Olympia has no shortage of water. In addition to the Sound and the rivers, it has a nice selection of lakes, too.
All the options on the list are within 30 minutes drive, offer public access for recreation, and can be easily accessed from Tumwater and Lacey, too.
Unfortunately, only a couple of lakes have campgrounds or hiking trails. If you’re renting an RV for a lake trip, only Black Lake and Offutt Lake could accommodate you.
But generally, these are versatile destinations with fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating opportunities.
Also, check out the list of popular hiking trails near Olympia; it highlights some of the best hikes in the area.
Lakes near Olympia:
- Ward Lake
- Chambers Lake
- Hicks Lake
- Long Lake
- Longs Pond
- Lake Lois
- Pattison Lake
- Lake Saint Clair
- Munn Lake
- Black Lake
- Summit Lake
- Offutt Lake
- McIntosh Lake
1. Ward Lake
- Official Page: Ward Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 4 miles (10 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Sailing
Ward Lake is a 67-acre urban lake in Tumwater, just 10 minutes from Olympia’s downtown. It’s the nearest spot to cast a line, paddle, or cool off in summer.
Although the shoreline is built-up with private houses, the lake has two public access points – Ward Lake Park on the southern side and the ramp on the eastern.
The park is just an undeveloped green field. It’s marked ‘Olympia Dog Park’ on Google Maps and is usually used for fishing access. But the ramp is a more popular option where folks swim in summer and launch boats and kayaks.
When it comes to fishing, Ward Lake is a highly-rated spot. WDFW stocks it with rainbow trout and a small number of cutthroat salmon multiple times a year. Also, many anglers target largemouth bass and bluegill, which are self-sustained.
It’s a fantastic little lake that offers more activities than most expect. But, the space is limited, so come early to get your share of the shoreline.
Related: 15 Best Hiking Trails near Olympia, WA
2. Chambers Lake
- Official Page: Chambers Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 4 miles (10 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Cycling
Chambers Lake is a 53-acre reservoir in Lacey, 4 miles from Olympia’s downtown. It’s known for kayaking and fishing, but the shoreline access is somewhat limited, too.
The best place to visit the lake is Chambers Lake Trailhead Park on the northern tip. It offers restrooms, a picnic table, and a small launching ramp.
A cool thing about this park is that it’s located on the Chehalis Western Trail – one of the best rail-trails in Washington. The park can be a nice pitstop when tackling this 21-mile route.
However, to enjoy the lake itself, it’s best to have a kayak, canoe, or a boat (electric motors only), as shoreline access is scarce.
Years ago, WDFW stocked Chambers Lake with catfish and carp. But nowadays, the fish population is self-sustained and includes largemouth bass, bluegill, and perch.
Bank fishing rarely yields results; using a boat or a kayak is better. Also, Chambers Lake is relatively shallow and has plenty of underwater growth; you’re guaranteed to snag a line or two.
Tackling all these issues is an exciting challenge for anglers, and those who persevere can expect a 3-pound largemouth bass and larger.
Related: 16 Best Rail-Trails in Washington State
3. Hicks Lake
- Official Page: Hicks Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 7 miles (15 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking
Hicks Lake is another option in Lacey, some 15 minutes from Olympia or Tumwater. At 160 acres, it’s a decent size city lake that gets buzzing during summer weekends.
Unlike Chambers Lake, Hicks has plenty of shore access thanks to the Wanschers Park and an adjacent boat ramp. Together, the areas offer picnic tables, restrooms, and a few wooded hiking trails.
Swimming is allowed at Hicks Lake, and it’s a popular activity here during the summer. Although most people prefer to swim near the ramp, the lake has several sandy beaches, so it’s easy to find your own secluded spot.
Other activities include boating, kayaking, and fishing. For example, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout several times a year, but there are also largemouth bass, bluegill, perch, and crappie, just to mention a few. The selection is diverse, but as you can imagine, most anglers target largemouth bass and rainbow trout.
With crystal clear water, easy access, and Mt Rainier as the backdrop, it’s one of the nicest city lakes near Olympia, definitely worth a shot.
Related: 15 Fun Recreational Lakes near Seattle, WA
4. Long Lake
- Official Page: Long Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 7 miles (15 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing
Long Lake is one of the larger and most versatile lakes near Olympia. It’s open year-round and known for its fantastic swimming beach.
There are two ways to access the reservoir. The Long Lake Park is the most developed one, with buoyed-off swimming areas, a pontoon, and a lawn for picnics. It’s a family-friendly place that gets really busy on summer weekends.
The second option is the boat ramp nearby. It’s a lot more primitive, but this is the only way to launch, and it also gets hectic on weekends. Also, the ramp is the only place where bank fishing is possible. Although you won’t catch much this way, shoreline fishing is prohibited at Long Lake Park itself.
If you managed to get on the water, fishing is pretty good. Many report 4-pound largemouth bass, and WDFW actively plants rainbow trout. Also, there is plenty of Skamania trout, rock bass, yellow perch, and bluegill.
What makes this lake special is the fact that you can wakeboard and waterski here. There are plenty of no-go zones and 5mph areas, but on the open water, you can go as fast as 45mph, which is enough for water sports.
Although not the best for anglers, Long Lake is the most versatile lake and a mecca for swimmers.
Related: 15 Best Hiking Trails near Olympia, WA
5. Longs Pond
- Official Page: Longs Pond
- Distance from Olympia: 7 miles (10 min)
- Activities: Fishing (Seniors, Kids, ADA), Picnics, Playgrounds, Disc Golf
Longs Pond isn’t a typical lake and has restrictions on water activities. Yet, it’s part of a Woodland Creek Community Park that offers plenty of things to do.
Swimming, paddling, and boating are all prohibited at Longs Pond. The only remaining activity is fishing, but it’s restricted to people under 15, over 70, and disabled.
Shore access for fishing is pretty good, and the pond has an ADA-accessible pier. WDFW stocks Longs Pond with trout multiple times a year, and because of the low pressure, it’s an excellent place to fish.
The park itself offers playgrounds, picnic shelters with grills, walking trails, and a popular disk golf course. It’s a family-friendly spot and a great place to learn fishing.
Related: Best Beaches near Olympia, WA
6. Lake Lois
- Official Page: Lake Lois
- Distance from Olympia: 7 miles (15 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Kayaking, Hiking, Nature Trips
Lake Lois sits across the road from Longs Pond and is part of the Lake Lois Habitat Reserve. Although a wild park, it can be easily accessed from Olympia or Tumwater in just 15 minutes.
Lake Lois doesn’t offer much in terms of water activities. It’s too small for boating and too overgrown for swimming. Instead, it’s an excellent fishing pond with surprisingly high reviews.
Anglers report a lot of action at this lake, but the fish size is modest. You can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, and an occasional carp.
However, most visitors to this area come for a stroll in the woods rather than water recreation. The reserve offers a loop around the pond filled with moss, flowers, and towering conifers. It’s a small patch of wilderness in the otherwise urban area.
Related: 15 Fun Recreational Lakes near Seattle, WA
7. Pattison Lake
- Official Page: Pattison Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 10 miles (20 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding
Pattison Lake is a 254-acre reservoir on the outskirts of Lacey, some 20 minutes from Tumwater or Olympia. It’s a tranquil lake known for kayaking and fishing, but in recent years it suffered from an algae bloom.
The reservoir is split into two parts by the railway bridge, and the only public access point is on the eastern shore, off Henslin Drive SE.
Here you will find a simple boat ramp and a small parking lot. It’s enough to get on the water, but shore access for fishing is quite limited.
Talking about fishing, it’s average here. Yet, like others in the area, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. And because of the little pressure, it frequently yields decent-size fish. Also, you can expect bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass.
It’s a fun lake to kayak and canoe, though. You can paddle under the railway bridge, enjoy the scenery, and get a glimpse of Mt Rainier. Also, boating here is limited to 5mph, so there’s no wake to worry about.
However, as of 2020, the lake is suffering from an algae bloom, which is harmful to pets and humans. Most of the water activities are suspended at present. You can find recent information here.
Related: 15 Best Hiking Trails near Olympia, WA
8. Lake Saint Clair
- Official Page: Lake Saint Clair
- Distance from Olympia: 12 miles (20 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing
Lake Saint Clair is a 233-acre lake east of Olympia and can be reached in just 20 minutes. It’s a popular boating and fishing spot with two access points.
The main access area of Rehklau Road SE has recently been renovated and offers a concrete launching ramp, a paved parking lot, and restrooms. Also, there is plenty of space for shore fishing here, at least compared to other lakes in the area.
When it comes to fishing, Lake St Clair is pretty good. It scores above average reviews and offers more trout types than others.
For example, in addition to rainbow trout planted by WDFW, you can catch brown, cutthroat, and Skamania varieties. And there are the usual suspects too – largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and perch. It’s a very diverse fishery.
Another thing where Lake St Clair stands out is boating. Due to the lake’s twisty shape with islands and coves, it’s a fantastic place to explore in a kayak or a boat.
However, when it comes to water sports like skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing, things get complicated. Because Lake St Clair doesn’t have a natural outlet, its water levels rise significantly, threatening the properties.
This is why a 5mph speed limit is implemented when the water level is above 69.5 feet. You can read the rules here and check the water levels on the lake’s Facebook page.
Related: Best Beaches near Olympia, WA
9. Munn Lake
- Official Page: Munn Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 6 miles (15 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating (electric motors), Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding
Munn Lake is a 32-acre reservoir south of Olympia. It’s a well-known fishing spot and an excellent place to kayak and canoe.
The only access point is on the northern tip of the lake, just of 65th Ave SE. It’s pretty basic, with just a launching ramp and a restroom to offer.
Where Munn Lake differs from others is fishing. It’s catch-and-release water with restrictions on bait and some lures, making it an excellent spot for catching lunkers.
For example, there are records of 4-pound cutthroats and largemouth bass, which is quite impressive for such a small lake.
In addition to fishing, you can go kayaking and canoeing here. It’s a tranquil place, partly because of its modest size and partly because boating is restricted to electric motors.
Overall, it’s an excellent spot for anglers and paddlers, but unfortunately, it’s missing a park or a beach.
Related: 15 Fun Recreational Lakes near Seattle, WA
10. Black Lake
- Official Page: Black Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 8 miles (15 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing, Camping
Black Lake is a 574-acre reservoir south of Olympia. It’s one of the area’s largest and most developed lakes and one of a few options with campgrounds.
Unlike other lakes around the city, Black Lake offers several access points. Some of the most popular ones are the boat ramp on the eastern shore, the adjacent Kenneydell Park, and the private Columbus Park on the western shore.
All three spots offer designated swimming areas and boat launches. However, Kenneydell Park also has sports fields, playgrounds, and a mile of hiking trails.
Columbus Park is where you will find the campground, mainly for RVs. It’s a private park that charges the day fee but offers tidy facilities and spaces for picnics, as well as a fishing dock and a swimming pontoon with a trampoline. If you’re renting an RV for a lake trip, this should be your first stop.
When it comes to fishing, Black Lake scores pretty high. It offers a variety of species, from rainbow trout and largemouth bass to bullhead, bluegill, cutthroat, and smallmouth and rock bass.
And when it comes to fish sizes, it doesn’t disappoint either. There are plenty of reports of 5-pound largemouth and pretty large rainbow, too.
As a large reservoir, Black Lake has plenty of space for boating, and you can safely enjoy your favorite water sports here.
Overall, it’s a versatile spot and one of the best recreational lakes near Olympia.
Related: 15 Best Hiking Trails near Olympia, WA
11. Summit Lake
- Official Page: Summit Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 15 miles (20 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Tubing
Summit Lake is a 511-acre lake west of Olympia. Despite its size, it doesn’t offer many access points to the public, but it’s rather versatile, has excellent fishing, and offers plenty of activities.
Most of the lake’s shoreline is developed into private housing, and the only public access spot is the boat ramp at the southern end. Here you will find a two-lake concrete ramp, parking, and restrooms, but that’s really it.
However, where the lake stands out is water sports. It’s a fantastic spot for water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing in summer. There is plenty of space, and between 11 am and sunset, you can drive up to 45 mph.
Also, thanks to the stunning scenery, with mountains nestling the lake, it’s a picturesque spot for kayaking and canoeing. Just be mindful of the big weather, as paddling can be challenging on windy days.
WDFW generously stocks the lake with rainbow trout multiple times a year. It’s a well-known trout spot that produces large fish. Also, you can expect smallmouth bass, kokanee, and cutthroat, but very few largemouth bass have been reported here.
Overall, Summit Lake is an excellent spot with lots to do. It would be nice to have a designated beach here and a park, like at Black Lake, but at least it’s not as crowded.
Related: Best Beaches near Olympia, WA
12. Offutt Lake
- Official Page: Offutt Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 12 miles (20 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Camping
Offutt Lake is a 191-acre lake south of Olympia. It’s a highly-rated fishing spot and one of a few options with campgrounds and boat rentals.
There are two options when visiting the lake. One is the public boat ramp on the northern shore, which has a restroom and a tiny parking lot. And the second is the Offutt Lake Resort on the opposite side.
The boat ramp area is like many others around Olympia – no bells and whistles and limited shore access. On the other hand, the resort offers cabins, RV sites, tent sites, boat rentals, a fishing dock, a store, and even a restaurant.
When it comes to water activities, Offutt Lake is a tranquil location with a 5 mph speed limit; hence no skiing or speed boating. Instead, it’s the perfect spot to get on the water in a kayak or learn how to paddleboard.
What’s more, it’s a fantastic fishing destination with pretty large rainbow, cutthroat, and Skamania trout. Also, there are reports of 4-pound largemouth bass and various other species, including every kid’s favorite pumpkin seed and perch.
Overall, it’s an excellent lake that provides escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and offers more than just a boat ramp.
Related: 15 Fun Recreational Lakes near Seattle, WA
13. McIntosh Lake
- Official Page: McIntosh Lake
- Distance from Olympia: 19 miles (30 min)
- Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, Biking
McIntosh Lake is a 110-acre reservoir south of Olympia. Just like Offutt Lake, it’s incredibly scenic and offers a tranquil experience away from big cities.
The only access point is the public boat ramp, located on the northern shore. Like most such places, it’s relatively primitive, with just a parking lot and a restroom.
Boating is restricted to 5 mph at McIntosh Lake, making it an excellent spot for kayaking and canoeing. Also, the lake’s modest size isn’t intimidating for beginners and isn’t as scary when the water becomes choppy.
However, fishing here isn’t as highly-rated as at Offutt Lake. McIntosh is a shallow lake that warms up quicker than other lakes around Olympia.
By the time summer rolls around, the water gets murky and overgrown, guaranteeing a snag or two. Still, those who prefer serenity to a good result love this lake.
What’s more, the famous Yelm-Tenino rail-trail runs past the lake, offering hiking and biking opportunities. It’s 100% paved and connects to Chehalis Western Trail, which will take you all the way to Olympia.
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