Hiking Trails, Beach Access and Parks: Where to Start

If you find yourself inspired, don’t hesitate! The perfect time to go is now. Download the TREAD Map mobile app to find real-time updates on Washington State trails then hit the road. Here are a few top spots in Thurston County guaranteed to take your breath away (awe or exertion, you decide).

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Less than 5 miles long, this out and back trail is a birder’s paradise. No dogs allowed or it’ll scare way our feathered friends. With plenty of boardwalks, it’s ideal for strollers or folks with limited mobility. Don’t miss the Visitor Center (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wed-Sun). $3 per four adults, kids under 16 are free.

Mima Falls Loop at Capitol State Forest

A 5.5-mile loop that’s 30 minutes from Olympia, this is considered a more moderate hike. Horses and bikes share the trail that’s great all year round. Nearby the mysterious Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve (NAP) includes an ADA accesible trail. There’s even an observation deck where you can posit your best guess as to which variety of aliens crafted these 445 acres of lumpy ground.

Kenneydell Park on Black Lake

If you prefer to swim, Olympia’s Kenneydell Park has 1,000 feet of freshwater beach, playground structures for the kids, athletic fields, picnic shelters or tables with grills, and restroom facilities. Or reserve Kenneydell Lodge for parties of up to 49 people. Fish, wade, splash, watch the ducks, or cannonball off the dock into ice-cold water exactly as summer intended.

Deschutes Falls Park

Waterfalls, canyon, gorge, monolith, native plants, historic log cabin and a natural swimming hole: this park has it all. The trail can be steep and/or slippery so come prepared. Insta-worthy photo spots for the waterfalls available thanks to a viewing deck with railings. Located just outside of Yelm.

There are additional lists of parks and trails on the Thurston County Public Works website, Thurston Talk’s Parks and Beaches portal, and at ExperienceOlympia. com. Find your favorite today and then "get out and play" the summer away!

South Sound Summer Events Calendar

JULY 3-4

Olympia Downtown Alliance's Music in the Park concert series returns to Olympia in July 2023! This highly anticipated event promises a season of quality music while enjoying the beautiful Sylvester Park and the scenic views from Port of Olympia's Port Plaza.

Music in the Park is a free outdoor concert series that showcases local and regional musicians, bringing some of the best northwest musical talent downtown. Attendees can sit back and take in the outdoors while they enjoy live music in a relaxing and inviting environment.

JULY 8

JULY 12-16

JULY

SUNDAYS

JULY 22

AUGUST 5

JULY 26-30

The series attracts between 600 to several thousand attendees per show, making it a popular community event. Down North will kick off the first concert of the season, taking place on July 2 at the Port Plaza. The remaining four performances will occur at Sylvester Park, featuring Groove Lab on July 9, Show Brazil on July 16, The Pine Hearts on July 23, and Platinum Soul on July 30. All shows run from 1 to 2 pm. For more information, visit downtownolympia.org/Events/Music-In-the-Park

The City of Lacey is in its 57th year of celebrating Independence Day with a day of family fun! Kick off Independence Day early at Lacey Fireworks Spectacular & Freedom Concert on Monday, July 3, 2023, from 4:0011:00 pm. This free event has something for everyone: food trucks, concerts, activities for kids, and the culminating fireworks spectacular! To learn more details, visit cityoflacey.org/events_list/lacey-fireworks-spectacular

Tumwater Parks & Recreation proudly presents its Annual Independence Day Parade. Come celebrate our nation and show your patriotic spirit! The parade starts at 11 am at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Lee Street. Moves south on Capitol Boulevard to Israel Road. Turns west (right) onto Israel Road and continues past City Hall, ending at Linderson Way/Israel Road Intersection.

AUGUST 25-26

SEPT 1-3

The Artesian Family Festival & Thunder Valley Fireworks Show is the biggest and best fireworks festival in the County – and it happens in Tumwater every year on July 4th! On the Tumwater Valley Golf Course driving range, you'll find music, food, games and much more waiting for you. Event gates open at 6:00p.m.; the fireworks show begins at 10:15p.m. The event is FREE. Parking is $10/car and opens at 5:30p.m.

Do you love slow-cooked traditional BBQ? Well, here’s your chance to get your taste buds satisfied. On behalf of the Lacey South Sound Chamber and community partners, we welcome one and all to the mouthwatering world of BBQ at the South Sound BBQ Festival in Lacey on Saturday, July 8, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. There will be live entertainment, free kids' activities, a chicken wing eating contest, an adult-only beer and wine garden, outdoor activities, vendors, and more! For more information about this event, please visit laceysschamber.com/events/south-sound-bbq-festival.

Lakefair Week, July 12 - 16, offers activities for all ages. Many are open daily at the park, including carnival rides and games, non-profit food concessions, entertainment main stage and arts & crafts vendor booths. Other special events include the car show, parade, seniors' day, fireworks and more, either in the park or nearby. Capital Lakefair is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Olympia, Washington. While widely known as Olympia’s annual summer festival, Lakefair operates year-round to celebrate and give back to our community in Thurston County. To learn more, visit lakefair.org

The Port of Olympia will host Summer Nights at the Port waterfront concert series Saturday, July 22 & Saturday, July 29, 2023. The FREE, family-friendly events will take place at the lot next to the Swantown Marina Boat Launch Parking Lot located at the Port’s NorthPoint (1210 Marine Drive NE, Olympia 98501), and feature music from Uncle Daddy & the King Tides (Country Covers) on July 22, 6-8pm and The Little Lies: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on July 29, 6-8pm. Each event will include a beer garden sponsored by O Bee Credit Union and presented by Headless Mumby Brewing Co., with all proceeds benefiting ANEW. Guests will enjoy live music and local food truck fare while they take in the beautiful backdrop of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

The Thurston County Fair is back this year, Wednesday, July 26 – Sunday, July 30, with family fun for everyone – animals, carnival, exhibits, delicious fair foods and more! Visit thurstoncountyfair.org for more info.

Join us at Tumwater Brew Fest on Saturday, August 19, 2023, for a celebration of Pacific NW craft breweries, wine, cider, and spirits. With 50 breweries in attendance, enjoy a diverse selection of beverages while participating in exciting games like giant Jenga and cornhole.

South Sound Block Party is a 2,500-3,500 capacity, a two-day music festival with more than 15 live bands, local vendors and food + drink offerings. An annual memory-maker, summer highlight and source of pride for the local community. South Sound Block Party aims to restore, preserve and contribute to the historic and legendary Olympia-area music scene for years to come. For more info, visit southsoundblockparty.com

For almost a half-century, Olympia Harbor Days has been a locally sponsored, free, family-friendly maritime-themed festival with tugboats, historic ships, booth vendors, food, music, educational classes, children’s activities, and more, held each Labor Day Weekend. This year the event starts Friday, September 1, at 5:00 pm and closes Sunday, September 3, at 6:00 pm. The festival will take place along Olympia’s Downtown Waterfront Boardwalk from historic Percival Landing to the Port of Olympia’s Port Plaza Park. For more info, hours and schedules, please visit HarborDays.com.

Down North will be featured at Music in the Park on July 2 at Port Plaza.