Thurston County
Trip worthy places, an hour from Olympia.
JD Hascup Photo
Before you go
- caution Be cautious around park rivers & learn how to cross safely! — Mount Rainier National Park
- caution Parkwide Fire Ban in effect until further notice beginning June 26 — Mount Rainier National Park
- park closure SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. — Mount Rainier National Park
- danger Crews Responding to Lightning-Caused Mt. Tom Creek Fire — Olympic National Park
- caution Dispersed and Backcountry Fires Prohibited — Olympic National Park
This week
Updated Jul 30
Forecast
- Today 77° Sunny
- Friday 84° Sunny
- Saturday 70° Light Rain Likely
- Sunday 73° Mostly Sunny
Happening
- Fri, Jul 31 Heart O' the Hills Campground Evening Program
- Fri, Jul 31 Hoh Rain Forest Talk (11 am)
- Fri, Jul 31 Hoh Rain Forest Talk (9:30 am)
- Fri, Jul 31 Hoh Rain Forest: Hall of Mosses Hike
- Fri, Jul 31 Hurricane Ridge Meadow Walk
- Fri, Jul 31 Kalaloch Campground Evening Program
- Fri, Jul 31 Longmire/Cougar Rock - Evening Program
- Fri, Jul 31 Paradise - Evening Program
Explore by type
Search and filter allWorth the drive
65 places
A Day In Longmire
Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.
A Day In Paradise
The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park has it all—history, hiking, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Use this guide to help you decide what to do on your day in Paradise.
A Day In Sunrise
If you are looking for great views of Mount Rainier, stunning wildflower meadows, interesting history, or a chance to see wildlife, look no further than Sunrise! Use this guide to help plan your day in Sunrise and explore all this part of Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.
A Half-Day in Paradise
With just 4 hours, visitors can enjoy glacier views, blooming wildflowers, and rich cultural history at the most popular subalpine meadow in the park!
Backpack in Olympic National Park
While this app is a great tool for "front country" visits (places you can get to with a car, bike, or short hike), it's not meant to guide you through the back country. For that we have the Wilderness Information Center - WIC for short. The WIC rangers can talk through routes, gear, and trail conditions with you, and set you up with a permit.
Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing
Mount Rainier National Park is a great place for beginner and experienced snowshoers to explore the winter landscape.
Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park
Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park is both scenic and challenging. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails.
Bob Bammert Grove
Bob Bammert Grove is located in the Capitol State Forest near Olympia. This hiker-only trail is approximately a mile long, and loops through an area of old-growth forest.
Climbing Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and well prepared. Learn more about the requirements for climbing Mount Rainier.
Look outside
Live from WSDOT
SR 7 at MP 47.38: Roy Wye (SR 507)
SR 507: SR 702 Intersection
I-5 at MP 82.2: NB Exit 82
I-5 at MP 82.7: Harrison Ave #1
I-5 at MP 82.7: Harrison Ave #2
SR 507: SR 510 Intersection (1st St and Yelm Ave)
Reload for the latest frame. Cameras go dark at night and in heavy weather, which is itself worth knowing before you set off.
Never miss a new destination