Deschutes Falls Park — Attraction in Yelm

After reading about this park as well as possible new swimming holes, we made the trip out to this park, and truly, this is a hidden gem. The trails are well maintained, as is the park overall. The catwalk overlook is a downhill stroll that splits a meadow full of white daisies with a few fruit trees scattered.

The trail down to the river and falls overlook is down hill. I mention this as it could be steep for a few folks.

Signs marking the directions to the park are easy to follow and just past the prison looking Clearwood Gated Community, the road narrows, heading up hill until you come to gate and park entrance,

Note: (likely those living in the gated community, as no one else really lives out there) folks really do a fine job tailgating making you feel really welcome driving this county road. I don’t think it’s a high priority, as a local police officer (who must live out there) joined in with the rest of the tailgating festivities.

Outside of the neighbors, it's still...

Deschutes Falls Park in Thurston county, Washington is a county park along the Deschutes River. It features walking trails along the river located to allow distant viewing of a series of waterfalls. It has a few small hills to climb but nothing very steep. The shortcoming at this location is information. There is a main path from the parking lot down to the viewing area. At the bottom of the hill there is a sign saying viewing area with two arrows. One arrow points to left and one right. The path on the right continues down a short way to an overlook. The arrow to the left is less obvious. The path continues to the left. There are smaller trails toward the river as you follow the path. There is nothing to indicate the distance the path continues, or what may be located along or at the end of the path. We did not walk to the end of this path as it had begun raining. However, as far as we walked there were no other signs or information regarding the park or additional...

Today was "get out and explore". I wanted to go somewhere we hadn't been before. What a fabulous little tucked in location. The path is mostly rock covered until you get further down and then parts of it are beauty bark or a normal dirt trail. It is what I consider stroller or wheelchair friendly for the majority of it, you just need to know you will go uphill at times. There is a port a potty up in the parking area, but nowhere else.

It wasn't very crowded, in fact we didn't see people for the majority of our visit. There is a swim at your own risk area, with very cold water. Nice spot to bring a picnic and just enjoy the scenery. We will go back...