Adventures in Washington: Tumwater Falls Mini Hike



It has been quite some time since I have experienced cold weather.  Actual cold weather, not chilly Mililani nights that call for long PJ pants and a blanket thrown over you when you are watching Netflix.  Our family recently returned from a two week vacation to actual cold weather--- quadruple layer, snow boot, see your breath in the air, frost bite is possible weather.  We just got back from a two week Washington state adventure.  Our time in the Pacific Northwest was spent reconnecting with old friends, visiting some extended family, drinking copious amounts of coffee and chai tea, playing tourist, and you guessed it---hiking a few small family friendly trails.



Our first hiking adventure on our travels was to Tumwater Falls.  Locals may know it as the scenic park you can see from the Falls Terrace Restaurant or the cool waterfall next to the old Miller (and before that the Olympia Brewing Company) Brewery.  The hiking, or rather strolling path, beside the end of the Deschutes River is only a half a mile, but it is packed with beauty.



Tumwater Falls is 82 feet of rushing cold water that has traveled from the Cascade Mountain Range to reach the final destination of Capitol Lake.  There is a lovely park with picnic tables and several bridges to traverse along this short, kid and pet friendly mostly gravel paved trail.  Although this trail was not technically difficult or long, it was still a great pit stop for us.  We had the opportunity to experience a little hike in the cold (Ugg boots and all), stretch our legs after a few hours in the car (even got in a couple of jumps), and share a bit of nostalgic memories with our kids---as this trail was where my husband of almost eighteen years proposed (on bended knee and with tourists from Japan standing right there, cameras in hand ready to take a picture).




O'ahu has many a waterfall trail to explore, but I must say, I've never seen a waterfall of this size (or this cold) here at home.  The short length of this trail was perfect for our warm weather blooded kiddos...they were not thrilled about being outside wandering around if there wasn't snow or hot chocolate in it for them.




If you find yourself in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater area of Washington, be sure to make a special stop to see Tumwater Falls.  It is a beautiful waterfall with some history.  Tumwater Falls: the birthplace/home to the first  European settlement in Western Washington, birthplace/home to Olympia Brewing Company, and the birthplace/home of the official beginning or our family.  I may be biased, but I personally think it's a great waterfall!



You won't need any gear (other than a warm jacket and hat in the winter) to complete this trail.  You won't need snacks or water either.  The slight incline is easy for even the most out of shape of trail goers.  All you will need is your camera to capture those wonderful falls.





Tumwater Falls was a great way to kick off our tour of Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey.  It reminded me of the things I love about Washington---scenic views, good beer, and memories of the first few years of being married.











For more information on Tumwater Falls:

www.olytumfoundation.org






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