Discover the Thurston Bountiful Byway
In the shadow of Mount Rainier, an agricultural corridor stretches between the Nisqually Valley and the Capitol State Forest near Olympia. Small towns dot the map, connected by country roads and trails. This is the Thurston Bountiful Byway - a 60-mile loop encompassing farms, markets, craft producers, and outdoor recreation.
Discover the Thurston Bountiful Byway
*This article was written by Jennifer Coleman and originally published on Scenic Washington.
There’s a place at the Southern tip of the Puget Sound near Olympia where the road winds through scenic prairieland and bucolic pastures in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. The Thurston Bountiful Byway is just as its name implies – a bounty of natural beauty and close-knit communities that offer unique and authentic experiences in a rural landscape.
From Tumwater to Rochester, and all the way out to Yelm, the Thurston Bountiful Byway proudly displays its agricultural roots and small-town charm. There are pumpkin patches, lavender fields, Christmas tree and bee farms along the route. Craft beverages as well as arts and cultural sites can be found here as well. There is something for everyone along this byway.
![Andrea Levanti, owner of InGenius! Local Artisan Gallery & Boutique, stands in her gallery in Yelm.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ingenius-art-gallery.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f880b8b821b9746c6c68b2683309523b 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ingenius-art-gallery.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8102f021e962edbd215cdf9dc6270fa0 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ingenius-art-gallery.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6f50702c83e2bdc11389a21d4d0cc04a 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ingenius-art-gallery.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=234a9660bbd70fdb35f212f3916721df 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/ingenius-art-gallery.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=ea3776432a0fe2db6c88f68223c8e1ea 1200w)
A new arts district is coming together in the town of Yelm, offering visitors a chance to see the works of local artists and makers. InGenius! Art Gallery & Boutique is located right in the heart of it with a gallery full of creative and fantastic pieces of art. A custom “hobbit hole” serves as the access between two creative spaces. Displaying everything from handmade jewelry to fine art, the gallery is conveniently located on South 1st Street, across the street from the Yelm Community Center with a city park and greenspace along with a large playground for kids.
If you’re hungry, head over to Pizzeria La Gitana for some mouth-watering wood fired pizza. The authentic flavors of Italy come through in their pizza which is made the old-world way in a very hot wood fire oven with specialized rocks that the pizza cooks on. The pizza comes out fast and hot, and if you choose, paired with a delicious side salad. The perfect place for a lunch break!
![A pizza rests on the counter after coming out of a wood-fired oven at Pizzeria La Gitana in Yelm.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/pizzeria-la-gitana-yelm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=de4ef2edd5f3c274c8352306a9f7dbe8 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/pizzeria-la-gitana-yelm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b59008bc3c16fd17b3931f75ce4bc2e0 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/pizzeria-la-gitana-yelm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=33705d1be7c8b72e887f2f94c0f720de 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/pizzeria-la-gitana-yelm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=776f2623332736cf3de1f17d35d92fe4 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/pizzeria-la-gitana-yelm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=1f104190ee32174e5cfb554aa8e58b8d 1200w)
Voted “Best Pizza” in the Nisqually Valley, La Gitana’s authentic Italian, wood-fired pizza is a local favorite that will soon become yours.
For the craft beverage lovers, find nearby 507 Taproom and Filling Station. Serving up over 30 rotating taps of beer, cider, and non-alcoholic beverages this place is great. Fun fact: their location on E Yelm Avenue is in a repurposed bank building that includes a massive and spectacular mural of Mt. Rainier in the center atrium of the space. A gorgeous location to try a local beverage while enjoying some local art.
![A mural of Mt. Rainier by local artist Neo Brown at the 507 Taproom and Filling Station in Yelm.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/507-taproom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7fa943c1fac4492e5d657a8949928b97 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/507-taproom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b80bfd6e0833a82e754fd5c18a93d924 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/507-taproom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a42557cd1e33f7f93846a361ce290b86 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/507-taproom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d3e6671400575d1a9dd86c19c301f740 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/507-taproom.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=21b898e606752f7f2e69d683f5112c41 1200w)
For those seeking a respite on the lake, Offut Lake Resort is just the place. This historic resort originally opened in 1905 and has a rich history. Currently owned and operated by the Pogue family for the past 25 years, Offut Lake Resort feels like a step back in time, where the bustle of the city fades as you camp and play among the trees. Families have returned to this lake resort year after year, many of them bringing in the next generation to enjoy an escape to the lake. Owner Becky Pogue has literally watched kids grow up, get married, then bring their own families back to enjoy the resort. Such is the lake life.
![Friends enjoy lunch outside the lake at Offut Lake Resort.](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/offut-lake-resort-byway-blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=86715019522064d7e9ec17660ba63eb2 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/offut-lake-resort-byway-blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=dde5b5d299d356498b9b60337aaeb21a 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/offut-lake-resort-byway-blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d23d80ede1ccceb3df8de56ed33f2542 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/offut-lake-resort-byway-blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=5fbe13b0340f7fa1ff27cca9ca005620 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/offut-lake-resort-byway-blog.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=eb7bffae71157ab325cf220e1adc5a88 1200w)
Cozy cottages and RV camping is available, along with fishing and boat rentals. The general store has everything from fishing lures, food, and flip-flops in case you find yourself in need. The Lady of the Lake Public House Restaurant welcomes visitors with classic American dishes in a serene setting on the shores of Offut Lake. A chat with owner Becky is especially nice if you get the chance, she’s a gracious host and you can just feel the love she has for the place.
The town of Tenino, also known as “The Stone City,” bears a testament to its origins. Many of the buildings on the main avenue are made of sandstone that was mined from the local quarry. Today the old quarry serves as the town’s swimming pool, complete with a lifeguard and diving boards. Also nearby is Wolf Haven, a nationally recognized wolf sanctuary that rescues displaced, captive born wolves. The guided 50-minute walking tour offers visitors a rare, close-up view of these beautiful animals. To date, Wolf Haven has rescued and provided a lifetime home to more than 300 wolves!
![Motorcycles parked outside the Sandstone Diner in downtown Tenino, Washington](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/sandstone-diner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=fb378b3c8281ba583eeb38eb27ca9659 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/sandstone-diner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c066c612cc771d3ced8bef5813bd169c 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/sandstone-diner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=504c4c57c7acdf6371e1ef42f29ab898 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/sandstone-diner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=29ccf517fb311fe5d6972220da1072a0 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/sandstone-diner.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=18ceb9a0fcc7976132ef639518575799 1200w)
When you visit Tenino, don’t miss the Sandstone Café on Sussex Avenue, offering a traditional breakfast menu to get you fueled up for a day of exploring. Try their berry & cream cheese stuffed French toast or the biscuits & gravy…you won’t be disappointed!
Heading out on old Hwy-99 SW takes you through the beautiful prairie. Miles of open fields with gentle knolls make up portions of the Thurston Bountiful Byway. The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve near Littlerock has a paved, ADA accessible ½-mile walking path for an up-close glimpse of the mima mound landforms and widely spaced Garry oak trees. For a beautiful scenic drive, continue Hwy-99 SW past Grand Mound to Prather Rd SW and enjoy the graceful curves of the road as it winds through the woodlands and past Christmas tree farms. Continue to the small town of Rochester, which is home to Helsing Junction Farm a certified organic farm specializing in growing a wide variety of farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs available to the public at their farmstand which is open June through early November.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Helsing-Junction-Farm-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9bedc1f08e974d1993588d53b0d2d6b4 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Helsing-Junction-Farm-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=785fb9b02f79a45f26ccbeec395879d0 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Helsing-Junction-Farm-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=ac59689b420f71f5b6994b6fd0893cf8 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Helsing-Junction-Farm-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=21a7c05d5317bd612a5a1c2b3ea063cb 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Helsing-Junction-Farm-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=5af566613fb22701dd518a771bfd6fa9 1200w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Helsing-Junction-Farm-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=759afd4521c6e286f65fa4300294bdf6 1440w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/Helsing-Junction-Farm-01.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=9658a3316b2c79a76469daf95f3a0c9c 1620w)
If you find yourself on the byway during the harvest season (September/October) be sure to swing by Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm for their Fall Festival which happens every Saturday and Sunday through October. There is a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, farm games, delicious homemade apple fritters and more at this family friendly farm. Also nearby, Rutledge Corn Maze has a huge pumpkin patch and seasonal corn maze to delight the whole family. For the older kiddos seeking some scary fun, the haunted corn maze is open on weekends in October, leading up to Halloween. Another great place to bring the entire family, Hunter Family Farm is the perfect place to hunt down a pumpkin, pet farm animals, and score your annual Christmas tree.
![](https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/hunter-family-farm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=9344892491f956f48111a724ef74cce4 320w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/hunter-family-farm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d15381aaccbfc3f0c0ea5e087fbc073e 540w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/hunter-family-farm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=e16615bf0cf69a4408090d8480dc6ebf 768w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/hunter-family-farm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=dba3ed71904fabb39559012d8d21abbd 1024w, https://experience-olympia.imgix.net/images/blog-photos/hunter-family-farm.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=946b575e5630aa24a1008732a08bd550 1200w)
Ideal for a weekend ramble, the Thurston Bountiful Byway is kind of like a hidden gem, tucked just outside of the big city. Its charm is in its people, communities, and scenic beauty. Think of it as a road trip, food sampler and behind the scenes tour all in one – something you don’t want to miss!