This Thurston County park is the top spot for cold plunges in WA state, new survey finds
A Thurston County park has ranked as the top cold-water plunge spot in Washington state, according to a new survey.
AMFM, a mental healthcare company, surveyed 3,105 cold-water enthusiasts about their favorite places to take a plunge. Burfoot Park, located just south of Boston Harbor on Budd Inlet, placed 11th in the country and first for Washington state locations.
The 65-acre park is about a 14-minute drive north of downtown Olympia and managed by Thurston County Public Works. Visitors can enjoy 1,100 feet of saltwater beach on Budd Inlet with views of the state Capitol and the Olympia Mountains. The park also features nature trails, picnic sites and a playground.
Puget Sound as a whole ranked 34th and Seattle’s Matthews Beach Park on Lake Washington ranked 60th on the national list, according to AMFM.
The top three spots in the country were Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York, Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, Montana and Lake Erie at Headless Beach State Park, Ohio.
A cold-water plunge can be as simple as submerging oneself in an ice-cube filled bathtub or as adventurous as jumping into a frigid lake or ocean. These plunges may help reduce muscle damage and lessen inflammation and soreness that results from exercise, according to the Mayo Clinic Health System.
Cold water plunges are typically done from 30 seconds to up to 10 minutes at a time in waters that are 50 degrees or colder. The Mayo Clinic warns that plungers in especially cold water may be at risk of frostbite and too long exposure may lead to hypothermia.
Swimming in open water, such as lakes, rivers or Puget Sound, is more difficult than swimming in a pool, the Washington State Department of Health warns. Changing tides and currents can tire out swimmers and sweep them away.
The DOH advises people avoid swimming in areas where two rivers come together, be cautious of sudden drop-offs in lakes and rivers, stay sober when in or on the water, and wear a life jacket while boating.
In early spring, it’s important to know that lakes, ponds and rivers will still be cold even on hot days. Additionally, DOH warns that rivers are often high and swift from rains and snow melt in the spring, which can easily overwhelm even the strongest swimmer.
Thurston County monitors the water quality of local lakes and issues advisories when it detects problems such as algae blooms. These advisories can be found on signs by lakes and online on the county’s website.
The DOH also shares information about saltwater beach closures and advisories via an online interactive map.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 1:15 PM.
