The best city hikes and walks in Thurston County

Thurston County offers a diverse selection of urban hiking experiences. This guide features 18 carefully curated routes, all rated as easy, making them accessible for a wide range of hikers.

The komoot community highly rates the urban trails in Thurston County, with an average score of 4.44 out of 5 stars from 76 ratings. Hikers frequently praise the accessibility, scenic views, and the blend of natural beauty with urban convenience.

Yes, you can experience beautiful waterfalls on urban trails in Thurston County. The Tumwater Falls Trail offers stunning views of the Deschutes River cascading over scenic falls. Another option is the Waterfall View from the Bridge loop from Tumwater, which provides a different perspective of the falls.

Many urban trails in Thurston County are family-friendly due to their easy difficulty and relatively short distances. The Tumwater Falls Trail is a great option, offering engaging views of the falls and opportunities to spot salmon during late summer. The McLane Creek Nature Trail, though not listed in this guide, is also known for its family-friendly rainforest environment.

Yes, several urban trails in Thurston County are designed as convenient circular routes. Examples include the Waterfall View from the Bridge loop from Tumwater, the Fort Borst Lake – Fort Borst Block House loop from Centralia, and the East Bay loop from Olympia.

Along Thurston County's urban trails, you can discover a variety of interesting places. Highlights include the Norm Dicks Visitor Center, the unique geological formations at Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, and the scenic Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area. You can also find viewpoints like the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Viewing Platform for wildlife observation.

Thurston County has made efforts to integrate its trail network with urban areas, making some trails accessible via public transport. For detailed information on public transport routes and stops near specific trailheads, it's recommended to check local transit schedules for Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. Many urban parks and trail access points in Thurston County offer designated parking areas. For example, trails around Tumwater Falls and Capitol Lake typically have nearby parking. It's advisable to check specific trail information or local park websites for detailed parking instructions before your visit.

For beginners or those looking for a quick stroll, the Tumwater Falls Trail is an excellent choice, being just over 1 kilometer long. The First Persons Gravesite loop from DuPont is another easy, shorter option at around 3 kilometers.

Yes, Thurston County's diverse ecosystems, even within urban settings, provide opportunities for wildlife observation. The Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge (Nisqually River Delta) is a prime location for birdwatching, hosting over 275 migratory bird species. Along trails near water bodies like Capitol Lake or Budd Inlet, you might spot otters, seals, and various waterfowl.

While this guide focuses on shorter urban hikes, Thurston County is home to longer multi-use trails that connect urban and rural areas. The Chehalis Western Trail, a 22-mile paved path, and the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail are excellent options for extended urban and semi-urban exploration, popular for hiking, running, and biking.