Hours

Capitol Lake trails may be used from 7 a.m. to dusk.

The lake is closed to all public use (e.g., swimming, boating, fishing, wading, etc.) due to New Zealand mudsnails.

Parking is available at 501 5th Avenue SW, Olympia.

Seasonal information: Stickleback life cycle

Each June and July, small stickleback fish return to Capitol Lake and die shortly after successfully spawning.

This natural phenomenon is not related to lake oxygen levels or contamination issues.

Other parks and attractions

Capitol Lake - Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project

DES is leading a monumental project to restore Capitol Lake to an estuary. The restored estuary will improve water quality, conditions for native wildlife, and much more. This is one of the largest estuary restoration projects in an urban area in the country.

The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.

Learn more about the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project.