There are three distinct areas in Priest Point Park for trail access. I started off today on the north side that has parking, several picnic areas, restrooms and a rose garden. There are looping trails through the forest the provide access to different roads. The trail is well maintained and easy to navigate for all ages.
To access the two other areas, it's best to use the bridge that goes over East Bay Drive which is pretty busy with traffic. There are a number of playsets, restrooms, and picnic areas on the side of the park as well as additional parking. From here, there are trails that provide access to the beach and Puget Sound. The Mission Creek Estuary Trail is very short and an easy way to get to the beach if you have a stroller, wheelchair, or someone who has trouble navigating trails. There are also several other beach access trails that are very short.
From this south side of the park, you can head down out the parking lot and up the road away from the main entrance to the Ellis Cove entrance that provides access to several additional miles of trails. There are a couple of loops, more beach access, and a trail that will take you to another parking lot much further down East Bay Drive.
There are a number of wooden stairs and bridges that are well maintained although might not be navigable for those who struggle significantly on uneven ground. It's an excellent area for trail running and I often incorporate the trails throughout the park on longer runs.
Overall, you can easily put together a 5 mile hike in this area that provides a little respite from the city and is just out of downtown Olympia.
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