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Tumwater Falls

Tourist attraction · Tumwater, WA · reviewed since 2021

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%84+53.4Reliability 28%97+27.4Replies to reviews 8%3+0.2Experts Score= 81Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.81SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#24 of 44 water feature installationPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 47%
4.8 ★★★★★ 396 Google reviews · 24 photos
87%five-star reviews
4.83★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.4%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Tumwater Falls at a glance

Reviewers describe Tumwater Falls as a free, easily accessible park featuring paved trails, clean restrooms, and picnic areas suitable for families. Visitors frequently mention observing salmon runs and enjoying the scenic waterfalls, noting the site is well-maintained and peaceful. One common criticism involves excessive noise levels disrupting the atmosphere, while another reviewer reported a safety concern regarding a bridge structure.

  • Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 396 reviews (87% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 396 Google reviews (212 with written comments, 127 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 31, 2026.
  • Service: Water Feature Installation serving Tumwater, Washington.

Data from Google, last updated November 6, 2026.

Score profile vs other water feature installation

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction84Reliability97Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews3Satisfaction: 84 (median 84)Reliability: 97 (median 84)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 3 (median 50)
Tumwater FallsWater Feature Installation median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Tumwater Falls: 84/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
84
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Tumwater Falls: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
97
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 98.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Tumwater Falls: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Tumwater Falls: 3/100 on this factor. Category median: 50.F
3

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

396 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars34687%
  • 4 stars4211%
  • 3 stars72%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star10%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 212 written reviews

  • Praise8194%
  • Complaints56%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude5665%
  • Would recommend1416%
  • Speed & response910%
  • Price & value33%
  • Honesty & trust33%
  • Communication11%

What customers talk about

We read 212 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Visitors seem to be respectful enough to photographers taking pictures.”
  • “Highly recommend stopping by if you find yourself in Olympia.”
  • “Nice place to take a quick lunch break and relax in nature.”
  • “There's a reasonable amount of security so that families and elderly feel safe.”
  • “The highlight for me was walking the shady trails where I could see lots of salmon returning for the spawn.”
  • “We have had the luck of having a park worker explain how the ladder works and when they pull the fish.”

People customers mention

  • Olympia 12 reviews
  • Salmon 5 reviews
  • Seattle 3 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

MirandaLocal Guide · 70 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★

Peaceful walk. Great places for pictures. Visitors seem to be respectful enough to photographers taking pictures.

AlishaLocal Guide · 27 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★

Beautiful waterfalls. Very easy trail. I missed the salmon run but it was still very gorgeous and calming.

Customer photo from Alisha's reviewCustomer photo from Alisha's review
JLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 weeks ago★★★★★

You cannot go wrong with a visit to Tumwater Falls. Whether it’s in the fall when the salmon are running or any other time of year when you just want to enjoy a walk under the trees, on a paved path, and the view of several small waterfalls. There is a restroom, and a small amount of playground equipment that several children seem to be enjoying.

Customer photo from J's review
James7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

It was cool lots of salmon it was fun watching them swim up stream nice river and a nice trail cool waterfall as well

ChrisLocal Guide · 297 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★

Wir waren Anfang September dort und waren, nach dem wir die Rezensionen gelesen haben, enttäuscht. Wir haben keinen Lachs springen sehen und generell war die Anlage auch nicht mit Wasser gefüllt. Es wird immer geschrieben, dass September einer der besten Lachszeiten sei, davon haben wir leider nichts mitbekommen. Es wirkte sogar verlassen.

JohnLocal Guide · 138 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Seeing the massive salmon through the glass and launching themselves up the falls is incredible!

Photos

Customer reviews

4.8 ★★★★★ 396 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Sean V4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sean has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Busy but beautiful!

  • Visited on: Weekend
  • Wait time: No wait
  • Trail condition: Well-maintained
  • View type: Water views, Forest views
Paul LaRoccaLocal Guide · 77 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Paul has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Very nice. It's very walkable and it's free

PEN TenLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews PEN has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

A hidden gem, beautiful in every season, stunning in fall Tumwater Falls Park is one of the most beautiful short walks in the Olympia area. The loop trail follows the Deschutes River past several waterfalls, from the powerful cascade roaring beneath the wooden truss bridge to the wide falls in front of the historic brewery building. Every turn opens up a new view. We visited in late October, and the fall colors were incredible. Golden maples and deep green cedars lined the river, and the sunlight through the leaves made the whole trail glow. Don't miss the fish ladder. It's fascinating to see, especially during salmon season. The trail is well maintained, mostly gravel with wooden fences, easy enough for kids and older family members. There are footbridges, small side waterfalls, and plenty of spots to stop for photos. If you're bringing family or showing visitors around, this is a must-see. It's easy, peaceful, and absolutely gorgeous. Highly recommend!

Miranda ChacoLocal Guide · 70 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Miranda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Peaceful walk. Great places for pictures. Visitors seem to be respectful enough to photographers taking pictures.

  • Visited on: Weekday
  • Trail condition: Good condition
  • Reservation recommended: No
  • View type: Water views
Alisha FuentesLocal Guide · 27 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Alisha has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Beautiful waterfalls. Very easy trail. I missed the salmon run but it was still very gorgeous and calming.

  • Visited on: Weekday
  • Trail condition: Well-maintained
  • Reservation recommended: No
  • View type: Water views
Linda Temples, RealtorLocal Guide · 44 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Linda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Loved experiencing the falls and the jumping salmon

J RizLocal Guide · 18 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews J has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

You cannot go wrong with a visit to Tumwater Falls. Whether it’s in the fall when the salmon are running or any other time of year when you just want to enjoy a walk under the trees, on a paved path, and the view of several small waterfalls. There is a restroom, and a small amount of playground equipment that several children seem to be enjoying.

Anthony BowmanLocal Guide · 262 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Anthony has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Always peaceful and relaxing

  • Visited on: Weekday
  • Reservation recommended: No
  • Trail condition: Well-maintained
  • View type: Water views
Eric JensenLocal Guide · 41 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Eric has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Saw the salmon in the river

Zi ZhouLocal Guide · 47 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Zi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

So many salmon this year.

  • Visited on: Weekend
  • Reservation recommended: No
  • Trail condition: Well-maintained
  • View type: Panoramic landscapes, Water views

Tumwater Falls on Google Maps →

Business details

  • Address: Tumwater, WA 98501
  • Service area: Tumwater, WA