Ten miles south of Olympia (Tilley Road), Thurston County.

Acreage

841.7 acres with 3,300 feet of freshwater shoreline on Deep Lake.

Acquired

The park was acquired in five parcels; the first in 1921 and the last in 1952, for a total cost of $251.

Historical Background

The land was homesteaded in 1855 by Squite Lathum. Later, it was sold to John H. Miller, a former General in the Austrian Army and a bodyguard of Francis Joseph I., Emperor of Austria. Before the establishment of the Washington State Parks system, the Miller family will stipulated that at the death of the last remaining member of the family, the site was to go to the state as a park in perpetuity. A trust fund was also set up, the interest to be used for the maintenance and betterment of the site. The park was developed by the C.C.C. during 1934­35 and served as their area headquarters during the construction period of several parks. Recognizing the historical significance of these structures, the Commission has spent $343,366 in restoration of these C.C.C. built facilities.

Facilities

216 picnic sites, 4 kitchens, 3 swim beaches, parking for 485 vehicles, 2 comfort station/bathhouses, 4 comfort stations, 2 pit toilets, 135 tent sites, 52 trailer sites, boat launch, trailer dump, 4 primitive sites, 2 group camping areas each with a capacity of 40 and 20, Environmental Learning Center with capacity for 158, kitchen/dining hall, 3 staff cabins, 16 squad huts, 2 comfort stations, covered barn, 1 utility building, 2 teaching shelters, 2 pit toilets, parking for 25 vehicles, 6.6 miles of hiking trail, 2 foot bridges, 2 vehicle bridges, 5.4 miles of road, 3 residences, 3 storage buildings, 2 utility buildings, office, registration building, 4 pay phones, 2 wells, 20,000-gallon reservoir. The Commission has a utility concession agreement with Mr. William Haase to provide Mr. Haase water and electricity use. Mr. Haase is the owner of an inholding in the park. The agreement extends indefinitely. The Commission also has an agreement with the Washington State Department of Game for use of land for fish screen, ingress, egress, and utilities. This agreement extends indefinitely.

Activities

Picnicking, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and 1.5 mile physical fitness trail.

Courtesy of Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission