Top 9 Lakes around Olympia

Yes, several lakes offer great options for families. Kenneydell Park on Black Lake features a 1,000-foot freshwater beach, a developed swimming area, playgrounds, athletic fields, and picnic facilities. Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park also has two swimming beaches, kayak rentals, and a snack shack during summer. Long Lake Park provides a public beach with sand volleyball courts and picnic areas, ideal for family outings.

The lakes around Olympia are rich in wildlife. At Beaver Pond at McLane Creek, you can observe newts, waterfowl, and spawning salmon from the boardwalks. Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area is home to harbor seals, bald eagles, a large colony of bats, and one of the largest heron nesting areas in the state. You can also view bats at the Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery, especially in the evening or early morning.

Absolutely. Capitol Lake features a 3.5-mile paved trail popular for walking, running, and cycling, offering views of the State Capitol Building. Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area has forested hiking trails and a paved road that serves as a trail. For a shorter nature walk, the Ellis Cove Nature Trail provides viewpoints of Budd Inlet. You can find more hiking options in the area, including easy routes like the Chickadee, Alderwood, and Field Loop, by exploring the Easy hikes around Olympia guide.

For summer swimming, Black Lake, Deep Lake, and Long Lake are excellent choices. Black Lake offers a developed swimming area at Kenneydell Park. Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park has two swimming beaches, and Long Lake is known for its good beachfront and well-maintained grassy area overlooking the swim area.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Black Lake is a favored spot, stocked with thousands of hatchery trout, as well as multiple species of bass and panfish. Lake St. Clair is also recognized for its fishing opportunities, with rainbow and brown trout, and bass.

Capitol Lake, an artificial reservoir, is directly behind the Washington State Capitol Building, offering picturesque views of this significant landmark. Historically, the area was a tidal basin and a vital shellfish gathering site for the Squaxin Island Tribe before being dammed in 1951 to create the lake. There are ongoing plans to restore it to its natural estuary state.

Deep Lake at Millersylvania State Park offers kayak rentals, paddleboards, and pedal boats during the summer. Black Lake is popular for fishing and has public access for various water activities. While not explicitly for water sports, the 3.5-mile paved trail around Capitol Lake is great for cycling.

Yes, several spots offer great views. The Ellis Cove Nature Trail provides nice viewpoints of the Budd Inlet. Capitol Lake offers views of the Capitol building. Additionally, the Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery viewpoint provides a fantastic view of Henderson Inlet.

The lakes offer different experiences throughout the year. Summer is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding at lakes like Black Lake, Deep Lake, and Long Lake. Spring and fall are excellent for hiking and wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatching around Capitol Lake or observing spawning salmon at Beaver Pond at McLane Creek. Winter can still offer opportunities for quiet walks on paved trails, though some natural areas may have seasonal closures.

Yes, a Discover Pass is required for entry to Millersylvania State Park, which includes access to Deep Lake. It's always a good idea to check local park regulations before visiting, especially for state parks.

While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, it's important to check specific regulations for each location. For example, dogs are explicitly not allowed in the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, even on a leash, to protect sensitive wildlife habitats.

There are several popular cycling routes in the Olympia area that pass near or around lakes. The Chehalis Western Trail – Chambers Lake loop is a moderate road cycling route. You can find more options, including the Loop from Olympia to the Mima Mounds, in the Road Cycling Routes around Olympia guide.