Tumwater, WA

Tumwater sits right on the southern edge of Puget Sound, directly bordering Olympia. The centerpiece of town is the Deschutes River and Tumwater Falls, a scenic canyon with centuries of history. Long before European settlers founded a permanent township here in 1845, the Statca'sabsh people and other Coast Salish tribes gathered along these waters. In the late 1800s, Leopold Schmidt established the famous Olympia Brewing Company on the riverbanks, tapping into local artesian wells and natural water power. Even though large-scale brewing wrapped up years ago, the river corridor and the old brick brewhouse still give this community of about 25,000 residents its unmistakable Pacific Northwest character.

The local economy extends well beyond its brewing roots. Tumwater hosts major state agencies like the Department of Labor and Industries, providing a steady base of government jobs. Further south, the area around Olympia Regional Airport supports light manufacturing, warehousing, and aviation services. Capitol Boulevard offers a practical mix of neighborhood retail, grocery stores, and local services. Right by the river, the newer Tumwater Craft District has brought fresh energy to town with cideries, craft breweries, restaurants, and distilling classrooms for South Puget Sound Community College. Interstate 5 runs right through the city, making commutes into Olympia, Tacoma, or nearby regional hubs quick and convenient.

Anyone touring the area will spot the sprawling, 175-acre former brewery property along the river valley. Transforming such a large historic industrial site takes time, and the city is currently working through environmental studies and master planning to guide future development. While the nearby Craft District and riverfront parks are open and bustling, other historic parcels are still in transition. Long-term plans aim to connect local roads, expand pedestrian trails, and introduce new housing and commercial spaces to the valley floor. For newcomers, this means watching an iconic landmark gradually evolve into a modern community gathering place.

Living in Tumwater offers easy access to green spaces and community amenities. Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is a favorite weekend spot, featuring easy walking loops, scenic overlooks, and seasonal salmon watching. From there, the Deschutes Valley Trail links together local parks, the municipal golf course, and trails leading toward Capitol Lake. The updated Tumwater Timberland Library serves as a neighborhood hub with dedicated study areas, a makerspace, and family events. Getting around is simple too, thanks to zero-fare Intercity Transit buses connecting local neighborhoods to downtown Olympia, colleges, and regional shopping centers.