Watershed Park - Olympia

In the late 1800's, wells were first established on the Watershed property. Nearly every glass of water in the City came out of Watershed Park. In 1917, the City acquired the waterworks and operated the wells until they were replaced in the 1950's. In 1955, the property was to be logged and sold. Citizens were so overwhelmingly opposed, they appealed to the Supreme Court to preserve the area. Their efforts resulted in an ordinance that protects this beautiful area today. Upon close observation, park visitors are still able to see signs of the old waterworks and large ancient tree stumps.

Located within walking distance of the State Capitol, Watershed Park offers excellent hiking trails on a nice gravel surface. This was the location of the original source of Olympia's drinking water so the area has been somewhat protected for a long time. Althogh you hike through a wetland, there are over 30 small boardwalks to keep your feet dry. The well signed loop is around 1.5 miles so take your time to enjoy what is called the G. Eldon Marshall Trail. The area is known as Moxlie Creek Springs Basin and is the source of Moxlie Creek.

We were dropped off at 2500 Henderson Boulevard where there is parking available. This is the most developed of the trailhead. But, there is pedestrian access in several neighborhoods around the park.
We exited the park at the pedestrian access on Eastside Street. Our hike continued up to Union Street, then down to the Washington State Capitol Campus (stopping at Subway along the way for lunch). After visiting the Capitol, we dropped down to the trails on Capitol Lake. We were picked up at one of the many parks along the lake.