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Marathon Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 563 Google reviews · Running trail in Olympia, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Marathon 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.
Park with lakefront trails & the site of the U.S. trials for the first women’s Olympic marathon.
What runners say about Marathon Park
“Well maintained, year round bathrooms and free parking in 2 lots.”
“A detour 250 meters beyond gave parking lot takes you up a switchback path to the Capitol building itself, where the view is stunning.”
“Nice park by the sound- a bit small but its usually quiet great place to go for a run.”
“Dog friendly, beautiful views, lots of wildlife.”
Olympia is loaded with beautiful parks, including this gem near the capitol building. I recently visited on a brisk beautiful January afternoon. It was busy, parking was mostly full but most people were masked and kept safe distance. Great spot for dog walking and photography.
Great place to walk. Lots of grass for picnic area. There's a fountain across the street for kids to run through on a hot summer day.
A 1.5 mile loop around Capitol Lake in Olympia affording striking views of Budd Inlet and the Olympics beyond. A detour 250 meters beyond gave parking lot takes you up a switchback path to the Capitol building itself, where the view is stunning.
Love coming here to stretch my legs and walk around the lake. During the fall is a great time to come because of the foliage and different migratory birds visiting.
Trail conditions & character
“5 mile loop around Capitol Lake in Olympia affording striking views of Budd Inlet and the Olympics beyond.”
“A detour 250 meters beyond gave parking lot takes you up a switchback path to the Capitol building itself, where the view is stunning.”
“Well maintained, year round bathrooms and free parking in 2 lots.”
“Dog friendly, beautiful views, lots of wildlife.”
“5 mile loop around Capitol Lake in Olympia affording striking views of Budd Inlet and the Olympics beyond.”
“Stroller access and great scenic views!”
Plan your run at Marathon Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, 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.
- Websitecapitol.wa.gov
- Phone+1 360-407-2200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 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.
Heritage Park
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The start/finish line for the 1984 US trials for the first Women’s Olympic Marathon started here.
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Interpretive Park
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Garfield Nature Trail Park
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West Bay Park
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Tumwater Historical Park
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