What Priest Point Park offers anglers and visitors

Priest Point Park is a 640-acre park in northeast Olympia that combines forest trails, open meadows, and water access along the Deschutes River. For anglers, the main draw is the Deschutes — a productive river for cutthroat trout and coho salmon depending on season — plus a small pond system that holds resident fish year-round. The park sits at the edge of Olympia's urban area, making it one of the closest fishing options to the city center, though the river access is limited to specific points and the water can be crowded during peak season.

The park is managed by the City of Olympia Parks and Recreation Department. Day-use is free, and the park is open from dawn to dusk. Parking is available at the main entrance off Priest Point Road, and there are several smaller lots scattered throughout the grounds. The terrain is mixed — some sections are steep and wooded, others are open and flat, so fitness level matters if you plan to hike to more remote fishing spots.

Key Takeaways

  • The Deschutes River runs through Priest Point Park and holds cutthroat trout year-round and coho salmon in fall, but access points are limited to marked trails and designated areas.
  • A Washington fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older, and the Deschutes has specific seasonal closures and catch limits that change by species and location.
  • The park's pond system offers easier access than the river and can be productive for resident trout and bass, especially in spring and early summer.
  • Parking is free and the park is open dawn to dusk, but trails can be muddy and slippery, particularly in fall and winter when rainfall is heavy.

Deschutes River access and seasonal fishing

The Deschutes River flows through the park's eastern boundary and is the primary fishing destination. Cutthroat trout are present year-round, with better numbers and larger fish in spring (March through May) and again in fall (September through October). Coho salmon enter the river in late August and peak in September and early October, though numbers vary by year depending on ocean conditions and hatchery releases.

Access to the river is restricted to marked trails and designated pullouts. The main river trail runs roughly north-south through the park and offers several spots where you can reach the water, but the banks are steep in many places and slippery when wet. Wading is possible in some sections, but the current is strong and the riverbed is rocky — felt-soled boots or wading shoes are essential. Bait fishing is allowed, as is fly fishing and spin casting; check the current Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) regulations for the Deschutes, as rules vary by river section and season.

The river is catch-and-release only for cutthroat in most sections of the park, though this can change. Coho salmon have a daily catch limit (typically two fish) during the open season, but the season is short and can close early if the run is weak. Before you fish, download the current WDFW Freshwater Fishing Pamphlet or check the WDFW website for the Deschutes River rules specific to Thurston County — regulations shift year to year and sometimes mid-season.

Pond fishing and resident trout

Priest Point Park has a small pond system that is easier to fish than the river and often more productive for beginners or families. The ponds hold resident rainbow and cutthroat trout, and some sections have largemouth bass. Water levels and fish density vary by season and recent stocking, so conditions are not consistent year to year.

The ponds are shallow and surrounded by open or lightly forested ground, making them accessible without steep hiking. Spring (April through June) is usually the best time, when water temperatures are cool and fish are actively feeding. By mid-summer, the ponds can warm and fish become sluggish, especially if there is little shade. Fall can be good again as temperatures drop, though the ponds are often crowded with waterfowl and the water clarity can be poor after heavy rain.

Pond fishing follows the same license and catch-limit rules as the river. Bait, flies, and spinners all work. The ponds are small enough that you can cover most of them in a morning, so if one is slow, moving to another is practical. Avoid fishing during the park's scheduled maintenance or after heavy rain, when the ponds can become murky and fish stop feeding.

Seasons and weather conditions

Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season for Priest Point Park. Water temperatures are cool, fish are active, and the park is less crowded than in summer. Rainfall is common but usually not heavy enough to make trails impassable. Cutthroat trout are in good condition after winter, and the coho run has not yet begun.

Summer (June through August) brings warmer water and lower river levels. The Deschutes can become sluggish, and fish move to deeper pools and shaded areas. The park is busier with hikers and families, and parking can fill on weekends. Fishing is still possible but requires more patience and skill to locate active fish.

Fall (September through October) is peak season for coho salmon and a second-best window for cutthroat. Water temperatures cool again, and the river level rises with autumn rains. The park is less crowded than summer but trails become muddy and slippery. Bring waterproof gear and expect wet conditions.

Winter (November through February) is the slowest season. The river is high and cold, trails are often muddy or icy, and daylight is short. Cutthroat fishing is possible but difficult. Most anglers avoid the park during this period, though it can be productive for those willing to fish in harsh conditions.

Regulations, licenses, and what to bring

A Washington fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, a three-day license, or an annual license through the WDFW website or at most sporting goods stores in Olympia. The license covers both river and pond fishing within the park.

Catch limits and species rules change by location and season. The Deschutes River has different rules for different sections, and some stretches may be closed to fishing entirely during certain times of year. The pond system typically follows general statewide rules but can have local restrictions. Before you fish, check the WDFW Freshwater Fishing Pamphlet for Thurston County or call the WDFW Olympia office at 360-902-2200 to confirm current rules.

Bring wading boots or shoes with good grip, a net if you plan to keep fish, and rain gear — the park is wet most of the year. The trails are uneven and can be slippery, so sturdy hiking boots are better than sneakers. Insect repellent is useful in late spring and summer. Parking is free, but there are no facilities for cleaning fish or storing gear, so plan accordingly.

Getting there and parking

Priest Point Park is located at 2501 Priest Point Road NE in Olympia, about 3 miles northeast of downtown. From Interstate 5, take Exit 109 (Tumwater Boulevard) and head north; Priest Point Road is well-marked. The main parking lot is at the entrance and holds about 40 vehicles. Additional smaller lots are scattered throughout the park for hikers and trail users.

Parking is free and there is no day-use fee. The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round. There are no overnight camping facilities, and the park is day-use only. Restrooms are available near the main parking area but are not always maintained during winter months.

The park is about 15 minutes from downtown Olympia by car and is easily accessible from the surrounding neighborhoods. If you are visiting from out of town, nearby motels and restaurants are available in Olympia proper, but there are no lodging options within the park itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep fish I catch at Priest Point Park?

It depends on the species and location. Cutthroat trout in the river are catch-and-release only in most sections, but coho salmon have a daily limit (usually two fish) during the open season. Pond fish rules vary — check the current WDFW Freshwater Fishing Pamphlet for Thurston County before you fish.

Is the park crowded on weekends?

Yes, especially on Saturdays and Sundays from spring through fall. Hikers, families, and other anglers use the park, so parking can fill and trails can be busy. Early morning or weekday visits are quieter. Winter is the least crowded season but also the most difficult to fish.

What is the best time of year to fish Priest Point Park?

Spring (March through May) is most reliable for cutthroat trout and has the fewest crowds. Fall (September through October) is best if you want to target coho salmon, though trails are muddy and the park is wetter. Summer is warm but fish are sluggish and the park is busy.

Do I need a boat to fish the Deschutes River at Priest Point Park?

No. The river is fished from the bank or by wading. Access is limited to marked trails and designated pullouts, so you cannot float or use a boat. Wading is possible in many sections, but the current is strong and the banks are steep.

Are there facilities for cleaning fish or storing gear?

No. The park has restrooms near the main parking area but no fish-cleaning stations, coolers, or storage lockers. Plan to clean fish at home or bring a cooler to keep them on ice during your visit.