Littlerock, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Littlerock, Washington
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 Littlerock, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Thurston |
| Elevation | 144 ft (44 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
98556
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| Area code(s) | 360 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1512396 |
Littlerock is a small community in Thurston County, Washington, United States. It is an "unincorporated community," which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's managed by the larger Thurston County.
Littlerock is about 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Olympia, which is the capital city of Washington state. You can find it west of Interstate 5, a major highway, and near another small community called Maytown. This area is special because it's close to many protected natural lands.
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History of Littlerock
Littlerock has been around for a long time. A post office opened here way back in 1879, which helped people send and receive mail. The community got its name from a unique rock formation that was found near where the town first started. Imagine a special rock that stood out and gave the whole place its name!
Littlerock in Stories
Littlerock even appears in books! The town is mentioned in a short story called "Proboscis" by a horror writer named Laird Barron. In the story, the town is called Poger Rock. However, it has many things in common with real-life Littlerock. These include a new elementary school, being close to the Mima Mounds, having a small gas station, a saloon (a type of old-fashioned bar), and being near a shallow creek. It's fun to see how real places can inspire fictional stories!
Parks and Outdoor Fun
If you love nature, Littlerock is a great place to be! It's surrounded by several amazing natural areas where you can explore and learn.
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Just outside of Littlerock, you'll find the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. This place is very unique because it has strange, dome-shaped hills called "mounds." Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how these mounds were formed! It's so special that it has been named a National Natural Landmark. You can walk on trails and see these mysterious mounds up close.
Other Nearby Natural Areas
Besides the Mima Mounds, there are other cool places to visit:
- The Glacial Heritage Preserve: This area helps protect important habitats and wildlife.
- The Black River Habitat Management Area: This place is great for seeing different kinds of plants and animals, especially those that live near the Black River.
- Capitol State Forest: Littlerock is also very close to the edge of this large forest. Capitol State Forest offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors.
These protected areas make Littlerock a wonderful spot for anyone who enjoys exploring nature and learning about different ecosystems.
