Parks in Yelm Washington

Yelm Washington offers a selection of parks for residents to enjoy. Whether it be walking or playing sports with family or simply relaxing – there’s something here for everyone!

Yelm, located on the Nisqually River in southeastern Thurston County, offers residents close proximity to both Nisqually Indian Reservation and Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as being an attractive bedroom community choice for Tacoma, Olympia and Centralia residents.

Yelm City Park

Yelm City Park is one of Yelm’s first public parks and a popular family destination, featuring amenities such as a splash pad, playground equipment, picnic areas and a community center.

This park is a favorite destination of both residents and visitors year-round, particularly during the warmer summer months when its playgrounds are packed with children. Additionally, it serves as host venue for many community-wide events including Prairie Days, Annual Jazz Festival and Christmas in the Park.

Yelm offers families an ideal location for outdoor recreation and an ever-evolving arts scene, featuring local artists in many restaurants as well as offering karaoke nights and classes.

Cochrane Memorial Park

Cochrane Memorial Park offers visitors an ideal spot for outdoor fun and discovery of Yelm. Spanning eight acres, this constructed wetland park and aquifer recharge facility supports wildlife habitat and features a catch-and-release fish pond filled with rainbow trout for catch and release fishing fun.

As well as offering breathtaking landscapes to admire, it provides the ideal spot for relaxing, strolling and taking in nature’s sights. This park features plenty of features ranging from peaceful pathways, covered picnic areas and an educational interpretive center – perfect for a leisurely stroll and scenic appreciation!

The park also houses a StoryTrail, an easy-to-navigate path showcasing nature at its best. The trail’s design facilitates smooth navigation while large signs offer fascinating tidbits of information about local natural history.

The Park is an increasingly popular summertime destination. A contractor will soon begin working to make improvements at the Park, including installing permanent restrooms. Construction begins April 26 and continues up to late July.

Longmire Community Park

Longmire Community Park can be found at 16820 Canal Road SE and provides an ideal place for children and sports enthusiasts to gather. Baseball and football fields may be utilized depending on the time of year; while there’s also a playground.

Yelm City Park features an open soccer field for public use. City of Yelm manages this park through a stakeholder group who organize events and activities specifically targeted to kids.

Yelm’s Pioneer Farm Museum offers visitors an interactive history lesson. Here they can see various artifacts that demonstrate how early settlers lived and worked in their region; there are also fundraising efforts held here that support community activities.

Olympia National Forest and Olympic National Park are also landmarks worth exploring in this area, boasting some of the most picturesque wilderness found anywhere in Washington state, from coastal wetlands and old growth forests to majestic snow-capped mountain peaks that offer some spectacular vistas.

Yelm-Tenino/Prairie Line Trail

Yelm-Tenino/Prairie Line Trail is an extremely popular spot among dog walkers and cyclists, offering breathtaking views of Mount Rainier from its 14.5 mile route that begins at Railway Rd SE and 1st St NE in Yelm and winds east-west through farmlands, forests, and wetlands.

This paved trail connects with the popular 4.8-mile Yelm Prairie Line Trail, popular among dog walkers and runners. This well-maintained route features plenty of flora and fauna sure to inspire your four-legged pal!

Yelm Prairie Line Trail is a beloved hiking spot that provides peaceful and picturesque scenery with views of Mount Rainier. Ideal for families with young children, the trail provides opportunities for photographs or rest stops along its length.

While in Yelm Washington, make sure to visit Yelm’s historical site and the Fort Eaton monument to commemorate events from during the Civil War that took place there.