I drive into this park on a whim last weekend and think I've found a gem hidden in Olympia, literally minutes from downtown. Straddling Boston Harbor Road, the park has a bridge that connects both sides of the sprawling property. On the East side of the park, you immediately feel like you've driven into a forest. Big and old trees line the park roadway. Several picnic areas are available, I assume by reservation, at least for the covered areas. I found a restroom building and took advantage. This place is well maintained. More picnic areas. Nd two more restroom buildings are on the West side of the park, and so is the Sound. Lots more parking, and a kids playground. Squaxin has something for everyone. Lots of hiking paths on both sides of the park that are now on my to do list. Squaxin is an oasis in Olympia! read more

Squaxin Park is a wonderful place to spend the day at and there is plenty of things to do! I have lived in this area for many years, have heard of and seen this park as we've been around town, but never actually visited. I can confidently say that after being there yesterday that my boys and I will be back! I decided on taking the kids there because I was looking for a new playground space. We had usually gone to other parks/playgrounds and we were all getting a wee bit tired of the same old, same old. I showed the pictures of the playground to the kids and they thought it looked fun too. We went there and were pleasantly surprised at what all else they had to do. The playground itself has a big toy that's shaped like a large ship, which they had fun playing on. However, it was the walking trails and beach access that they enjoyed the most. The trails are partly paved and partly unpaved (so do remember to wear your boots). They lead you through the woods, along and close to various benches and covered pavilions, and down the hills to the beach. The trail hills are not that steep, so it's doable and not extremely strenuous (my 6 year old made it around easily - and the 3 year old mostly was good ... just got tired near the end, after a couple of hours of walking and playing). The best part of the walk was getting down to the beach! It's a beautiful view and very easy to walk around. Hard-packed sand, shells, and flat made for a nice walk. Because of all the recent rain, it was a wee bit sloppy; but fun. My kids had a wonderful time walking/running around and watching the water, looking for shells, and just being kids! We felt very safe there and I never felt like I needed to be "on guard" like at some parks. Overall, the park is large enough to spend a couple of hours there, and yet small enough to not get lost of feel overwhelmed with the number and length of the trails. I asked the kids if they had fun and would want to come back again. They both immediately said yes to both questions. There you have it. We'll be back!! read more

Nice park in Olympia with well maintained trails. There is ample parking and restrooms available. My family and I enjoyed our hike it was very peaceful. Afterwards my kids had fun playing on the playground. Highly recommend if you're looking for somewhere to spend time outside! read more

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For someone who loves hiking this was a beautiful hike, that goes to other trails like Ellis Cove. The park itself has beautiful sites in the middle of forest. A perfect spot for family walks. There are super short trails for family walks and there's connecting extremely long 10k trails for the avid hiker as well. Ellis cove is no joke 400m elevation straight up, but then it's straight down again and super short. A perfect place to train your glute and quad climb. Bring water, there is no place to refill. If you include beach hiking you could really hike for 30k to cover Boston Harbor and Burgos Park in the north. The playground itself is decent enough, but I went for the rain forest hike. Definitely 5 A must do! read more

A gem tucked into the realm of Olympia. I spent my birthday here, enjoying the intermittent rain mixed with gorgeous leaves colored yellow, orange and crimson, as big as dinner plates, descending graciously on the forest floor. This is a treasure that I hope is forever preserved. read more

Olympians really don't know how good they have it. This is a great park, with clean restrooms, well marked and maintained trails, and beautiful trees. I preferred the east side of the park (further from the water) with the loops through the woods. The east side is doable for most people. The west side is out and back has more elevation change and stairs. read more

Squaxin Park - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Grounds are kept up well. Feels safe to go there. We'll be back soon. We love the outdoors in this area read more

Squaxin Park - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

This park is beautiful, and there is so much to do! Some nice geocaches present if you aren't a muggle. On the inland side of the park, there are multiple forested trails and a special art trail. There is also a covered area that is beautifully constructed. The trials are incredibly well maintained and easy to traverse. We went on a Sunday in the middle of the day and it was almost empty. The coastal side of the park has a huge playground for the kiddos, a beachfront area and another massive trail. The beach is a little sketchy in my opinion -- very muddy, and there are warning signs posted about toxins. We take our dog everywhere but had to avoid the beach because he eats whatever he lays eyes on, and according to the posted signs, there are icky things out there. Sad for the wild life :( But with that being said, it's still a cool area and other people seem to enjoy it. I love the trail system on the coastal side. It has a name but I forgot it. It has a few sets of steep stairs so be forewarned if you are limited in your ability to navigate them. It's quite a long trial, and there are multiple pretty water-front views. This trail is also pretty well maintained -- can't complain. read more

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Our first time here. Took the dog with us and hiked several of the trails. We ended up on one of the cove trails. There is some giant steps as you navigate the up or downhills. Good little work out for the glutes and legs. Lots of vegetation. Walked along one of the small beaches. Was a warning sign out for the water. And came across one for poison oak. New to Washington so I need to research what it looks like so I don't have a mishap. Great nature area. read more

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I was visiting from Hawaii and wanted to do something out doors and this was one of the first things to pop up on Yelp. I'm so glad I took a chance and drove out here to check it out. The feeling of walking around surrounded by huge tall trees and to come out to see the "beach" that's part of the (pudget sounds)??? The beach I wasn't impressed with because I'm from Hawaii, but honestly just the views and the feeling of being one with nature was simply amazing. The many different trail paths you can take is simply amazing, not to mention that there's two parts of the park that is across of highway. If you have doubts because the drive from where you at, just put the car in drive and drive!!! You won't be disappointed. I visited the park 8/29/2016 read more

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Stopped here with the grandkids while their parents were running some errands. It was during the Covid pandemic when state mask mandates were in place, but you wouldn't know it here. The kids were sorely disappointed that they did not feel safe enough to play on the play structures because very few of the children or their accompanying adults were wearing masks. Perhaps we will give it another go once mandates are lifted. It is look like a fun place to play. read more

I love Priest Point Park.  You can get some miles in if your heart desires, and even a bit of elevation... but overall it's a smallish City Park but has a lot to offer.  Nice trails, beautiful park, can get busy on weekends for sure. Minus 1 star because car break ins mean you either don't bring a car, or you do and hope like mad your windows are not smashed in when you get back...even without anything left in the car.  happens way too much.  It's very frustrating and there seem to be no solutions.  I have no idea why resources have been used to rename it, seems very silly. read more

Beautiful beach area and great walking trails! The trails can be strenuous- uphill and slippery in wet weather- but the views are just amazing. The beach area is peaceful and you can happen upon sea creatures in the water and washed up on the beach. Visit this park early and the chance you will see someone else is very small. read more

This park is AWESOMENESS! Well maintained and easy to get around. Will definitely will return.

What a gem. Nice walking paths & beautiful view of water & trees so glad we found this day park to enjoy. Open dawn to dusk, picnic & play area and clean restrooms. View of Capital building. read more

Squaxin Park - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Great park with awesome trails and a beautiful garden! Parking is easy and there are lots of great places to spend time with friends and family. read more

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This is a hidden gem of a park in the beautiful city of Olympia, WA. Priest Point park is named after the Catholic school and chapel built for native American Indians. Today it is a wooded park along Olympia's shoreline. They have a great kid's park that has wheelchair accessible play structures and swings. Lots of big trees and a nice view of Bud inlet (part of Puget Sound). You can run into mosquitos as you walk closer to the beach in the Spring so be sure to bring bug repellent or wear long sleeved clothes and pants. read more

Squaxin Park - Priest Point Park - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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This was another recommendation that was listed for "Best Park" in the Best Of section for Olympia this year from the free Tacoma Volcano newspaper. Unlike a few other recommendations that the newspaper made this park did not disappoint. It is huge with various walking paths everywhere as well as at least one that will take you down to Puget Sound. Puget Sound starts to peater out by the time you get to Olympia and the abundance and beauty that you experience from it farther north just isn't the same but I don't hold that against the park. On a clear day you get a great view of downtown Oly and the Olympic Mountain range. There are plenty of places where you can have a picnic and a very fine play area for the kids. Definitely a nice stop if you are in town or if you live here. I'm surprised I haven't heard of this park before until now! read more

Great place to enjoy nature at its best. Several trails to get to the water. I would recommend the main trail due to safety concerns. Bring old shoes since it is squishy at some spots. Not strollers or wheelchair accessibility. The park for kids is ok and has on swing for a child with special needs. Bathroom were closed next to toys. Not a lot of parking. It was a sunny day in February so probably more crowded than normal. read more

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Loved this park the playground was entertaining and easy access to the beach! Such a beautiful area! read more

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Today 9/22/20 multiple cars were broken in to at the trailhead. Be aware the cars are being watched and targeted when people walk away from the parking area. Be smart about not leaving any items visible. The area is beautiful, and unfortunately, criminals are aware of the parking areas. read more

This is an excellent park for people of all ages. They have plenty of benches and covered picnic tables. Their bathrooms are spotless. So many trails some narrow and some wide enough to take a sturdy walker or stroller. My dog went with me today and we walked a few of the trails, with benches not far. The park is super clean and well-maintained in all aspects. I definitely recommend going to the park at least once in your life. This time I stayed pretty close to the Rose Garden area. read more

Great little getaway! Soothing winds from the Sound that blow through the tall grass by the water and a lot of little trails throughout the park. I like to go here to unwind after a stressful day at work. Facilities: -Clean restrooms -Playground equipment for the kids -Picnic area with tables -Roads and parking areas read more

Squaxin Park - Soothing grass by the Sound. - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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I've been coming here since I was a child. It's so beautiful. Several trails to adventure on while you are here, and I do believe there's a play area for children still. read more

Beaches, forest, trails, rose garden, playground, picnic tables and shelters... what a great park! This Olympia municipal park is a big 'un at 314 acres, including one mile of saltwater shoreline. There's a variety of marine wildlife at the beach as well as nice views of downtown Oly and the Capitol building. Several well maintained trails wind through the forested hills that make up the bulk of the park. Picnic tables and unique 'swing benches' are scattered about. Three large covered shelters can be reserved for private gatherings. There are four parking areas and three restroom buildings available, too. There is a lot to do in this beautiful space-- and it's all free. The dog and I love it here!! read more

This is a great park just north of downtown Olympia. It has something for everyone and all ages. There is the pirate ship and swings for the kids. Hikes around the inlet and beach for walkers. The rose garden for lovers of flowers (plus you can host a wedding there even). Plenty of picnic shelter dispersed through the park adjacent to parking for family picnics, reunions and parties. The beach is ok, nothing to rave about, but it does have some nice views back down south towards Olympia. read more

As I looked downward into what seemed like a friendly woodsy trail down to the beach, my dog tugged at his leash as if he knew this trail and my ass were meant to be together. I wasn't sure if I would make it down this trail, but I knew that I couldn't turn back now. I was already 10 minutes into the woods in what seemed like the middle of no where. And who knows if a Bigfoot had already been stalking me and was just waiting to strike when I went to turn back to civilization. Knowing the risk of potentially being ripped apart by a savage beast and the eagerness of my dog to get to the water, I decided to attempt to descent this "path". Little did I know this was some sort of a death cliff. I managed to maneuver myself down about 6 feet before I felt the tiny rocks beneath my shoes give way and up went my feet into the air and my ass slamming into the hard rocks and dirt as I slid about 10 feet down the death cliff. As I came to a stop, I realized that I was still holding onto my dog's leash. My little Diego... my little 12 pound fur ball was up where I began to tumble trying not to be the death cliff's next victim. I tugged on his leash to try to coax him down the hill, but he would not budge. He had this look on his face as though he was saying "oh hell no". Seeing as how he would not budge on his own, I managed to climb a few feet up and grabbed him. Since we were still basically in the middle of this death cliff I ended up having to slide (white boy tumble) down the rest of the hill with my dog in my lap. Yes, I do love him THAT much. Yea... never doing that again. This park is great though. Miles and miles of hiking trails (just avoid the death cliffs). A playground for your tots, numerous picnic areas, tons of beach water access. This park has everything for your outdoorsy people. read more

Squaxin Park - The death cliff. (I swear it's steeper in person!) - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

One of the true blessings of living in west Washington is the multitude of trees. What people in Olympia call a "park" most everyone else in the country would call a forest. And what people in Washington call a forest, other people would call nothing at all because they are awestruck at the majesty. Anyway, Priest Point was my favorite place for a hike in the woods, and I sorely miss it now that I no longer live there. read more

Great little hiking trails, and dog friendly. Just went today to hike and with the beautiful weather we had, it made it a perfect trip. read more

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I have been going to this park since I was a kid. Now I'm taking my kids there to play and they love it! So much fun at the playground and lots of swings so no waiting your turn for them. Lots of fun paths to explore. I just wish they would keep the bathrooms a little bit cleaner. read more

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It looks beautiful but you will sink into the sand at the beach if your aren't careful. My sister and I learned the hard way and were waste deep struggling to get free. Definitely don't think I will comfortably walk on sand ever again... will have flashbacks read more

Been looking for some parks with nature trails lately and found this park on a yelp search. We really liked it and want to come back and make a picnic day of it. We walked down to the beach as well! I want to be more prepared to walk on some of the longer trails. Playground was great! You don't feel like you are in a big city at all back there. read more

This is a nice park to visit near downtown Olympia. It's wooded, has walking trails, a few pavilions, a rose garden, and a really nice beach along Budd Inlet. It's a nice place to ride your bike to from downtown, and the dogs definitely enjoy visiting for a walk on the beach. read more

Pretty nice park with some trails. The beach was too muddy for the kids to really get near it. Parking was easy. Looked like they have nice kitchen pavilion facilities and a wedding area. read more

Squaxin Park - Parks Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Our family loves this park! Ellis Cove trail is the perfect hike; better than any other trails in this area I think. It's steep in places but my 7 and 8 year old are just fine with it as long as they can rest on the beach before turning back. The other trails are fun to explore as well. The playground is great. Plenty of picnic tables and they just added nice covered eating areas near it as well. Very nice place to spend the day with your family. My golden retriever and lab love it here! read more

Priest Point Park is huge and beautiful. The playground features a soft rubbery ground which is fun to walk on, a huge pirate ship filled with activities, lots of swings including a wheelchair accessable one, bathrooms, and lots of shade for parents to sit in. There are acres and acres of hiking trails that the entire family can go on. Best of all is the short hike down to the sound. I have found many crabs, jellyfish, mussels, a lobster once, and lots of other fun sealife there. One summer I even found a rock coverered in brightly colored huge starfish! The garden there is fun to visit too since it is so pretty. Also there are large covered picnic areas with charcoal BBQ grills. read more

As far as parks go in the Olympia area, this is certainly one of the best. There are many wooded paths, a small rose garden, and one of the best kids play areas. The Pirate Ship themed playground is pretty busy on the weekends with lots of kids of all ages playing loudly, so if your kid still bites, you may want to try going on a weekday, or at least wait till my kid is done. Yes, that's right Blake's parents, I'm calling you guys out on YELP! Your kid sucks! read more

Great spot for anything from a picnic with the honey to a trip with the pups to enjoy the trails! Great views of the city and local surroundings! The beach can be muddy and slick so be careful while you enjoy the Sweet deets. They have rentable complexes for any outing so enjoy! read more

We grabbed some burgers from Big Toms and headed here for lunch. It had just rained days before and the tables were still wet, but we found a dry table and munched on our burgers while overlooking the water. Lot's of trails and trashcans which is important. read more

The park itself is very lovely and fun to walk around in! Although I wish people would leash their dogs especially if they're not going to watch them because I've had too many unleashed dogs walk up to mine and it's not fun when no owner is around to claim them until I call out for them read more