Bald Hill Natural Area Preserve
Rate this placeNearby: George Smallwood Park Glacier Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bald Hill Natural Area Preserve is a scenic destination in the state of Washington that attracts visitors from all around.
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Summary
Located in Thurston County, the preserve is an excellent place to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and explore the various ecosystems that thrive within the park. The park covers over 500 acres of land, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
One of the main reasons to visit Bald Hill Natural Area Preserve is to enjoy the diverse array of flora and fauna that call the park home. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and hawks, as well as mammals like deer, coyotes, and rabbits. The park is also home to several rare or endangered plant species, such as the golden paintbrush and prairie lupine.
There are several points of interest within the park that visitors should explore, including the various hiking and walking trails that wind through the forests and fields. The park also has several picnic areas, making it an excellent spot for a family gathering or a romantic picnic. Additionally, visitors can explore the various interpretive displays that offer insights into the natural and cultural history of the area.
Interesting facts about Bald Hill Natural Area Preserve include that it is managed jointly by the Thurston County Parks and Recreation Department and the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The park is also the site of several ongoing restoration projects aimed at preserving and restoring the native ecosystems that thrive within the preserve.
The best time of year to visit Bald Hill Natural Area Preserve depends on what visitors hope to see and experience. Spring and summer are excellent times to explore the park's wildflower displays and watch for migratory bird species. Fall is a great time to take in the changing colors of the leaves, and winter offers a peaceful and quiet landscape that is perfect for a contemplative walk.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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