By Sally Nole
In 2025, Olympia Parks put in a 1.07-mile asphalt accessible trail, an accessible parking lot, and a kiosk with a map of the trails within Grass Lake Nature Park at 814 Kaiser Rd NW. The original dirt trails intersect the new asphalt trail at several points. The new trail is plenty wide and level with easy slopes up and down. This asphalt walk was built to ADA standards. Here is the description from the city’s website:
“This park is rich in biodiversity. An array of habitats – forests, wetlands, and in-between zones – provides a healthy environment for many species to thrive. As you explore the park, tune in to relationships between water, land, plants, and wildlife. Notice how different species and habitats are interconnected within this complex ecosystem. This park contains the headwaters of Green Cove Creek and one of the most environmentally intact wetland systems in northern Thurston County.“
There are 2 benches on the trail (without side rails). These benches were installed as rest stops because the grade of the trail at that spot is greater than 6%. Federal ADA requires this rest accommodation if the grade exceeds 6%. They are located close together.
There is a bridge over a forested wetland at the end of the trail. The surface is a manufactured grid to allow runoff and slip prevention.
This trail is airy, wide enough for 2 lanes of walkers and bikes. The slopes are manageable. There is diversity in the tree species, shrubs, and ferns, making it a beautiful walk in the wetland forest. There are plenty of forest critter sounds and standing dead trees for various bird species.
However, you could see and hear neighborhood noises along one side of the trail. The directional and distance signage on the trail needs improvement. Pine needles and falling leaves could be slip hazards.
This trail is beautiful to stroll and easily accessible from the Lacey/Olympia/Tumwater area.
On the Positive: This trail is airy, wide enough for 2 lanes of walkers and bikes. The slopes are manageable and include a seated rest stop where appropriate. There is diversity in the tree species, shrubs, and ferns, making it a beautiful walk in the wetland forest. There are plenty of forest critters sounds and standing dead trees for various bird species.
On the negative: You could see and hear neighborhood noises along one side of the trail. The directional and distance signage needs improvement. The signage is beautiful to look at, but too complicated to be helpful to a stressed-out hiker. There needs to be a couple more benches with arm rails along the trail. There is no water to drink, nor are there bathroom facilities. More picnic tables would be helpful in the grass near the parking lot. Also, the trail itself will become a slip hazard if they don’t have a crew to go out and blow the leaves and pine needles off the trail.
This accessible trail is beautiful to stroll along, and hopefully, its construction and maintenance schedule are not completed.
Photos by Sally Nole
