The Under-The-Radar Destination In Washington With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In The State
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published October 13, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Are you looking for a new place to see fall foliage in Washington? Though it’s popular among locals, Millersylvania State Park remains woefully under-the-radar with out-of-town travelers. Still, with its rich biodiversity, maintained trails, and picturesque campsites, I think this secret gem should be on every Washingtonian’s bucket list.
Visitors will find Millersylvania just 15 minutes from the state's charming capital, Olympia. This dynamic community is positively teeming with fantastic restaurants, tempting shops, and a thriving arts scene. If you're not from the area, consider getting your caffeine fix at one of Oly's numerous award-winning micro-roasters.
The park's history has roots in the state's colonial past. Millersylvania was a working homestead before the Miller family purchased it in the late 1850s. The Millers would care for the property for almost 70 years until they generously decided to donate the land to the state. Their one stipulation was that the area be used— in perpetuity— as a park for all to enjoy. They also named the area Millersylvania, meaning "wooded glade," a name that Washington decided to honor.
Comprising 903 acres, the park stretches along the shoreline of Deep Lake and safehouses a diverse tapestry of ecosystems, including marshes and old-growth forests.
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Some of the trees along the trails are massive. These venerable woods are a refuge for various species, some of which have been classified by Washington state as endangered. It's worthwhile to reserve a guided tour with one of the park's rangers to learn more about the flora and fauna here.
If you visit between October and November, you should know it's a prime time to find mushrooms! If you'd like to learn more about foraging, book a class with an experienced guide and plan your excursion with a group. It's best practice to identify what's edible by consensus with other knowledgeable individuals.
Because Millersylvania is a patchwork of ecosystems, visitors may enjoy the spectrum of Washington's nature in the fall— from bright autumn leaves to desaturated wetlands, from exuberant colors to the moody and atmospheric.
If you want to enjoy the fall foliage in Washington this season, consider checking out Millersylvania State Park. This gorgeous lakeside gem is a local favorite. Just a stone’s throw from the hub of Olympia, Washington’s capital, it’s the perfect stage for your autumn memories.
Where are your favorite under-the-radar spots in Washington?
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