McKenna, WA

McKenna is a tiny, peaceful community tucked along the banks of the Nisqually River in southern Pierce County. Home to just a few hundred residents, it offers a quiet, rural lifestyle characterized by leafy properties and scenic river views. The area got its start in the early 1900s as a bustling lumber town, and today it retains a relaxed, close-knit neighborhood feel where life moves at a gentle pace.

ATTRChris Light / CC BY-SA 4.0

Located along State Route 507, McKenna sits directly across the bridge from Yelm. This setup gives locals easy access to nearby grocery stores, schools, and dining without sacrificing their everyday peace and quiet. With its generous lot sizes and convenient drive to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Olympia, and Tacoma, it is an appealing option for commuters and military families looking for a bit more elbow room.