Practical Advice

Keep Murphy’s Law at bay by spendinga little time making note of some of these important practical planning resources. We promise you will be happy that you did!

You’ll find information on how to deal with emergencies, where to obtain permits and passes, roadway conditions and travel alerts, EV charging stations, and what type of clothing to pack that will ensure your adventure is a success!

Accessing the Area

There are a few ways one can get around Olympia and Beyond. Check out all of the options and choose what is right for you.

Flying commercial airlines? Fly into Sea-Tac International Airport or Portland International Airport , rent a vehicle and head our way! Flying your own plane? Fly into Olympia Regional Airport.

Boating in? Boat into the Port of Olympia’s Swantown Marina & Boatworks, the 7th largest marina in Washington State, and home to a pretty spiffy new fuel dock. With accommodations for boats up to 120 feet, Swantown Marina is truly one of Puget Sound’s premier guest facilities. Swantown Marina’s guest moorage offers 70+ slips in a clean and modern facility. Public restrooms, showers and laundry are available to guests as well as free wireless internet. Power and water is included in the daily rate. A special event area is located adjacent to the guest dock for group events. Tents, tables and BBQ’s are available through prior arrangement with the harbor office. Twenty-four-hour security is on site.

Self-Driving? Exploring Olympia and beyond by vehicle, is easy to navigate and accessible via I-5. The area is home to plentiful gas stations and EV Charging Stations.

Emergencies

Nobody plans to have a medical emergency when they're traveling but should the unfortunate occasion arise, it's a good idea to know exactly how to get help. Need an ambulance? Dial 911! Need to take yourself in to seek care for an illness or non-emergency injury? Consult this list of hospitals and medical care facilities throughout Thurston County.

Permits & Passes

Make sure to do your homework so you can access the trails, parks and public lands you want visit during your stay. Getting a ticket is NOT the souvenir you want to take home! Learn more about Parks and Passes.

Electric Vehicle Charging

Visiting Olympia and beyond is the perfect road trip to really get the most of your electric vehicle investment – we have amazing views, activities, great roads and importantly, copious charging options! Take time before your trip to organize your charging plan. Where will you charge? How long? And what will you do while your vehicle charges? Click here for a list of charging stations you can choose from as you start building your charging plan.

What if the park, hiking or biking trail I want to visit is too full?

Before you leave home, download the TREAD MAP App! TREAD Map is a one-stop, comprehensive, recreation mapping app for all trail users, for all seasons. Informed by land managers and local enthusiasts, TREAD Map offers up-to-date recreation maps, custom layers, trail conditions, current safety information, events and alternate options!