History

Grass Lake Nature Park is 219.71 acres and was acquired by the City of Olympia in 1989. Additional acreage was added over the years to expand and preserve this important ecosystem. This park contains the headwaters of Green Cove Creek. Grass Lake Park was named after the grasses that grow in the wetland area of the park.

For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples including the Squaxin Island Tribe, the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and other Coast Salish communities have lived and taken care of the land around Grass Lake Park.   

Things to Look For Along the Trail

This park is rich in biodiversity. An array of habitats – forests, wetlands, and in-between zones. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Notice if you see any birds, squirrels, salamanders, or frogs along the trail.

There are 5 different interpretative signs on this trail. They highlight different plants and animals. Do you see any of the plants featured in the signs?

Importance of Wetlands

Walk the trail till you make it to Grass Lake Wetlands. Wetlands contribute to the health of our waterways and recharge our ground water. Ground water is where we get our drinking water in Olympia. 

When it rains, wetlands slow the water down, let it soak into the ground, and filter it before it continues downstream. This wetland feeds the headwaters of Green Cove Creek, which is one of the most environmentally intact wetland systems in northern Thurston County. 

Congratulations!