Olympia
Olympia balances its seriousness as the state capital with a notorious funkiness and laid back, indie vibe.
Details
Our Communities
When you're ready to venture beyond Olympia, it’s easy to head in any direction and be instantly welcomed by the small towns and rural communities of Thurston County.
These hand-crafted diamonds hiding in plain sight are waiting to share their love of community, and they can’t wait to convince you that slowing down a bit can be a good thing.
Lacey
An urban oasis surrounded by outdoor paradise. With lakes, parks, golf courses, and a vast nature preserve in…
Details
Tumwater
Where nature, history, and the future intersect. With a gushing waterfall as its centerpiece, Tumwater shines for its…
Details
Yelm
Gateway to Mount Rainier—and so much more. Nicknamed “the pride of the prairie,” Yelm sits at the intersection…
Details
Tenino
A family-friendly small town with a rock-solid history! Like many Western towns, Tenino got its start when an…
Details
Rainier
The best yet. Set in the shadow of the mountain it’s named for; Rainier’s stunning view earned its…
Details
Bucoda
A small town with a big Halloween spirit. Bucoda may be tiny, but its reputation as a Halloween…
Details
Rochester
Small but mighty, Rochester packs in history and happenings. This little town has deep roots in its Native…
Details
Grand
Mound
Small town with big attractions. Grand Mound traces its origins to the days when the Chehalis Tribe grazed…
Details
Areas to Explore
Olympia Washington
Olympia balances its seriousness as the state capital with a notorious funkiness and laid back, indie vibe.
Lacey, WA
An urban oasis surrounded by outdoor paradise. With lakes, parks, golf courses, and a vast nature preserve in proximity to the state capital and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Lacey finds a balance between outdoors attractions and the amenities of a city with a young and active workforce, not to mention the student body at St. Martin’s University and South Puget Sound Community College.
Tumwater, WA
Where nature, history, and the future intersect. With a gushing waterfall as its centerpiece, Tumwater shines for its natural beauty, historic significance, and vibrant present.
Tenino, WA
A family-friendly small town with a rock-solid history! Like many Western towns, Tenino got its start when an entrepreneurial pioneer traveled across the country in search of open space and opportunity.
Rainier, WA
The best yet. Set in the shadow of the mountain it’s named for; Rainier’s stunning view earned its original name from local tribes as “the best yet.”
Bucoda, WA
A small town with a big Halloween spirit. Bucoda may be tiny, but its reputation as a Halloween headquarters is larger than life.
Rochester, WA
Small but mighty, Rochester packs in history and happenings. This little town has deep roots in its Native, pioneer, and Scandinavian past.
Grand Mound, WA
Small town with big attractions. Grand Mound traces its origins to the days when the Chehalis Tribe grazed animals on the prairie.
Thurston Bountiful Byway
Love a quality road trip? We do, too! We also happen to love foods grown and harvested in the region where we eat them!
Memorable Stories
A Tiny Town Big on History & Natural Beauty
Road Trip: Thurston County’s Small Communities
Top Spots to View Mount Rainier in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, and Beyond
4 Pacific Northwest Day-Trip Ideas Worth Staying For
Best Outdoor Adventures Along the Thurston Bountiful Byway
Hike, Paddle And Eat Your Way Around Olympia, WA
Culture at the Capital: An Insider’s Guide to Olympia’s Murals