Olympia on the Deschutes River

Olympia is the capital of the US state of Washington on the West Coast. The city sits on the southern end of Puget Sound where the Deschutes River meets saltwater and the glaciated slopes of Mount Rainier can be seen on the eastern horizon.

The Washington State Capitol Building was completed in 1928 and rises 287 feet above the Capitol Campus. Its dome can be seen from all the way across the city. This historic campus consists of memorials, fountains, and gardens. The Tivoli Fountain is especially impressive.

The Governor's Mansion on the Capitol campus is the oldest building. Visitors can enjoy walking on the grounds. Free guided tours are available.

Capitol Lake is located below the Washington State Capitol. It is an artificial lake that sits at the intersection of the Deschutes River and Puget Sound. People enjoy the 1.6-mile trail that circles the lake. The trail connects to different parklands and the Downtown Historic District.

Capital Lake Park is a lovely community space with grassy lawns and walking paths. The trail lining the lake is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. The paved route also connects with other popular parks like Heritage Park and Marathon Park.

Percival Landing is a beautiful public waterfront park on the Budd Inlet at the far southern end of Puget Sound. You can walk the wooden boardwalk connecting the Historic District and the Olympia Farmers Market, There are restaurants to enjoy with patios overlooking the water.

Olympia Farmers Market on Percival Landing has made its home in a large pavilion that is lined with local produce and good, It stands out as one of the best farmers' markets in the Pacific Northwest. It is a four-day event from Thursday to Sunday. You can find local produce while listening to live music. There are fresh food vendors who represent cuisine from around the world. To sample items, picnic bench seating is available.

Take a look at the Downtown Historic District which encompasses approximately 17 blocks. There are buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can enjoy many murals with more than 50 registered and seen on the sides of buildings and in alleys.

The Hands-On Children's Museum has eight detailed galleries that have interactive displays. Children enjoy playing creatively here. There are popular permanent exhibits.

The Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a habitat with protected fresh and saltwater marshes, grasslands, and forests for migratory birds. It is less than ten miles east of Olympia. Common bird species include the great blue heron, American bittern, and peregrine falcon. Other wildlife here are pronghorn antelope, box turtles, and migratory orca whales.

To the south is the neighboring city of Turnwater. Turnwater Falls Park sits on the southern shore of Capitol Lake. It is a scenic spot with waterfalls. There are half-mile hiking trails past cascading waterfalls created by the Deschutes River, The park is great for walking, picnicking, and watching the changing seasons.

While in the area take the time to visit Mount Rainier National Park with Mount Rainier the tallest mountain in the state as well as the tallest in the Pacific Northwest. The park is accessible from all sides with the Carbon River Entrance being the closest to Olympia. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from and the peak season for visiting the park is from June through mid-September.

Olympia National Park includes the Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge, and Ruby Beach. There are many other scenic spots and the park has some of the best hiking trails around. Camping can be arranged for both parks.