A welcoming community-run hostel in Washington's capital city, offering clean dormitory rooms and private rooms in a historic house. Great base for visiting the State Capitol and nearby South Puget Sound nature areas.
Olympia Hostel is a community-operated budget accommodation at 120 State Avenue NE in Olympia, the capital city of Washington State, providing clean and affordable lodging in a compact city of approximately 55,000 residents. The hostel occupies a historic residential building in a neighborhood within walking distance of the Washington State Capitol Campus, the South Puget Sound waterfront, and Olympia's independent-minded downtown core.
The hostel offers dormitory rooms and a small number of private rooms sharing communal bathrooms maintained to a high standard. A fully equipped communal kitchen allows for self-catering, and a living room with books, games, and seating provides a gathering space for guests. Free Wi-Fi, coin-operated laundry, and secure bicycle storage reflect the hostel's focus on practical amenities for the budget traveler and the touring cyclist.
Olympia's character sets it apart from most Washington cities of comparable size. Home to the Evergreen State College — whose progressive, interdisciplinary model has cultivated a tradition of political engagement, arts, and environmental activism — the city sustains an unusually vibrant arts, music, and counterculture scene relative to its population. The surrounding South Puget Sound inlet, Capitol Lake, and the Capitol Campus create an attractive civic environment for visiting.
The Washington State Capitol Campus is among the most impressive in the United States: a 287-foot dome rises above formal gardens and a campus featuring the Temple of Justice, the Governor's Mansion, and reflecting pools at the edge of Capitol Lake. Guided and self-guided tours of the campus and Capitol building are free. The Olympia Farmers Market, open Thursday through Sunday from spring through fall, operates near the Capitol and is one of western Washington's finest.
Percival Landing along the Budd Inlet waterfront provides a waterfront promenade, boat access, and views across the sound toward the Black Hills and Mount Rainier on clear days. The hostel is also convenient for visitors using Olympia as a staging point for Olympic National Park, accessible via US-101 west — approximately 80 miles from the city to the park's Hood Canal corridor.
Amenities
- common kitchen
- wifi
- laundry
- bike storage
- garden
Location
120 State Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98501
47.0466, -122.8970 View on map
Highlights
- Community-run hostel within walking distance of the Washington State Capitol Campus
- Bicycle storage and proximity to Olympia's cycling routes and the Chehalis Western Trail
- Garden space and communal living room in a walkable historic residential neighborhood
- Gateway to Olympic National Park and the South Puget Sound natural areas
- Olympia Farmers Market and Percival Landing waterfront accessible on foot or by bike
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Washington State Capitol Building interior on a free guided tour — the dome and formal rooms are exceptional.
- The Olympia Farmers Market (Thursday–Sunday, spring through fall) is a 20-minute walk from the hostel.
- Request bike storage on arrival if cycling to the hostel — Olympia's trails and flat streets reward bicycle exploration.
- The hostel's communal kitchen makes self-catering economical; Olympia's food co-ops and independent grocers are nearby.
- For Olympic National Park trips, book accommodation within the park or on the Hood Canal corridor in advance — the drive takes about 90 minutes.
Accessibility
Olympia Hostel is housed in a historic residential building with limited accessibility features. The building has no elevator, and dormitory and common areas involve stairs. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel before booking to discuss available options. The Capitol Campus and Percival Landing waterfront nearby have paved accessible paths.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Olympia Hostel close to the State Capitol?
Yes. The Washington State Capitol Campus is within walking distance of the hostel. The capitol building itself is open for tours at no charge and is one of the most impressive state capitol complexes in the United States.
Who typically stays at Olympia Hostel?
The hostel attracts backpackers, touring cyclists, Evergreen State College visitors, and budget travelers passing through Washington's capital on their way to or from Olympic National Park, the Oregon coast, or Seattle.
What outdoor activities are available near the hostel?
Olympia's Chehalis Western Trail provides paved cycling access south from the city. Capitol Lake and the Percival Landing waterfront are within walking distance. Olympic National Park is approximately 80 miles west via US-101.
Is Olympia a good base for visiting Olympic National Park?
Olympia is a practical base for accessing the Hood Canal and eastern park entrances. The drive to the park's Staircase area on Hood Canal is approximately 45 miles; the main Hoh Rainforest area is about 130 miles.
What are the booking arrangements at Olympia Hostel?
Olympia Hostel is community-run with limited staffing. Advance reservations are strongly recommended; contact the hostel directly by phone at +1-360-515-0540 or through available booking channels to confirm availability and check-in procedures.