Millersylvania State Park, WA

Here's a nice short (soundless) video from Washington State Parks and Rec
https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks/videos/178737243578320/ 

And a video of Tribal Canoe Families event at Millersylvania https://www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks/videos/1100621843441547/ 

We went to Millersylvania State Park on a fishing expedition—that is, researching accessible fishing for a later post.  It’s only 3 miles east of I-5, on a country road 10 miles south of Olympia (about 100 miles north of Portland).  As I traveled that little road the day after Thanksgiving (a free day for Washington State Parks), I could imagine a long line of vehicles throughout the camping season awaiting their chance to stay by the lake in Miller’s “forest land” (previously called “Miller’s Glade”).
 
With temperatures that day in the mid 30s, there were still plenty of campers, albeit many of the sites were closed.  Most campers were in RVs, but some intrepid tenters settled for some cold, with big roaring, soaring fires.  My grandson delighted in breaking the ice with a little fishie he spied swimming in the iced-over pond that had settled in the parking next to the tiny, yet accessible, ranger station/entrance/gift shop.
 
We saw at least one accessible camp site (gated off), with a graveled path to the nearby accessible shower/restroom.  All the showers take tokens rather than cash. 
 
Next we went to check out the fishing pier at the boat ramp.  It has a couple benches, and was accessible, if a bit rough between parking and pier.  Lakeside Cottage is right there:
 
“The Lakeside Cottage is a charming two-story cottage that has been newly refurbished and decorated, offering great comfort in an idyllic park setting near the shores of Deep Lake. The main floor of the house has a living room, master bedroom, fully equipped kitchen and bathroom; the upstairs is an open loft for indoor activities and relaxation, with cozy alcoves for sleeping. 2 night stay required. NOTE: CUT OFF DATE FOR MAKING RESERVATIONS AT THE VACATION HOUSE IS THREE DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL DATE.”  No pets, no tents, max 6 people & 3 vehicles.  The 4 pictures I was at last able to access look like it would be accessible for a wheelchair (a ramp to the door, nice open interior design), even if not specifically ADA, the downstairs bathroom was not pictured, but a call back reassured me that it is also wheelchair friendly.
 
Plenty of picnic tables are placed right there by the boat ramp & lake, and you can walk or roll all along the edge of the lake within the park, and choose a spot to picnic and play.  Be mindful to pick your path if in a wheelchair, or you’ll encounter root problems, making it tricky going.
 
They have designated swim areas, drinking water fountains & faucets, fire pits & grills, group kitchens and an accessible shower/restroom there at the lakeside day use area.  All very nice, though Washington could take a hint from Oregon about keeping their restrooms and showers more pleasant.
 
Group kitchens have a rustic look, but include small sinks and electricity.  Wood fire “stoves” can provide a range of cooking options.  Several picnic tables inside can seat 50, they say, and just outside are more tables and large grill.  The buildings were constructed by the CCC in the 30s, so they are sturdy and historic.
 
It wasn’t the right time of year to get a burger, hot dog, pizza, ice cream and such at the Lakeside Grill & Boats, who also rent kayaks and pedal boats, but it looks like a disabled person might be able to take advantage of that in warmer weather.
 
For more information and reservations, see

• https://parks.state.wa.us/546/Millersylvania      or,
• https://www.stateparks.com/millersylvania_state_park_in_washington.html

                                                               
Altogether it seems like a great family friendly place for the day or for camping.  They can accommodate reunions, if you can beat the crowds waiting to pounce on the reservations as soon as they open.  Mt. St. Helens is only an hour and a half away (see my post about Mt. St. Helens  https://accessibletravel.weebly.com/accessible-travel-blog/mt-st-helens ), and so is Mt. Rainier (future post); Centralia 17 miles to the south has an outlet mall right off I-5.  For more information about things to do and see in Centralia, http://www.cityofcentralia.com/Page.asp?NavID=657  
 
Movie Theaters:

• Midway Cinema in Chehalis (3-4 mi south of Centralia) has $5 Tuesdays.  http://www.catheaters.com/Sectionindex.asp?sectionID=28#.XeXoJFdKiM8
• McMenamins Olympic Club Theater has $4 Tuesdays ($5 regular price)—minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (alcohol as well as food can be ordered).   They can accommodate vision and hearing impaired. https://www.mcmenamins.com/olympic-club/olympic-club-theater
• Of course, alternatively, you can head north to Olympia instead.

 
Note:  you could ride Amtrak up from Portland to Centralia, but then how to get to Millersylvania with all your gear? Google says you could bike between the two in an hour and a half . . . (wink)

• Wanderu says the fare starts at only $18. https://www.wanderu.com/en-us/train/us-or/portland/us-wa/centralia/
• Rome2rio.com compares 3 ways to get from Portland to Centralia; the train is not the least expensive, but it's scenic, and you don't have to deal with traffic traumas. https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Portland/Centralia-WA-USA