Sun and Fun at Offut Lake Resort

Hidden in forested farmlands just south of Olympia lies a peaceful and relaxing water-front resort perfect for summertime getaways. There you can sit on the dock and listen to the wolves howling down the road from Wolf Haven, watch the a bald eagle pluck an unsuspecting fish from the lake, and within 15 minutes, be downtown at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.

Offut Lake Resort, an unassuming gem nestled in a quiet, lakefront community just outside Tenino, Washington, is a family-run campground that has a bit of a colorful past. The lakeside resort had its origins in the early 1900s and like most resorts of its kind, it offered visitors the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of life in the city and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of a lakeside setting.

In 1939, the destination became an operational resort. What started out as a little popcorn stand on the banks of Offut Lake eventually transformed into a speakeasy, and ultimately the resort’s steak and seafood restaurant, the Lady of the Lake.

The staff of Offut Lake Resort pose for a picture on the docks of Offut Lake.

The staff at Offut Lake Resort can't wait to greet you. From left to right: Rylie McCann, Robby Pogue, Sierra Pogue, Tom Pogue, Rebecca Pogue, Rob Pogue, and Tyler Pogue

With its sun-dappled lake and spectacular views of Mount Rainier in the distance, you’ll find visitors fishing off the docks, swimming and boating on the water, or enjoying lakeside views as they enjoy fish and chips and a bowl of clam chowder at the restaurant.

Offut Lake Resort provides visitors with a variety of accommodations for those who want to stay and play: reserve one of their 8 cozy cabins or cottages, rent an RV spot, or reserve a tent site. While the resort is open year-round, they fill up quickly in the summer, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when you’re planning your summer trip.

A man enjoys friend shrimp at an outdoor patio on Offut Lake.

There is no shortage of good food and good times at the Lady of the Lake steak and seafood restaurant.

Offut Lake has a surface area of roughly 200 acres and with a depth of 25 feet, there’s not much need for speed. Both the motorboats and pontoons are equipped with electric motors, but gas-powered boats are allowed to launch on the lake at the public launch ramp (if you happen to be towing). Just know you can’t keep your gas-powered boat at the campground. For those who enjoy a more leisurely on-the-water experience, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are available as well.

Anglers will enjoy fishing for trout, bass, perch, and bluegill, and the little general store is handy for picking up fishing gear as well as that fishing license you forgot to get. You can also stock up on groceries, beer, and wine.

There are plenty of freshwater fish ready for catching on Offut Lake.

Whether you come for day just to wet a line, or plan to spend your time relaxing for the weekend on the lake lit-up with the neon colors of boat sails and floaties, Offut Lake Resort is a beautiful space for people wanting to enjoy the outdoors at a slower pace.