Information
Landmark: Priest Point Park (Squaxin Park)City: Olympia
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America
Priest Point Park (Squaxin Park), Olympia, USA Washington, North America
Overview
Priest Point Park-now officially called Squaxin Park-offers a detailed, in-depth view at its history and features, from mossy forest trails to the quiet shoreline, not only that squaxin Park, formerly known as Priest Point Park and renamed to honor the Indigenous Squaxin Island Tribe, sprawls across a historic stretch of Olympia, Washington, where towering evergreens frame its winding trails.Spread across about 314 acres, this park has been welcoming visitors since 1905, making it one of the oldest in the state, with winding paths shaded by century-ancient oaks, consequently the park stretches along Budd Inlet’s eastern shore, where tall evergreens meet the water, blending easy shoreline access with trails and recreation just minutes from downtown.To be honest, Two, what’s more squaxin Park thrives with the rich, varied ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest, from towering evergreens to the scent of damp moss along its trails.From what I can see, Most of the park’s forest is made up of towering aged-growth and mature conifers-Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock-along with broad-leaved bigleaf maples whose leaves catch the light like green sails, equally important beneath the trees, the understory bursts with native life-salal, sword ferns, Oregon grape, and wildflowers that shift in color as the seasons turn.For almost a mile, the park’s shoreline follows Budd Inlet, where rocky tide pools glisten at low tide and sandy coves shelter a lively mix of intertidal marine life, to boot visitors often spot an array of birds-great blue herons stalking the shallows, bald eagles circling overhead, quick darting kingfishers, and flocks of shimmering waterfowl, a little During spawning season, you might spot salmon gliding through the inlet’s still, glassy waters, subsequently where the forest meets the shoreline, you’ll find a mix of habitats-quiet marshes, shady undergrowth, and sandy edges-that shelter miniature mammals, amphibians, and countless insects, turning the park into a vital sanctuary in the heart of the city.Number three, besides squaxin Park’s trails invite walkers, joggers, and nature lovers to explore its winding paths, including the Ellis Cove Loop-a 2.5‑mile route that threads through shaded forest and follows the shoreline, where salt air mixes with sweeping views of the water and city skyline.You’ll find rolling paths with gentle climbs, wooden boardwalks stretching over quiet marshes, and benches waiting at the best lookout spots, on top of that woodland Paths: A handful of narrow, unpaved trails wind through thick, shaded forest, perfect for spotting a flash of a blue jay or pausing for a moment of quiet.You can wander the park’s shoreline, combing the sand for shells, peering into rocky tide pools, or snapping photos of the waves, on top of that rocky ledges and warm, sunlit sand make perfect places for a family to wander and explore.As it happens, Number four, consequently the park offers plenty for families and community gatherings, including the Playship Playground-a immense, ship-shaped structure with wide ramps and soft surfaces so everyone can join the fun, partially It features ramps and sensory play areas, so kids of every ability can join in-whether they’re racing up a slope or running their hands over a textured wall, consequently you’ll find plenty of picnic tables and shaded shelters here, with a few you can reserve for gatherings like birthday lunches or family reunions.Shelter #1, just past the rose garden, is the easiest to reach and comes with electricity, running water, and a couple of sturdy barbecue grills, equally important rose Garden: Stroll among rows of vibrant blooms, each variety showing off its own color and scent, in a quiet space perfect for unwinding or snapping a photo of a dew-tipped petal.Open green spaces offer wide lawns and sunlit fields where friends can kick a soccer ball, launch a glowing kite into the breeze, or gather for a relaxed afternoon outdoors, furthermore half basketball court’s open for a quick game-perfect for shooting a few hoops and staying active.You’ll find restrooms scattered across the park, easy to spot near picnic tables or shaded paths, on top of that number five.The park rests on land once walked by generations of Coast Salish people, including the Squaxin Island Tribe, where cedar trees still sway in the wind, then it’s deeply woven into their culture, rooted in the land their ancestors once walked under wide, open skies.Interestingly, Back in the mid-1800s, Catholic missionaries set up St, on top of that joseph’s Mission in what’s now the park, hoping to trade with and convert nearby Indigenous communities; the scent of wood smoke often drifted from its miniature cabins, for the most part The mission stayed active near Ellis Cove, its bells echoing across the water, until it closed in 1860, after that in 1905, Olympia bought the land and set it aside as a public park, a quiet stand of evergreens that showed the city’s early dedication to protecting natural spaces.In 2022, the park took on the name Squaxin Park, a change that recognizes the tribe’s deep Indigenous roots and their continued care for the land, from its cedar-lined trails to the shore they’ve tended for generations, in conjunction with number six.From what I can see, The park opens at dawn and closes at dusk, giving visitors plenty of time to wander the trails, watch the sunlight shift through the trees, and enjoy daytime activities, meanwhile there’s plenty of parking on-site, with marked spaces tucked close to the playgrounds and shaded picnic tables.In some parts of the city, you might have to pay to park-check the signs before leaving your car, furthermore trails and playgrounds include ramps, wide paths, and other features designed to welcome visitors with mobility challenges.The Playship Playground welcomes wheelchairs, with smooth boardwalks and sturdy ramps guiding the way, then to reserve a picnic shelter or group space, call the Olympia Parks Department-picture a shady table waiting just for you.Funny enough, You can also get general questions answered and learn about the park by stopping in at the city offices, where the scent of fresh paper greets you at the front desk, after that seven, loosely Squaxin Park buzzes with life, offering a central spot where Olympia locals and visitors can hike shaded trails, picnic by the water, and gather for community events, along with you’ll find a mix of energetic activities and quiet spots here, perfect for families, solo visitors, or neighborhood groups.Playgrounds and open fields give kids room to run, climb, and chase each other, sparking both movement and laughter, along with trails get people moving, draw them into the quiet of the woods, and spark curiosity about the world around them.Picnic shelters and gardens offer inviting spaces for friends to gather, celebrate milestones, and share cultural traditions, perhaps under the shade of blooming cherry trees, subsequently in the park’s quiet groves and winding trails, visitors begin to notice the rustle of leaves and the scent of pine, sparking a deeper respect for the local ecosystems and a sharper awareness of how fragile they are.Squaxin Park sits right beside the city, offering trails shaded by fir trees while keeping its history and wild charm intact, so Olympia can enjoy both easy access and a location worth preserving, moreover squaxin Park, formerly Priest Point Park, spreads across Olympia with antique-growth forest, quiet shoreline, and plenty of places to play, blending history with rich ecology.It offers a range of ways to get outside-hiking shaded trails, learning about the land’s ecology, and joining local events-while celebrating Indigenous heritage and the area’s rich history, consequently with its careful balance of protected landscapes, welcoming spaces for families, and respect for local culture, it’s a venue you can wander under towering cedars and feel the history of the Pacific Northwest come alive.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-05
