Attractions and Places To See in Thurston County - Top 20

Thurston County offers diverse natural beauty. You can visit the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, a vital estuary habitat for migratory birds, featuring an accessible viewing platform at the Norm Dicks Visitor Center. Tumwater Falls Park showcases the Deschutes River's cascades with trails and footbridges. The unique Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, a National Natural Landmark, offers walking trails and birdwatching. Other notable areas include Millersylvania State Park, Capitol State Forest, and Burfoot Park on Budd Inlet with beach access and views.

Yes, Thurston County has an extensive network of recreational trails. The Chehalis Western Trail, Yelm Tenino Trail, and Woodland Trail provide miles of paved, off-road paths for walking, biking, and running through diverse landscapes. The Great American Rail-Trail: Rainer to Tenino Section is also available for traffic-free enjoyment. For more specific hiking options, you can find various routes in the Hiking in Thurston County guide.

You can visit Tumwater Falls Park to see the impressive 82-foot cascading falls of the Deschutes River. For more waterfall-focused hikes, explore routes like the Deschutes Falls Trail or Kennedy Falls Trail, which are detailed in the Waterfall hikes in Thurston County guide.

Thurston County is rich in history. The Washington State Capitol Campus in Olympia is a prominent landmark with the Legislative Building, Governor's Mansion, and Temple of Justice. The Old Capitol Building (1892) is another significant historical site. In Tenino, the Tenino Depot (now a museum) and the Tenino Stone Company Quarry offer glimpses into the past. The Bigelow House Museum is Olympia's oldest residence, preserving early city history. You can also explore the Delphi Ghost Town near Capitol State Forest.

Yes, Thurston County offers several cultural experiences. The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia hosts a variety of shows. The Olympia Farmers Market is one of Washington's largest, offering a vibrant atmosphere. For a unique art experience, visit the Monarch Sculpture Park in Tenino, a 5-acre non-profit space featuring over 100 contemporary sculptures.

Families can enjoy the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia, offering interactive exhibits on science, art, and nature. The Norm Dicks Visitor Center at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge provides an accessible viewing platform and exhibits. Many trails, such as the Chehalis Western Trail and Yelm Tenino Trail, are designated as family-friendly. The Monarch Sculpture Park is also a great outdoor option for all ages.

The Norm Dicks Visitor Center at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge features an accessible viewing platform. Tumwater Falls Park also offers accessible trails. Many of the paved rail-trails, such as the Chehalis Western Trail, are generally accessible for wheelchairs.

The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a prime location for wildlife viewing, especially for migratory birds, with over 200 species visiting annually. The Norm Dicks Visitor Center provides exhibits and an accessible viewing platform. Wolf Haven International is a nationally recognized wolf sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and protection of wolves, offering a unique viewing experience.

Spring and fall generally offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities in Thurston County, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings wildflowers to areas like Bald Hill Natural Area Preserve, while fall showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. Winter offers opportunities for different outdoor experiences, though some trails may have seasonal conditions.

Yes, several trails in Thurston County are dog-friendly. The Yelm Tenino Trail is specifically noted as dog-friendly. When bringing your dog, always ensure they are on a leash and that you follow all posted regulations for the specific trail or park you are visiting.

For easy hikes, you can explore trails like the Tumwater Falls Trail or the Twin Barns Loop Trail. The Easy hikes in Thurston County guide provides more details on routes suitable for all skill levels, including the Chickadee, Alderwood, and Field Loop, and the Creekside Trail and Yelm-Tenino Trail Loop.

In Tenino, you can visit the Tenino Depot, which now serves as a museum, and the historic Tenino Stone Company Quarry, which has been repurposed as the city's memorial swimming pool. The Monarch Sculpture Park is also located in Tenino, offering a unique outdoor art experience. The Yelm Tenino Trail also connects to this historic town.