happyly approved

Tolmie State Park

Tolmie State Park, 61st Avenue Northeast, Olympia, WA, USA

9am to 5pm

$$

swim, water-activities, hikes

Tolmie State Park is a great place for beach access and hiking trails!

 

Tolmie State Park is 30 minutes south of Tacoma and very close to Olympia. It is a smaller State Park with limited parking spots. It does have a shelter you can reserve, but only one can be reserved at a time due to the limited parking. I recommend getting to the park when it opens at 9 am to grab a parking spot.

There are 3 miles of wooded hiking trails that start out from the parking lot. With the view of the water from the parking lot, you might end up at the beach and never make it to the woods. The beach is formed by a sand spit that is tucked into a cove for quite waters. This make for a very peaceful walk on the beach. Walk down the beach to the right (facing the water) to the end of the park boundary marked by a sign. You will find a little trail that is hiding 2 picnic tables. This is my pick if you are coming to enjoy the water and have a picnic lunch. 

Clamming, fishing, and crabbing are also popular at this beach. Make sure to have the correct license and follow all the regulations. You may even see some people scuba diving to the reef that was created to help protect the ocean life. 

The restrooms are located right next to the parking lot. Make sure to respect the park boundary signs as the park is surrounded by private house/property. 

Features

Hiking State Park Picnic Tables Beach Fishing
Thoughtfully captured by:
Erin Gallimore
Erin Gallimore is a PNW born and raised, outdoor-loving girl currently living in Tacoma, Washington with her husband Josh and toddler Graham. Being outdoors has always been a favorite activity for her, but has found the calling of the great outdoors louder since her son came onto the scene. Erin and her family can be seen wandering local parks, hiking national and state parks, and sitting at local restaurants all across Washington State trying to find the best gluten free pizza. Erin works full time in healthcare and enjoys adventuring on weekends and holidays. When not working or adventuring, you can find her supporting local foster care charities since she was a foster mom for 6 years. Her biggest love is to teach her son how to love the outdoors and to watch him grow and learn with every adventure. Graham is a good hiker, loves water and sand, and loves throwing rocks at both. She hopes to share the love of the beautiful Pacific Northwest with the Happyly family!
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