Have a hot dog? Summer is here and that means higher temperatures. With high temperatures come risks when exercising your dog. One of the biggest – and almost most easily forgotten – is the temperature of the surface you are asking your dog to walk on. Burnt pads are no fun! Take the worry out of your walk by checking out these cool spots to walk your dog in Thurston County. These trails feature unpaved trails and shady trees.
Tolmie State Park
7730 61st Ave NE, Olympia
Tolmie State Park has a great trail for walking dogs that is just under two miles long. The unpaved trail has dense forest around it, helping to cool you down and provide shade. You’ll pass shoreline and creeks on this fun loop. Just remember that sand is actually one of the hottest surfaces, so you may want to avoid that part of the loop when it’s really hot. You can make it shorter by taking the Twin Creek Trail, which makes it just a mile.
Parts of the trail do have boardwalk, so you will want to test the temperature before going on those sections.
If the sand is cool, the Sandy Beach Trail adds a quarter-mile and is great for those wanting to see a bit of the beach on their walk.
Capitol State Forest
The Capitol State Forest has many trails that are shady, cool spots to walk your dog in the summer.
The trails at Capitol State Forest are have old-growth forest that helps make it feel a bit cooler on those hot days.
One of the most popular trails is the 5-mile round-trip Mima Falls Hike.
The McLane Creek Nature Trail is also popular. It is a 1.5-mile loop trail consisting of dirt, gravel and some boardwalk.
The DNR site has trail information about closures as well as maps so you can plan your route. Note: the Margaret McKenny Campground and trailheads are closed for the 2026 season, so you will have to park at another entrance.
Deschutes Falls Park
25005 Bald Hill Road SE, Yelm
If you are looking for a rugged walk, try the undeveloped Deschutes Falls Park! Stunning views of the falls are your reward for the quarter-mile trek. Thurston County warns it does have steep grades and undeveloped paths that could be challenging to some walkers.
Capital Mall
625 Black Lake Boulevard, Olympia
If you are looking to get your steps in somewhere that’s comfortable for both you and your dog, head to the Capital Mall! Temperature controlled, plus lots of fun shopping and snacks! Just don’t linger on the hot parking lot pavement – if you can, carry your dog into the mall to protect their feet.
Hot Weather Dog Walking Tips
Don’t forget to bring water for you and your dog!
Be sure to keep an eye out for these signs of heat stress in dogs according to WebVet:
- Heavy panting
- Drooling
- Bright red gums
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Collapse
Did you know that when it’s 77 degrees out, asphalt can reach 143 degrees? That’s hot enough to cause burns in under a minute, according to WebVet, which gets its information from veterinary journals. Of course, depending on environmental factors, concrete, asphalt and sand may be too warm even if the air is cooler. So, what’s the best way to tell? WebVet suggests the 7-second rule: Put your hand or bare foot on the surface and count to seven. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog! They suggest using the back of your hand, not your palm.
Or, skip the worry and head to one of these wooded Thurston County walking trails. Remember to keep your dog on leash and pick up after them.
Oh, and don’t forget to fetch a Discover Pass!
