Top 11 Lakes around Lacey

Lacey's lakes offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating at lakes like Long Lake and Pattison Lake. Many lakes also feature extensive trail systems for hiking, running, and cycling. For example, you can find various easy hikes, running trails, and road cycling routes that explore the natural beauty surrounding these waters.

Yes, several lakes and trails around Lacey are great for families. Millersylvania State Park — Lake and Forest Trails offers swimming beaches, kayak rentals, and hiking trails suitable for all ages. Ellis Cove Nature Trail is another family-friendly option with boardwalks and views of Budd Inlet. Long Lake Park also provides a swimming beach, picnic areas, and a natural trail through the woods.

Pattison Lake is a very popular spot for fishing and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. Smith Lake is also excellent for fishing from a small boat or float tube, especially for rainbow trout in the summer. Chambers Lake is open year-round and offers good fishing for largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead catfish, and stocked channel catfish.

You can explore natural trails at locations like Ellis Cove Nature Trail, which offers views of Ellis Cove and Budd Inlet. Long Lake Park features a natural trail through its wooded surroundings. For impressive views, Hicks Lake, a 'heavily wooded gem,' provides vistas of Mount Rainier from its trails. Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area also has forested hiking trails and protects significant wildlife habitats.

Long Lake is a popular destination for swimming, with Long Lake Park boasting one of Thurston County's finest swimming beaches. Millersylvania State Park — Lake and Forest Trails also provides swimming beaches for visitors to enjoy.

The warmer months are generally the best time to visit the lakes around Lacey, especially for water activities like swimming, boating, and kayaking. During this period, parks like Long Lake Park are bustling with families. Fishing for rainbow trout is particularly good in Smith Lake during the summer. However, Chambers Lake is open year-round for fishing, offering opportunities even outside peak season.

Yes, kayaking and boating are popular activities on several lakes. Long Lake is a hub for water activities, including boating. Canoeing and kayaking are favored on Pattison Lake. Chambers Lake is also a popular spot for kayaking, especially in the summer. Millersylvania State Park — Lake and Forest Trails offers kayak rentals.

While many trails are dog-friendly, it's important to check specific park regulations. For instance, dogs are not allowed in the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, even on a leash, to protect nesting herons and eagles. Always look for signage or official park information regarding pet policies before bringing your dog.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in natural features and wildlife. Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area protects habitats for harbor seals, bald eagles, and one of the largest heron nesting areas in the state, along with a large colony of bats. Henderson Inlet and Bat Nursery offers a viewpoint where you can observe hundreds of little brown and Yuma myotis bats, especially during evening or early morning. Chambers Lake Park is known for its beautiful lily pads and rich greenery.

Yes, Hicks Lake is notable for its urban location and Wanschers Community Park provides shoreline access with amenities. Capitol Lake is an artificial lake directly behind the state capitol building, offering views of the Capitol in an urban setting. Pattison Lake, despite its size, is surprisingly situated in a high urban growth zone, making it easily accessible.

Parking availability varies by location. Popular spots like Long Lake Park and Wanschers Community Park at Hicks Lake typically have designated parking areas. For trails and parks, it's generally advisable to check specific park websites or signage upon arrival for the most accurate parking information. Some areas, especially those with trailheads, may have limited parking.