McLane Creek
| McLane Creek | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Etymology | After William McLane, settler |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Capitol Forest |
| Mouth | Mud Bay in Eld Inlet |
• coordinates | 47°02′05″N 122°59′26″W / 47.03472°N 122.99056°W |
McLane Creek is a stream in Thurston County in the U.S. state of Washington.[1] It enters Puget Sound at the southern end of Mud Bay in Eld Inlet.[2]
History
[edit]McLane Creek was named after William McLane, a pioneer settler and territorial politician.[2] In 1999, ashes of Kurt Cobain were scattered in McLane Creek by his daughter.[3]: 351
Geography
[edit]The headwaters of the creek occur in Capitol Forest and the waterway passes southeast and then mostly north near the McLane Creek Nature Trail area. The brook continues a northern trajectory passing west of the Black Hills, and the cities of Tumwater and Olympia, before emptying into Puget Sound at Mud Bay.[2][4]
McLane Creek Nature Trail
[edit]The McLane Creek Nature Trail is a 1.1-mile (1.8 km) looping trail, with an additional 1.0-mile (1.6 km) extension, and is located in a eastern portion of Capitol Forest. The course is managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. The flat trail, with a mix of boardwalks and natural pathways, contains platforms geared for wildlife viewing and visitors can walk to the creek and through wetland areas. The site includes second growth forest and remnants of prior railroad tracks that once crossed the grounds. Along with the aptly named Beaver Pond, visitors can view avian wildlife such as Canadian geese, kingfishers, and mallards. The creek is host to migrating chum salmon, usually in December.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: McLane Creek
- ^ a b c "Thurston County Place Names: A Heritage Guide" (PDF). Thurston County Historical Commission. 1992. p. 50. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
- ^ Cross, Charles R. (2001). Heavier Than Heaven. New York City: Hyperion Books. ISBN 0-7868-6505-9.
- ^ a b Scruggs, Gregory (November 29, 2024). "Opt outside on Black Friday to duck waddle on this Thurston County trail". The Seattle Times. Retrieved December 3, 2024.