Exploring the Area

A view looking up into the forest canopy on a sunny day

The Forest, Trails and Beach

Evergreen’s Olympia Campus sits on 1,000 forested acres with trails leading to the college’s Organic Farm and Puget Sound beachfront.

The Forest

Evergreen sits at the center of 1,000 acres of forest. Many programs head outside for one-of-a-kind outdoor class meetings, but you’re also free to explore the woods and trails whenever you like. Keep your eyes open for deer and other woodland critters, or simply enjoy the peace of your surroundings. Well marked trails will take you to the Organic Farm or down to the beach.

A student takes a photo with their phone at the Evergreen beach

Evergreen Beach

Just a short walk from campus, you have access to more than 3,000 feet of unspoiled beach on the Puget Sound. Bring waterproof boots and wade offshore, comb the beach for shells and clams, or sit and watch for seals. You can even hit the water in a kayak rented from the campus recreation center via The Outdoor Program. At night, you can see small bioluminescent creatures glowing in the water or join the Shellfish Club for one of their midnight meetings. Bring a flashlight and watch out for jellyfish!

Trail Maps

Potasnik Map

Shows bike-friendly and walking trails, as well as streams and campus buildings.

Siatkowski Map

A full-campus map featuring road trails, shore trails and forest trails, as well as east campus trails, campus buildings and the Organic Farm.

Ritchie Map

Distinguishes between improved and unimproved trails and shows the Eld Inlet and south campus reserve.

Explore the Area

These wonderful, natural areas are available for you to use whenever you want, but if that’s not enough, know that Olympia is situated in the most diverse landscape in America. Explore many state and national forests, a number of mountains and the Pacific ocean, all nearby. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, or some peace and quiet close to home, you can find it here.

For the Love of Nature

Evergreen has been a leader in environmental education from the beginning. In recent years, we have stepped up our commitment to sustainability to reach beyond the classroom and even the campus.