Tumwater: Aviation History and Waterfalls

Tumwater combines aviation and brewing history with the Deschutes River. Historic homes, aircraft, and a distinctive waterfall landscape give the city a variety of highlights. As you plan your trip, you can consider whether culture, riverside nature, or active days should take priority. These interests can help guide your choice of a vacation rental in Tumwater and shape your stay.

Aviation and the History of Historic Homes

The Olympic Flight Museum is a nonprofit organization that preserves and flies historic aircraft. The museum displays historic aircraft and aviation artifacts. Alongside Tumwater’s architectural history, the development of aviation is also in focus: you can take an interest in technical objects and aircraft or turn your attention to the city’s historic homes.

The Schmidt House was built in 1904 for Leopold Schmidt, founder of the Olympia Brewing Company, and his wife, Johanna. It is listed in both the National Register of Historic Places and the Tumwater Register of Historic Places, and is located in the Tumwater Historic District. The grounds and the Centennial Rose Garden are part of the property. The house’s story is thus linked with brewing history, while its listing in two historic registers and its location in the Historic District mark its place in Tumwater’s historic heritage.

The Crosby House dates to an earlier period: it was built around 1860 by Nathaniel Crosby III after his marriage to Cordelia Jane Smith in August 1860. Together with the Schmidt House, it illustrates two distinct histories of historic buildings. Those interested in the city’s development will find specific names and dates here, rather than just a general reference to Tumwater’s past.

The Deschutes River and Its Waterfall Landscape

At the final stretch of the Deschutes River lies Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls, a 15-acre private park. There, the river drops a total of 82 feet over three waterfalls. The figures and riverside location make the waterfalls a clearly defined landscape feature of the city. The Tumwater Falls Hatchery is also part of the river’s story: salmon return there every year.

Pioneer Park has trails and access to the Deschutes River. Rafting on the river from Pioneer Park is one of Tumwater’s summer activities. In addition to its historic attractions, the river and outdoor activity can also be a focus of your trip. The Deschutes Valley Trail system is a planned, developing network intended to provide access to five public parks, the municipal golf course, the Deschutes River, and Capitol Lake.

Active Days and Choosing Your Accommodation

Tumwater Valley Golf Course offers 20 holes and several tee boxes for all skill levels. It also has a 35,800-square-foot putting green and a 10-acre driving range. These specific dimensions set the golf offering apart from a day devoted to the homes, the museum, or the river. This lets you choose the focus of your trip according to the activities that interest you most.

When looking for a vacation rental in Tumwater, it helps to first decide on the mix of themes you want: historic homes and aviation, river scenery and summer rafting, or golf. These options offer different starting points, without limiting your trip to just one kind of experience.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Lacey, Olympia, Rainier.

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