The best walks and hikes around Tumwater

Yes, the region has some lovely waterfall trails. The most prominent is within Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, which features a dramatic 82-foot series of cascades on the Deschutes River. For a more traditional forest hike, the Mima Falls Trail in the nearby Capitol State Forest leads to a picturesque waterfall and is a local favorite.

Tumwater is great for family outings. McLane Creek Nature Trail is a top choice, offering a very easy and safe loop with plenty of wildlife for kids to see. Another excellent option is Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, with its accessible half-mile walking trail, picnic areas, and impressive waterfalls.

Many parks and trails in and around Tumwater are dog-friendly, but rules can vary. Generally, dogs are welcome on leash in places like Capitol State Forest and city parks. However, some specific areas, like nature preserves or sensitive habitats, may have restrictions. Always check the local regulations for the specific trail you plan to visit and be prepared to keep your dog on a leash.

For a more strenuous workout, head to the nearby Capitol State Forest. The trails leading to the summit of Capitol Peak offer significant elevation gain and reward hikers with expansive views of the surrounding region. These routes are much more demanding than the gentle paths found within the city's parks.

Yes, many of the best trails in the area are loops. For a pleasant and easy walk, the Hazard Lake loop from Olympia High School is a great option that takes you around a small lake. For a longer, more moderate loop, consider the Hiking loop from Olympia, which offers a more extensive exploration of the local green spaces.

Hikers in Tumwater have several highly-regarded spots to explore.

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is a major attraction, famous for its dramatic waterfalls and easy walking paths. For a more extensive network of trails, many head to Capitol State Forest, a vast working forest with routes for all skill levels. Squaxin Park in nearby Olympia is another favorite, offering trails through old-growth forest with views of the saltwater shoreline.

Absolutely. The Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve is a must-see. This National Natural Landmark features a prairie covered in mysterious, uniform mounds. An interpretive trail system, including a paved ADA-accessible loop, allows you to walk among these strange formations. You can learn more about its special status on the National Park Service website.

For a rewarding view without a major climb, Tumwater Hill Park offers a pleasant 0.75-mile trail that, on a clear day, provides views of Mount Rainier. For more panoramic scenery, the trails to the summit of Capitol Peak in the Capitol State Forest offer some of the most sweeping vistas in the immediate area.

There are over 40 hiking routes to explore in and around Tumwater. The selection ranges from very easy, short walks in city parks to more moderate and difficult treks in the surrounding forests, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

The area is well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the variety of trails, from the scenic riverside paths along the Deschutes River to the quiet, forested routes found in parks like Watershed Park and the expansive Capitol State Forest.

The scenery is quite diverse. You can expect lush, forested paths within parks like Squaxin Park and the Capitol State Forest. Many trails follow the Deschutes River, offering views of rapids and waterfalls. Other routes, like the Chehalis Western Trail, pass through a mix of urban, rural, and natural landscapes, while places like the Mima Mounds offer a unique prairie environment.