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Grass Lake Nature Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 213 Google reviews · Running trail in Olympia, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Grass Lake Nature Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wetlands wildlife preserve & education center with hundreds of species of native plants & animals.
What runners say about Grass Lake Nature Park
“Beautiful bridge overlooking marsh land.”
“The trail is gentle and peaceful — perfect for a quick nature break without much effort.”
“This is a great easy hike to walk with young kids, but don't expect to use a stroller or wheelchair.”
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.
Very nice walking trails. Have always felt safe when alone here. Watch out after heavy rains the eastern part of trail sometimes floods.
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.
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.
Trail conditions & character
“The info signs on the new paved path are beautifully illustrated, and if you pay attention each sign answers a question on a different one.”
“No major views of the water as there is no real shoreline.”
“This is a great easy hike to walk with young kids, but don't expect to use a stroller or wheelchair.”
“The trail is gentle and peaceful — perfect for a quick nature break without much effort.”
“That was unfortunate as one was off leash and terrified a couple (dog-phobic) young kids.”
“We got there mid afternoon so the parking lot was full but there is plenty of street parking.”
“During winter the exposed tree roots are a bit hazerdous for running, at least for me.”
Plan your run at Grass Lake Nature Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteolympiawa.gov
- Phone+1 360-753-8380
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Olympia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Heritage Park
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