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First, a primer:
• With the exception of Long Lake in Lacey, no lifeguards are on duty at these beaches. Every year, tragedy strikes when a swimmer overestimates his or her capabilities. Know your limits and be vigilant in supervising children.
• Wear sunscreen. Nothing will ruin the afterglow of a nice day at the beach like your skin glowing red with a second-degree sunburn.
• No alcohol is allowed at these public beaches.
• Don’t leave anything in your car, valuable or not.
PRIEST POINT PARK
The gravelly shoreline of Priest Point Park offers many beach opportunities.
Ellis Cove, with its serpentine shoreline, will make you feel like you’re on a lost beach despite being just minutes from downtown Olympia. But beware of mudflats. Emergency crews have had to rescue more than one stuck wader.
Location: 2600 East Bay Drive, Olympia.
Hours: 7 a.m.-dusk.
Beach: Mostly gravel extending out to mudflats on saltwater. Mussels can prove hazardous to naked feet.
Access: Via several trails, some not clearly marked.
Sun: Beaches are mostly west-facing.
Restrooms: Near overpass that connects east and west sides of park. Unfortunately, a lack of bathrooms near the beach can make the area bushes smell like a downtown Seattle alley.
Picnic tables: Scattered through park along with barbecues.
Views: Of Capitol, west Olympia, Budd Inlet and the Olympics.
Swimming: Mudflats can be dangerous. Signs warn of water and soil pollution and advise showering after swimming.
Shelter: Three, reservations required.
Amenities: Trails, rose garden, children’s play area.
More info: olympiawa.gov/community/parks.aspx
LONG LAKE PARK
Long Lake is a very civilized beach, almost to the point of being antiseptic. Paved paths and grassy areas fill out the well-maintained park. Located immediately adjacent to the Thurston County Fairgrounds, the small beach offers something others in the area don’t: summer lifeguards.
Location: 2790 Carpenter Road, Lacey
Hours: Park open dawn to dusk. Lifeguards are on duty from 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week through the summer.
Beach: Gravel on fresh water lake
Access: Paved sloping path leads from the parking lot to the beach.
Sun: The northeast-facing beach is better for sun earlier in the day.
Restrooms: Between beach and parking lot; outdoor shower
Picnic tables: Bring your own
Views: Of Long Lake and the nicely maintained homes across the shore
Swimming: A roped-off swim area keeps motorized craft away from the beach.
Shelter: None
Amenities: Volleyball courts, large grassy expanse, L-shaped swimming dock
More info: www.ci.lacey.wa.us.
KENNEYDELL PARK AT BLACK LAKE
This beach along the east shore of Black Lake near Tumwater feels like a private resort and you’ve become its newest member.
Diminutive and well kept, the beach area could easily fill up on a nice day. But trails, fields and play areas help to relieve the pressure.
Location: 6745 S.W. Fairview Road, near Tumwater.
Hours: 9 a.m.-dusk
Beach: Gravel on fresh water
Access: About 100 yards of paved path leads from the parking lot to the beach.
Sun: Southwest-facing beach provides late daylight.
Restrooms: Close to beach, with changing areas; shower not working on a recent visit
Picnic tables: Scattered through park along with barbecues.
Views: Of Black Lake and Capitol Forest.
Swimming: The large cove is roped off from boats and other motorized craft.
Shelters: Scattered through park’ rustic Kenneydell Lodge with fireplace and kitchen can be rented half and full day
Amenities: Athletic fields, children’s play areas, trails
More info: www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks.
Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541, craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com
