Burfoot Park has something for just about every outdoors person. Hikers can shake off the winter rust on the trail network, which also includes plenty of uphill — in the form of wooden steps. Birders can find a rich variety of gulls, woodpeckers — particularly pileated woodpeckers — ducks and shorebirds. Beach lovers can poke around the driftwood at the high-tide level, sift through shells and pebbles or spot harbor seals and sea lions just offshore. Photographers can get shots of forest and Puget Sound beach. There are picnic spots in the park and play areas for kids.

Burfoot Park is a nice spot for a quick lunchtime or after-work hike. The trails are in good shape and go up and down enough to give a little workout. Trees are budding into leaf along the trails, although winter isn't over for a few weeks. Watch your step on the stairs, as they can be slick. This trail is not for people who use wheelchairs or walkers.

It's a good idea to time your visit for low tide, as a very high tide will cover much of the 1,100-foot beach. Low tide is an excellent time to spot seagulls digging clams out of the gravel and then lifting into the air with a few strong wing beats. The gulls then drop the clams on the beach and immediately land to enjoy a meal of very fresh seafood. Several gulls are often working clams at the same time, and the thump of clams hitting rocks is almost constant.

Birders should watch for the bald eagles that like to perch in the Douglas firs on the bluff overlooking the beach.

Watch for slick spots on the trail. Don't go off of the trail because poison oak is everywhere. Food, water, rain gear, hiking shoes, cameras, binoculars and wildlife guides.

Food, water, rain gear, hiking shoes, cameras, binoculars and wildlife guides.

From downtown Olympia, take Fourth Avenue east to Plum Street. Turn left (north) onto Plum Street, which becomes East Bay Road and then Boston Harbor Road. Pass Priest Point Park. Turn left into Burfoot Park about six miles from downtown. This route is a good bike ride on a nice day.