Located in Thurston County just outside of Olympia, Tolmie State Park is a public recreation area that covers 154 acres, much of it bordering Nisqually Beach on Puget Sound. The park was named after William Fraser Tolmie, a Hudson’s Bay Company officer. That’s where you’ll find the Four Cedars Outer Loop, a beautiful (and easy) hiking trail that takes you from forest land to a tranquil lake and back again.
The Four Cedars Outer Loop trail is 1.8 miles in length, and it’s considered a moderately easy trek.
Savannah Stone / alltrails.com The trail is family-friendly, and dogs are welcome as long as they stay leashed.
From the end of the large, paved parking area, interpretive signs will guide you through the quiet forest.
Scott Cantrell / alltrails.com If you get the chance, make sure to read the signs you’’ll see along the way. You can learn about the native wildlife and the role wetlands play in creating a healthy habitat for them.
The first half of the trail is all lush, green forest…
Ashley Wilson / alltrails.com
… and before long, you’ll reach a quiet little lake.
Jo Montero / alltrails.com This is a section of the Sandy Beach Trail.
Take the boardwalk to the beach and enjoy a nice seaside stroll.
Jon Estes / alltrails.com A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington parks, so you might spot some people trying their hand at fishing, depending on the season.
Speaking of seasons, this tranquil trail is open all year long, although it’s best utilized from March - October.
Cait Atterberry / alltrails.com Early to mid-fall is an especially delightful time, just before the first autumn frost.
The next time you need a nice, easy day hike, check out the Four Cedars Outer Loop Trail.
Alexandria Tiernan / alltrails.com Depending on where you live, you can easily spend the day in nature and be home for dinner.
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Address: Four Cedars Trail @ Tolmie State Park, 7836 61st Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98516, USA
Savannah Stone / alltrails.com
The trail is family-friendly, and dogs are welcome as long as they stay leashed.
Scott Cantrell / alltrails.com
If you get the chance, make sure to read the signs you’’ll see along the way. You can learn about the native wildlife and the role wetlands play in creating a healthy habitat for them.
Ashley Wilson / alltrails.com
Jo Montero / alltrails.com
This is a section of the Sandy Beach Trail.
Jon Estes / alltrails.com
A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington parks, so you might spot some people trying their hand at fishing, depending on the season.
Cait Atterberry / alltrails.com
Early to mid-fall is an especially delightful time, just before the first autumn frost.
Alexandria Tiernan / alltrails.com
Depending on where you live, you can easily spend the day in nature and be home for dinner.
