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Watershed Park Olympia |
| WASHINGTON STATE > OLYMPIA HOTELS > SEATTLE > SEATTLE HOTELS > SEATTLE AIRPORT HOTELS | ||||||||||||||
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Watershed Park is a 117-acre refuge located close to the city center and the
State Capital. The watershed has been an important part of Olympia's history,
having served as the city's main source of fresh water from 1909 to 1947. In
1955 the city passed an ordinance to protect the area from further development.
The 1.5 mile trail that winds through the park was officially built in 1977. The
trail has recently been upgraded with improved drainage, new bridges and
benches. Natural History Moxlie Creek, the main waterbody in the park, is maintained by ground water (springs) and surface water runoff. Chinook Salmon are found in the creek from May through September. Coho and Cutthroat trout also live in the creek. The habitat is characterized by big leaf maple, Douglas fir, red alder and incense cedar. The understory includes huckleberry, Oregon grape, licorice and sword ferns, salmon berry and devil's club. Park History: In the late 1800's, wells were first established on the Watershed property. Nearly every glass of water in the City came out of Watershed Park. In 1917, the City acquired the waterworks and operated the wells until they were replaced in the 1950's. In 1955, the property was to be logged and sold. Citizens were so overwhelmingly opposed, they appealed to the Supreme Court to preserve the area. Their efforts resulted in an ordinance that protects this beautiful area today. Upon close observation, park visitors are still able to see signs of the old waterworks and large ancient tree stumps. Park Features: Deep in the park is the Moxlie Creek Springs Basin, one of the largest spring basins in the region. Beneath the towering, temperate rain forest canopy, the spring branches braid through the skunk cabbages and salmonberries to create Moxlie Creek. The park's trail system, although steep and stepped in locations, provides one of the City's best walking experiences. Directions From south of Olympia take Interstate 5 to Exit 105 and bear left to a T-intersection at Henderson Boulevard. Go left 0.1 mile to the small parking lot clearly marked with a sign, "City of Olympia Watershed Park, G. Eldon Marshall Trail." From north of Olympia take Exit 105B and bear to the left to the first light. Go left 0.8 mile along Henderson Boulevard to the parking lot on the left. |
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