Nolte State Park
Washington

Nolte State Park

Enumclaw, WA
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling
  • Biking

🏆 Official Guide: Nolte State Park — A 117-acre day-use park near Enumclaw, Washington, centered around the tranquil 39-acre Deep Lake — featuring sandy swimming beaches, a 1.4-mile lake loop trail through old-growth forest, fishing piers stocked with rainbow trout, non-motorized boating, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.

Nolte State Park is a peaceful, family-friendly retreat nestled in the foothills east of the Puget Sound lowlands. The 39-acre Deep Lake is surrounded by lush forest — including old-growth elements — creating a serene setting for swimming, fishing, paddling, and easy lakeside hiking just 45 minutes from Tacoma.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationNear Enumclaw, Pierce County, WA
Size117 acres — 39-acre Deep Lake
TypeDay-use only — no camping
HoursYear-round, 8 AM to dusk
PassDiscover Pass required ($10/day or $45/annual)
BoatingNon-motorized only — carry-in launch

Activities

ActivityDetails
SwimmingSandy beach areas along Deep Lake shoreline
FishingWooden piers — rainbow trout stocked, WA license required (16+)
Kayaking/CanoeingNon-motorized only — carry-in boat launch
Hiking1.4-mile lake loop — easy, flat, scenic
Nature TrailSelf-guided interpretive trail — local flora/fauna
PicnickingTables, grills, kitchen shelters (reservable)
PlaygroundOn-site playground for children
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on sunny summer weekends — the small parking lot fills quickly and there is no overflow parking. The 1.4-mile lake loop trail is perfect for families with young children. Deep Lake’s calm, non-motorized waters make it ideal for beginner kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. After October 1, the main gate may be closed — park on the road shoulder and walk in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Nolte State Park?

No — Nolte is strictly a day-use park. For nearby camping, consider Kanaskat-Palmer State Park (15 minutes) or Federation Forest State Park, both along the Green River Gorge corridor.

Are motorized boats allowed?

No — Deep Lake is restricted to non-motorized watercraft only. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and small inflatables are welcome via the carry-in boat launch.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Park Location

Enumclaw, WA