Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • Everyday
    • Education
    • Neighborhood Notes
  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • Artist Profiles
    • Food Shopping
    • Local Farmers
    • Music
    • Restaurants
  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • Around The House
    • Health Care
    • Local Retail Shops
    • Services
    • Women in Business
  • History
  • Photos
    • Community Events
    • Local Attractions
    • Sporting Events
  • Non-Profits
  • LocalTalk
  • Activities
    • Dogs & Pets
    • Family & Kids
    • Indoor
    • Outdoor
    • Gardening
    • Outdoor Recreation
    • Biking
    • Camping
    • Hiking
    • Running
    • Parks and Beaches
    • Thrifty Thurston
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Search
Monday, July 7, 2025
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
ThurstonTalk
  • Everyday
    • AllEducationNeighborhood Notes
      Humanitarian and influencer Kwabi Amoah-Forson stands at a podium with staff from Evergreen State College sitting behind him. a Banner says "Congratulations Class of 2025 - Evergreen" on the wall behind him

      The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to…

      a woman leans over an older youth in a wheelchair, there are other adults and kids in a playground in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent Invites Community to Join Them in…

      a group of high school students smile for a photo standing side by side, each with a medal around their neck

      71 North Thurston Public Schools Students Earn Seal of Biliteracy This…

      Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

  • Sports
  • Food & Art
    • AllArtist ProfilesFood ShoppingLocal FarmersMusicRestaurants
      Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

      New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

      Unique Pop-Up Vendor Brings Dirty Sodas to Olympia Area

      a bottle of Woodborne Spirits vodka with chantrelle mushrooms lying around it

      From Forest to Bottle: Woodborne Spirits turns Chanterelles into Award-Winning Gin…

      a bowl of bao with a red spoon with broth held over it. A bao is being held above the spoon with chopsticks

      Get Your Bao Some Bao in Thurston County: New Dough Zone…

  • Community Channels
    • Around the House
      • Home Inspection Services
      • Insurance
        • Insurance Agent – Melanie Bakala
      • Real Estate Agents in Thurston County Covering Olympia Lacey Tumwater Yelm and beyond
    • Business Networking
      • Chamber
        • Chamber of Commerce
      • Economic Development Council
      • Rotary
        • Gateway Rotary
    • Community Talker
      • Instagram Article Feed
    • Health and Wellness
      • Hospital + Medical Center
      • Physical Therapy
    • Media Partners
      • Thurston Community Media
      • NorthAmericaTalk
    • Mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters)
    • Movies
    • Olympia Farmers Market
    • City, County and Government Information
      • People in Public Service
      • City of Lacey, Washington
      • City of Olympia, Washington
      • City of Tumwater, Washington
      • City of Yelm, Washington
      • City, County and Port Meetings
      • Port of Olympia
      • Thurston County Washington
    • Senior Life
      • Cemetery Products
      • In-Home Care
      • Senior Services for South Sound
    • Services
      • Auto Repair
      • Pet Emergency
    • South Puget Sound Community College
    • Thurston County Podcast
  • Featured Businesses
    • AllAround The HouseHealth CareLocal Retail ShopsServicesWomen in Business
      a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

      Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston…

      outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

      WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking…

      A Multi-Pronged Approach at Penrose Physical Therapy Keeps Patient Healthy and…

      an updated kitchen and dining area with light wood floors, white cabinets and white counters

      Family-Owned Olympia Builder Will Take Your New Home or Renovation Project…

  • History
    • Tenino Moves Historic Train Depot, 1975

      Arleen Webb Crooks Helped Make Olympia a Better Place

      Olympia History: Remembering the Daylight Bakery

      The Marie Bed & Breakfast in olympia

      From Historic Charm to Cozy Retreat: The Story of Our Victorian…

      People in Public Service: Cassandra Messegee Brown, Thurston County Superintendent of…

  • Photos
    • AllCommunity EventsLocal AttractionsSporting Events
      capital city pride

      Thousands Gather in Olympia to Celebrate Capital City Pride 2018

      procession species olympia

      Luminary Procession 2018: Lighting Up the Rainy Night in Downtown Olympia

      snowy winter scene

      ThurstonTalk Readers Capture Christmas Snow

      Twinklefest 2017

      Twinklefest 2017 Window Displays

  • Non-Profits
    • a woman leans over an older youth in a wheelchair, there are other adults and kids in a playground in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent Invites Community to Join Them in…

      Chris Hyde stands in a kitchen, writing something on a notepad, three woman stand behind him behind a counter

      The Food Source Foundation and ‘Hometown Hero’ Finalist in Olympia Heat…

      a large group of men and woman with a couple kids post for a photo, four are kneeling, the rest are standing. They are in front of a pop up tent that says 'TOGETHER!" with three hand prints next to it One woman is holding a gift basket

      The League of Foundations Unites Three Local Nonprofits to Extend their…

      a man holds a child with a woman standing next to hem and a boat in the background

      South Sound Parent to Parent is a Resource Helping Families With…

      Komachin Middle School Future Business Leaders of America standing behind a long table with food in bins

      Matthew Klifman Takes Over as All Kids Win Board Chair

  • LocalTalk
    • State Awards Grants in Thurston County to Improve Outdoor Recreation and…

      No One Dies Alone Volunteer Program Launches July 1

      Leave Fireworks at Home and Be Careful With Campfires While Celebrating…

      two people hold a jump rope while a dog jumps it

      The Washington Center Announces the 25/26 Season

      FC Olympia women's soccer team clapping while seated on the bench. one woman is standing

      FC Olympia Hosts USL W Title Match Friday at RAC in…

  • Activities
    • AllDogs & PetsFamily & KidsIndoorOutdoorGardeningOutdoor RecreationBikingCampingHikingRunningParks and BeachesThrifty Thurston
      People on the shore at Tolmie State Beach during low tide, with an island in the distance and clouds in the sky

      State Park Near Olympia-Lacey That’s Great for Picnicking, Walking and More

      a man fishes in a small boat on Lake Sylvia, trees cover the bank on the other side

      Visit Washington Coast’s Lake Sylvia

      Polson Logging Company steam engine pulling the Mt. Rainier Scenic train through the forest

      Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Still in Operation After Fire, Take a…

      young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

      New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water…

  • Events
    • a group of people stand next to a red motorcycle, two of them are holding a giant check.

      An Exciting Summer Is Ahead at Mason Health, With Installation of…

      long sticks with salmon attached them over an open flam. A black belt runs in front of the fire pit that says Lucky Eagle Casino Resort

      Heat up Your Family’s Summer at the Barbecue Festival in Yelm

      a man speaking into a microphone with a young boy next to him at West Bay Park, the new totem carving is in the background

      The West Olympia Rotary Commemorates 50th Anniversary Through ‘Life Is Water’…

      an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

      Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art,…

      black night sky with two fireworks going off in red and green

      2025 July 4th Fireworks in Thurston County

    • Calendar
    • Post an Event
  • Calendar
  • Travel
    • Day Trips
    • Overnight Trips
  • Podcast
Home Activities Sweet Sixteen: 16 Outdoor Adventures for 2016 Around The South Sound

Sweet Sixteen: 16 Outdoor Adventures for 2016 Around The South Sound

By
Douglas Scott
-

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
FacebookTweetPin

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we have an opportunity in 2016 to have the greatest wilderness and nature experiences, all just a short drive around the South Puget Sound.

oly ortho logoEach year, we look ahead, hoping that the New Year will bring us good fortune and amazing adventures. Instead of waiting for something good to happen, make 2016 the year of wilderness, the year of nature and the year of exploring outside. With thousands of miles of trails, numerous state and national park, wildlife refuges and natural wonders to explore, you and your family have endless possibilities to head outdoors every weekend this year.

As a local outdoor expert, I can confirm that these 16 awesome family-friendly adventures are sure to make 2016 one of the greatest years in Nature.

PrevNext

1. Travel to Paradise for Snow and Sun

Photo credit: Kim Merriman.

Paradise is only two hours from downtown Olympia is a must-see experience in every season. In the summer, the Paradise region of Mount Rainier National Park is a hiker’s daydream location. With stunning views of the mountain, including access to waterfalls, lakes and glaciers, a trip to paradise is always worth the trip. In the snowy months, Paradise is perfect for witnessing feet of snow from snowshoes or on your sleds. Just make sure to check the conditions before you head up.

2. Hike the Family-Friendly Ohanapecosh Trails

Photo Credit Chris Hamilton

Another overlooked gem in Mount Rainier National Park is the Ohanapecosh region. Greeting visitors with a suspension bridge, a loop hike and access to one of the prettiest drives in the state of Washington, this seasonally open region is sure to become a family favorite after just one visit. A visit on hot summer days will let you cool off in groves of ancient timber along a stunning, glacier-fed river; not bad for a short drive. Be aware that the area is only open during the snow-free months.

3. Hike and Climb Around Olympic’s Staircase

olympia hiking
Head into the Olympics to experience the Staircase Loop. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

Olympic National Park is the most visited National Park in the Pacific Northwest, and the Staircase Region is the fastest growing. Staircase is the perfect local getaway in the wilderness of Olympic, and is only 90 minutes from Olympia. Once at Staircase, you can choose between easy, yet stunning loop hikes, remote and gorgeous mountain climbing, jaw-dropping overnight trips and access to hundreds of miles of wilderness all around Olympic National Park. You do not want to skip this Hood Canal masterpiece. Looking for something more difficult or remote? Discover everything there is to know about Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula.

4. Adventure Around Hood Canal’s Waterfalls

hood canal hikes
Family-friendly and dog-friendly, Murhut Falls gives impressive views to Hood Canal hikers.

Water is what makes life so amazing in the Pacific Northwest, and nowhere is that more evident than on the Olympic Peninsula. Up and down the Hood Canal, which is just a few hours drive from Olympia, waterfalls pour off cliffs along every stream and river. There are dozens of beautiful falls around, but nine waterfalls are so stunning, they should be seen monthly. While best after heavy rains, the waterfalls of Hood Canal also serves as great places to cool off in the summer heat.

5. Enjoy the Dizzying Heights of the High Steel Bridge

high steel bridge shelton
Visitors take in the view from the High Steel Bridge, located 420 feet up in the air.

Mason County has many attractions, but one of the easiest to get to is the High Steel Bridge along the South Fork of the Skokomish River. Standing 420 feet above the river, the High Steel Bridge is amazing for pictures, and to take in the splendor of the forests of the Olympic Peninsula. With other areas close-by to explore, the High Steel bridge can be the first stop to an amazing day along the Hood Canal.

6. Watch Salmon Migrate Through Olympia

olympia salmon migration
Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

Every fall, Olympia becomes one of the best spots in the Pacific Northwest to watch salmon returning to spawn. As the salmon wait to return to the Deschutes River, they congregate by the dam that forms Capitol Lake, giving an excellent vantage point to see thousands of salmon swimming amongst jellyfish and seals. In October, visit Tumwater Falls and see them swimming up the fish ladder.

7. Paddle to Hope Island

The beauty of the Puget Sound, as seen from Hope Island State Park. Photo courtesy of the Washington State Parks Foundation.

For those looking for the ultimate kayaking adventure, look no farther than a kayaking camping trip to Hope Island State Park in the South Puget Sound. Accessible only by boat, Hope Island State Park is a short paddle from either Boston Harbor or the Arcadia Point Boat Launch. Once you arrive at Hope Island, enjoy one of the eight campsites and 3.5 miles of beach and forest hiking.

8. Kayak at Boston Harbor

burfoot park
Year round, the views of the Olympic Mountains are stunning from Burfoot Park. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

If you haven’t paddled the waters of the Puget Sound, make 2016 the year you check that off your list. Just north of Olympia, Boston Harbor is waiting for you to explore in canoes or kayaks. With boat rentals available from the Boston Harbor Marina, you can quickly be out with the seals under the shadow of the snowy Olympic Mountains. Paddle to Burfoot, Hope Island or all the way to Priest Point Park for amazing views.

9. Climb Mount Ellinor

Climbing Mount Ellinor is a great adventure with expansive views.

Everyone should climb Mount Ellinor. Sure it is steep and a bit tiring, but the panoramic views in every direction are worth every drop of sweat and labored breath. Just 90 minutes from Olympia, Mount Ellinor offers the best views of any easy to a access mountain in the Pacific Northwest. While Ellinor can be climbed in the winter, it is best to wait until August to summit this spectacular Olympic Mountain peak.

10. Watch Wildlife at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

nisqually wildlife refuge
The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge hosts weekly walks at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. Photo credit: Douglas Scott

Along the Nisqually Estuary, just a few miles north of Lacey, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is one of the greatest places to birdwatch and explore the marshlands of the Puget Sound. With over five miles of trails, each offering unique and stunning views, you should visit Nisqually a few times in 2016. Pro tip: If you want to see amazing wildlife with the experts, participate in a Wednesday Morning Walk and see all the migratory and local birds.

11. Spend a Day at Burfoot Park

burfoot park
Burfoot is home to a fantastic view of Puget Sound. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

Just a few miles north of olympia, Burfoot County Park is the perfect place to find solitude during the rain, or enjoy the beaches of Budd Inlet on a toasty summer day. Giving fantastic views of Olympia and the Olympic Mountains, Burfoot Park also lets you hike miles of trails through fern-filled forests and shell-clad beaches. Perfect for families, dogs, and a day on the Puget Sound, Burfoot Park has been part of the Olympia experience for 40 years.

12. Hike and View Wildlife at McLane Creek

Kids of all ages love to explore the McLane Creek Nature Trail.

Ten miles from Olympia’s core, McLane Creek provides an amazing getaway any month of the year. With salmon in the fall, migrating geese and ducks in the winter and spring, and salamanders and frogs in the summer months, nature and wildlife is around every corner. The absolute best time to explore McLane Creek is during late October and November, as the spawning salmon return to this small creek. Watch them jump, spawn and slowly rot, all from boardwalks and well-maintained trails.

13. Walk the Loop at Tumwater Falls After a Storm

tumwater falls
Tumwater Falls rages during flood stage. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

After heavy spring and fall rainstorms, the normally peaceful Tumwater Falls Park becomes a raging torrent of water. As the Deschutes River floods, the torrential pace of the river picks up along the narrow, rocky canyons of Tumwater Falls Park. The river swells, creating a stunning display of force along the entire pathway. Make sure you check out both the upper and lower falls for an amazing experience!

14. Road Trip to Olympic’s Wilderness Coast

murhut falls
Enjoy Murhut Falls near the Duckabush River. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

You may see friends, family and coworkers planning trips to the Oregon Coast for 2016, but resist the urge. Instead of heading south, head northwest and explore the best stretches of wilderness coast in America. With seven stunning beaches to choose from, the coastal region of the Olympic National Park can be a perfect day trip or weeklong camping extravaganza.

15. Become a Spelunker in The Ape Caves

ape caves
Trekkers visit the trails inside the Ape Caves near Mount Saint Helens. Photo credit: Douglas Scott.

Two hours southeast of Olympia, in the southern cascades, one of the coolest and most unique experiences in the Pacific Northwest is waiting for your adventurous spirit. In the shadow of the Mount Saint Helens crater, the Ape Caves are the longest lava tubes in the continental United States, at over two miles in length. During a hot summer day, there is no better place to be, as the temperature remains at a chilly 42 degrees.

16. Explore Millersylvania State Park

washington state parks
Along with many other amenities, 8.6 miles of hiking trails travel through Millersylvania State Park.

Just a few miles south of Olympia, Millersylvania State Park offers hiking, camping and swimming experiences unlike anywhere else in Thurston County. Offering 7.6 miles of bike trails and 8.6 miles of hiking trails, Millersylvania should be your go to destination when you need to escape the city and work week. With 168 camping spots, enjoy a staycation in the natural beauty of our state parks.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
FacebookTweetPin

Share via:

0 Shares
  • More
Previous articleOlympia New Year’s Weekend Event Calendar
Next article16 Things To Do Around Thurston County in 2016
Douglas Scott

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

People on the shore at Tolmie State Beach during low tide, with an island in the distance and clouds in the sky

State Park Near Olympia-Lacey That’s Great for Picnicking, Walking and More

an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art, Community, and Creativity

a man fishes in a small boat on Lake Sylvia, trees cover the bank on the other side

Visit Washington Coast’s Lake Sylvia

Upcoming Events

Jul
8
Tue
8:30 am Crusader Camps-Sports Camp @ Evergreen Christian School
Crusader Camps-Sports Camp @ Evergreen Christian School
Jul 8 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Crusader Camps-Sports Camp @ Evergreen Christian School
Join us at camp this summer at Evergreen Christian School. Camps facilitated by educators and open to students age 3 – 12. Low counselor to camper ratio. It is going to be LOTS of fun![...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Local Community Sponsors

Local Community Sponsors

Business

a girl sits at a table on a laptop, a man is next her holding a cellphone and across the table is a young boy holding a tablet

Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing: What It Means for Thurston...

Submitted by Comcast Comcast, Western Washington’s largest internet service provider, is rolling out a new pricing structure for its Xfinity Internet plans, promising simpler, more...
outside of the WSECU Hawks Prairie branch with the letters "WSECU" in white on the front and empty parking spaces in front.

WSECU Guides Members Through Life’s Major Financial Events With In-Person Banking...

A Multi-Pronged Approach at Penrose Physical Therapy Keeps Patient Healthy and...

an updated kitchen and dining area with light wood floors, white cabinets and white counters

Family-Owned Olympia Builder Will Take Your New Home or Renovation Project...

Kim Parks posing for a photo between framing on a house being built, wearing a black tank top and a tool belt

Welcoming Kimberly Parks to the Boggs Inspection Services Family

Trending Now

Rendering of a spacious cafeteria-style building with people sitting and walking around

New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon

Humanitarian and influencer Kwabi Amoah-Forson stands at a podium with staff from Evergreen State College sitting behind him. a Banner says "Congratulations Class of 2025 - Evergreen" on the wall behind him

The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to...

State Awards Grants in Thurston County to Improve Outdoor Recreation and...

Editor Picks

an artist sits at a table with her paintings on display

Shelton Art Walk Returns in 2025 with a Celebration of Art,...

young boys and girls in t-shirts and shorts stand in a line on a field, the hands of an adult are seen handing the first two kids orange balls. The kid at the front of the line is throwing her ball.,

New Engaging Youth Summer Camps Have Sports, STEAM, Coding, Music, Water...

black night sky with two fireworks going off in red and green

2025 July 4th Fireworks in Thurston County

Recent Posts

  • State Awards Grants in Thurston County to Improve Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Habitat
  • The Evergreen State College Alumnus Kwabi Amoah-Forson Tells 2025 Graduates to Remain Hopeful and Empower People in Need
  • New Restaurant in Downtown Olympia Opening Soon
  • An Exciting Summer Is Ahead at Mason Health, With Installation of New MRI and Summer Fundraising Events
  • No One Dies Alone Volunteer Program Launches July 1
ABOUT US
ThurstonTalk is a community social network delivering positive stories about what it’s like to live, work and play in Thurston County Washington, including Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, Tenino and the surrounding area. Advertise with ThurstonTalk. Brand your business and tell your story to your target market.
Contact us: info@thurstontalk.com
FOLLOW US
Facebook Mail RSS Twitter
  • About
    • Story
    • Team
    • Company News
    • Contact
    • Terms of Use
  • Advertise
    • How our Olympia advertising works
    • Launch a Campaign
    • Grow your Audience
    • Measure the Results
    • Company News
    • Contact
  • Events
    • Community Calendar
    • Articles
    • List an Event
  • I5 Traffic Cameras
© ThurstonTalk, Inc.
Share via
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Mix
Email
Print
Copy Link
Powered by Social Snap
Copy link
CopyCopied
Powered by Social Snap