Upper Tumwater Falls is an 18-foot segmented cascade on the Deschutes River in Tumwater, Washington, the first of three falls in Tumwater Falls Park. It sits beside the park's parking lot, making it the easiest of the three to reach.
The falls
The waterfall forms an upper feature about 75 feet wide that begins with a 15-foot concrete dam, runs over natural cascades and drops a total of 18 feet before ending at a second dam where the fish ladder empties. The designation "Upper" separates it from the larger drops downstream. The full river reach through the park descends 82 feet over its three falls.
Getting there
Tumwater Falls Park, at 110 Deschutes Way SW in Tumwater, is privately owned and run by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, and entry is free. The upper falls sit next to the parking area. A half-mile loop, mostly gravel with steps, boardwalks and bridges, follows the river past all three falls. The foundation lists the park as open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the entrance gate closing at 8:30 p.m., with hours adjusting seasonally.
When to go
Flow is strongest in winter and spring, while September and October bring salmon swimming up the fish ladder.
On site
Sidewalks at the office, the fish ladder and the water-viewing platform are accessible, and the park has accessible restrooms. Leashed dogs under supervision are welcome; bicycles are not allowed on the pedestrian trails. Fishing is prohibited in the park's stretch of river, and the foundation warns that canyon conditions are dangerous, advising visitors to stay on the trail and off the rocks.
History and name
The park opened in 1962, established as a gift from the Olympia Brewing Company and the Schmidt family.
Nearby
Middle Tumwater Falls is about 0.1 mile downstream, and Tumwater Falls, the largest of the three, about 0.2 mile, both on the park loop. Perry Creek Falls is about 6 miles away.
Distances are straight-line.