Keys of the Capitol: Interesting Spaces Multi-Cache

• Planning A Visit During Legislative Session
• Know Before You Go
• Capitol Campus Activities and Events

This is part of the Keys of the Capitol Series:

Key 1: Splendid Art     Key 2: Changing Waters     Key 3: Gardens for the Senses     Key 4: Interesting Spaces     Keys of the Capitol: Finale

Each multicache in this series will feature a different theme. At the final location you will need to find a "key" (Keyword) that can be found in proximity to the final location of the cache. When all the keys are combined in the correct order, they can be used unlock a grand finale mystery cache.

Often, people drive by the Capitol and overlook the many interesting things it has to offer. However, when you take the time to walk around, you discover there is quite a bit to see. The purpose of this series is to encourage you to spend time enjoying the numerous attractions within the Olympia Capitol campus.

Key 4 is entitled: Interesting Spaces.  (Code Name: O. lurida)

This geocache highlights the publicly accessible areas within buildings at the capitol offering opportunities to learn about the legislative process, view interesting exhibits and art, and access public resources. Throughout your search, you'll also encounter some interesting facts and stories about these locations.

While this geocache primarily aims to guide you through the Capitol's publicly accessible interiors, I understand that open hours may be restrictive (with only one location accessible on weekends). To ensure everyone can complete the course in one trip, I've included two options to solve the final. Even if a building is closed (due to hours, weekends, or holidays), you'll still be able to complete the cache. If you choose option 2, I encourage you to revisit and explore the indoor spaces another time if you can. The outdoor alternative also highlights interesting features you might enjoy checking out if time permits. Approximate locations of the keywords are listed as reference points in the waypoints menu. Photos have also been included to help locate the keyword locations in stage 1.

You can approach the stages in any order you like. Below, you'll find the descriptions arranged chronologically based on when each building was completed. The first two stages will lead you through the West Capitol Campus before crossing Capitol Way to the East Capitol Campus.

Quick Links

About West Capitol Campus

Stage 1     Stage 2

About East Capitol Campus

Stage 3     Stage 4     

HEAD TO THE FINAL

Parking and Transportation

About West Capitol Campus:

Step back in time to the construction of the capitol complex 1912-1940.

In 1911, Washington State entrusted the design of its new capitol complex to two relatively unknown architects, Wilder and White. Their winning concept embraced the grandeur of the Beaux-Arts architecture movement, a style that elegantly blends elements of classical French, Greek, and Roman designs. The creation of this impressive State Capitol wasn't without its share of controversy, a story you can explore further through these links:

• Olympia Capitol - A History of the Building
• Temple of Justice/site of Milo Root and Quincy-Campbell Homes

Since its initial construction, the original capitol complex has been expanded with the addition of several other buildings following the completion of the capitol complex in 1940.

Jump back to the quick links

Stage 1: Temple of Justice

Open 9:00AM - 4:00PM M-F

N 47° 02.205′ W 122° 54.290

Discover More Than Just the Court:

While the Temple of Justice is renowned as the home of the Washington Supreme Court, it also houses a valuable resource for everyone: the Washington State Law Library. This library welcomes the general public, and Washington State residents can even borrow books and other materials after completing registration to become a borrower (details on the  Library Borrowing Page).

The Law Library's mission is to: "Promote reliable access to legal information and provide expert legal reference assistance."

As a patron of the Law Library, you can access a range of helpful services:

• Assistance from reference personnel for basic inquiries and locating materials.
• Borrowing privileges for WA State residents, including books, eBooks, and other media (see the Online Public Access Catalog).
• Access to valuable legal research databases.
• Inter-library loan services.

Facts and Features of the Temple of Justice:

Beyond its role as the home of the State Supreme Court, the Temple of Justice has some intriguing stories to tell!

• First of the Five: This impressive structure holds the distinction of being the first building completed according to Wilder and White's Capitol Campus plan. Construction began in 1912, and it stood finished by 1920 (1).
   
• From Quarry to Foundation: The building exterior is made from Washington sourced rock. The sandstone hails from Wilkenson in Pierce County, while the foundation is built with granite from the small town of Baring in King County (2).
   
• A Constructive Working Environment?: In 1913, as soon as the walls and roof went up, The Supreme Court, Law Library, and Attorney General's office moved in. The state employees and judges went to work within the partially completed structure alongside construction workers still finishing the interior. It would be a full seven years more before construction would conclude (2)!
   
• An Unusual Tenant: Like many of the other buildings at the capitol, the Temple of Justice has housed various agencies over the years. One of the more unusual occupants? The Department of Highways, who reportedly used the boiler room as a "materials testing facility" for a few years in the 1920s (3)!
   
• A Bit Shaken but Still Standing: In 1987, the Temple of Justice underwent a significant seismic retrofit, reinforcing its structure against future earthquakes. This upgrade proved its worth during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. The building sustained only cosmetic damage (2). However, one notable event occurred: a carved sandstone block broke off the exterior near the back entrance! Look closely at the north side of the building. Above the doors, you'll see three cartouche and garland emblems. One of these blocks is a noticeably lighter color – that's the replacement for the one that fell. For a chance to see the original, earthquake-damaged block of Wilkenson sandstone, take a short detour down the heritage trail switchbacks to Reference Point 2 (N 47° 02.285′ W 122° 54.285′).

Sources: 

1. https://capitol.wa.gov/temple-justice
2. https://wacourthistory.org/2022/10/16/templeofjusticehistory/
3. https://olympiahistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/temple-of-justice.pdf

LOCATING THE TEMPLE OF JUSTICE KEYWORDS:

OBTAIN KEYWORD A or U

Option 1 Indoors N 47° 02.209′ W 122° 54.265′	Option 2 Outside N 47° 02.247′ W 122° 54.240′
As you enter the main reading room to the Law Library, go to the second row of book cases to your right (CALL # KFW 34.5) From the bookcase closest to the window, on the second shelf from the bottom.  Select the second book from the right (See Photo) (Hint: Initials of the book would be T.3.3.) This book contains multiple titles and the page numbers repeat between titles.  Starting at the beginning of the book, turn to page 50 (of the first title). The page you turned to has 9 sections with each section title in bold text. Record:  the single word title of the 5th section. It is the only title that ends in "e".	From the Stage 1 Waypoint, head east until you reach the sidewalk along Cherry Ln. SW. Turn north and cross 12th Ave. SW. You should now be at the start of the Heritage Park Trail. Proceed along the trail for approximately 20 feet, where the trail turns left but before it starts descending down the hill. On your left, you will see an interpretive sign providing information about the construction of the capitol complex.  Record: The second word in the last line of paragraph 2
Keyword A = The word in the 5th section ending in "e" on page 50. You can validate Keyword A with certitude.	Keyword U = Second word in last line of paragraph 2 You can validate Keyword U with certitude.

OBTAIN KEYWORD B or V

Option 1 Indoors N 47° 02.220′ W 122° 54.265′	Option 2 Outside N 47° 02.217′ W 122° 54.335′
Walk across the reading room to the second room of book shelves on the north side of the library. There is a bookshelf partially nestled under a stairway Marked A - K225. Find the blue book on the left side of the book case Starting with Call # F 891. Second shelf from the bottom fourth book in (there are 2 copies but one stays in the library Initials of the title are T.E.W.). Turn to page 179.This should be the first page of a chapter having to do with place names. There are 3 major place names mentioned on this page. The description lists the origin of each name and says that the second place is named after a person. Record: the name that is shared by the place and a person.	From the Stage 1 Waypoint, walk to the west lawn of the temple of justice and have a look at the trees planted in this area.  Locate the Sugi Tree (Cryptomeria japonica), planted as a tree of friendship between Hyogo, Japan and Washington State.  Locate the red gabbro stone plaque at the base of the tree.  Read the description. Record: the second word on line 2
Keyword B = Shared Name in the second place name. You can validate Keyword B with certitude	Keyword V = Second word on line 2 You can validate Keyword V with certitude.

Jump back to the quick links

Stage 2: Legislative Building

Doors are open:  7 AM - 6:15 PM M-F  11 AM to 4 PM Sat-Sun

Business hours for government offices are Mon - Fri 8 AM - 5PM

N 47° 02.127′ W 122° 54.291′

Step Inside Washington's Legislative Hub:

Venture to the Second Floor:

• Take a Guided Journey: Sign up for a tour and delve into the building's history and function.
• Chart Your Own Course: Follow a self-guided tour and discover at your own pace.
• Interesting Exhibits: View a fascinating replica of the Washington State Constitution within the Secretary of State's Office. This office often showcases rotating special exhibits , also sometimes available online.
• A Special Preview (Limited Time): Experience the compelling Billy Frank Jr. maquette on display in the Lt. Governor's Office. This is a preview of the full-scale statue located at the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C.

Head up to the Third Floor:

• It's more than just another level. This spot provides a prime vantage point to soak in the architectural beauty of the Legislative Building. From here, you'll gain a comprehensive view of the various floors, truly showcasing the detailed decor and the impressive stonework.
• Check out the elegant State Reception room. With Tiffany chandeliers, velvet drapes and a monumental round table carved from a single piece of Circassian walnut.

Observe Democracy in Action (Respectfully) on the Fourth Floor: Quietly visit the Senate or House Gallery. Be sure to review the Senate Gallery Rules and House Gallery Rules beforehand if you plan to observe a floor session.

Additional things to discover on the Ground Floor:

Explore the Gift Shop for unique items pertaining to Washington State.

Grab a Bite to eat: The Cafe is open to the public and offers Breakfast and Lunch plus meals to go on weekdays until 2 PM.

Information and History:  Another information desk is located near the gift shop. There are also historical photos showing the construction of the current legislative building and photos of previous WA legislative buildings.  This area also contains a number of brochures with more information about the Capitol and Washington.

Facts and Features of the Legislative building:

As you explore, here are some interesting details about the building:

• The Capitol's dome isn't just impressive to look at; it's the tallest masonry dome in North America, rising a remarkable 102 feet! The entire building stretches to a height of 287 feet (1). Interestingly, when it was first built, it was the fourth tallest of its kind in the world (2).
   
• Look up in the rotunda and you'll see a chandelier with a story of its own – it's the largest one ever created by Tiffany Co., weighing in at around 5 tons (2)! There's even a story about it mysteriously swinging one April morning, a tale you can read here (3): The Swinging Chandelier: A Story for April 1 by Ralph Munro

• The building's beauty is also in the many materials used in its construction, each with a unique origin:
   
  • The warm-toned sandstone you see on the exterior comes from Wilkeson, WA and the durable granite came from Index, WA (4).
  • The sleek marble in the main corridors was sourced from Alaska.
  • The elegant marble gracing the State Reception Room was imported from Italy.
  • The Senate Chamber features marble brought in from Germany.
  • The House Chamber showcases marble from France (2).

Sources:

(1) https://capitol.wa.gov/history-legislative-building/legislative-building-stats

(2) https://historylink.org/File/5443

(3) https://historylink.org/File/8126

(4) https://des.wa.gov/sites/default/files/capitolcampus/tours/virtualtour/mobile/exterior.html

LOCATING THE LEGISLATIVE BUILDING KEYWORD: 

OBTAIN KEYWORD C or W

Option 1 Indoors N 47° 02.135′ W 122° 54.291′	Option 2 Outside N 47° 02.135′ W 122° 54.249′
Walk in the door and take the stairs or elevators on either side of the stairs to the 3rd floor. Walk over to the front of the State Reception Room where you will find a bust of Martin Luther King Jr. From the list of contributors, find the name of the 7th contributor listed. Record: the second word in their name (It follows the word Seattle).	From the stage 2 coordinates, head east approximately 200 feet until you reach the southeast corner of the building.  Then head north approximately 40 ft to a side entrance.  Near the side entrance you should find a plaque marking something that was once here.  Record: What is the first word on the first line.
C = The 2nd word in the name of the 7th contributor. You can validate Keyword C with certitude.	W = The 1st word on line 1 of the plaque. You can validate Keyword W with certitude

Jump back to the quick links

About the East Capitol Campus:

Following the completion of the Capitol Complex, the state recognized a growing need for more office space as agencies expanded. Additionally, some agencies had established headquarters in cities like Seattle. A significant turning point came in 1954 with the Washington State Supreme Court case Lemon v. Langlie. The court ruled, based on Article 14 Section 1 of the State Constitution (on display in the Secretary of State's office), that Olympia was the permanent "seat of government." This decision mandated that the heads of all state agencies be located near or within Olympia. Although the exact geographic limits of the "seat of government" weren't specified (leaving areas like Tumwater and Lacey ambiguous), the need for agencies in other cities to be located in the Olympia area was clear. This undoubtedly spurred the rapid construction of new buildings on the east side of the capitol in the 1960s, following the initial east campus design in 1958.

For more detailed information about the East Capitol Campus and the interpretation of the "seat of government," you can explore these resources:

• About the Highways-Licenses Building
• Office of Attorney General Opinion: Temporary Location (AGO 1987 No. 24 - Nov 23 1987)

Jump back to the quick links

Stage 3: Washington Archives Building

Open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM M-F

N 47° 02.220′ W 122° 54.010′

Exploring the Washington State Archives: What Awaits You?

History on Display: The archives feature rotating exhibits highlighting key events and figures from Washington's history.

A Flame from the Games: Get a close look at one of the Olympic torches carried during the 1996 Summer Olympic torch relay.

A General Letter: Examine a historic letter written by General George Washington.

Start a Research Journey: Research state documents by scheduling an appointment ahead of time via email at research@sos.wa.gov. This allows the archives staff to prepare for your visit and locate the necessary materials before you arrive.

Access from Anywhere: Many documents are also available online through the Digital Archives.

More to Discover with a Group: If you have a group of 4-5 interested people, you can email the archives ahead of time to see if a guided tour is available for a future date.

Facts and Features of the Archives:

• More than Just Archives: The State Archives building is unique in that it is constructed mostly underground (1). In fact, it is the only building at the capitol with full size trees (Littleleaf Lindens) growing on it's roof! The hidden location means that it remains unseen from Capitol Way and from above, but this low profile is more than just coincidence. Built between 1962 and 1963 in the middle of the Cold War, the building was intentionally designed with a dual purpose to also serve as a nuclear bomb shelter (2).

• What gets Archived Here? While the Archives is a repository for significant historical documents, it doesn't house all state records. Current records, like birth and death certificates handled by the State Department of Health, remain with that agency. You can find more details in the Washington State Archives FAQ.

• Preserving History for All: In line with its mission, one of the State Archivist's primary responsibilities, as outlined in RCW 40-14.020.(2), is to: “…centralize the archives of the state of Washington, to make them available for reference and scholarship, and to insure their proper preservation.” This ensures that these valuable historical records are accessible to everyone for research and learning.

Sources:

1. https://olympiahistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/archives.pdf
2. https://capitol.wa.gov/discover/buildings/state-archives-building

More Info: https://www2.sos.wa.gov/archives/

LOCATING THE ARCHIVES BUILDING KEYWORDS:

OBTAIN KEYWORDS D or X

Option 1 Indoors N 47° 02.220′ W 122° 54.015′	Option 2 Outside N 47° 02.190′ W 122° 54.040′
Go over to the Olympic torch display. Read the sign “About the 1996 Olympic Torch” Counting the Title as line 1, Record: the first word on line 8 (The Keyword is the last word of the second sentence.)	Walk around to the Southwest corner of the building (reference point X) There is an interpretive sign at this location.  The sign has 3 pictures of buildings on it. Read the description of the oldest building.  Record: the 9th word on line 5.
Keyword D = The first word on line 8 You can validate Keyword D with certitude.	Keyword X = The 9th word on line 5 You can validate Keyword X with certitude.

OBTAIN KEYWORDS E or Y

Option 1 Indoors N 47° 02.220′ W 122° 54.015′	Option 2 Outside N 47° 02.190′ W 122° 54.040′
Locate the George Washington letter. Reading the transcribed version of the letter below.  On the second page of the transcription, Paragraph 2, line 6, Record: the 5th word (The keyword you are looking for appears right after the word “know”)	Walk around to the Southwest corner of the building (reference point Y) On the interpretive sign there are 3 different pictures of buildings.  Read the description of the building that was located where you are standing.  Record: the 12th word in the first sentence of the description.  The word appears under the last two digits of the year 1919.
Keyword E = The word following "know" on page 2 You can validate Keyword E with certitude.	Keyword Y = 12th word in the caption for the building from 1919 You can validate Keyword Y with certitude.

Jump back to the quick links

Stage 4: Natural Resources Building

Open 7:30 AM - 5:30PM M-F

N 47° 02.225′ W 122° 53.910′

Discover a blend of art, science, and the Outdoors: This public space offers engaging displays from various state agencies, including a great collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from around Washington State.

Admire artistry on display: with Andy Wilbur-Peterson's Ceremonial Crane Design and David I. Edwards' Breaching Humpback, both featured in the public area.

Washington geology: The Washington Geology Library, located here, is open to the public by appointment (9-12pm M/W 9-12 T/Th 9am-4pm) and provides valuable assistance with basic geologic research and references. Don't forget to explore their digital collections online for even more insights.

Outdoor adventure awaits: Find information on hunting, fishing, and recreational opportunities in your area, and conveniently purchase your license or Discover Pass for your next exploration of state-managed lands. Learn more at https://wdfw.wa.gov/places-to-go.

Another Geological Bonus Outside! If you take a moment to look carefully in the visitor parking lot, you can observe the formation of calthemite stalactites (soda straws) (See Reference Point 3 N 47° 02.247′ W 122° 53.920′). These calcium carbonate structures form in a similar way to natural stalactites but use a different chemical reaction to obtain the same effect.

In limestone caves, stalactites naturally from when slightly acidic water dissolves the Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) from limestone and then precipitates it out when it reacts with the air in the cavern. 

In man-made structures, the rainwater seeping through cracks in the concrete, leaches out Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). When the water comes into contact with the air there is a chemical reaction that forms CaCO3 precipitate. On the ground under the soda straws, you might see a slight bump; this is the calthemite stalagmite.  It is a bit fitting that these can be seen at the natural resource building. Sometimes the features are removed, but because they form using a different chemical process than natural stalactites they grow back much faster. You may start noticing these on other buildings and cement structures throughout Washington.  

Facts and features of the Natural Resources Building:  

• Instead of the usual design-bid-build method this building was built using the design-build method (1). Resulting in creative and unique features inside and out. 
• Outside: 
  • A cantilevered portion of the 5 and 6th floor on the south side, with large vertical columns and triangular supports.
  • An off-set Rotunda.  
  • 105 foot dome from top to floor (2)
  • A 675-foot curved facade (3) on the north side.
• Inside: As you roam through the rotunda you can see symbolism of the recreational and agricultural opportunities in Washington.
  • In the center of the room, on the floor is a checkerboard pattern representing farmlands; symbolizing the Department of Agriculture.
  • The blue tiles represent a stream running through the land; symbolizing The Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • The outer ring of green surrounding the fields represents the state's forests; symbolizing the Department of Natural Resources.
  • The columns of wood around the perimeter of the room represent trees.
• Looking up towards the ceiling at the chandelier, you can see some of the elements of Washington weather represented:
  • White patterned circle segments represent clouds.
  • The golden column decenting through a break in the clouds represents the Sun.
  • Clear tubes represent Washington rain.
  • The red tube in the clouds represents a lightning bolt (2)

Sources:  

1. https://des.wa.gov/services/facilities-and-leasing-management/capitol-campus/buildings/natural-resources-building/building-projects
2. NRB Building Background (2011) and Natural Resources Building Information. From: WGS Library.
3. https://fentressarchitects.com/project/natural-resources-building/

More info:  https://capitol.wa.gov/discover/buildings/natural-resources-building

LOCATING THE NATURAL RESOURCES BUILDING KEYWORD:

OBTAIN KEYWORDS F or Z

Option 1 Indoors N 47° 02.237′ W 122° 53.895′	Option 2 Outside N 47° 02.227′ W 122° 53.904′
Locate the Map on the North East side of the rotunda. Use the Key to Geologic Units on the right side of the map to locate the county that geologically, is mostly made up of the geologic Unit “Tm". The word Mountains occurs next to where the county name appears on the map.  The geologic letter code Tm, also appears just above the name of the county.  Record: The name of the county	On the outside of the rotunda, locate the 8-sided plaque.  Record the 3rd word on the very first line of what is written. Record: the 3rd word on line 1
Keyword F = The name of the county You can validate Keyword F with certitude.	Keyword Z = 3rd word on line 1  You can validate Keyword Z with certitude.

Jump back to the quick links

Final

?

N 47° 02.???′ W 122° 53.???′

Note: if you have trouble opening the container press in the middle of the lid while opening

Option 1 Indoors If you collected the indoor keywords, Solve with the Passphrase: (A)IS(D)(E)(F)&(B)(C)MEET The passphrase should not contain any spaces You can validate the final passphrase with certitude and unlock the final coordinates.	Option 2 Outside If you collected the outdoor keywords, Solve with the Passphrase: (W)(Y)OF(X)(V)(U)(Z)   The passphrase should not contain any spaces You can validate the final passphrase with certitude and unlock the final coordinates.
OR	OR
Solve the coordinates directly by entering the number of letters in each keyword to solve for the coords:  N 47° 02.(A-3)(B-1)(C+4) W 122° 53.(D+4)(E)(F-9)	Solve the coordinates directly by enting the number of letters in each keyword to solve for the coords:  N 47° 02.(U-6)(V-1)(W+2) W 122° 53.(X-1)(Y+1)(Z-8)

Coordinate Check You can validate the final coordinates with certitude.

NOTE: If you flipped between options along the way that is ok too!  With a little algebra the two formula methods allow you to mix and match because each parenthesis in Formula 1 = the corresponding parenthesis in Formula 2. Option 1 =N 47° 02.(A-3)(B-1)(C+4) W 122° 53.(D+4)(E)(F-9)  Option 2 = N 47° 02.(U-6)(V-1)(W+2) W 122° 53.(X-1)(Y+1)(Z-8) Ex. A-3 = U-6  so, A = U - 3