A lake with big trees in the foreground and a father and son fishing in silhouette.

Five state parks you won’t want to miss near Washington’s capital

Washington’s capital city Olympia is a South Puget Sound hub with cool Northwest vibes. At least five state parks sit on inlets and islands, in old-growth forests or wetlands. They beckon you to spend a day fishing, harvesting shellfish, swimming, paddling, birding or walking beneath the towering trees.

Water, Wetland and the Woods: Five State Parks Near Olympia

Millersylvania, 20 min.

What to do:

  • Take advantage of the calm waters on Deep Lake and practice standup paddleboarding. The parking lot is near the lake, so you won't have to carry your board far.
  • If you'd rather stay dry, explore the meandering trails through old growth forest and wetlands. Be sure to check out the historic Civilian Conservation Corps kitchen shelters along the way.
  • In the summer, enjoy a brew or a snack at the Lakeside Taphouse beer garden in a forested CCC-era cabin.
    A wood and stone kitchen shelter in the woods with a picnic table in front.

Tolmie, 20 min. 

What to do:

  • Scuba dive off the shore in the park’s popular underwater artificial reef.
  • Bring the whole family, plus beach gear because this is a favorite swim spot for kiddos.
  • Take your dog on a walk on the three-mile trail lined with cedar trees, as it winds over wetlands.
    A wetland and a beach with a bridge between them.

Lake Sylvia, 50 min.

What to do:

  • Lounge by the lake – that's it. That’s your only assignment, if you so choose.
  • Cast a line from the fishing bridge and see what fish you can reel in.
  • Swim in the calm waters or paddle out on the lake.
  • Above the park, ride your hybrid or mountain bike on miles of looping trails.
  • Make camp at nearby Schafer State Park, in a new campground on the Satsop River, perfect for fishing, wading or inner tubing.
    People fishing off a bridge with a hanging basket of flowers above.

Willapa Hills Trail, 40 min.

What to do:

  • Use this converted rail trail to hike, bike or ride horses between Chehalis and the Washington coast — the trail rolls through farmland, small towns and coastal forests.
  • Bring your camera for some amazing shots — the restored railroad bridges make for fabulous photo ops.
  • If you’d rather be in the Chehalis River than above it, you can fish or swim from gravel bars below the trail.  
    A bridge with the grid of the railings reflected on the concrete by the sun's shadow and green field beyond.

Rainbow Falls, 50 min.

What to do:

  • Get a little R&R off the beaten path: arrive by bike, foot or horse from the Willapa Hills Trail, or by car on Hwy 6.
  • Camp, fish, play horseshoes or get a game going in the park’s ballfield.
  • Sit by the park’s namesake waterfall, breathe deep and relax.
  • Explore the Willapa Hills Trail to the east and west — you may have the trail to yourself. 
    A small waterfall cascades down a river.

Originally published January 27, 2026

See blogs also related to...

Waypoints