Walking

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Olympia Walks

Man walking with his dog around Capitol LakeDid you know that it takes less than half an hour to walk from the Eastside or the Westside to the center of Downtown?

Walking in Olympia is the simplest, smartest way to get around. It's fun, builds community, keeps neighborhoods safe, it's good for the environment, saves you money, and best of all it relieves stress and keeps you fit!

Use the maps or links below and get out and walk today!

Building Streets for Pedestrians

Sidewalks:

Learn more about Olympia's long-term plans to build sidewalks.

Pedestrian Crossings:

At certain locations, improvements help pedestrians cross safely.  Learn more about our Pedestrian Crossing Improvement Program.

Great Places to Walk

Woman walking downtown OlympiaTours, Trails and More

Below are some of our favorite places to walk. You can also see a complete listing of City of Olympia Parks and Trails. For other local area park and trail information visit Thurston County Parks, Lacey Parks or Tumwater Parks. 

Olympia Walking Maps

These comprehensive walking maps are separated by region and include trails, landmarks, transit routes, public art, a convenient 'minutes from downtown' guide and more.

Please note that due to the complexity of the map, these PDF files are rather large. If you are a City of Olympia resident and want a printed copy of the map, simply email ktarullo@ci.olympia.wa.us  - please include your name, address and zip code.

Neighborhood Pathways

Completed Neighborhood Pathways projectNeighborhood pathways are short connections for bicyclists and pedestrians that connect streets to parks, schools and other streets where no motor connection exists. These pathways enhance mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians by shortening trip lengths and providing more comfortable off-street route alternatives.

Neighborhood groups and service organizations can now apply for funding to improve a pathway in their neighborhood with the Neighborhood Pathways Program.

Keep Sidewalks Clear

Customer disposing of Fall leavesKeeping sidewalks clear and in good repair is vital to creating walkable neighborhoods. You can help by:

Keeping sidewalks clear of obstructions (Flyer, PDF)

Create 7' of clear space - About the width of the sidewalk

If you belong to a neighborhood or homeowners association, gather your neighbors and tackle vegetation growth together. This is also a great way to help neighbors who may not be able to trim their own vegetation. The City will provide yard waste dumpsters, a pressure washer to remove moss or dirt and graffiti removal kits.

  1. Contact your neighborhood or homeowners' association president or chair. They will have contact information for the City and your neighbors. If you are unsure if your neighborhood has an association, contact Jennifer Kenny at 360.753.8031.
  2. Choose an event coordinator to communicate with residents and the City.
  3. Complete and submit Clear Sidewalks Campaign Application.
  4. Choose a central gathering place for the day of your work party. If you have funds available, consider providing snacks and drinks for your volunteers. This can entice more people to attend.
  5. Send an email announcement 2 to 3 weeks prior to the event.
  6. Ask permission prior to trimming others' vegetation.
  7. Have fun!

It is illegal to rake or dump leaves and yard debris in Olympia streets and rights of way. Leaves and other yard debris that are raked or blown into the street can become contaminated with oil and other substances. Once contaminated, leaves collected by the street sweeper can’t be composted and must be taken to the landfill, a costly method of disposal.

Residents have a variety of options for composting leaves and other yard debris. Thank you for heliping to keep our streets clean and composting responsibly.

City code requires the property owner to repair the sidewalk adjacent to their property (OMC 12.36.010).

For more inforamtion, contact Code Enforcement staff at 360.753.8487.

Noxious weeds threaten public health, the environment, wildlife habitat, native plants, agriculture areas, and our recreational areas. The City of Olympia is required by the State to address the noxious weeds in the City’s right of way when identified by Thurston County. Public Works staff tries to pull weeds whenever feasible. Unfortunately, some noxious weeds must be sprayed to be eliminated. When pulling is not effective, staff uses the the most environmentally friendly products possible. It is important to note that the City does NOT manage noxious weeds on private property.

The most common types of noxious weed are poison hemlock, Japanese knotwood and common fennel. More information and a complete listing can be found on the Thurston County Noxious Weed Control Agency website.

Questions?

Contact Kerry Tarullo, at 360.753.8575 or ktarullo@ci.olympia.wa.us

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