Priest Point Park

Ellis Cove

 ELLIS COVE TRAIL TRAILHEAD RELOCATION
A large tree fell and destroyed a bridge at the south end of the Ellis Cove Trail.  The Ellis Cove Trail Trailhead has been relocated.  Hikers can access the trail from the trailhead on the west side of East Bay Drive, just north of the parking lot.  See park map for location.

ELLIS COVE FISH PASSAGE PROJECT
In order to remove a significant barrier to salmon migration in Ellis Creek, the City will be replacing the Ellis Creek Culvert under East Bay Drive in 2009.  More Information

Size:   314 acres

Location:  2600 East Bay Dr. NE

Park History:
Priest Point Park has a deep and rich history. Missionaries of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate came to this area in 1848 to minister nearby Indian tribes. The site was claimed as St. Joseph's of New Market and was led by Father Pascal Ricard. Father Ricard and three other priests cleared the land, planted a large garden, built a chapel and operated a school for Indian boys. The Squaxin Indians were the immediate neighbors while the Nisqually, Puyallup, and Snoqualmie tribes used the mission as a trading center. Pascal left the mission in 1857 and the mission closed in 1860.

The park became a property of the City in 1905, thanks to Olympian T.J. Kegley, Brown (first name unknown), Elias Payne, and P.M. Troy. The landscaping at the park is a result of numerous volunteers. The Leopold Schmidt family has also given many gifts to the park over the years.

Park Features:

  • Picnic Areas
  • Picnic Tables
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Nature Trails
  • Playground
  • Basketball
    •
  • Restrooms

At the heart of this 314-acre regional nature park is one mile of saltwater shoreline. Ellis Cove is tucked away inside the park and the Ellis Cove Trail further enhances access to more parkland and the views of downtown Olympia and State Capitol buildings.

At home in the park is a wide variety of animals.  Although not a comprehensive list, here is a listing of the animal species identified in Priest Point Park.

Park Map

Developed Facilities Map

Major Maintenance Plan