They are also in charge of Marathon Park and the nature interpretive center at the southwest corner of the lake. Walkers can choose several routes around the lake's two basins. The distance around the northern basin is a mile, and it's another mile from Marathon Park, at the southwest corner of the upper pond, to the lake interpretive center, where signs tell about the natural history of the area, and on to Tumwater's Heritage Park. From Capitol Lake Park west to Marathon Park and south to the interpretive area and Heritage Park, then back to Marathon and east along the trail, is about three miles. It's not out of the question for walkers to see otters, ospreys, eagles, sea gulls, deer and, of course, geese.
Seals even come up under the gates of the dam where the lake enters the sound and cruise the waters.
Many walkers say spring is the best time to amble around the lake because the colorful Kwanzan cherry trees are in bloom. But come summer, the temperatures are higher and the people-watching is better. They include a Capitol Campus walk and a walk north on East Bay Drive out to Priest Point Park and back. One heads north to Woodard Bay, and the second goes south to Martin Way. By Brian Clark, The Olympian.