Tumwater Falls Letterbox
Tumwater Falls Park
Tumwater
Thurston County
Washington

Directions: Take I-5 to Exit 103 in Olympia, and turn towards the
Miller Brewery. Just before passing the brewery building, turn down
the small road that leads downhill, and crosses the canyon again.
After crossing the canyon, turn left and drive to the park
entrance. Park near the bathrooms.

Time: Allow 30 minutes.

Distance: approximately 1 mile loop.

Difficulty: Easy walksome gravel, some pavement, some short slopes,
slight stone-stepping across small creeks involved. Clues easy.

Setting: Tumwater Falls Park. A neat natural vacation amidst a
bustling cityscape!

Highlights: A paved trail begins past the bathrooms and passes the
half artificial Upper Tumwater Falls and proceeds down either side
of the river, passing several small waterfalls on the brewery side
of the river, and Middle Tumwater Falls along the river. The trails
converge above Tumwater Falls, and a flight of stairs leads to a
concrete viewing platform (often enshrouded with mist) in front of
the thunderous falls .25 mile from the trailhead.

Facilities: Amenities include a restroom located at the parking lot.
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it after you find the letterbox.
There is a picnic area and a small playground, too!

Restrictions: Pets are allowed.


Placed by: DVN2R CKR (Adventure Seeker)
Placed on: Originally planted 19 September 2002, replaced 17
October 2002 and replaced, yet again, to a new location on 24
November 2002.

Clues: At the end of the ship's plank, is where you begin, head
toward the big (fenced) tank, the Chinook are kept in (seasonal).
Walk around toward the falls, oh my, what a thrill! Look for the
totem pole and the petroglyph near the building before you head down
the hill. Render your respects to Old Glory, and continue on down,
to a marker that celebrates the 1st American colony settlers in
town. Continue to the `arc-ed' bridge, which you'll cross when you
may, follow along the trail, toward the very distant Budd Bay. Neat
little path, cross stepping stones you must, if the little box is a
goal, in me you need trust. ** Head down to the trestle bridge, and
cross with great care, turn right to the steps and continue down if
you dare. Look at the quiet lake, roaring falls and make a wish for
good luck. Before you head up, take a look under the stairs, within
an old, crooked tree stump high atop toward the right & rear. Find
the little box (35 mm film canister), don't forget ink & stamp pad,
stamp in and say hi. Be careful to rehide it (VERY WELL I beg you--
this is a popular area for kids) when you're set to say good-bye!
Head back up the stairs and take the trail back toward the park.
Over a boardwalk bridge ever so lightly do tread, for don't worry,
dear friend, your quest (vehicle) is just ahead. Look for the `tree
stump seat', and, oh, if you're tired take a rest, but know, dear
friend, that you have almost passed this little test. For only a
few steps more, will return you to the start, to other far off
adventures or wherever desires your heart.

**If you do your homework, you might be able to solve a mystery
around these parts, too.