The Top 20 Attractions in Thurston County
There are plenty of places to see and visit in Thurston County. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Thurston County is a region where 20
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.
Last updated: November 26, 2025
Norm Dicks Visitor Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Parking costs $3, payable by cash or check. The National Wildlife Refuge also accepts all types of America the Beautiful passes.
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Friday, 9:00 …
The Visitor Center is open Wednesday - Friday, 9:00 …
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Chehalis Western Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Chehalis Western Trail is a 22-mile paved trail that offers a family-friendly ride. It was once the site of a railroad that transported logged trees from Vail to Woodard Bay.
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Yelm Tenino Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
A peaceful, tranquil and best of all - shaded trail that follows the old rail line. certainly beats the heavy traffic on highway 507 that runs close by!
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Karen Fraser Woodland Trail Wetlands
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
This 2.5-mile crushed rock trail, at a width of 10 feet, provides ample space for hikers, runners, and bikers. Along the way, you'll find benches, restrooms, and a diverse array of native trees and plants.
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Great American Rail-Trail: Rainer to Tenino Section
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
The Great American Rail-Trail in Washington spans over 540 miles, from the Idaho border to the Pacific Coast. This section of the trail runs from Rainer to Tenino, offering a traffic-free way to commute, exercise, and enjoy the scenery.
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Mima Falls Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead. The Mima Falls trail system is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Gunfire from the nearby shooting range can …
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Ellis Cove Nature Trail
Highlight • Trail
Ellis Creek widens to a small bay called Ellis Cove before joining Budd Inlet, around which the city of Olympia was settled.
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Millersylvania State Park — Lake and Forest Trails
Highlight • Trail
Millersylvania State Park has something for everyone - swimming beaches, kayak rentals, hiking trails, camping and glamping facilities, and two concession stands open all summer.
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Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
No one knows exactly what created the distinct geological formations beneath this prairie, but many hypotheses have been made. In any case, all agree that this is a special place, …
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Watershed Park
Highlight • Forest
Watershed Park was the site of the original waterworks for the City of Olympia. Today, signs of the old waterworks can be seen in and amongst the skunk cabbage and other vegetation in the spring basin.
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