Home › Washington › Olympia › Woodard Bay Conservation Area
Woodard Bay Conservation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 706 Google reviews · Running trail in Olympia, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Woodard Bay Conservation Area'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.
Bayfront preserve known for its hiking trails, bird watching and seal watching.
What runners say about Woodard Bay Conservation Area
“Beautiful trails, lots of wildlife and birds, incredible views at the end, and a perfect spot to put in a kayak during summer.”
“You could hear multiple different animals throughout the entire hike (seals, bats, owls, birds) and it was extremely peaceful just to close my eyes and take it all in.”
“It's a short hike suitable for those of all levels because of the gently sloping hills and completely paved main path.”
One of the best kept hiking and paddling secrets in the area. Beautiful trails, lots of wildlife and birds, incredible views at the end, and a perfect spot to put in a kayak during summer. We saw tons of seals and cormorants from our kayaks and found a little spot to beach ourselves for a water break.
Trails are very well maintained and easy to navigate. Many different viewpoints to look out over, and is a great place to walk about for a few hours. Information boards scattered along the trails provide good information and reveal the rich history of the area.
One of my favorite parks in Thurston County. Sometimes we bike the Chehalis Western Trail to get here (be sure to bring a lock since bikes themselves aren't allowed on the Woodard Bay trail), other times we drive & bring our kayaks!
We went on a hike with a cub scout pack. We had a great time. There is a paved walk that goes directly to the beach area but we opted for the scenic route through the woods. We had some great lighting and were able to take some great pictures. We would definitely come back again.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful trails, lots of wildlife and birds, incredible views at the end, and a perfect spot to put in a kayak during summer.”
“I think there are enough parking spaces for 15 cars at the trail head, and I think there is another parking area just on the other side of the bridge.”
“It's a short hike suitable for those of all levels because of the gently sloping hills and completely paved main path.”
“Can be done as an out and back on a paved trail or as a loop on an alternate path one direction.”
“Hike was very easy being 100% paved with an option for a dirt path.”
“Informative signs along the way and a picnic area with restrooms at the far end.”
Plan your run at Woodard Bay Conservation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitednr.wa.gov
- Phone+1 360-902-1000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
Woodland Creek
4.2 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Tolmie State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,634 reviews
State park with a beach & saltwater marsh, popular for scuba diving, swimming, fishing & hikes.
Squaxin Park Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Kid-friendly hiking area with a playground and picnic facilities.
Squaxin Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,144 reviews
314-acre park with saltwater shoreline, hiking trails, ball courts, a playground & a rose garden.
Mission Creek Nature Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 173 reviews
Neighborhood green space with trails through young and old-growth forests, plus an open area with benches.