Tumwater Falls

Tumwater, Washington
Directions:  Take Exit 103 off of I-5 south to Deschutes Way. Continue to C Street for parking.
Ownership: Olympia Tumwater Foundation 
Trail Distance: 1 mile Loop
Difficulty: easy, paved, no pass required , Kid-friendly, dog (on leash) friendly

Located minutes from Olympia, Tumwater Falls is an iconic landmark near the state capital.  These thundering multi-tiered showy falls along the Deschutes River are located within a 15-acre park created on land donated by the Olympia Brewing Company.  Meander along manicured paths and saunter over foot bridges and under historic road bridges taking in a little history along with the sensational scenery.

The upper and lower falls are separated by a narrow gorge. Here the Deschutes River drops 82 feet into Capitol Lake on Eld Inlet. The name Tumwater is derived from the Chinook Jargon for waterfall. Tumtum in Chinook Jargon means beating heart. 

The name Tumwater is derived from the Chinook Jargon for waterfall. “Tumtum” means beating heart. 

At the base of the upper falls admire a replica of the famous bridge that once appeared on the labels of Olympia beer spanning the river above the lower falls. Walk trails along the gorge between the falls and admire deep pools, eddies and jumbled boulders. Take time to read the informative panels on Tumwater—Washington’s oldest permanent non-Native settlement on Puget Sound.