The park is named after Dr. William Fraser Tolmie, a surgeon and naturalist with the Hudson's Bay Company.
The underwater park is maintained by the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife as a protected marine habitat.
Low tide exposes extensive mudflats that allow for unique intertidal zone exploration.
The park sits on a significant migratory route, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers tracking seasonal shifts.
The site contains a restored salt marsh habitat crucial for juvenile salmon development.
Tolmie State Park is a 105-acre marine day-use park located on the shores of Puget Sound in Olympia, Washington. It provides three miles of saltwater shoreline and expansive mudflats revealed at low tide. The park features an underwater artificial reef accessible to scuba divers for underwater exploration. Visitors can utilize 180 feet of moorage floats for small watercraft. A trail system winds through diverse forest ecosystems and salt marshes. The park offers designated picnic areas equipped with kitchen shelters for group gatherings. Wildlife sightings frequently include harbor seals and various seabirds native to the Nisqually Reach. The site serves as a vital access point for kayaking and paddleboarding in the sheltered waters of the Sound.
The shoreline at low tide looking toward the Olympic Mountains across the water.
Check the local tide charts before visiting to ensure you have maximum access to the mudflats or water.
Bring water shoes if you plan on exploring the rocky and muddy intertidal zones.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid peak weekend crowds while still enjoying temperate weather.
Attempting to launch large motorized boats, as the facility is intended for hand-launched craft and shallow-draft vessels.
The park is open year-round, though some seasonal water-related facilities may be limited during winter months.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; keep dogs leashed at all times; do not disturb or remove intertidal creatures.
