Park” is just a great name. But secondly, this park in Centralia’s Logan District, while described on the city’s website as having “primitive” parking and trails, has a great little beach. It’s also the perfect place to launch kayaks to travel down the Skookumchuck River. Speaking of which, a great place to end your aquatic voyage is at...
- Fort Borst Park: While this park is highly visible from the freeway, have you been back to its boat launch along the Chehalis River? While you’re there, check out the miniature historical village there, from the truly historic Borst Home to the recreated school, church and beautiful gardens.
- Rose Park: This county park near Adna is secluded and little-used. Just to be safe, it’s a park that we don’t visit solo — but as a family it’s a fine place to have a picnic and hike the loop trail. Sometimes my wife runs and we slower folks let her lap us. It works for all speeds.
- Winolequa Park: Another outside-the-norm park, this is a nice little park near Winlock, In a few weeks it’ll be buzzing with music at the acoustic extravaganza known as Winlock Pickersfest, but it’s a nice park to visit year-round.
- Dobson/McFadden Trails: These “feral parks” are conjoined and neglected twins on the hill above Chehalis. Access is difficult — I usually park by the Scout Lodge — but the hikes are a lot of fun, especially if you like elevation gain. It’s a workout but it’s worth it.
- McMurphy Park: These 10 acres of rolling lawn in Vader are a hidden delight. There are plenty of places to play with the dogs and kids, but the best part is the extensive access to beautiful Olequa Creek. You can also find the namesake “Little Falls” that is Vader’s less Darthy nickname.
- Seminary Hill Natural Area: I’m biased on this one, as I’m a longtime volunteer with the Friends group that helps sustain it. But this objectively is one of the best-loved and most-used natural areas in the community. Great for short hikes, trail runs and more. Family-friendly and close to downtown Centralia, it’s a gem.
What’s your favorite little-known spot to enjoy nature in Lewis County? I’d love to hear about it. After all, secrets are OK, but sharing is even better.
Brian Mittge can be reached at brianmittge@hotmail.com
