Floating popular Thurston Co. river comes with its own risks, city officials say
As the summer heat settles in, some Olympia-area locals look to cool down by floating the Deschutes River. But for the city, the leisurely pastime brings safety concerns.
The popular section of the river for floating stretches from Pioneer Park, through Tumwater Valley Golf Club and joins Tumwater Falls after approximately two miles. Depending on the speed of the river current and number of stops made, the float takes around two hours to complete.
The river is relatively shallow, with locals generally wading in at Pioneer Park and exit the river just before the Tumwater Falls, near Brewery Park. But despite the route’s popularity, the city of Tumwater does not condone the summer activity.
A sign posted along a path used to access the river reads: “This is not a designated swimming area” and reminds locals that there is no lifeguard on duty. According to the city spokesperson Jason Wettstein, Tumwater does not have jurisdiction over the river.
“We do not advocate for people floating the river, though we are aware it’s a popular pastime,” Wettstein wrote. “Anyone who chooses to float the river does so at their own risk.”
Tumwater’s Parks & Recreation director Chuck Denney explained that, while Pioneer Park provides access to the water, the city can’t control or maintain the river’s conditions.
But safety concerns for locals floating the river extend beyond the water’s edge and onto the Valley Golf Club’s course. Tyler Trimble, the municipal course’s golf operations manager, explained how floaters often exit the river by stepping onto the fairway.
“People get out of the river, on the golf course, not knowing that there could potentially be a golf ball flying towards them or near them, and then could potentially put them in danger,” Trimble said. “When they get out of the river and come on to the golf course, they’re very liable to get injured.”
While Trimble said the Valley Golf Club hasn’t seen any injuries to floaters in the past five years, there’s still risk – the Deschutes River crosses eight golf holes that include the driving range.
“You just hope that people not only respect that the city and the county allow them to still have this open, but that this is a golf course rather than an amusement park,” Trimble said.
In July 2025, a 52-year-old man drowned in the Deschutes River, but law enforcement said the cause of death did not appear to be linked to floating or water recreation. Two groups became stranded while floating the river in 2020. The locals had inner tubes, but no life jackets, and became stuck on a sandbar and log jam until a rescue team arrived.
Locals who choose to float the river can look to Washington State Parks public safety guides for water and boater education.
For Lieutenant Jennifer Kolb at the Tumwater Police Department, it’s important that those who choose to float the river know their route, preplan their entry and exit, inform someone of an estimated arrival time, avoid water recreation alone and bring gear that will not snag on the river’s floor.
“Pack out what you packed in to keep the river and picnic areas clean and clear of debris” Kolb wrote. “Show nature some respect.”
Kolb also noted that the only officially permitted parking along the river’s route is at Pioneer Park, which is open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Tumwater’s assistant fire chief Shawn Crimmins also reminded floaters to drink lots of water and avoid alcohol, as intoxication impacts balance and swimming ability.
Adults and children are instructed to wear life jackets, close-toed waterproof shoes and waterproof sunscreen, while also using an appropriately sized tube.