This was my first time swimming in a lake. And I think the lake life is the life for me!…read more Weather was a perfect 87 degrees and little humid so jumping in the water was so refreshing and much needed. So much fun jumping in from the decks. I was shocked at how deep the lake was -- 15 feet near the dock and 25 feet towards the buoy. Many lifeguards and use of life jackets for the kids. So they could enjoy the deep end, as well. I wish we came to this lake every day of this trip :) instead of my last day :( We brought some pizza to eat for lunch and was here for hours. I had the best time!

We recently visited for one night. We stayed in one of the few open spots, right near the front of…read morethe campground. The only sections open for winter were the small section we stayed in and the open field area. Unfortunately for us, the sections closed for the season were the prettiest...much more treed and private feeling there. We enjoyed one hike, the boardwalk-old growth-orchard sections and back to the campground. Apparently there is some damage to parts of the trail system here, but those we took were in good shape, just a bit muddy. Although we didn't get around to the lake, it looked gorgeous when we passed by driving in. Aside from the site across from ours after the teens left that morning, the grounds were all very clean. Pretty area and park...although I probably would only return if I could stay in the closed sections. :)

I moved up from SoCal where I have access to beaches and pools and easy access to the airport so I…read morecan be somewhere tropical in the winters when I want. Moving to Olympia, I was near none of that. So how cool was it to discover we lived almost around the corner from a nice park that has access to a lake where you can rent kayaks and duck boats or swim in the lake. Yes, after a couple months of summer, the water is a little gross from all the lie bottom being stirred up and mixing with the sunscreen and people soup, but if you want to get a cool dip on a hot day, it's nice (just don't dip your head into the water). Lots of picnic tables, but they do run out on weekends, so when we want to go we bring our own tables and can park it underneath the forest shade). On the first lake side parking lot when you come in, you're close to a place that serves beer and pizza. Halfway down in the next parking lot, you're near the place that sells nachos and ice cream. The parking is limited to the point that on the busiest summer days, they have to refuse entry and tell you to come back in the afternoon. For all the problems, it's a good park and one of our favorite places to hang out with our dogs.

Long Lake Park is one of our family's favorite spots to spend a sunny day in Lacey! The park has…read moresuch a peaceful vibe with its big open spaces, tall trees, and of course the beautiful lake. The swimming area is perfect for kids and families--it feels safe, clean, and the water is refreshing on hot days. We love that there's plenty of room for picnics, whether you want to grab a table or just spread out a blanket on the grass. The park gives kids plenty to do when they're not splashing in the lake. Parking can fill up quickly on nice days, but that just shows how popular the park is. Once you're set up, it's such a relaxing place to spend the day together as a family. We always leave feeling recharged and grateful to have such a gem right here in Lacey. If you're looking for a family-friendly spot to enjoy the sunshine, swimming, and some simple outdoor fun--Long Lake Park is a great choice!

Definitely would come here with friends for a picnic or like a lake day with friends or my husband…read more It has two volleyball courts which I thought was awesome, people were already there playing their games so we just kinda observed as we passed by. Just fair warning, dogs are not allowed at the beach (on the gravel) but can be walked technically on the paved grounds and on the grass. It's a pretty small lake but has lots of grass and places to sit. Just gotta get there early if you want a good spot. Also no lifeguard is on duty there.

Beautiful Lake for swimming. I was able to go off a private dock, but there's also a public access…read moreboat launch.

Love this little lake. Great for fishing not much though besides a boat launch, small area but love…read moreit for being pretty small and private. Not really meant to be a big public swimming hole.

Such a great little hidden gem. They offer a military/veteran discount which is so nice. It's very…read morefamily friendly. Dog friendly on leash (Check in breed type). Great lighting and clean restrooms & showers. Little creek running in the park and nice common areas for kids to play. Super reasonable. It's rustic and quaint.

It's 12:50am and there are multiple groups of campers who are having loud conversations. The staff…read morecame at 10:15pm to ask one of the groups to turn down their blaring music and the campers started arguing with the management. I feel bad writing a review for the business as it's not their fault their patrons are terrible. Be warned whoever visits this campground about who you are camping next to. I'm a seasoned camper at a variety of different sites and this is the worst experience I've ever had.

Visited this lake for the first time in the 9 years that I have lived in Lacey. Very clean and well…read moretaken care of. People out fishing were friendly including some friendly pets out and about walking the trails. Gorgeous lake.

Come here almost everyday with my little brother during break. Great place for kids during the…read moresummer and lots of fun with floats, sand, and lots of new friends!! Very beautiful trails that lead to different sand areas, waste cans, and friendly environment towards pets and people :)

I like early morning walks and exploring new areas. Capitol Lake was perfect spot to view the…read moregovernment buildings and do some site seeing. Lots of people and furry friends on the trail. Please come and create your own adventure.

Capitol Lake Park is such a beautiful park and I am kind of surprised that I didn't write a review…read morefor it before. Granted I have actually done the circle of the lake nestled in downtown just once by foot but I have driven past the lake many times and have always admired it's beauty and location. There are lots of signs and plaques to stop and read when doing the circle...and since you are right downtown if it suits you you can sneak off and grab a snack or drink since you are literally right downtown. You get good angles on your walk around the lake of the Capitol building which are worthy of some snapshots. *Update * I'd love to post the pictures that I took to go along with my review but unfortunately after lengthy scrolling on my Instagram account I was unable yo find them...sadly it looks like they got lost.

Last time I visited was in the summer when the water had really receded. It was lovely, but dry…read more This current visit was in the winter so the tide was high. We walked down to the beach and my niece had a fun time scooping up sea life from the sand and she found things like baby crab legs and shellfish so we got to talk about what was in the water. People were kinda standing around or taking pictures since Mt. Rainier is in the distance, since there's nowhere to sit to relax. There are lots of signs telling you to respect private property, so I imagine the residents get frustrated when people wander over the line, but that's what you get if your property is right next to a state park. The path over was nice, with netting on slippery spots and there are a couple of Pokemon Gyms and Pokestops so its a pretty good place to play. Just be mindful that they require you to carry your trash out of the park with you, so there's nowhere to leave your dog poop bags if your pup does his business. We obediently took our stuff with us, but I wonder how many people don't honor the request.

Belted Kingfisher, Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Belted Kingfisher, Belted Kingfisher! And so my…read morebirding went when I visited Tolmie State Park the morning of the 25th of June 2020. I arrived in the 9:00 a.m. hour and parked at the upper parking lot by the entrance to the park. There is a second parking lot further down the road once inside the park that is closer to the beach. By the upper parking lot there is a restroom building, covered picnic area, and abundant picnic tables with grills interspersed in the woods. There is also an area with benches facing the water in an amphitheater-esque seating style. In my exploring this area I found some cool plants including foxglove plants with cusped blossoms. A Goldfinch flitted across my path and made a getaway before I could get a picture of it. Fun to see the state bird in a state park! Making my way down the trail to the beach was quiet, and I was pleased to see that it was high tide when I arrived at the waterfront. Walking along the waterfront I notice what looked like a Kingfisher so I decided to approach and see if it was. Indeed it was! Slowly I waded out in the water along a muddy part and realized the mud was teeming with crabs. I was careful to watch where I stepped so as not to smoosh any of them. Once I reached the Kingfisher (a Belted Kingfisher specifically) it flew off across the spit of land I came across to get to it. I watched where it landed on a tree branch and then followed the Belted Kingfisher. The Belted Kingfisher was along the creek that flows to the Puget Sound at high tide, at low tide the creek dissipates. Another Belted Kingfisher arrived and they both started diving in the water for fish and other food. Turning my head left I noticed a Heron in the water and waded back out in the water to join it. After wading around with the Heron for a while I made my way back towards where the first Belted Kingfisher had perched to watch for food in the water. The tide was going out as I was wading with the Heron and making my way to the perch. The crabs were not happy about this. The ground glistened with movement, not sunlight, and there were 100s to 1000s of tiny crabs running to take shelter under the seaweed, in the mud, and yes trying to pinch my feet and legs. As I neared some crabs they would burrow backwards into the mud, put their pinchers up, and open them... I was careful not to step there. Eventually I made it back to the Belted Kingfisher perch and what did I find?! Not one, but two Belted Kingfishers watching the water!! So very cool. After admiring them for a little bit I started making my way back to my car. The beach and the parking lot by the beach were starting to get busy, so it was my time to go. A perfect morning adventure in the Puget Sound area.

Excellent place. The prices are very affordable for everyone. Family friendly! My family and I rent…read more3 double kayak and we got a really good discount. Plus, there's a snack shack, ice cream and many other snack choices. Will definitely come back.

From the owner: Water Rentals is a Kayak, Paddle board, Pedal Boat rental company. Water Rentals also manages…read moreconcessions which sell cold beverage items, frozen treats, candy, ready made food etc. all at affordable prices. Water Rentals is known locally for low prices, high quality service and high customer ratings.

An easy, enjoyable area to walk around the historic waterfalls. The scenery is lovely and the…read moreinformation was interesting.

We were at the lower park playground it was nice and clean…read moreWords words all ljgdssdgjlkgfds