For All Walks of Life
People enjoy the Vita Parcours as much for its rare island habitat as for a vigorous workout. Three natural ecosystems create a beautiful backdrop for exercise, play or solitude. The first quarter mile winds through a lush deciduous woodland. Opening onto a sunny sports field, the course rounds an athletic track shared with Lopez School, winds back through a forest thicket then skirts a wide-open hay field for the final stretch.
As you explore the many features along the mile-long route, you’ll see multilingual signs that refer to Parcours Vita, Vita Parcours or L.I.F.E. Trail – one name in a variety of languages for this innovative path through nature to fitness, wellness and health.
Exercise Stations
The site map locates and defines each of the 15 stations. Exercises such as log jump, parallel bars, gymnastic rings and balance beams can adapt to personal need and ability. Read more about the fitness aspect of the trail and download a printable map.
Color cues along the one-mile route help you create a specific type of training:
- Endurance (green)
- Mobility and Agility (Yellow)
- Strength (Red)
A Nature Trail
Walkers and joggers may set their own pace, while other visitors can enjoy the sweeping farmland and Olympia mountain views from a hand-hewn bench. As the trail leaves the deciduous woodland and enters the meadow, look for the green and white Island Marble Butterfly, whose habitat lies protected behind a small fence. Read more about the ecology of the trail.
Directions & Hours
Located on the grounds of the Lopez Island School, the Vita Parcours is open from sunup to sundown, 365 days a year. A portable restroom is located adjacent to the parking area.
From the ferry landing, take the second left onto Center Road (2.0 miles) and proceed 4.5 miles to the Lopez Island School. Passing the school, turn left into the tennis court parking lot. The Vita Parcours Fitness and Ecology Trail begins directly south of the courts. Signs will direct you.