Lacey is graced by more than 500 acres of beautiful parkland and open space, as well as Puget Sound's Tolmie State park at our northern border, and the 3,700-acre Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge forming our Eastern border. With freshwater lakes, three golf courses, miles of paved walking and biking paths and several indoor pools, recreation opportunities are virtually unlimited.
The drama of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is less than 2 hours away via Interstate 5 and State Route 504. Browse www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm for more information.
The breathtaking glaciers and alpine meadows of Mt. Ranier National Park are less than 1.5 hours away via State Route 510 (Marvin Road). The park has been designated a National Historic Landmark District. Browse www.nps.gov/mora for more information.
This 3700-acre nature preserve on the shores of Puget Sound and the Nisqually River delta is home to over 300 species of wildlife. Features an interpretive center, picnic area, and 5.5 miles of walking trails. Open sunrise to sunset daily. Located along Lacey's eastern border via Interstate 5, Exit 114. Call 360-753-9467 or browse www.nisqually.fws.gov for more information.
See free-roaming bighorn sheep, deer, Roosevelt elk, woodland caribou, mountain goats, bison and more up close from comfortable trams. View grizzlies, black bears, wolves, bobcats, lynx cougars, owls, eagles, and wetland animals in beautiful natural exhibits along forested trails. Located in Eatonville. Call 360-832-6117 or visit www.nwtrek.org for more information.
The unspoiled Pacific coastline, rainforests, and moutain peaks of Olympic National Park are less than 2 hours away via Highway 101. The park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve as well as a World Heritage Site. Browse www.nps.gov/olym for more information.
Overlooking the Nisqually River Delta and Puget Sound at Luhr Beach, the center provides hands-on environmental education focusing on marine and estuarine ecosystems. The site inclues a public fishing pier, boat launch, and beach access.
Open noon to 4p Wed, Sat, and Sun. Located at Lacey's northeastern border via Meridian Road. Browse www.nisquallyestuary.org for more information.
This 105-acre park features one-half mile of pristine Puget Sound beachfront, picnic facilities, and 2.25 miles of walking trails. Located at Lacey's northern border via marvin Road NE. Browse www.parks.wa.gov for more information.
Recreational and educational opportunities include guided walking tours of the wolf sanctuary, self-guided exploration of the native oak and Mima mound prairie, evening "Howl-ins" with the wolves, photography tours, and a variety of other programs.
Located 12miles south of Lacey via Old Highway 99.
For more information call 360-264-4695,
or visit www.wolfhaven.org.
678 acres of state protected forestland and esturies with over 4 miles of shoreline, providing habitat for harbor seals, river otters, bald eagles, and one of the most significant heron rookeries in the state.
Located just northeast of Lacey via Sleater-Kinney and Woodard Bay Roads, or by bicycle via the Chehalis-Western Trail.
Browse www.dnr.wa.gov/nap/nrcadesc.html for more information.
