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From Olympia: Drive west on Hwy. 101 to SR 8, and west on SR 8 to SR 12. Follow signs to Montesano. Lake Sylvia is 1 mile north of the SR 12/Lake Sylvia exit.
This is one huge park with campgrounds, restrooms, picnic areas, fishing friendly, a playground and a huge trail system linking to other trail systems!! Super beautiful and relaxing to be in those woods!
Such a great park for hikes, non motorized water fun and always friendly staff! A must visit even if just for the day
Great features, lake, trails, swimming, fishing, showers. Very hammock camping friendly, but bring your extra long straps as many of the trees are very old and large, over 100" around. A unique feature is being beside a lake in the middle of very old forest, but still only a short drive or long walk from downtown. For those who need internet bars to survive, or like a nice diner breakfast on going home day, and the local ACE hardware is practically at the camp ground entrance. Best of both on and off grid worlds.
Beautiful lake that you can swim, float, paddle board, snorkel, or fish in. Lots of picnic areas, pavilions, and a kitchen you can reserve. Hiking and biking trails. Playground. Spacious bathrooms with showers. Camping areas. Requires a Discover Pass. $10 for a day pass or $30 for a year (good at any WA state park). Dog-friendly! My 4 yr old had a blast in the water. Water was a comfortable temperature and felt amazing on 80° day. I lived near here for the last 5 years and can't believe this was my first time there. We are definitely going back with our dogs and planning a camping trip also. Large lake, so lots of places to enjoy peace and quiet as well.
This is a nice out of the way park just north of Montesano and a short detour off the highway. Great place for a picnic and there is a designated swimming area as well. No motorized watercraft allowed on the lake but it looks like a great place for a canoe or kayak.
Olympic Otter
