Scatter Creek Unit, Protected prairie area in Thurston County, Washington, US
Scatter Creek Unit covers 960 acres of prairie wetlands and forests split into North and South sections, each with its own parking area and trail network. The landscape includes open grasslands mixed with wooded areas and water features that visitors can explore on foot.
The land was settled by George and Marita Miller in the 1850s and later belonged to Reece Brewer until a wildfire destroyed the original buildings. The property was eventually protected to preserve this distinctive natural landscape for future generations.
The site preserves native prairie grasslands found throughout Washington, supporting numerous plants and animals through active land management and seasonal burns.
Each section has its own parking area, and visitors should stay on marked trails while respecting private property boundaries around the site. Wearing sturdy footwear is recommended since paths cross through wet meadows and wooded terrain.
The site features Mima mounds in both North and South sections, rare geological formations that support stands of Garry oak and Oregon ash trees. These unusual hills remain a puzzle to scientists, with their exact origin still debated among researchers.
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