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Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Washington

Thurston County

Mima Mounds South Loop Trail

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Washington

Thurston County

Mima Mounds South Loop Trail

Easy

3.4

(19)

hikers

Mima Mounds South Loop Trail

Q: Where can I park for the Mima Mounds South Loop Trail?

Parking is available at the main entrance to the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. The trail starts near the Mima Mounds Interpretive Center , which is a good place to begin your hike.

Q: Is the Mima Mounds South Loop Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the delicate ecosystem and wildlife.

Q: When is the best time to hike the South Loop Trail?

Spring is particularly beautiful, with vibrant wildflowers like camas, lupine, and golden paintbrush blooming across the prairie. Clear days offer distant views of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. The trail is accessible year-round, but conditions vary seasonally.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to hike at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve or hike its trails, including the South Loop.

Q: Is the South Loop Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy and suitable for beginners and families. It features relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant walk for most fitness levels.

Q: What is the terrain like on the South Loop Trail?

The South Loop Trail is primarily a gravel path that winds through a mix of prairie and short forest sections. You'll walk among, around, and even over some of the distinctive Mima Mounds.

Q: What makes the Mima Mounds unique?

The Mima Mounds are a fascinating geological mystery. These peculiar, evenly spaced grassy mounds are a National Natural Landmark, and their origins are still debated among scientists. It's a truly captivating landscape.

Q: What kind of scenery can I expect on the trail?

You'll experience the unique Mima Mounds landscape, prairie grasses, fluffy mosses, and lichen. During spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail also passes through a short stretch of mixed forest, and on clear days, you might catch glimpses of distant mountains.

Q: Are there any specific viewpoints or landmarks along the route?

Yes, the trail offers views of the Mima Mounds themselves. You can also visit the Mima Mounds Interpretive Center near the trailhead and the Mima Mounds Viewing Platform for excellent perspectives of the landscape.

Q: Does the South Loop Trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Mima Mounds North Loop Trail and the Mima Mounds ADA Loop Trail, offering options to extend or vary your hike.

01:21

5.33km

10m

Hiking

Step into a geological enigma on the Mima Mounds South Loop Trail, an easy 3.3-mile (5.3 km) hike near Olympia that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. You'll wander through fields of thousands of unexplained, naturally formed mounds, interspersed with Garry oak woodlands and Douglas-fir forest. The minimal 31…

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

44 m

Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve

Highlight • Natural Monument

The 640-acre Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve contains around 370 acres of mounded prairie. The area's marine-influenced climate is mild, with warm, dry summers and cool, but mostly snow-free winters …

Tip by

134 m

Mima Mounds Interpretive Center

Highlight • Rest Area

Get a better look at the strange mounds from a raised viewing platform. Interpretive signs at the viewing platform describe the unknown origins of this geological phenomenon.

Tip by

4.02 km

Mima Mounds Viewing Platform

Highlight • Viewpoint

This viewing platform give you another opportunity to rise above the mounds. Try to spot the interpretive center, disguised as a mound in the distance!

Tip by

5.33 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.39 km

875 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.49 km

875 m

847 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Wednesday 8 July

23°C

10°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park for the Mima Mounds South Loop Trail?

Parking is available at the main entrance to the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. The trail starts near the Mima Mounds Interpretive Center, which is a good place to begin your hike.

Is the Mima Mounds South Loop Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the delicate ecosystem and wildlife.

When is the best time to hike the South Loop Trail?

Spring is particularly beautiful, with vibrant wildflowers like camas, lupine, and golden paintbrush blooming across the prairie. Clear days offer distant views of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. The trail is accessible year-round, but conditions vary seasonally.

Are there any fees or permits required to hike at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve or hike its trails, including the South Loop.

Is the South Loop Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy and suitable for beginners and families. It features relatively flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, making it a pleasant walk for most fitness levels.

What is the terrain like on the South Loop Trail?

The South Loop Trail is primarily a gravel path that winds through a mix of prairie and short forest sections. You'll walk among, around, and even over some of the distinctive Mima Mounds.

What makes the Mima Mounds unique?

The Mima Mounds are a fascinating geological mystery. These peculiar, evenly spaced grassy mounds are a National Natural Landmark, and their origins are still debated among scientists. It's a truly captivating landscape.

What kind of scenery can I expect on the trail?

You'll experience the unique Mima Mounds landscape, prairie grasses, fluffy mosses, and lichen. During spring, wildflowers are abundant. The trail also passes through a short stretch of mixed forest, and on clear days, you might catch glimpses of distant mountains.

Are there any specific viewpoints or landmarks along the route?

Yes, the trail offers views of the Mima Mounds themselves. You can also visit the Mima Mounds Interpretive Center near the trailhead and the Mima Mounds Viewing Platform for excellent perspectives of the landscape.

Does the South Loop Trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Mima Mounds North Loop Trail and the Mima Mounds ADA Loop Trail, offering options to extend or vary your hike.

How long does it typically take to hike the South Loop Trail?

Most hikers complete the South Loop Trail in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though this can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.