The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Olympia

Olympia offers a fantastic selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features 18 routes, with 15 of them rated as easy, perfect for families with children of all ages.

Yes, Olympia has several easy and short trails perfect for families. The Mission Creek Nature Park Loop is a gentle 1.2-mile path with minimal elevation gain, ideal for a quick outing. Another great option is the Watershed Park Loop Trail, which is just over 2 miles and offers a rich natural environment within the city.

Many trails around Olympia provide beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing. The Ellis Cove Trail in Squaxin Park offers lovely water views and forested areas. For exceptional wildlife, consider the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, known for its estuary boardwalk and abundant birds. The McLane Creek Nature Trail is also excellent for birdwatching and salmon viewing in the fall.

Yes, several trails offer convenient loop options. The Watershed Park Loop Trail is a popular choice for a contained walk. Another notable loop is the Mima Falls Loop in Capitol State Forest, which guides hikers through diverse forests to a beautiful waterfall, though it's a bit longer at 6.5 miles.

The Olympia area boasts diverse natural attractions. You can explore lush temperate rainforests and old-growth forests, enjoy scenic waterfront views of Budd Inlet and Eld Inlet, and discover unique geological formations like the Mima Mounds. Don't miss the beautiful Tumwater Falls at Brewery Park or the serene Capitol Lake.

Many trails in the Olympia area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific park regulations before you go. Generally, trails in places like Watershed Park and Capitol State Forest welcome dogs on leash. The Chehalis Western Trail is also a great option for walking with your canine companion.

Most major parks and trailheads in the Olympia area, such as Watershed Park, Squaxin Park, and the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, offer dedicated parking facilities. For trails like the State Capitol and Central Olympia route, you'll find various public parking options nearby.

Olympia offers great hiking opportunities year-round due to its mild climate. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while summer provides warm, sunny days perfect for exploring. Fall showcases beautiful foliage, and even winter offers pleasant walks through the forests, often with fewer crowds. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, families can enjoy trails that lead to waterfalls. Tumwater Falls at Brewery Park offers accessible trails along the Deschutes River with scenic views of the falls. For a slightly longer adventure, the Mima Falls Loop in Capitol State Forest leads to the picturesque Mima Falls, where you can even hike down to the base for the best view.

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails around Olympia, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the area's diverse landscapes, from quiet woodlands to scenic waterfronts, and appreciate the well-maintained paths that make hiking enjoyable for all ages. The accessibility and natural beauty are frequently highlighted.

Absolutely! Many trails are close to other attractions. For instance, the Ellis Cove Nature Trail is part of Squaxin Park, which also features a rose garden. You can also visit the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area for marine shoreline and wetland exploration, or explore the Watershed Park for a deep dive into nature within the city.

While many trailheads are best accessed by car, some trails, especially those closer to urban areas like the State Capitol and Central Olympia route or parts of the Chehalis Western Trail, may be accessible via local bus routes. It's recommended to check the Intercity Transit website for specific route information and schedules to plan your trip.