Ward Lake

Ward Lake is a 66-acre lake located in Olympia, Thurston County, offering a public boat launch for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboaters. The access site features one boat ramp with good shoreline access and a single parking lot. An ADA-accessible restroom is available on-site, though there are no ADA parking spaces. The lake is open to the public from the 4th Saturday in April through September 30.

The lake is popular with anglers, as it has been historically stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout. Since hand launches are not available, all watercraft must use the boat ramp. Note that camping is not permitted at this access site. Boating restrictions, including any motorized boating prohibitions, are established by local ordinance, so paddlers should verify current regulations before launching. The nearby Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offers additional recreation opportunities in the area.