One of the best things about being a local is knowing where to go. If the sun happens to peak out or we see an unusually warm evening with a great sunset, the locals know just where to go to enjoy the most of the pleasant weather. Not being a local, and moving around the country most of my life, I never felt a new place was “home” until I had a couple of these local spots in my back pocket. These may already be your favorite stomping grounds, but if the weather is good, check out one of these Tumwater picnic spots.
Tumwater Falls Park
There is something about listening to water that is soothing for the soul. This park is the most popular privately owned park in the state, and provides not only great views, accessible picnic spots, and wandering foot trails, but if you stop and read the signage, you may pick up some historical knowledge as well.
This 15 acre park is beautiful all year long, and provides open areas for your puppy, playgrounds for your kids and enough trails to stretch your legs. A one-half mile foot trails borders the Deschutes River and leads towards to 82 foot final tumble into Capitol Lake. The trails also takes you along a salmon ladder where you can regularly spy fish in the late fall. Even though the park attracts several hundred thousands of visitors each year, the nature trails and views of cascading water create a serene environment.
Directions: 110 Deschutes Way SW, Tumwater WA 98501
Kenneydell Park
Kenneydell is a neighborhood gem of a park located on Black Lake. The 40-acre park has two entrances, one which takes you to the soccer and baseball fields, covered picnic areas and a great playground for older children. Directly across the street, the park continues and you can access the freshwater beach, good swimming areas, another playground and more covered picnic areas.
Like most good parks, this swimming hole can be crowded on sunny days, but normally you can find a good spot to stop, walk through the trees, enjoy the lake views or go for a quick run around the fields in relative seclusion.
Directions: Take Highway 101 off I-5. Take the Black Lake Boulevard exit. Turn left onto Black Lake Boulevard. Proceed approximately 2 miles, then turn left onto the Black Lake-Belmore Road. Follow the Black Lake-Belmore Road approximately 2 miles. Turn right onto 66th. Park entrances are 600 feet after a sharp left curve in the road.
Pioneer Park
You can take your whole crew to Pioneer Park for the day. If you have children and live in the Tumwater area, you have most likely visited Pioneer Park for sporting events and practices. The grassy fields are great places to run your furry friends or fly a kite. The real highlight of this 85-acre park, though, is the easily accessible gravel foot trail that leads through meadows down to the Deschutes River. You can follow the path along the river and find a shady spot to stop and enjoy the views. For the more adventurous souls, this park is a popular tubing drop-in spot.
Directions: From I-5 take the Tumwater Blvd Exit. Turn onto Tumwater Blvd traveling east until the road ends. Turn left onto Henderson Blvd. The park entrance is about one mile down Henderson Blvd on the left.
Pack a blanket, a kite and some treats and head outside. Where are your favorite local Tumwater picnic spots? We’d love to hear about it.
