Many Olympians cite this as their favorite park, for the lush green forest, the network of nature trails that lead to Budd Inlet on Puget Sound, the many shorebirds, the rose garden, and the occasional surprise glimpses of downtown and the Capitol Building through the trees. It's a great place to explore, especially if you're looking for shade on a hot day.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.53 MILES
Olympia's capitol complex is set in a 30-acre park overlooking Capitol Lake with the Olympic Mountains glistening in the background. The campus' crowning…
1.65 MILES
This $9-million facility is the ne plus ultra of interactive fun for kids. Highlights include a climbable eagle's nest – a slide tumbles down from here to…
3.99 MILES
The historic town of Tumwater is where the Deschutes River empties out into Capitol Lake after its long run through the Cascade Mountains. Here at the…
24.85 MILES
The Museum of Glass, with its slanted tower called the Hot Shop Amphitheater, is Tacoma's tribute to native son Dale Chihuly. It has art exhibits and…
1.78 MILES
When Olympia was founded, its narrow harbor was a mudflat during low tides, but after years of dredging a workable harbor was established. This park, a…
1.52 MILES
Second only to Seattle's Pike Place in size and character, Olympia's local market is a great place to shop for organic herbs, vegetables, flowers, baked…
23.7 MILES
Take Ruston Way out to Point Defiance, a 700-acre park complex with free-roaming bison and mountain goats, a logging museum, a zoo, an aquarium and miles…
24.8 MILES
For a look at his small-scale work, don't miss Dale Chihuly's permanent collection at the Tacoma Art Museum. While there you can also check out…
Nearby attractions
1.52 MILES
Second only to Seattle's Pike Place in size and character, Olympia's local market is a great place to shop for organic herbs, vegetables, flowers, baked…
1.65 MILES
This $9-million facility is the ne plus ultra of interactive fun for kids. Highlights include a climbable eagle's nest – a slide tumbles down from here to…
1.78 MILES
When Olympia was founded, its narrow harbor was a mudflat during low tides, but after years of dredging a workable harbor was established. This park, a…
2.53 MILES
Olympia's capitol complex is set in a 30-acre park overlooking Capitol Lake with the Olympic Mountains glistening in the background. The campus' crowning…
3.99 MILES
The historic town of Tumwater is where the Deschutes River empties out into Capitol Lake after its long run through the Cascade Mountains. Here at the…
23.7 MILES
Take Ruston Way out to Point Defiance, a 700-acre park complex with free-roaming bison and mountain goats, a logging museum, a zoo, an aquarium and miles…
24.74 MILES
The Tacoma Federal Courthouse is a grand government building that features glass pieces by beloved local artist Dale Chihuly.
24.8 MILES
For a look at his small-scale work, don't miss Dale Chihuly's permanent collection at the Tacoma Art Museum. While there you can also check out…