Fall in Thurston County
Top Fall Activities
Autumn in Olympia brings cooler weather, changing leaves, and abundant opportunities to get outdoors. Celebrate the season with these top fall experiences!
Explore a fall festival
Celebrate the Tumwater Falls Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2023 at Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. During the festivities visitors can sip a hot cup of coffee, attend an educational talk, watch a live demonstration, and shop local artists, makers, and food vendors. Bring the entire family! There are plenty of activities for children, including face painting and a scavenger hunt.
The Olympia Fall Arts Walk takes place throughout the month of October offering visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of artwork, watch live art demos, and go to special events. Be sure to catch the downtown celebration on October 6 and October 7, 2023.
Don't let the name fool you, Lacey's Winter Fest - Sip, Savor, Shop event actually takes place in the fall. Head to the Lacey Community Center on November 4 to support local artisans and small businesses as you Sip, Savor & Shop to your heart's content. The festival features crafts from local artisans, tastings, music and more.
Looking to get in the Halloween spirit? Every October the town of Bucoda transforms into Boo-coda, Washington’s Halloweentown. The town puts together multiple special events throughout the month including haunted houses, a casket race, and a jack-o’-lantern carving contest.
View the Salmon Run in Olympia & Tumwater
Every year in late August, the Chinook Salmon return from their adventures in the Pacific and head back to their spawning grounds along the Deschutes River. Here's how you can view their journey right in downtown Olympia and along the falls at Brewery Park.
Fall Fun on the Farms along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Nothing says fall quite harvest time on the farm. There’s lots of fall farm fun to be had along the Thurston Bountiful Byway. Wander through a corn maze after picking the perfect pumpkin at Schilter Family Farm & Rutledge Family Farm. Stop at Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm during their annual Apple Festival and Pumpkin Festival to snack on apple fritters and apple cider while pumpkin picking. Then visit the petting zoo filled with adorable farm animals sure to thrill children of all ages. See the map below for more adventures along the byway!
View Fall Foliage and Enjoy Outdoor Art
Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice as Olympia is home to many top-rated and unforgettable trails that turn glorious with autumn foliage.
Hiking is a great way to enjoy the cooler weather and see incredible views of nature. Woodard Bay Conservation Area offers visitors the opportunity to choose their own path with three different hiking trails in the natural area. Follow the trails at Tolmie State Park and Squaxin Park or walk along the shoreline of the Puget Sound. Be on the lookout when hiking along the McLane Creek trail in the Capitol State Forest and you might just spot some beavers. To see a 27-foot waterfall surrounded by orange and yellow foliage hike the out-and-back trail at Deschutes Falls Park in Yelm.
If you prefer biking check out the Chehalis Western trail. This tree lined trail is surrounded by fall foliage and leads bicyclists through an array of habitats. Or bring the family to Yelm-Rainier-Tenino trail for a family bike ride. Head to Monarch Sculpture Park in Yelm to explore their maze and view sculptures against the fall colors.
And of course, a visit to the State Capitol wouldn't be complete without a leisurely stroll through the beautiful landscaping at Sunken Garden to see a variety of perennials and fall foliage, or take a guided tour of the Capitol Campus.
Woodard Bay Conservation Area
Woodard Bay Rd Olympia, Washington 98507
Tolmie State Park
7730 61st Ave. N.E. Olympia, Washington 98506 (360) 456-6464
Squaxin Park
2600 East Bay Drive NE Olympia, Washington 98501
Capitol State Forest — McLane Creek Nature Trail
Looking for directions? Go to https://www.dnr.wa.gov/Capitol Olympia, Washington 98512 (360) 825-1631
Chehalis Western Trail
9605 Tilley Rd. SW Olympia, Washington 98512
Yelm Rainier Tenino Trail
105 W Yelm Ave Yelm, Washington 98597
Deschutes Falls Park
25005 Bald Hill Rd. Yelm, Washington 98597
Whether you’re a birder or just enjoy seeing wildlife, Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, is the perfect place to spot a wide array of critters. During the fall visitors can find over 250 migratory birds, animals, and sea life while walking the trails. Hike along Deschutes River to witness the migration of Chinook Salmon as they return to their spawning grounds. Be sure to bring a camera as there are plenty of opportunities to get an instagram-worthy photo.
Warm up with a cup of coffee, relax with a glass of wine
When the crisp fall air gives you a chill, warm up with a cup of coffee from one of our local coffee shops. Order a lavender latte at Ember Goods and pick up iconic PNW goods in their retail store. For a close look at the roasting process go to the Dancing Goats Tasting Room. Order a cup of coffee then walk around the Olympia Farmers Market.
After a day of exploring, unwind on the patio of a local wine bar. Sip on a glass of wine while looking out over Capitol Lake surrounded by yellowing leaves at Swing Wine Bar. Or head to Lacey for a wine tasting at Stottle Winerytottle Winery.
Olympia offers visitors and locals endless opportunities to enjoy the season. Check out our things to do and events pages for even more fall fun!