Watershed Park image

Watershed Park

Tourist attraction Park

Steep stepped trails run through this scenic 153-acre park with a rainforest canopy & creek. People often mention trail, park, trails, parking, walk, beautiful, nice, nature, loop, peaceful,


Address

2500 Henderson Blvd SE, Olympia, WA 98501

Website

www.olympiawa.gov

Contact

(360) 753-8380

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (875 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trail (17) park (16) trails (10) parking (10) walk (9) beautiful (9) nice (9) nature (8) loop (8) peaceful (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Kathy A. 11 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place to take a walk on a beautiful sunny day. The trails are usually clean, the waterfall views are beautiful and exploring this park is relaxing. It’s very peaceful and one of my favorite places to visit when I’m in Olympia.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew C. 1 year ago on Google • 221 reviews
    Watershed Park in Tumwater, Washington, is a picturesque natural area known for its captivating beauty and serene ambiance. This park is renowned for its old-growth forests and enchanting canopied trails that wind through the lush landscape. The old-growth trees within Watershed Park provide a sense of timelessness and a connection to the region's history. These towering trees create a peaceful and shaded environment that offers respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The dense canopy overhead filters sunlight, creating a dappled and soothing effect as you explore the trails. The trails themselves meander through the park, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The tall trees, native vegetation, and occasional glimpses of the surrounding natural beauty make for a captivating experience that's ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape. As you walk along the trails, you're likely to encounter the sights and sounds of local wildlife, adding to the park's allure. The sounds of rustling leaves, birdcalls, and the gentle breeze enhance the sensory experience and contribute to the park's tranquil atmosphere. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll, a peaceful spot for meditation, or a place to connect with nature, Watershed Park in Tumwater is a destination that offers a beautiful and immersive outdoor experience.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Steven K. 1 year ago on Google
    A nice peaceful walk once you get away from the parking area and the road. Has some good rises and downhills and is well maintained. About 2 to 3 miles around the loop. Not too hard, but not too easy.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris L. 8 months ago on Google • 208 reviews
    What a majestic and beautiful rainforest! The loop trail was 1.4 miles and extremely easy. Multiple dogs with owners on the path, and everyone was extremely friendly. I saw a lot of folks walking or running with headphones, but if it’s your first time, I would just enjoy the sounds of nature. The entire trail and all of the bridges were open, and signs clearly showed directions on the different routes and trails!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris H. 1 year ago on Google • 475 reviews
    Two baby owls as I walked into the park! Incredibly peaceful beautiful park in the heart of downtown Olympia. The main loop is 1.4 miles of well maintained paths dotted with benches and lookouts. Thoroughly amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Blu O. 2 years ago on Google • 299 reviews
    This is one of Olympia's many special places. Only 15 minutes from home makes it very special quiet place for me. Visiting during off-peak periods is recommended though anytime is a great time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and a variety of birds. One can break away from the crowds and find quiet spots to contemplate and just enjoy the moment with nature all around. The trails and the boardwalks are lovely transcending streams and bogs. There is a short section of the trail with a bit of a steep grade and the entire trail winds up and down a bit throughout. With all the lush green foliage just opening, one can view the various shades of the overhead canopy of leaves. Wild berry blossoms dot the trail as well as a variety of other wildflowers. And too, there are the song birds overhead to ease your mind. Enjoy!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cassy R. 1 year ago on Google
    Easy trail, has the option to branch out to few other trails. May have to park along the road since parking is limited.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jaynie G. 1 year ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Went on a hike here a week ago about 5 miles. Bear marks in the tree's. A huge root system and trees that fell over. Loved the trickling waters. Beautiful place, lots of ravine to look down into.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mr O. 2 months ago on Google • 496 reviews New
    Great place for a hike and nice short walk on 1.5 mile loop. Easy to do and even parents, kids and dogs were there having a good time. I highly recommend this location.

  • 5/5 Steven Q. 2 years ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Watershed park is great for a short stroll. Excellent for kids with an explorative nature, or photographers looking for unique shots. I was surprised to find the hatchery there with a viewing window, and saw dozens of salmon in the stream nearby. The small native history exhibit there was also nice to stumble upon.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miranda K. 1 year ago on Google • 232 reviews
    Easy parking, medium difficulty terrain, clean ,gorgeous scenery, and we occasionally saw others on the trailnsonwe.felt safe. There was also a portapotty at the parking lot. This park is a beautiful taste of Washington!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shan O. 8 months ago on Google • 23 reviews
    A hidden gem in Olympia along side the road. I was excited to do my evening hike in this area. Well maintained paths, boardwalks and steps. I loved coming here. Beautiful foliage. Everyone you encounter on this trail had good energy and they were polite. The signs were easy to read. There is cellphone reception.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J P. 2 years ago on Google
    Fabulous walking trail right in the heart of Olympia. Port a potty at the Henderson parking trailhead and bathrooms at the pedestrian parking on Eastside St. Some steep grade during a small portion of it, but easy for small children 4+ and dogs.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carrina O. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful city park that feels like you could be in the rainforest. Very peaceful. Well maintained dirt paths alternating with boardwalks and a few benches along the way. Nice little loop that is kid friendly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 srivathsan v. 3 years ago on Google
    A pleasant and easy loop trail in the woods. The elevation changes and puncheons keep it interesting. The one way direction for hikers is a necessary addition during COVID times, thanks!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sea C. 9 months ago on Google
    So I really like this park but when you park at the main entrance there is a Lingering group of desperate people looking into all the vehicles. I was worried about having my window broken more than enjoying the park. I’m not hating on homeless people. I myself am a person who lives in a shuttle bus I made into an rv during covid to escape landlords who just exploit. We need free public housing. We need more social programs so that we don’t have a desperate scavenger class of people. Minus three stars for capitalism ruining everything. 😢
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kalob S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great trails!! So nice to be out in all the nature so close to town
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 michael k. 11 months ago on Google • 29 reviews
    This place is amazing. Great quick trail. We encountered three other families along the way. I can't say good things about this trail.

  • 5/5 Paul B. 1 year ago on Google
    Love these woods, so full of life and marvelous treasures. The trees, for the most part are friendly and love the attention but there are a few ornery old-timers that take a little warming up too before they say much. Just....stay on the trail. There's much in these woods, and not all of it friendly. ESPECIALLY to Babylonians.

  • 5/5 Masterpiece Ragdolls Elizabeth B. 2 years ago on Google
    A treasure! So grateful for the folks who had the foresight to plan this urban escape. Well canopied so that you can enjoy it on the warmest days!

  • 5/5 Jeremy G. 1 year ago on Google
    Adequate parking, multiple trailheads, very clear and easy to follow maps and clear trails. Bridges are in good repair. Lots of really cool plant life and watershed features. Very beautiful loop trail (1.3-1.4 miles long). Stairs on hills were very helpful (and necessary due to muddy areas in places).

  • 5/5 Noah H. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome park that was within walking distance of my hotel. Very cool to be able to see a different type of nature than I'm used to so easily (I'm from the Midwest)

  • 3/5 alfred m. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a decent walk, and the loop trail is okay, but you spend too much time walking by the loud freeway. There are some decent inclines, but nothing too difficult. I took my dog and saw lots of other dogs out there as well, but there are not any facilities so be sure to pack in your own water for your pets and yourself.

  • 5/5 Stephen N. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic small park and trail network. Do be aware there is a very large homeless encampment nearby, so best to go in a group.

  • 3/5 Phong L. 2 years ago on Google
    A nice place if you're looking for a trail to walk. Plenty of shade, no access to water however. Be wary of leaving valuables in your car at the parking area, as the homeless have been known to smash windows. No wheelchair access as some portions are relatively steep (including the entrance trail). Overall a beautiful walk through some old growth forest

  • 5/5 180pika 1 year ago on Google
    I was pleasantly surprised how nice of a park with a fantastic walking path. A wonderful stream in the park, I had the sense I was far away from the city even though right in the city. Some level of street noise in spots. Not a flat path, Had some nice ups and downs and some surprisingly big trees. Path goes over a mile in some nice nature scenery. Warning signs up at the parking for vandals so do not leave valuables in vehicle. Porta potty at parking lot.

  • 5/5 Buddy H. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a beautiful 1.3 mile walk with friends or family just long enough to get your blood flowing. We walk it at least once a month.

  • 5/5 Xochitl C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a nice easy hike. It's not handicapped accessible, but is good for small kids. There's some muddy areas, so wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy. The restroom is a honeybucket. Most of the hike is shaded.


Call (360) 753-8380 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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