Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Millersylvania State Park, located in Thurston County near Olympia, Washington, spans over 903 acres featuring a diverse landscape dominated by old-growth Douglas fir and Western red cedar forests. The park's centerpiece is the 225-acre Deep Lake, which provides excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating such as kayaking and canoeing. The park's history dates back to its establishment in 1924, making it one of Washington’s oldest state parks. It was developed during the 1930s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps projects, with many original structures and rustic log buildings still intact, offering visitors a glimpse into early park development. Visitors appreciate the wide range of year-round recreational options including hiking and mountain biking along more than 10 miles of well-marked trails that wind through mature forest and wetlands. The park also hosts a large, developed campground with over 90 sites, popular for both tents and RVs, as well as group camping facilities. Wildlife is abundant, with species such as black-tailed deer, great blue herons, and various songbirds common throughout the area. The accessible swimming beach and boat launch on Deep Lake add to the park's appeal for families and paddlers. Millersylvania’s combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational breadth draws visitors seeking both active outdoor engagement and tranquil natural settings close to urban centers.
