Grab a picnic, and take a stroll among the old-growth trees of Federation Forest. This little-known gem on the White River offers family-friendly hiking and a peek at an important piece of Washington history.

A native plant garden surrounds the park's interpretive center, named for Catherine T. Montgomery. The noted backpacker, teacher and conservationist is credited with being the first to envision the Pacific Crest Trail, back in 1926.

Step inside the center to learn about the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, native to this area, and the Washington State Chapter of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, an organization of women's service clubs that has worked for decades to preserve this forest. In 1926, the group began a campaign to save some of Washington's rapidly disappearing old-growth trees, leading to the establishment of Federation Forest.

Whether you're taking a break on your way to the mountains or looking for an afternoon outing, you will find tranquility on the river and beauty under the park's cool forest canopy.

Federation Forest State Park

Everyone needs the occasional lazy day on a lake. For folks in the Puget Sound area or communities near Mount Rainier, Nolte State Park fits the bill.

Located 10 minutes from Enumclaw and a half hour from Auburn and Federal Way, this charming day-use park sits on placid, tree-ringed Deep Lake. The lake entices swimmers, paddlers and anglers, and a mile-long path around the lake offers peaceful activities for walkers, photographers and birders.

Gather the work group or family, because kitchen shelters and picnic tables make Nolte a sweet spot for low-pressure company gatherings, Sunday picnics and family reunions.

Nolte might be your perfect afternoon R and R break.

State Parks Tagged With: Enumclaw