Groups whose schedule rotates or is seasonal — check the source for the next date.
Road Run ⚠ Needs verification
Weekly Community Runs GR Guerilla Running
Two free weekly community runs — see current schedule
Around Olympia (see schedule)
Beginner-friendly No-drop Free
Free membership and two weekly group runs; confirm current days and meet-up spots before heading out.
Shuttle Days & Events FO Friends of Capitol Forest
Seasonal shuttle days + August Capitol Forest Festival
Capitol State Forest, Olympia
Cost varies Summer
Lift-served shuttle days via the “Huck Wagon” trailer plus the annual Capitol Forest Festival each August — check the calendar for dates.
Chapter Rides & Work Parties EM Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance — South Sound Chapter
Seasonal community rides & stewardship days — see calendar
Rotating South Sound trailheads
Beginner-friendly Free Summer
Cycling⚠ Needs verification Weekend Road Rides CB Capital Bicycling Club
Paced weekend road rides — see club calendar
Rotating South Sound start points
Beginner-friendly Free Summer
Hiking⚠ Needs verification Day Hikes & Backpacking TM The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch
Year-round branch hikes & trips — see activity calendar
Rotating Olympic/Cascade trailheads
Beginner-friendly No-drop Cost varies
Volunteer-led day hikes, the Conditioning Hiking Series, family hikes, and backpacking trips of all difficulties.
Hiking⚠ Needs verification Guided Walks & Restoration CL Capitol Land Trust
Guided nature walks & stewardship workdays — see events
Rotating Olympia-area preserves
Beginner-friendly No-drop Dog-friendly Free Summer
Free public preserves around Olympia (Darlin Creek, Randall) plus guided walks and habitat-restoration workdays.
Climbing⚠ Needs verification Drop-In Climbing CC Cirque Climbing
Open daily · bouldering, top rope & lead, plus classes
Cirque Climbing, Lacey
Beginner-friendly Cost varies
The South Sound’s full-service gym — drop-in bouldering and roped climbing with intro classes and youth programs.
Birding⚠ Needs verification Birding & Breakfast SS South Sound Bird Alliance
Beginner-friendly birding walks — see field-trip calendar
Rotating Olympia-area parks
Beginner-friendly No-drop Free
Welcoming social birding outings for all ages and experience levels (e.g. Pioneer Park, Frye Cove).
Birding⚠ Needs verification Field Trips SS South Sound Bird Alliance
Year-round birding field trips — see calendar
Rotating Thurston/Mason/Lewis sites
Beginner-friendly No-drop Free
Fly Fishing⚠ Needs verification Club Fishouts SS South Sound Fly Fishers
Monthly club fishouts — see schedule
Rotating South Sound waters
Beginner-friendly Free
Fly Fishing⚠ Needs verification Chapter Meetings & Projects OC Olympia Chapter, Trout Unlimited
Monthly chapter meetings + conservation projects — see schedule
Olympia (see chapter page)
Beginner-friendly Free
Chapter #189 — grassroots coldwater conservation on South Sound watersheds plus volunteer restoration work.
Paddling⚠ Needs verification Basic Sea Kayaking Course TM The Mountaineers — Olympia Branch
Seasonal sea-kayaking course & student paddles — see calendar
Budd Inlet, Olympia
Beginner-friendly No-drop Paid Summer
Paddling⚠ Needs verification Budd Inlet Kayak Rentals TA Tugboat Annie’s Kayak Rentals
Daily spring–summer · single & tandem rentals off the dock
West Bay Marina, Olympia
Beginner-friendly Paid Summer
Walk-up kayak rentals (paddles and PFDs included) with a beginner-friendly loading station for exploring Budd Inlet.
Hiking⚠ Needs verification Outdoor Program Trips TE The Evergreen State College — The Outdoor Program
Day trips & overnights (hike/kayak/climb/ski) — see schedule
Departs Evergreen campus, Olympia
Beginner-friendly No-drop Paid
TOP runs hiking, kayaking (Hope Island), and climbing (Smith Rock) trips with group gear and meals included; rental center for all-season gear.