Tumwater, WA

The Deschutes River, Tumwater Falls, and the old brewery grounds occupy the same culturally significant landscape. The site was home for centuries to the Statca'sabsh people, whose descendants are members of the Nisqually, Squaxin Island, and Chehalis tribes. A permanent pioneer settlement was established at the river's mouth in 1845, and Leopold Schmidt began producing Olympia Beer there in 1896. Brewing stopped at the Tumwater plant in 2003, leaving a 175-acre modern brewery property and older structures north of Custer Way. The city began environmental investigation of former brewery parcels in 2024 and an environmental-impact review in 2025. The separately developed Craft District returned brewing, distilling, food, arts, and events to part of the historic area.

Tumwater borders Olympia at the south end of Budd Inlet; its population reached 25,350 in the 2020 census. The river corridor connects several recreation sites. The Deschutes Valley Trail reaches five public parks, the municipal golf course, the river, and Capitol Lake, with a northern segment running through Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls to Historical Park. Brewery Park's short loop passes the falls and old brewhouse tower, making industrial history visible from a routine walk. City programming uses the same landscape: the 2026 Artesian Brewfest was scheduled for August 15 at the golf course, and Falls Fest for September 26 at Brewery Park, with music, children's activities, artists, and food vendors.

Tumwater Timberland Library reopened June 28, 2025 after a six-month renovation closure. The redesigned branch has dedicated age-group areas, play structures for young children, a tween makerspace, a teen gaming and tabletop area, meeting and study rooms, public computers, and a separate study area. Its circulating equipment goes beyond books and media to Chromebooks, musical instruments, fishing rods and tackle, and seeds. Recurring programs include storytimes, technology help, clubs, and genealogy, adding an indoor counterpart to the parks and events concentrated around the river.