Yelm-to-Tenino rail trail passes prairies, farms and wetlands

Trail location: Yelm to Tenino, in Thurston County southeast of Olympia.

Length: 14.5 miles, with mileage markers every half-mile.

Level of difficulty: Level-to-gentle grade, wide asphalt-paved surface.

Setting: The eastern end of this converted Burlington Northern Railroad line starts behind Yelm City Hall at the junction of Highways 510 and 507, then follows Highway 507 west, close to the north side of the road. The first mile or two is open to some development by the highway, but then you get out in the countryside and the trail feels more private, passing through prairies and forests, and near farms and wetlands (still running about 30 to 40 feet from the road). After five miles, you'll pass through the town of Rainier, and around seven miles, the trail intersects with the 22-mile-long Chehalis-Western Trail, which runs northward. The trail passes along McIntosh Lake through the site of a former mill town, and crosses over to follow the south side of Highway 507 until it ends in Tenino City Park.

Highlights: Tenino City Park, the trail's western terminus, is the site of the former Tenino Stone Company sandstone quarry, which was founded in 1888 and is on the National Historic Register. The quarry later filled with water from local springs and is still used as the town swimming pool. In the mid-1970s, the town's train depot was moved to the park and later opened as a museum. From late June to late September, a farmers market is held at the park on Saturdays.

Facilities: Seasonal toilets along the trail at Tenino City Park and Wilkowski Park in Rainier; restrooms at Yelm and Rainier city halls and at local businesses.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect; no motorized vehicles.

Directions: To reach the Yelm trailhead, from Interstate 5, take Exit 116 and follow Nisqually Road Southwest for several miles. Turn left on Reservation Road Southeast, then left on Highway 510, and follow it into downtown Yelm. Just before the first stop light in Yelm, turn right at City Hall and park in the back by the trail kiosk. You can also park at Rainier City Hall, at Tenino City Park, or at occasional pullouts along Highway 507.

For more information: 360-786-5595 or www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks/trails/yt-trail.htm.