We were at the lower park playground it was nice and clean…read moreWords words all ljgdssdgjlkgfds

This is an excellent park for locals and tourists alike. This is a privately owned park, it is not…read moreowned by the city. It is well kept and beautiful. During salmon season it is fun to watch the salmon make the long hard swim upstream to the hatchery. Great place for senior pics, wedding pics or family photos. The duck dash the first weekend of June is a lot of fun. Seeing thousands of plastic ducks make their way down the falls is so cool for kids and adults. Paths are easy for walking, we even wheeled my grandma in her wheelchair years ago. Mind you, up hill was a bit of a workout but she enjoyed the scenery. The falls are fun to see year around. Different landscapes for different seasons. It loses a star because the kids playground stinks. They need a serious update and refresher. Just a few chunks of cement shaped like a boat. Lock your cars and hide your valuables- occasional break ins by lowlife thieves.

Definitely a hidden gem to have but it's small and unfortunately there's a homeless camp living…read morebehind the park. We think it's an otherwise calming place but we don't always feel safe there.

I took my daughter to Yashiro Japanese Gardens expecting it to be a relaxing and inspiring…read moreexperience. I also wanted to experience our local Asian culture. I was very disappointed and a little embarrassed. The whole garden was in a state of neglect. There were leaves floating on the Koi Pond, which was the home of only two Koi. Furthermore there was algae growing in the pond which gave it the appearance of a swamp. The rest of the garden appeared neglected. There were no labels identifying the plants. Identifying plants is minimum expectation of a public garden. I would preferred a reference to their significance. At bare minimum the garden could have weeded and raked. I feel this garden was a disgrace to the city of Olympia and an insult to our Asian population

We recently visited for one night. We stayed in one of the few open spots, right near the front of…read morethe campground. The only sections open for winter were the small section we stayed in and the open field area. Unfortunately for us, the sections closed for the season were the prettiest...much more treed and private feeling there. We enjoyed one hike, the boardwalk-old growth-orchard sections and back to the campground. Apparently there is some damage to parts of the trail system here, but those we took were in good shape, just a bit muddy. Although we didn't get around to the lake, it looked gorgeous when we passed by driving in. Aside from the site across from ours after the teens left that morning, the grounds were all very clean. Pretty area and park...although I probably would only return if I could stay in the closed sections. :)

I moved up from SoCal where I have access to beaches and pools and easy access to the airport so I…read morecan be somewhere tropical in the winters when I want. Moving to Olympia, I was near none of that. So how cool was it to discover we lived almost around the corner from a nice park that has access to a lake where you can rent kayaks and duck boats or swim in the lake. Yes, after a couple months of summer, the water is a little gross from all the lie bottom being stirred up and mixing with the sunscreen and people soup, but if you want to get a cool dip on a hot day, it's nice (just don't dip your head into the water). Lots of picnic tables, but they do run out on weekends, so when we want to go we bring our own tables and can park it underneath the forest shade). On the first lake side parking lot when you come in, you're close to a place that serves beer and pizza. Halfway down in the next parking lot, you're near the place that sells nachos and ice cream. The parking is limited to the point that on the busiest summer days, they have to refuse entry and tell you to come back in the afternoon. For all the problems, it's a good park and one of our favorite places to hang out with our dogs.

Beatty Memorial park spans approximately 4 square inches. The park is maintained by the community…read more Neither picnic nor camping reservations can be accepted because the park is just too small. However, the park is ideal for photo opportunities, being located in scenic downtown Olympia. The grounds of Beatty Memorial Park are maintained by the community. Please, don't litter and please, share the park. It's pretty small and can get crowded at peak hours. Keep your dogs on leashes at all times.

I visited this park today! I saw ever inch of it, and even got to water the whole park! This is a…read morelovely park, worth spending a time walking around it!!!!!

August 2-4, 2025 - Montesano, WA…read more We loved this campground--especially after coming from a busy, crowded KOA. The peacefulness here was a welcome and much-appreciated change. There are 18 RV sites with water and electrical hookups. The campground is nestled between a river and a lake, offering a scenic and serene setting. A trail loops around the lake, and I really enjoyed taking peaceful walks there with my pup.

Friends Campground, Site #RV8 - Montesano, WA August 2-4, 2025…read more We drove straight through from Astoria, Oregon. We arrived at about 12:30 pm. We were starving when we arrived so had a bite to eat and then finished setting up camp. It's a nice campground, nestled between a lake and river, with about 18 RV sites and a few tent sites. They have bathrooms and showers. RV sites have a paved pad with water and electrical hookups together with a picnic table and fire pit/grill. There is a paved path around the lake as well as a couple fishing platforms.

Gorgeous hidden gem. Not a long hike but definitely steep. Your quads will feel it. It's on a…read morehillside so you're going mostly up or mostly down depending on where you start, and it has a few turns you can take to mix it up. Kids and dogs will love it. Great workout and SO beautiful. Huge ferns and maple trees, moss, mushrooms, snails, etc. Thank you to the first reviewer (Chris) for your description, this is a perfect little workout, and easy access from west Olympia.

Local walking trails on the southwest portion of Tumwater Hill. Access from the north or "top" of…read moreTumwater Hill Elementary School or from Ridgeview Loop in between some of the homes; enter from the south or "bottom" of the hill from Vista Loop SW, just off Crosby Blvd, near 2 lone homes. Open all year long, it's a step into the wilderness amidst this suburban community. It's kid & dog friendly too. I've spied rabbits, deer, salamanders, mushrooms & toads along the trails at different parts of the year. Ferns, evergreens & big leaf Maple trees line the well defined walking trails.

Such a beautiful trail! I have lived in the area forever and never knew about this gem of a trail!…read moreIt's a great place to walk and ride bikes because it's paved. We take our baby there for some afternoon strolls. Its nice be cause some parts are shaded and others are bright and sunny. The trail is located on the way to Evergreen College right off of the main road. I have driven by this trail a thousand times and I'm so sad I never knew about it. I love reading all the plaques explaining the different parts of the trail and when the trees were planted. If you're in the Olympia area it's a great place to go for a walk with your family.

Port Plaza serves many functions throughout the year. Some festivals are hosted here. Folks get…read moretheir wedding photos taken at Port Plaza during the warmer, brighter months. Kids pile onto the observation deck of the wooden tower to catch the view or to pretend they are pirates. It's also a great place to take in the scenery during a date. I went here last week. It was freezing cold. I was bundled up with a sweater and a thick jacket. Port Plaza, even in winter, is pretty. The landscaping for this time of year consisted of very tall grasses and small evergreen shrubs. It surrounds the concrete section of the plaza. Lights also dot the edges of the planted areas. At night the lights illuminate the area. Port Plaza can be rented for public or private events from the Port of Olympia. I have seen quite a few weddings performed here during the summer months. Port Plaza is a great location and definitely worth a visit. It's pretty all year round, but is in its full glory during the summer months when the landscaping is bright with flowers. I'm a big fan and will be back, bare minimum, to see the Dragon Boat Festival which is hosted here.

A great walk on the beach or walk on the dock venue in Olympia. Easily assessable from the…read moreFarmer's Market or the Percival Landing boardwalk. Try not to climb the observation tower or throw a rock in the water.