Olmstead Place Historical State Park

Begin your hike on the south side of the historic Seaton Schoolhouse where a signpost marks the beginning of the Coleman Creek Interpretive Trail. Pass between barns on your left and the willow-lined creek on your right, and soon a metal bridge will appear over the creek. Although the trail does not continue on the other side, it’s worth a stop here to take in the scenery.

The trail continues along the eastern side of the creek, now on a boardwalk with interpretive signs that tell the story of homesteading over a century ago. After the short boardwalk, the way stays close to the creek and can be muddy in places. As you pass through the narrowing corridor, blackbirds, magpies and mourning doves flit about and fill the air with their songs.

Two benches sit at scenic bends in the creek with peak-a-boo views. Nearby logs with their branch ends chewed to pencil points mark the presence of beaver. After a half mile, the path leaves the creek and heads across open fields toward the southern end of the homestead. On sunny spring days, the highlands surrounding Kittitas Valley gleam a brilliant white under a big blue sky.

Finally, you’ll arrive at the southern end of the hike, marked by a charming homestead with a red barn, vegetable garden, and original cabin from 1875. The grounds invite exploration and include an alternate parking lot, picnic area and vault toilet. One can also peer through the dusty windows of the old cabin and imagine living here almost 150 years ago. Return the same way you came.