Waterfall Hero Hikes: Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is a 15-acre park along the Deschutes River in Tumwater, just south of Olympia. The former Olympia Brewing Company donated land to the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, which constructed and continues to manage the park for public enjoyment. There are three small waterfalls along the river before it empties in Capital Lake. The park has a half mile of paved trail along both sides of the river to view the river and cascades. In late summer, salmon return to the river to spawn and can be seen making their way up the river.

Contact Information:

110 Deschutes Way SW

Tumwater, WA 98501

Email: OTF@olytumfoundation.org

Directions:

From Olympia, head south on I-5 to exit 103 for 2nd Avenue. Continue for 0.1 miles and turn left on Custer Way. Across the river, turn right on Boston Street and cross the river again. Turn left on Deschutes Way and go 0.2 miles. Turn right on C Street and then left into the parking area.

Points of Interest:

Tumwater Falls:

Tumwater Falls is the final drop on the river before Capital Lake.

Tumwater Middle Falls:

Middle Tumwater Falls is right below the bridge on Custer Way.

Tumwater Upper Falls:

Upper Tumwater Falls is right past the parking lot, but most of the waterfall is covered by a dam.

Wildlife:

The park is a great place to see migrating salmon as they journey from Puget Sound up Deschutes River. Fish ladders are installed along the waterfalls to assist the fish.