Nisqually River Public Access - Olympia, WA
Nisqually River Public Access Dog-Friendly Area
Located just outside Olympia, Washington, the Nisqually River Public Access site offers a unique riverside experience for dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This spot is popular with locals for its peaceful setting, scenic river views, and open brush areas perfect for stretching your legs with your canine friend. Dogs are welcome in the area, and the open space allows for casual walks and exploring, making it a solid choice for informal dog park fun, especially for those seeking a pet-friendly outing near Olympia.
While the area is renowned for fishing, it’s not safe for swimming due to swift waters and underwater obstacles. Although there isn’t a dedicated fenced dog park or separate areas for large or small dogs, the brush has been cut back making it easier to roam. Amenities are minimal: the parking is ample, but restroom facilities are unisex and basic (bring your own sanitizer). For those looking for dog-friendly open space rather than traditional dog park features, this riverside access is a hidden gem in Thurston County.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are restrooms available for owners? There is a one-person unisex bathroom, but it is in poor condition and does not have a sink; bring your own sanitizer.
- Is there a swimming area for dogs? No, swimming is not safe in this part of the river due to swift currents and underwater obstacles.
- Where is the best place to park? There is plenty of parking available directly at the access site.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? The area features open space and brush-cut pathways, but no formal hiking trails are noted.
Reviews
Dogs are always happy to be here. One guy brings his fishing. No barkers that I have heard which is good. No bathrooms, I guess that’s why guys wear waders. The brush has been cut back, so it’s open and easy to move about.
Quiet, lots of people fishing, catching trout.
Beautiful out here!
The bathrooms are in very, very bad condition, go before you come. Still plenty of parking and space to fish.
Their bitten!
Came to run dogs and fish. Fishing closed and river isn’t safe to swim. Nice run but no room and the camp private property is garbage ruining the whole area.
Upon reading some of the other reviews that say this is a good spot for swimming or jumping from a tire swing. THIS IS NOT A SPOT TO GO SWIMMING IT IS DANGEROUS TO ATTEMPT SWIMMING IN THIS PORTION OF THE RIVER there has been plenty of life taken by this river from those who have attempted it and boating is no exception unless you are experienced and have the right equipment in this portion of the nisqually. A lot of the postings have been outdated even before they have posted it. So here is an update on the 6th Ave public fishing access as in the name it is on 6th Ave in nisqaully it’s a decent area, over time this spot has only gotten better the fishing maybe not so much. There is a one person unisex bathroom. I would advise bringing some sanitizer as there is no sink to wash your hands in after. Beware, you do not walk too far into the wooded area. There are no trespassing signs posted as it is owned by the campground, which is further down the main road. There are some wonderful locals in the area that always stop by and can be seen fishing or just checking out the water levels. If you’re coming for fishing in this portion of the nisqually be sure you check the wdfw website for the rules and regulations as they are ever changing for this portion of the river. The Game Warden does stop by frequently in the area, so make sure you are up to date with all of your information. Anyone operating a Boat in these waters needs to make sure they have life jackets and an airhorn, I would also advise bringing a working radio to call for help. The waters may look perfectly fine, but they are rough. There are plenty of dangerous obstacles and debris in the water that make this portion of the river dangerous at times to be boating. Will update with photos soon
Beautiful spot on the river for fishing. Check out the videos of coyotes howling and trains.
I wouldn’t go swimming here because of the fishing lines, swift water, and underwater obstacles.