Tumwater Falls

We visit Tumwater Falls often and it’s a great spot for a nice walk for the locals and visitors to the area. No matter the season, you can look forward to picture-perfect views along the river and while viewing the falls. With a loop running down one side of the river and back up again between the upper and lower falls, you can decide between a nice brisk walk or a beautiful, leisurely stroll given your time limit or need for exercise. Jozee loves the area, not only because of who she might meet on our walk, but also because of the kids she might get to meet who are regularly playing in the playground. I enjoy the park because it’s in a nice location and we can fit in a stop for a visit between whatever errands we might be running that day.

The park is beautiful all year round so here are some photos of the park and river from over the past year:

Summer (last year):

Upper falls area

See the salmon ladder?

Lower falls - stand here at the right time and you
get a nice spray from the waterfall

Fall (last year):

One of my favorite shots during the fall

Taking a break for snapshot

 

View from west side viewing platform

If you visit, try to enjoy the river when the salmon are running and especially when they are trying to jump the upper falls area

A small salmon - most were already gone

Winter (this year):

From the west side looking up river

From the west side looking down river

On the boardwalk, looking for walkers to greet

Upper falls

Upper falls area bridge

Another view of upper falls

Lower falls

This was before Jozee a few years ago but here's a look
at what happens to the upper falls when there's excess water.
That water is lapping on to the platform area where
people usually stand.

Spring:

From the upper falls area bridge
looking down river

From west side viewing platform
looking down river

From west side viewing platform
looking up river

Old Olympia Brewhouse

The old brewery is just above the park and is now a sad relic of what it once was so many years ago, as well as a reminder that what might thrive today, might offer no more than a shadow of memories tomorrow. I’ve personally had high hopes that something grand could come of the old building, something that would benefit the community again, but as of now, I’m still waiting. However, I was pleased to hear recently that they might remodel and open to the public the old brewhouse, which is located down the river below the lower falls. Craft beer, restaurants, shops and a museum is the rumor…fingers crossed that this idea will someday come true. It really is a spectacular old building.

What do you mean we have to leave?

The mixture of natural beauty and historic ambiance are two major reasons we enjoy Tumwater Falls, at least from the human perspective. As far as canines are concerned, it’s a park where a quick jaunt offers spectacular smells and friendly people, which is enough to make any dog’s day.