Guided walking tour and open house
Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project
March 7, 2026, 10 a.m. PT, Olympia, WA
Learn how returning Capitol Lake to a natural estuary will reconnect the Deschutes River to Puget Sound.
Join us on a guided walking tour and educational open house between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to learn more about this Ecology-managed project. Rain or shine, tours will leave every 30 minutes starting at 10:05 a.m. Shorter, family-focused tours are available at 10:35 a.m. and 12:35 p.m.
We will provide free hot chocolate!
Background
The Deschutes Estuary Restoration Project will reconnect the Deschutes River to Puget Sound by removing a dam and returning the body of water known as Capitol Lake to a natural estuary. Completing this project will resolve water quality issues, help address invasive species concerns, and re-establish important habitat for juvenile salmonids by restoring 260 acres of estuarine and salt-marsh habitat in South Puget Sound. The project will also restore the public’s use of the water for recreational purposes and generate many other benefits for the surrounding community.
Time
To request ADA accommodation, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831, 711 (relay service), or 877-833-6341 (TTY). More about our accessibility services.