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McLane Creek Nature Trail Pond Loop Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 286 Google reviews · Running trail in Olympia, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 150 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from McLane Creek Nature Trail Pond Loop Trailhead'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.
Peaceful trail system looping through forest and wetlands, with a pond and boardwalks.
What runners say about McLane Creek Nature Trail Pond Loop Trailhead
“Great walk around the lake on well maintained trails.”
“McLane Creek is a little gem in the Olympia area — you really don’t need to go far to feel immersed in beautiful nature.”
“The trail winds through lush native plants and alongside quiet creeks, with plenty of wildlife to spot: red-winged blackbirds, rough-skinned newts, turtles, ducks, and more.”
“Easy walk to do with young children.”
McLane creek is a beautiful creation of when beavers get to work! I go to this trail four times a year, and although in the fall it's less exciting, it's still enjoyable. In the spring/summer time you can see chipmunks, rabbits, ducks, turtles, salmon berries, black berries, newts, and finches.
Wow, what a great loop trail. We saw so much! A ton of newts, mushrooms, birds, evidence of beavers, geese, and more. The flowers were starting to bloom, we found trillium.
Beautiful hike outside Olympia. Loop is quite easy with lovely views of wetlands, forest, and old decayed stumps covered in lichens. Perfect for a stroll.
Cool and quiet place for a summer morning stroll. It's popular with families later in the day. The trails are well maintained and well used. Adequate parking for only about 15 vehicles. Restrooms are right next to the parking lot.
Trail conditions & character
“McLane Creek is a little gem in the Olympia area — you really don’t need to go far to feel immersed in beautiful nature.”
“All the way around the lake and out to the creek is only a mile and very flat, or add the connector and the forest loop trail for an extra mile and a half of actual hiking.”
“Public bathrooms and a covered area with picnic tables are both located near the parking lot and close to the start of the trails.”
“The trail winds through lush native plants and alongside quiet creeks, with plenty of wildlife to spot: red-winged blackbirds, rough-skinned newts, turtles, ducks, and more.”
“I was able to park close to trail head, bathrooms short distance from there and a clearly marked path for those who need a safer plan.”
“I especially enjoyed the sections of boardwalk that wind through the wetlands.”
“A peaceful, accessible nature walk that reminds you how rich and alive our local landscape truly is.”
Plan your run at McLane Creek Nature Trail Pond Loop Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance150 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- 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.
- Websitednr.wa.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 8:30 am–5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8:30 am–5:30 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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