WSGA20 - SW - 3 Frye Cove Park Traditional Cache

Frye Cove County Park is in Thurston County on the west shore of Eld Inlet, north of Flapjack Point on Steamboat Island. The park was acquired in 1973 and named after George W. Frye, who owned the property on the shore north of Flapjack Point.

The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, playgrounds, picnic shelters, 1400 feet of saltwater beach, and a view of Mount Rainier on a clear day. A nicely-maintained loop hiking trail can be found from the edge of the parking lot. The trail offers branching options, although the main loop is 1.25 miles.

Join the trail that can be found behind the small outbuilding near the parking lot. There is currently no sign directing you to the trailhead. You can take the trail in either direction, as you will return here after completing the loop.

The route has rolling hills along the loop, dropping repeatedly to sea level near the water and heading back through the forest. The trail is primarily forested, with views of Frye Cove along the south and east portions. At low tide, mudflats are exposed at sea level, and in winter months, the trail can get muddy near the water’s edge. At high tide, the bright green-blue color of the cove glimmers through the trees. Watch for a variety of native birds near the water.

Along this trail, several tall, towering trees can be found: Hemlock, Western Redcedar, Douglas Fir, Alder, and Big Leaf Maple. Lower shrubs such as sword ferns, Oregon grape, holly, and trillium fill the landscape in spring.

The dirt trail is wide and provides views of the water, and on a sunny day, Mount Rainier can be seen. Small wooden signs give directions along the trail, although they are easy to miss. Parts of the trail have wooden stairs, rails, and one flat wooden bridge. Benches can be found along the trail for resting or taking in the views. The trail crosses Giddings Road Northwest once on this loop and offers a crosswalk.

To reach this cache, follow the trail south of the parking lot. Shortly, a small side trail will lead away to the west and deeper into the undeveloped part of the park. Follow this tiny, winding trail to the cache.