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The LBA Woods are delightful in all seasons. The four miles of looping trails traverse gentle terrain. Unlike similar wooded city parks such as Squaxin and Watershed Parks, many of the LBA Woods trails are suitable for easy strolls or pushing a baby stroller.
Spring brings a lush understory of flowering plants to the woodlands and with it an influx of migratory and nesting songbirds. In summer, berries are plentiful and the park stays cool and shady thanks to the closed canopy of trees, especially the deciduous Big-Leaf Maples. In fall, the maples’ enormous golden leaves add a splash of color to the forest overstory and trails. There are protected wetlands off-trail within the park but trails do get muddy during the rainy season. The muddiest trails have been raised with “turnpikes” installed by the hard work of the Washington Trails Association (WTA) work crews. During snowy winters, the trails are popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Running is especially popular in the LBA Woods. The Olympia High School cross-country running team trains in the LBA Woods. Every year Rock Candy Running hosts the Little Backyard Adventure (LBA) trail run, which draws hundreds of runners from in and out of state.
The network of signed trails was developed by the Olympia Parks Department with input from Friends of LBA Woods and community members. Trails signage and sign posts are located throughout the park. Trails have been newly designated for hikers/walkers only or for shared use with off-leash dog walkers and for non-motorized bicycles. The ¾-mile long Chickadee Loop (the yellow trail on the map) is the only trail in the park where dogs are allowed off leash. Dog walkers must leash their dogs when using all other trails. LBA Woods is the only city park with an off-leash trail. The city maintains two off-leash dog parks at McLane Dog Park and Evergreen Park.
