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Heritage Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,438 Google reviews · Running trail in Olympia, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Heritage 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.
The start/finish line for the 1984 US trials for the first Women’s Olympic Marathon started here.
What runners say about Heritage Park
“The loop around Capitol Lake is clean, well maintained, and offers great views of the Capitol building and the water.”
“Heritage Park in Olympia is a beautiful 5‑star spot for a relaxing walk or a quick break outdoors.”
“I have got a ton of nice memories of this spot from walking with friends to taking calm strolls in the light rain.”
This was really nice. There is parking around the park. But also Olympia parking is free on Saturdays and Sundays, which made it very convenient. I walked around the whole lake in about 30 minutes. It’s interesting that it seems to be very much not an activity lake.
This is a beautiful Capitol campus anytime of the year. There's the Main Capitol building with the other grand office Buildings surrounding it and a great Switchback Trail leading down to the lake and connecting trails to Marathon Park and downtown Olympia. Trivoli fountain is spectacular.
Lovely peaceful park worthy of the Washington State Capitol. Great spot for photographs, dog-walking, biking, or just sitting on a bench. Lots of great cafes, restaurants, and stores nearby. Two nearby bridges will let you walk a lap around the small lake. Olympic Otter
Lovely well kept park to enjoying on a sunny day. Great views of nature and the capitol building. My dog really enjoyed frolicking in the green grass, and we love taking a walk around the lake after dinners in town. Restrooms and parking are available which is nice.
Trail conditions & character
“Heritage Park in Olympia is a beautiful 5‑star spot for a relaxing walk or a quick break outdoors.”
“Many different parking lots to access different parts of the lake.”
“Great place for a peaceful stroll around a well maintain lake trail.”
“There are public restrooms and parking on both sides of the lake.”
“My dog really enjoyed frolicking in the green grass, and we love taking a walk around the lake after dinners in town.”
“The loop around Capitol Lake is clean, well maintained, and offers great views of the Capitol building and the water.”
Plan your run at Heritage Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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, restrooms — 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.
- Websitecapitol.wa.gov
- Phone+1 360-902-8881
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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.
Percival Landing Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 2,200 reviews
Bayfront public space with a boardwalk, playground, picnic areas & access to nearby restaurants.
Marathon Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 563 reviews
Park with lakefront trails & the site of the U.S. trials for the first women’s Olympic marathon.
West Bay Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 720 reviews
Simple 17 acres on the shore of West Bay with a beach, walking trail, seating areas & public art.
Garfield Nature Trail Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 224 reviews
Short, pretty trail through a lush ravine, featuring a foot-friendly stream.
Billy Frank Jr. Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 76 reviews
Park offering picnic and hiking opportunities, and facilities for bird-watching.
Interpretive Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 149 reviews
Park featuring a walking trail and a playground, plus opportunities for bird watching and hiking.