9 Best Refreshing Hikes in Olympia WA for Nature Lovers
Excited to venture out on hikes in Olympia? You’d be surprised at how many amazing natural areas are in Washington State’s capital city. To help you explore hikes around Olympia, I’m sharing the top 9 best hiking trails!
Let’s be real. Some Washington hiking trails are extremely popular. Like arrive by 8 am on weekends to get a parking spot popular…
Fortunately, lots of Thurston County hikes are not on this list.
Instead, trails near Olympia offer true solitude. Here, you can enjoy nature walks minus large crowds and overcrowded parking lots.
If you recently moved to Olympia, welcome!! Or if you’re wondering what the benefits to moving to Olympia are, just know it is a perfect place for adventurers. Washington is a stunning state and you don’t have to go far to see beauty.
Personally, my roots are in the South Puget Sound. So, the following hikes near Olympia are close to my heart. I hope you love them too!
9 Best Hikes in Olympia WA
Sunset watching, tide-pooling, & birdwatching await on these hiking trails near Olympia. While only some are dog friendly, all of them are low difficulty. So if you are a beginner hiker, planning a family hike, or simply wanting to go for a nature walk then these are for you!
Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge
Although the rest of this list is in no particular order, I had to start with the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge!
A sight to see in all four seasons, the water views, wildlife opportunities, and historic barns do not disappoint. Even on rainy days.
By far, the highlight is the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail. This well-kept 1 mile boardwalk allows for the unique chance to walk above the Nisqually River Delta.
Here, the great river meets the Puget Sound after its 81 mile journey from Mt. Rainier’s Nisqually Glacier!
Beneath you’ll see water, mud flats, and no shortage of birds (depending on the tide).
To get to the boardwalk, walk along either side of the 1 mile Twin Barns trail. I recommend checking out the visitor center (open Wednesdays – Sundays) and taking a bathroom break before heading on the eastern side of the trail. This route, you can see the Nisqually Reach Overlook, connect to the boardwalk, and then take the western portion of Twin Barns trail to the parking lot.
In total, you will easily log 4 miles.
As you hike, keep your eagle eye on the ready. The refuge is home to deer, great blue heron, hawks, harbor seals, beavers, and bald eagles. Once, we shockingly saw tens of eagles!!
The entrance fee is $3 per vehicle (up to 4 adults). Or, it’s covered by an America the Beautiful Pass.
Check out this map of the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Due to the “nature” of the park, pun-intended, possible disruptions to wildlife like dogs, bicycles, & running are not allowed.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching. Leave hats (beanies aside) at home because it can be extremely windy on the boardwalk!
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
A sweet spot for spawning salmon in the fall, Brewery Park is a rewarding day hike near Olympia.
The family & dog-friendly 0.5 mile loop reveals awesome water sights.
Along the forested trail, you’ll pass a few small waterfalls, viewpoints of the Deschutes River, and signs telling the area’s rich story of hydroelectric power and beer brewing.
The most wonderful waterfall rushes beneath the bridge. You’ll find this about halfway on the trail. There’s an excellent spot for photos, though you should plan on snapping fast unless you don’t mind getting a little wet!
In September and October, salmon charge their way upstream and fish ladder to the hatchery. One of the best free forms of entertainment for kids and adults alike.
Have you ever seen salmon jumping up waterfalls?!
No fees are required.
Want to make it a picnic? Grab a slice or two from Vic’s Pizzeria Wildwood just 4 minutes North on Capitol Boulevard. It’s delicious!
Other features of Brewery Park:
- Washington Salish Native Plant Garden
- Playground
- Bathrooms
- Picnic Areas
Woodard Bay Conservation Area
Looking for an escape from the city?
Located less than 15 minutes from downtown Olympia rests peaceful Woodard Bay. Although it’s not that far away, it gives the impression that you’re in a remote area.
For proof, look to the many cormarants, river otters, and deer who live in the wildlife sanctuary.
From the parking lot, walk past the gated road and it will turn into a trail. Then, take a left to enter the 1.5 mile loop trail that later meets up with the road again. This weaves through lush forests in which you can look for trillium flowers and salamanders (there’s a small pond).
Once at the overlook, you’ll be treated with picturesque views of Henderson Inlet and Chapman Bay.
Interestingly, the old pier visible from the western viewing area is full of bats! Check out the interpretive signs to learn about them.
Overall, this hike is another excellent trail for all skill levels. However, leave pups at home because it’s a conservation area.
When the tides are right, you can also launch kayaks from the parking lot April 15 – September 1. Be aware of quick-changing tides so you don’t get stuck in the mud.
A Discover Pass is required here. To see when 2022 Discover Pass Free Days are or to purchase the $30 annual pass click here.
Burfoot County Park
For best views, Burfoot Park is the winner.
This hidden gem is located along Budd Inlet in the Boston Harbor neighborhood of Olympia.
It boasts forests filled with ferns and shores stuffed with sand dollars.
From the upper area with playgrounds, wide-open picnic areas, bathrooms, and parking you can take your pick of trails to wind down to the beach. All lead to the same area and have roughly the same level of difficulty. Either way, you’ll need to tackle a few stairs.
If it recently rained, wear rain boots! The trail gets quite muddy.
On a clear or partly cloudy day, the Olympic Mountains loom large in the background.
While you can see the Capitol Building, the views of it from Priest Point Park are much better!
No passes or fees required. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Burfoot Park’s trails are probably my favorite hikes in Olympia. You just can’t beat the whimsical forest and fabulous waterfront.
Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Ya know those place that seem otherworldly? Mima Mounds is a little-known spot like that.
Imagine slowly turning 360 degrees and seeing grasslands doted with domes all around you.
It evokes a mysterious feeling! If you’re anything like me, you’ll be wondering how the mounds formed. Scientists are still figuring that out.
In total, the paved and grassy trails cover 3.3 miles. Near the parking lot, there are interpretive signs and viewing platforms from which to learn about the mounds. Afterwards, you can walk to your heart’s content.
I recommend hiking the South Loop Trail as it is pretty quiet. Even in the middle of summer, we’ve basically had the place to ourselves.
During summer, wildflowers decorate the domes. You can visit year-round, but you for sure can’t miss it May – June.
It’s a diverse ecosystem, including not only grasslands but also savannah, forest, and woodland.
Before visiting, browse this booklet from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. In it, you will find a map that you can print.
To get here from downtown Olympia, it is about a 16 mile drive.
A Discover Pass is required. Service dogs are welcome.
Sequalitchew Creek Trail
For another great hike down to the beach, try Sequalitchew Creek Trail.
The 3 mile roundtrip trail leads you through a shady canyon of ferns. Enjoy calming water sounds as the creek flows by.
Expect elevation gain totaling ~220 feet.
As another place rich with history, you can see what remains of railroad lines on the rocky beach.
Pro Tip: Looking West from the shore you can see not only the Billy Frank J. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge but a shipwreck! It’s easily visible at low-tide and with binoculars.
If you enjoy watching trains, you can do that here. Right before reaching the beach, you’ll walk through a tunnel over which trains pass.
The parking lot is shared with the Dupont City Hall and Dupont City Police Department. Across the street, you can extend your walk into Edmond Village Park. It’s a pretty area in the spring and summer, especially!
From downtown Olympia, the trailhead is about a 15 mile drive.
Mima Falls Loop
Beside the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, you will find another spectacular hiking trail near Olympia.
At 6.5 miles and 650 feet elevation gain, this one will feel like the truest hike on this list. Still, it is totally doable for beginner hikers.
Mima Falls Loop guides hikers through forest of varying ages in Capitol State Forest.
You’ll know you’ve reached the falls when you see a picnic table beside a view point. Be sure to hike down to the base of the falls – this view is the best, in my opinion.
Plus, if you have a dog they will probably want to play in the base of the falls. Our yellow Labrador Retriever, Lilo, sure did!
I’ll admit that it’s not a huge waterfall, but for being only 30 minutes out of the city what more could you ask for?
As with other waterfalls, you’ll catch the greatest flow in spring while snow is melting.
Please note: Recent trail reports have cited gunfire noise. Be aware that the trail is also open to horses.
A Discover Pass is required here. To see when 2022 Discover Pass Free Days are or to purchase the $30 annual pass click here.
Priest Point Park
Running short on time? Then check out Priest Point Park.
Located only 4 miles out of downtown Olympia, this beach and forest park gives the best of both worlds.
From the main area of the park, you can park along the loop and walk down to the beach. During the brief hike through Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar forest, look for old growth trees. There are a few that look to be a couple hundred years old!
Pro Tip: Wear rainboots! At low tide, the mud flats are exposed and can be difficult and dangerous to walk on. There are signs warning not to walk on them.
Or if you want a more rugged experience, try the Ellis Cove Trail. You’ll cover 1.5 miles and 125 feet of elevation gain. The best part? You’ll get access to rocky beaches that are, honestly, a lot better easier to walk on than mud flats on the other side of Ellis Cove.
Because the creek divides the two sides of Priest Point Park, I advise accessing both beaches by the forested trails — not by trying to cross the creek.
And, prepare yourself for epic views of the Capitol Building.
Other features of Priest Point Park:
- Rhodenendron Flowers (May – June)
- Covered Picnic Areas
- Small Rose Garden (June – July)
- Playground
Read about the park’s history and view a map here.
In the fall, this is an amazing place to see fall foliage. Even visiting in the winter, you will see big leaf maple leaves scattered across the forest floor.
No passes required.
Kennedy Creek Natural Area Preserve
Another of our favorite fall hikes near Olympia WA is at Kennedy Creek.
This flourishing, mossy forest is a spectacular place for seeing salmon spawn. It’s nothing short of incredible to see and hear the slaps and sloshes of unwavering salmon. I’d say it’s impressive.
In fact, there are interpretative signage and creek viewpoints designed for this purpose.
November, when salmon are present, is the only time you’ll likely be able to drive into the area. Otherwise, you can park outside the gate off of Old Olympic Highway. Then, walk along the gravel road to access trails.
To respect salmon, dogs are not allowed on the trails during the above-mentioned time.
The salmon trails are beginner friendly and gorgeous year-round.
For more ideas of where to see salmon spawning, click here.
Still seeking adventure? Continue hiking up the gravel logging road for about 3 miles to discover Kennedy Falls.
The falls are most popular in the summer, so if you want to take your pup(s) for a quiet hike during other seasons then this is the perfect place!
Note: Highway 101 divides the Kennedy Creek Natural Area Preserve. The Eastern portion of this park will likely come up when searching on Google Maps. This area has as viewpoint of Oyster Bay and its marshes. To reach the Western side, where the salmon and waterfall trails are, exit onto Old Olympic Highway and look for a yellow/orange gate to park beside. On weekends, you’ll likely see other cars parked.
Packing Checklist for Hiking Trails in Olympia
- Waterproof shoes / boots that you don’t mind getting muddy
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Passes (i.e. America the Beautiful, Discover Pass)
- A book to enjoy if that’s your thing!
- Reusable water bottle
- Food for picnicking
- A blanket to sit on if you’re heading to the beach
- Telephoto lens to capture wildlife
- A bag to pack out trash
- Fall & Winter: rain jacket / poncho, rain pants, gloves
- Spring & Summer: sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals
Frequently Asked Questions: Olympia WA Hikes
What are the best dog friendly hikes near Olympia WA?
- Sequalitchew Creek Trail
- Mima Falls Loop
- Burfoot Park
Do you recommend other activities in Olympia?
- Rent kayaks at Boston Harbor Marina
- Grab a cup of coffee from Olympia Coffee Roasting
- Tour the Capitol Building
- Browse the Olympia Farmers Market
What beaches near Olympia WA do you recommend?
- Burfoot Park
- Priest Point
What are the coolest waterfall hikes near Olympia WA?
- Tumwater Falls at Brewery Park (0.5 miles)
- Mima Falls Loop (6.5 miles)
- Kennedy Falls (6 miles)
Where can I go for a walk in Olympia WA?
- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
- Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
- Woodard Bay Conservation Area
This post was all about the best hikes in Olympia WA.
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