Tolmie State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tolmie State Park
Tolmie State Park Location in Washington (state)
Location	Thurston, Washington, United States
Area	154 acres (62 ha)
Elevation	75 ft (23 m)
Established	1962
Operator	Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Website	Tolmie State Park

Tolmie State Park is a cool place to visit in Washington. It's a public park that covers about 154 acres (that's like 116 football fields!). You can find it on Nisqually Beach, right on the edge of Puget Sound. It's only about 8 miles northeast of Olympia.

This park has a long saltwater shoreline, which is where a creek called Big Slough meets the sea. It also has beautiful forests, a saltwater marsh, and even an amazing underwater park! This underwater area has an artificial reef, making it a perfect spot for scuba diving adventures.

Park History

Tolmie State Park is named after a person called William Fraser Tolmie. He was an officer who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company a long time ago. The state of Washington started buying land for this park in 1962. That's when it officially became a state park for everyone to enjoy.

Fun Activities at the Park

Tolmie State Park offers lots of exciting things to do for visitors of all ages. Whether you love being on land or in the water, there's something for you!

Exploring the Trails

You can go hiking on three miles of trails. These paths wind through the park's forests. It's a great way to see nature up close. You might spot different plants and animals along the way.

Water Adventures

The park is perfect for water activities. You can go boating on the calm waters of Puget Sound. Swimming is also a popular choice, especially on warm days.

Scuba Diving Fun

One of the most unique things about Tolmie State Park is its underwater park. It has an artificial reef built especially for scuba diving. Divers can explore this amazing underwater world. You might see different kinds of fish and other sea creatures living around the reef.

Fishing and Crabbing

If you enjoy fishing, you're in luck! The park is a great spot for fishing. You can also try crabbing, which is a fun way to catch crabs. Just make sure you know the rules for fishing and crabbing before you start.

Bird Watching

Tolmie State Park is home to many different birds. It's a fantastic place for bird watching. Bring your binoculars and see how many different species you can spot!