Tukwila, Washington is a city located in King County, just south of Seattle. The area that is now Tukwila has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Duwamish people, who have lived along the Duwamish River for centuries. The name "Tukwila" is a variation of the Duwamish word "t'kola," which means "place of the wild cranberries." In the late 1800s, white settlers began to arrive in the area, and Tukwila was officially incorporated as a city in 1908. The city's early economy was based on agriculture, with many small farms and dairies located in the area. In the mid-20th century, Tukwila began to undergo significant changes as the population boomed and industries such as manufacturing and transportation moved into the area. The city's population grew rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, and Tukwila became a major transportation hub, with two major airports and several major highways passing through the area. As per the 2020 census, the population was 21,798.
There are many reasons to visit Tukwila, Washington. The city is home to a number of businesses and attractions that appeal to a wide range of interests. For shoppers, Tukwila is home to the Southcenter Mall, one of the largest malls in the state of Washington. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in the area, so visitors can stop for a bite to eat before or after exploring the mall.
For those interested in history, Tukwila is home to the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center. The center is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of the Duwamish people. Visitors can learn about Duwamish history and culture through exhibits and programs offered at the center. Tukwila is also a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is home to more than 20 parks, including Jubilee Park, which features an extensive trail system perfect for hiking, biking, or just enjoying a leisurely stroll. There are also several golf courses in Tukwila, so visitors can tee off no matter their skill level.
Campgrounds Near Tukwila, Washington
Issaquah Village RV Park is located in Issaquah, Washington, just a short drive from Tukwila. The RV park offers a variety of amenities, including full hookups, free Wi-Fi, and a laundry facility. There is also a playground for children, and the RV park is near several hiking and biking trails.
Tolt-MacDonald Park and Campground is located in Carnation, Washington, about 20 minutes east of Tukwila. One of the rivers at the park is crossed by a suspension footbridge, and the park has beautiful views and plenty of wildlife, including ospreys and eagles. This RV park offers electrical hookups and a dump station. There are also several hiking trails, a fishing pond, and a playground for children.
Blue Sky RV Park is located near Seattle, Washington. The RV park offers full hookups, free Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, and a playground for children. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are available. This RV park is also close to the Muckleshoot Casino.
State Parks Near Tukwila, Washington
Saltwater State Park is a public recreation area on Puget Sound in Des Moines, Washington. The park features a saltwater beach, picnic areas, and a campground. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and hiking on the various trails throughout the park. One of the park's main attractions is its diving area, which offers access to the underwater world of Puget Sound, with plenty of marine life and shipwrecks to explore. The park also has a fishing pier and a picnic area, providing visitors with opportunities to fish and enjoy meals with a beautiful view of the water. The park is open year-round, and the campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis, with several campsites available for tents or RVs. The park also has a visitor center, which provides information about the park's history and resources.
Dash Point State Park is a public recreation area on Puget Sound in Federal Way, Washington. The park features over three miles of saltwater beach, picnic areas, and a campground. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and hiking on the various trails throughout the park. The park also features a playground, a boat launch, and a covered picnic area. The park's walking trail takes you through various habitats, from lowland forests to wetlands and rocky beaches.
Manchester State Park is a public recreation area on Washington's western side of the Kitsap Peninsula. The park offers stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains and is a great place to enjoy a variety of water sports. The park features a saltwater beach and is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors can also hike on the trails that wind through the park's dense old-growth forest, providing beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
National Sites Near Tukwila, Washington
The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a collection of sites in Alaska and Washington commemorating the late 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. The park's visitor center, located in Seattle, Washington, provides information about the events that led to the gold rush and its impact on the region. Visitors can also take a guided tour of Skagway, Alaska's historic district, a well-preserved example of a gold rush town, complete with boardwalks, false-fronted buildings, and other historic structures used by prospectors during the gold rush.
Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve is located on Whidbey Island in Washington. It is a collection of sites commemorating the island's history and its residents. The reserve features several historic farms and homes, a lighthouse, and a military fort. Visitors can take guided tours of the reserve, which provide an opportunity to learn about the island's history and the people who lived there.
San Juan Island National Historical Park is located on San Juan Island in the state of Washington, and it commemorates the island's history, including the Pig War dispute. The Park features the American Camp, which offers visitors a chance to explore the historical remains of the US military camp established during the dispute in the late 19th century, including earthworks, buildings, and interpretive trails. British Camp, the former site of a Royal Marines camp, offers visitors a chance to explore historic earthworks, buildings, and interpretive trails. The park also offers several miles of hiking trails and beach access.
National Forests Near Tukwila, Washington
Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest is a national forest in the U.S. state of Washington. Covering an area of more than 1.5 million acres, the forest encompasses the Cascade Range from the Canadian border to the southern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. The forest is home to many recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing. The forest also offers scenic drives, such as the Mountain Loop Highway and the North Cascades Highway. Mount Baker, an active volcano, is located within the forest and offers climbing and backcountry skiing opportunities.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a national forest in Washington, United States. It is named after Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the United States Forest Service, and covers approximately 1,371,000 acres. Mount St. Helens, an active volcano that erupted in 1980, is located in the forest. The eruption altered the landscape significantly, and the forest now provides unique opportunities to observe the eruption's effects. Hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing are popular forest activities.
Olympic National Forest is a national forest in the U.S. state of Washington. It covers an area of around 623,000 acres and includes the Olympic Mountains, a range of mountains that rise to 2,428 meters at their highest point. The forest offers various recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing. The forest is also home to several wilderness areas, including the Buckhorn Wilderness and the Colonel Bob Wilderness. The Hoh Rainforest, located within the forest, is a particularly popular destination for visitors looking to explore one of the few temperate rainforests in the United States.
