WASHINGTON · HIDDEN PLACES
Totten Inlet
A Quiet Waterfront Escape Near Olympia
A Different Side of Washington
Totten Inlet is not the kind of destination where visitors arrive with a checklist of major attractions. The experience here is much simpler.
It is a place to slow down, spend time near the water, watch boats passing in the distance, explore the surrounding communities, and enjoy the landscapes that make the Pacific Northwest so distinctive.
On clear days, the water reflects the surrounding evergreen forests and Washington sky. Morning fog and changing tides can completely transform the scenery within just a few hours.
For travelers accustomed to Seattle and its busy attractions, this quieter side of Washington can feel like an entirely different world.
A Great Place for a Weekend Getaway
The Totten Inlet area can be an interesting choice for a weekend trip from Seattle, Tacoma, or Olympia.
Waterfront vacation homes and cabins can be found throughout the surrounding area, making it possible to stay directly beside the inlet. A quiet house overlooking the water can become the main attraction itself — especially for travelers looking to disconnect from city life.
Depending on where you stay and the season, activities in the surrounding South Puget Sound region can include kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, photography, and simply exploring the shoreline.
Wildlife and the Changing Tides
One of the most interesting characteristics of South Puget Sound is its tidal environment.
The landscape changes dramatically between high and low tide, revealing mudflats, shallow bays, and shoreline habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors may see herons, bald eagles, waterfowl, seals and other animals associated with the Puget Sound ecosystem.
The area is also closely connected with Washington’s shellfish culture. South Puget Sound is known for oyster and shellfish farming, which has been part of the region’s economy and culinary identity for generations.
What to Explore Nearby
Totten Inlet can also work as a base for exploring other destinations in South Puget Sound.
Olympia, Washington’s state capital, is within driving distance and offers restaurants, waterfront areas, parks and the Washington State Capitol campus.
Travelers can also explore the Shelton area, nearby sections of Puget Sound and local parks such as Frye Cove County Park.
For a longer road trip, the area can also serve as a transition point between South Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula.
When to Visit
Summer offers long daylight hours and generally better conditions for spending time outside or on the water.
But the area has a completely different character during fall and winter. Mist over the inlet, rain, dark evergreen forests and quiet waterfront cabins create the classic moody Pacific Northwest atmosphere.
For travelers who don’t mind Washington’s rain, the colder months can actually be one of the most atmospheric times to visit.
A Hidden Side of the Pacific Northwest
Totten Inlet probably won’t appear near the top of most lists of Washington’s famous attractions — and that is part of its appeal.
There are no skyscrapers, giant observation wheels or crowds of tourists here. Instead, the attraction is the landscape itself: water, forest, wildlife, tides and silence.
For travelers looking for a peaceful waterfront getaway near Olympia, Totten Inlet offers an opportunity to experience a quieter and more authentic side of Washington State.
Location: Totten Inlet, South Puget Sound, Washington
Nearest major city: Olympia, WA
Region: Thurston and Mason County area, Washington
Best for: Weekend getaways, waterfront stays, kayaking, nature, photography and relaxing trips
