Mima Mounds.

Mysterious Mima Mounds

A lumpy landscape stretching into the surrounding forest, hundreds of little knoll-like Mima Mounds pimple an otherwise flat Thurston County prairie. There's an observation deck, a trail that loops around the 445-acre preserve, and an outdoor display that essentially admits that scientists don't know why the mounds exist.

Where they made by wind? Glaciers? Earthquakes? Gophers? Vikings? Each of these explanations has its champions (Well, we're the ones pushing the wayward Vikings theory), but apparently no one has come forward with what would seem to be a definitive cause. In late 2013 a California geologist announced that his computer model favored gophers -- but what made them so hyperactive? Aliens? Vikings???

Mysterious Mima Mounds

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve

Address:: 12315 Waddell Creek Rd SW, Littlerock, WA
Directions:: Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. I-5 exit 95. Maytown Rd. SW west through Littlerock. After 3.8 miles, turn right on Waddell Creek Rd SW. Continue 1 mile to Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve.
Hours:: Summer 8:30-8:30, Winter 8:30-5:30. Gated after hours. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 360-902-1434
Admission:: Parking self-pay station.

Nearby Offbeat Places

Metal Cows, Olympia, WA - 10 mi.

Auto Parts Man, Centralia, WA - 14 mi.

Run of Giant Fiberglass Salmon, Olympia, WA - 12 mi.

In the region:

Yard Bird Statues, Chehalis, WA - 16 mi.

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