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Before you get too excited, know that this place where you can walk llamas in the forest is not totally near Seattle, it’s about 1.5 hours from downtown and you need to give yourself two hours or more sometimes to get there through Tacoma based on our traffic. And it’s not the kind of place where you can just show up and expect to hang out with llamas so make a booking on their website and do your research ON The TOPSTALL FARM website before you go so you have the best visit possible. My friend found Topstall Farm through their TikTok and this is how our whole llama adventure began. And even if you’re not in the area, you might just want to follow Topstall farms on Social media, it is just pretty adorable to watch llama antics all day. And where else in the world can you walk llamas in the forest? It’s really cool we have this near Seattle.
I have to admit I was actually not the biggest llama fan when I showed up at Topstall farms. I thought I was in love with alpacas. And I learned that though alpacas look cuddly and adorable they actually have personalities that are not always cuddly. I didn’t know that llamas were more into getting along with people than alpacas. But lucky enough Topstall farms has both llamas and alpacas and you will know the difference by the end of your visit. (I was originally excited to go walk llamas because I knew there were alpacas to meet at the farm too)
I was paired with a llama who I think was named Kyber and I doubt he remembers my name so if I didn’t get it right we’re even. He had a lot of personality and wanted to eat everything that he was not supposed to. But we did have a few moments where we understood each other and got along. I think it was important that we were paired together though because I think you do learn a lot about yourself from wandering through a forest with a giant creature in tow. (They are about 300 pounds I think). And I really wish we could know what these llamas think of these adventures. Marla, the owner of this farm also takes photos while you tour so you don’t have to take your own, which is really helpful too. I felt like I could concentrate on walking, think about communicating with Kyber and also take in the beauty of taking the time to intentionally being out in nature. (I am not sure if we are spending enough time in nature these days, are we?)
Topstall farms has a hugging llama who may even let you hug him. (I managed to convince him for a hug and I have a video of our moment on my instagram) It is important to know that the llamas on this farm are not forced to do anything they don’t want to do so if he isn’t feeling it, it might not happen. Even coming on the walk is a choice for the llamas and I really appreciate this and how Marla understands these animals and shared this knowledge with us on the tour…