Trip
Day Hike - Tumwater Falls Park
The salmon are running on the Deschutes River. Come join us at the beautiful Tumwater Falls park for a slow- paced, just under 2 mile walk to observe salmon. We'll start at the Historical Park, walk past fish ladders to Tumwater Falls and the fish hatchery, sharing some basic knowledge of salmon along the way. We will likely see salmon jumping the rapids and attempting to jump up the falls. We may see some egg collecting at the hatchery.
Contacts
- Fri, Oct 3, 2025
- Olympia Naturalists Committee
- Day Hiking, Naturalist, Urban Adventure
- Adults, Youth
- Easy
- Casual
- Mileage: 1.8
- Elevation Gain: 250 ft
- Pace: under 2 mph
- 2 (6 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Sun, Sep 28, 2025 at 9:50 AM
- Wed, Oct 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
If you are interested in our Pacific Northwest salmon, or needing a lighter hike due to recovering from surgery, rehabbing or trying to get back in shape, this may be a hike for you. We'll hike about 2 miles, at a social pace, averaging a little under 2 mph. We will start from Tumwater Historical Park, and walk up the Deschutes River alongside fish ladders, past Tumwater Falls to the fish hatchery at Tumwater Falls Park (Brewery Park). The public may view hatchery operations during the current salmon run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8 to 11 a.m. We may get to see some fish handling and egg collecting. We will observe the fish close - up in the large tanks, read some information, and if a volunteer is present, we will be able to ask some questions. We will then cross the bridge and walk downriver to complete a loop. Several waterfall areas along the way may give us a chance to see the fish jumping. Hiking time one to two hours. We'll hike rain or shine. We will be on paved or gravel paths.
Tumwater Historical Park (lower park), 9:30 a.m. From I-5 southbound, take Exit 103, 2nd Ave. At traffic light, turn left onto Custer Way from the right lane, then turn right on Boston Street. Turn right on Deschutes Way. Turn off Deschutes Way at Henderson House Museum, 602 Deschutes Way, Tumwater, WA 98501, between brown Henderson House and white Crosby House. Drive down access road (Grant St. SW) to Tumwater Historical Park. Meet in front of restrooms. No parking pass or fee required.
Required Equipment
Water, snacks, appropriate outerwear, sturdy shoes and possibly a hiking pole (in case of slippery areas).