Have you heard of the Bonney Lake Sky Stone? Because this huge rock holds historical and cultural significance, it was preserved –even as suburbia took over and a neighborhood grew around it. This giant is a glacial erratic, deposited by retreating glaciers around 13,000 years ago. At 12 feet long and 4.5 feet high, the rock has pits on the surface that were man made, possibly to mark astrological and geological formations by early Native Americans. It has been examined by astronomers, geologists, archaeologists and even Salish medicine men.
You can visit the Sky Stone, look for one of the Bonney Lake Gnome doors, play in the small park and even take a short hike. The park is located in a cul de sac of the Naches Terrace neighborhood. There are helpful signs to help you find the park.
There are exactly two parking spots near the entrance of the park itself (and one is a handicapped spot) but there is street parking available. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Once you’ve parked, walk along the gravel path. You will pass a small play structure and picnic table on your left.
The Sky Stone is enclosed in a chain link fence, but is unlocked so that you can go in and see it up close. A plaque offers more information.
Once you’ve checked out the big rock, look around the wooded area near the Sky Stone for one of the Bonney Lake Gnome Doors. (Hint: look up! The doors were recently replaced after vandals took several. The new ones were placed higher.)
More info on the Gnome Doors geocaching activity here.
There is a short hiking path if you want to take a walk. The beginning has an incline and goes along behind the houses. Once you get to the top of a small hill, the trail is more forested and natural. The path goes for about a half mile then ends abruptly at a chain link fence. It is about one mile round trip.
You can find more information on the Sky Stone here.