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Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls

About Brewery Park

The most ambitious project undertaken by OTF was construction in 1962 of a park where the Deschutes River ends its journey from the shoulders of the Cascade range and tumbles a final 82 feet into Capitol Lake, once the final reach of Puget Sound. Here, bordering the banks of the river, is Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, providing visitors with 15 acres filled with natural, picturesque beauty and year-round atmosphere of enjoyment for all ages.

A wide variety of native trees and shrubs line both sides of the river as it pitches and eddies through a gorge of boulder rapids and deep pools, its course culminating in a mist-filled plunge over Tumwater Falls.

One-half mile of walking trails are highlighted by cascading waterfalls, reflective pools, and massive rocks. Spanning the river at both ends of the gorge and connecting the network of trails are footbridges designed for compatibility with the surroundings and historic accuracy.

At the upper reaches and entrance to the park, visitors find wide expanses of beautifully maintained lawns, picnic facilities, a sand-filled area for children featuring uniquely designed play items, immaculate restrooms, and ample parking.

While some visitors may assume this is a city or state facility, Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls is owned by OTF. It is open to the public at no charge but receives no government support for staffing or maintenance. If you enjoy the use of its picnic area, playground, or walking trails, please consider making a donation to help with the cost of keeping Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls beautiful, safe, and clean.

Brewery Park Hours

Open 8:00 am to 8:00 pm;
Entrance gate closed at 7:30 pm.

Attractions

Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls History

In the winter of 1962, OTF announced plans to build a new scenic park near the falls of the Deschutes River.

 A regional labor strike that spring put the project behind schedule, but the playground and picnic tables were installed by July and the rest of the park was largely completed by fall 1963.

 

Construction of Tuwmater Falls Park, 1963.
Adolph “Bump” Schmidt (left), Carl Reder (center), and Trueman “Bink” Schmidt (right) discussing construction plans for Tumwater Falls Park.

Delighting Visitors for Over Half a Century

Land for the 15-acre park was donated by the Olympia Brewing Company, whose offices, brewhouse, and cellars rose above the east bank of the property. Features of the completed park included paths along both sides of the canyon, two footbridges over the river, and an observation platform below the Lower Falls. Newly constructed “waterfalls,” fed by water pumped from the Deschutes, splashed through ferns and moss-covered rocks on either side of the gorge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the park owned by the city or state?

Neither. Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls has always been privately owned by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, since it opened its gates.

Does it cost money to enter the park?

No, the park is free to the public.

What about weddings in the park?

We no longer take reservations or charge a fee for weddings. All we ask is that your event does not disrupt normal park operations or disturb other patrons. No music, tents, or blocking trails and bridges please.

What time do the restrooms close?

The restrooms close when the park closes each day.

Can I bring my dog to the park?

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. We ask you pick up after them, dispose of feces properly, and supervise them at all times. Pet bag stations are provided throughout the park for your convenience. If your pet shows aggressive behavior it must be removed from the park at once.

Can I bring bike to the park?

No bicycle riding is allowed on the pedestrian walking trails. Bicycles are allowed in the parking lots and along the Deschutes Valley Trail.

Is the park ADA accessible?

Yes and no. The park is ADA accessible everywhere but the pedestrian walking trail.

Can I take pictures in the park?

You may take pictures in the park while it is open. Please be considerate of others around you.

Do you have a lost and found?

Yes, please check with the OTF office (located in the park) during business hours if your lost item has been turned in.

Who should I report a problem to?

During business hours report any problems to the OTF office or call (360) 943-2550, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until dusk. After hours call 911.

Directions to Brewery Park & Contact Information

Park Hours – Spring Schedule

Open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
(entrance gate closed at 7:30 pm)

Email:

OTF@olytumfoundation.org

Physical Address:

110 Deschutes Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
Corner of C Street and Deschutes Parkway

The Olympia Tumwater Foundation owns and manages Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, the Schmidt House, and offers scholarships and grants through our Education Program.

  • Mailing Address:
    PO Box 4098
    Tumwater, WA 98501
  • Physical Location:
    110 Deschutes Way SW
    Tumwater, WA 98501
    (Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls)
  • Reach Out:
    (360) 943-2550
    OTF@olytumfoundation.org

© 2022 Olympia Tumwater Foundation / 501(c)(3) public charity. All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

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Fisheries Facility in Tumwater Falls Park

Facilities operated by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Here

In the early 1950s, as part of its statewide hatchery program, the Washington Department of Fisheries built a series of concrete fish ladders to help salmon get upstream. In 1962, in conjunction with the development of Tumwater Falls Park, the state was granted an easement by the Foundation for hatchery operations at the top of the falls.

This photo, taken at the lower falls of the Deschutes River, is of a boat called the “screw trap”  which WDFW biologists use to trap, catch and count the fish species that naturally migrate out of the the Deschutes River. The WDFW biologists also tag a percentage of the migrating fish for survival data of species.

For additional information on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Tumwater facility, visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/

Historic District

Historical Markers

Walk the park and learn about early history on the Deschutes River. Throughout the Park grounds there are six interpretive panels complete with informative text and historical photos that show how the river canyon and waterfalls were home to the first American settlement on the shores of Puget Sound and later home to eight water-dependent industries.

Washington Salish Native Plant Garden

Native Plant Garden at Tumwater Brewery Park

Dedicated in the spring of 2012, this ethnobotanical garden is a collaborative effort with Washington Salish tribes, Chehalis Tribe, Nisqually Indian Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe and the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. Located near the Upper Falls, this garden’s collection of over 56 indigenous plant species represents a history of resourceful and artistic use by local Salish families to provide food, healing, clothing, tools and materials for day-to-day living.

At the base of the garden there are two interpretive panels to view; one is a map of the garden identifying each plant and the other explains the origins of the garden.

Pedestrian Trail

One-half mile of walking trails are highlighted by cascading waterfalls, still, reflective pools and massive rocks. Spanning the river at both ends of the gorge and connecting the network of trails are foot bridges designed for compatibility with the surroundings and historic accuracy. Benches along the way provide a comfortable way to relax and take in the beautiful northwest surroundings or to just be mesmerized by the sound of the rushing falls.

Riverwalk Tours

The guided walking tour covers Tumwater’s pioneer past, Olympia Brewing Company history and the annual salmon migration.

We will once again offer these popular, free guided tours from July through mid-September.

Tours are free and limited to 30 people on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are taken. The tour meeting takes place outside of the Olympia Tumwater Foundation office in Tumwater Falls Park.

Salmon Return

Seasonal Activity

The peak season for viewing returning salmon in Tumwater Falls Park begins as early as late August and can end as late as the last two weeks in October. Activity in Tumwater Falls Park at the WDFW fisheries facility increases dramatically during this time.

For a video narrative of salmon returning to the Deschutes River, please watch this YouTube short film! This 50-minute video is presented by the City of Tumwater’s Water Resources Program and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Tumwater Falls Bridge

Made Famous by Beer

One of the most charming features of the park is the wooden footbridge above the Lower Falls. Today’s bridge is a replica of the historic span that crossed the river at that same location more than a hundred years ago and appeared on the “lucky horseshoe” logo of the Olympia Brewing Company.

Deschutes River Waterfalls

There are three waterfalls along the Deschutes River in Tumwater Falls Park known as the Upper, Middle and Lower waterfalls. Park visitors can view all three waterfalls while walking the 0.5 mile pedestrian walking trail.