Hicks Lake

Hicks Lake is a 162-acre lake located in Lacey, Thurston County, offering a public boat launch for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The access area is open seasonally from the 4th Saturday in April through October 31. To reach the launch, approach via Ruddell Road and turn east onto 25th Ave. SE, then south onto Hicks Lake Rd SE. The facility includes one parking lot with dedicated ADA parking spaces.

This scenic lake provides good shoreline access and calm waters ideal for paddling. Hicks Lake is popular with anglers, as it has been historically stocked with rainbow trout, making it an attractive destination for mixed recreation. The nearby Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge adds to the area's natural appeal. Being a relatively small, peaceful lake, Hicks Lake is well-suited for recreational paddling, family outings, and fishing trips rather than high-speed boating.