Capitol Lake Trails (Marathon Park and Heritage Park)

The paved sidewalk and trail that encircles this large lake in the heart of Olympia serves as a popular location year-round for locals and visitors to run, walk and hike. Additionally, trails to the south along the west edge of Capitol Lake lead to an Interpretive Park, for you to extend your hike.

On the northeast edge of the lake, Heritage Park is a setting for hikers and picnickers alike. Educational and historical markers from the county line the lake's edge, and wetlands to the south remind visitors of Washington's coastal areas. The bluff to the north echoes the drier side of the state.

A trail connects Heritage Park to the Hillside Trail, which is a series of gentle switchbacks leading up to the Capitol Campus, with the impressive Capitol Building and access to downtown Olympia.

Marathon Park is a small, 2-acre park across the lake from Heritage Park, which offers waterfront recreation for walkers, runners and joggers. The name commemorates the 1984 U.S. Trials for the first Women's Olympic Marathon that began and ended there. Marathon Park also features a parking area, restrooms, and dock for fishing.