One of the highlights of visiting Thurston County is exploring the region's exceptional public parks. Paved trails and picnic areas are plentiful at Tumwater Historical Park and the nearby Tumwater Falls Park greets you with the sound of rushing water from the pristine waterfalls. Watch Coho and Chinook salmon up close as they run up the river in the early fall. Although not considered a state park, the State Capitol Grounds are distinctive for their nearly two dozen memorials and artworks. The Tivoli Fountain is one of the grounds' most notable features, with a central spout pushing water twenty five feet into the air as outer rings create a large water canopy beneath. The Winged Victory Memorial will give you pause to reflect as you gaze upwards at its five figures-four representing brave men and women who served in World War I -- while the goddess Nike extends an olive branch of peach overhead.
(Text provided by the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Center)
Bigelow Park, Olympia
Capitol Lake and Running Trail (Directly Behind Hotel)
Carpenters' Recreation Park at Long Lake, Lacey
Centennial Rose Garden at the Schmidt Mansion, Tumwater
Heritage Park (Directly behind Hotel by Capitol Lake)
Huntamer Park, Lacey
Monarch Contemporary Art Center and Sculpture Park
Olympia's Waterfront Boardwalk (Just 6 blocks north of Hotel)
Priest Point Park, Olympia
Recreational Atheletic Center, Lacey
Sylvester Park (Directly across from Hotel)
Tumwater Falls Park, Tumwater
Yashiro Japanese Garden, Downtown Olympia
Click here for a map of all area parks.
Local Parks
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