Grass Lake Nature Reserve image

Grass Lake Nature Reserve

Tourist attraction Park

Wetlands wildlife preserve & education center with hundreds of species of native plants & animals. People often mention trail, walk,


Address

814 Kaiser Rd NW, Olympia, WA 98502, United States

Website

www.olympiawa.gov

Contact

+1 360-753-8380

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (167 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Monday: (Washington's Birthday), 7 am to 8 pm, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 8 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trail (7) walk (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Jesse C. 3 years ago on Google • 207 reviews
    We were originally attracted to here by old photos of the bone fields. Unfortunately these are mostly gone now as they were harvested by someone. This is unfortunate as it was a unique attraction. That said, this isn't just a park, it's a nature reserve. As such, pets are not allowed. This is noted on signs over and over and over. Every entrance as well as secondary signs. There is no restroom, water, or other facilities. Come prepared for a short hike or with the proper supplies of you want to stay longer. This is a great easy hike to walk with young kids, but don't expect to use a stroller or wheelchair. I've seen more animals here, specifically snakes, tree frogs, and chipmunks than I've seen in any other park within a city limits in western washington. There's a great amount of birds to listen to, and new flora coming up in the spring. There is an old milk storage tank which is a unique attraction. Enjoy some excellent reverberations of sound, or dare to go inside to enjoy a surprise. We saw many other families out to enjoy it, including several folks flaunting the no pets signs. That was unfortunate as one was off leash and terrified a couple (dog-phobic) young kids. If you want to spend a couple hours with Marie living kids, this makes a great little walk with some interesting human artifacts to enjoy.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris T. 3 years ago on Google • 327 reviews
    Lovely 1.5 mile hike through heavily wooded area on a well maintained path. Side path to Lake Louise. We were blessed to hear a few coyotes howling. No pets allowed. Not a rigorous hike.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 CarpenterChic 1 year ago on Google • 21 reviews
    Very nice walking trails. Have always felt safe when alone here. Watch out after heavy rains the eastern part of trail sometimes floods.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam C. 4 years ago on Google • 91 reviews
    I took my 4 grandchildren ages 12 to 5. The walk was easy and we saw so many plants, berries, flowers, trees. The kids loved the quiet. They particularly liked finding the water.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Amanda Driffen B. 9 months ago on Google • 200 reviews
    It was my first visit. Lots of native plants. We saw thatch ants and birds. We did not do the whole loop, so I'm not sure I can write a reliable review. The path was dirt and narrow.

  • 5/5 Karina L. 4 years ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Beautifully maintained trails, quiet and extremely peaceful, local wetland, amazing variety of local plants and tree species if you're trying to learn them. It's one of my favorite trails that's in town.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sheldon K. 5 years ago on Google • 88 reviews
    Quick loop takes less than half hour to walk. Very flat. The forest if pleasant and feels secluded. No major views of the water as there is no real shoreline. However there are places you can see it if you follow some of the side trails. It's a good place to run in the summer. During winter the exposed tree roots are a bit hazerdous for running, at least for me.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin U. 2 years ago on Google
    Early mornings I'll take a walk through here on my way to Safeway. I take pics of the park now and then.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Teara D. 2 years ago on Google • 51 reviews
    Great little walk. Birds all over and we got lucky with snow for our first time.

  • 5/5 Traci T. 11 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    Really nice trail. Not crowded during a weekday afternoon. A little bit insect-heavy at times, though that drew out some of the "wildlife" - baby frogs, lizards(?), snakes, and birds.

  • 3/5 Columba F. 5 years ago on Google • 9 reviews
    Nice nature loop trail of about a mile long. You will see evergreens (Fir trees mostly) and deciduous trees (hazelnut and alder trees mostly). Salal, sword fern, black barriers, and salmon berry all populate the trail sides.There are a couple of wetland lakes, but you won't see them from the main trail. There is a smaller trail that heads towards Louise Lake. To get to it, take a sharp left from where the trail loop fork starts. Enjoy the birds, red squires, and ant hills.

  • 5/5 Zach H. 11 months ago on Google
    Awesome little hike a few spots on the side of the road to park in front of the park gate tons of gas for kids to play or animals to run.7


Call +1 360-753-8380 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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