If you’re craving a refreshing day trip from Seattle, consider swapping traffic noise for birdsong and taking a llama for a walk beneath Mount Rainier.
About an hour south of Seattle, Topstall Farm has grown from a viral pandemic pivot into one of Western Washington’s most memorable agritourism experiences. Tucked into deep forest in the Tacoma–Seattle corridor, the farm offers peaceful “walking meditation” forest treks where guests are paired with llamas based on temperament. The wooded trail even reveals rare, low-angle views of Mount Rainier, creating an experience that feels worlds away from urban life.
The property has a rich history: it operated as a dairy farm in the 1940s and later became a refuge for rescued horses in the 1980s and ’90s. In April 2021, owner Marla Albitz officially opened it as an agritourism destination, offering alpaca fiber products, farm tours, educational programs, llama packing day trips, and guided walks.
It all began back in 2020 with the adoption of Albitz’s first alpaca, Eddie. That decision led her to CAMELIDynamics and mentor Marty McGee Bennett, whose science-based approach to camelid care inspired Albitz to “create a program that allowed people to interact with llamas and alpacas that honors how these gentle animals experience their environment.”
Ready to become a llama handler for a day? No prior llama experience is required. After a brief harness lesson, Albitz carefully pairs each person with a suitable llama. Then guests take their new friends out on a leisurely one-mile hike. Additional experiences offered include farm tours that let you hand-feed the herd and a longer two-mile trek with a gourmet lunch picnic.
Located in Roy, Washington, Topstall Farm is open year-round by reservation, with Spring/Summer 2026 bookings now available. Get more details on the farm’s website.