Picturesque Picnic Places in Thurston County

priest point park
The best of summer-watermelon and a great family picnic spot at Priest Point Park.
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By Lisa Herrick

all star ford sponsorFew things are more enjoyable and easier than a summer picnic-especially when natural beauty surrounds us in Thurston County. Whether headed out to a local park with kids, a romantic excursion by the water, or mid-week break with work buddies the picnicking options are plentiful.

Simply grab your picnic basket and enjoy one of summer’s best activities.

 

Priest Point Park

priest point park
The best of summer-watermelon and a great family picnic spot at Priest Point Park.

A quintessential Olympia picnic locale, Priest Point Park offers a combination of nature trails, views of downtown Olympia and the State Capitol building, plus access to Budd Inlet on the Puget Sound.  Just one mile from downtown Olympia on East Bay Drive, Ellis Cove is nestled within the 314-acre regional nature park. The Ellis Cove Trail winds through old trees to the beach. Picnic tables and shelters can be found throughout the park with several adjacent to the pirate ship themed playground on a springy rubber surface and the lush rose gardens on the east side of the park.

Located at 2600 East Bay Drive NE in Olympia.

 

Percival Landing Park

One of Olympia’s downtown waterfront parks, Percival Landing is a popular go-to picnic spot for both locals and tourists. Located in downtown Olympia on the southern most tip of the Puget Sound, the park stretches along a one mile boardwalk beside wooden docks and boats in the water, marine birds resting upon the shoreline, art sculptures, a grassy field and an expansiveplay structure for children. This scenic and easily accessible park is perfect for a waterfront outing and meal.

Located at 405 Columbia Street NW in Olympia.

 

tumwater falls park
Kids delight in the gentle spray of water from Tumwater Falls after enjoying a picnic in the park.

Tumwater Falls and Historical Park

Tumwater Falls Park is 15 acres that runs next to the Deschutes River. A walking path leads you by the several falls including the Upper Falls, Middle Falls and the main Tumwater Falls all of which are breathtaking. You can cross two bridges that span the river for amazing picture taking opportunities.  Plus the bordering Tumwater Historical Park reveals some of the area’s past as the historic Olympia Brewery frames the park and tells a story of a bygone era and the site is recognized as the first American settlement on Puget Sound where the settlers used the river to power their mills.

Located at 110 Deschutes Parkway SW in Tumwater.

 

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a great park for a family day or just an adventure for two. Pack a picnic, bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from the visitor center, and head out for your stroll throughout the refuge. There are several hiking options in the refuge, but the most exciting is the Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail as it leads to an observation platform. Find a bench along the trail to listen for the sounds of the birds and animals while enjoying your picnic or find a table near the Twin Barns.

Located at 100 Brown Farm Road NE north of Olympia.

 

huntamer park
Huntamer Park is the site for many family friendly outdoor events throughout the summer.

Huntamer Park

In the heart of Lacey and the hub of the city’s events, Huntamer Park is a great location for families to meet up in the middle of the day for a picnic. This downtown Lacey park is the site of numerous outdoor events throughout the summer. The kids can run around and play on the climbing rocks. If timed right, you can picnic and catch one of the many summer performances on the stage. Just set out a blanket and unpack the fixin’s!

Located at 618 Woodland Square Loop SE in Lacey (Corner of Woodland Square Loop and 7th Avenue SE)

 

Find more stories about Olympia area parks and beaches by clicking here.

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