Watershed Park Trail: Best Hike Near Olympia, Washington

Are you looking for a peaceful escape? Visit Watershed Park Trail! Approachable for nature lovers of all ages, this one-and-a-half-mile loop may be the best hike near Olympia, Washington. Stunning outdoor adventures abound in the Evergreen State, but only a few are well-suited for beginners while still being eminently beautiful. Before hitting the alpine calf-burners, test your mettle with this small-town gem!

Located under five minutes from the capitol's charming downtown district, Watershed Park contains over 150 acres of lush temperate rainforest. The park's plentiful aquifers provided Olympia with almost all its water until the mid-1800s.

Though soaring deciduous trees crowd Watershed today, logging threatened this dense forest in the not-so-distant past. In the 1950s, lumber companies planned to clear-cut the woods, but local opposition resulted in the area's preservation and eventual protection as a public park.

Watershed Park got its name from the Moxlie Creek basin, which you'll find meandering through the center of the temperate forest.

Most visitors can complete the trail in 35 minutes or less, making it the perfect destination to bring young outdoor enthusiasts who may not possess the stamina for more arduous hikes.

Watershed Park also welcomes well-behaved pooches on leashes, so long as their human parents take responsibility for cleaning up after them. Though it's common to spot owls and other wildlife along the path, it's equally fun to enjoy the furry characters you'll encounter during your excursion.

While hikers shouldn't attempt foraging without expert guidance, Olympia residents count Watershed as one of the region's best mushrooming spots! Consider connecting with a local guide to help you identify the forest's bounty.

Popular among locals for its accessibility, wildlife, and abundant beauty, Watershed Park Trail is the ideal excursion for those interested in dipping their toes into hiking or those with small companions -- furry and otherwise.

If you’re hunting for the best hike near Olympia, Washington, check out this small-town favorite. Though Watershed Park Trail may not be the longest trail in the state, it’s an excellent option for beginners. There’s no end to the outdoor adventures seasoned hikers can enjoy in Washington, but it’s wise to start with an approachable excursion that delivers lush natural beauty without all the blood, sweat, and tears. Peaceful, gorgeous, and eminently doable, this hike is a worthwhile addition to any nature enthusiast’s bucket list.

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2500 Henderson Blvd SE, Olympia, WA 98501, USA

A Peaceful Escape Can Be Found Along The Watershed Trail In Washington

Andrea Verschuyl

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