Where is Yelm, Washington

Yelm is a growing city in western Washington, located in Thurston County between Olympia and Mount Rainier. It is about 20 miles southeast of Olympia and 35 miles southwest of Tacoma. Yelm is known for its agricultural roots, scenic views of Mount Rainier, nearby rivers, and access to outdoor recreation. The city provides a convenient residential location for people traveling between the South Sound region and Mount Rainier National Park.

Location Map of Yelm, Thurston County, Washington

About Map: The map shows the location of Yelm in Thurston County, in the U.S. state of Washington.

Yelm Map, Washington

Where is Yelm Located?

Yelm is a city located in Thurston County, Washington, the United States. It is in western Washington, about 20 miles southeast of Olympia, 35 miles southwest of Tacoma, and approximately 20 miles north of Centralia. Yelm lies at approximately 46.942° North latitude and 122.606° West longitude. The city had 10,617 residents in the 2020 Census and covers about 8.03 square miles, or 20.80 square kilometers. Yelm was incorporated in 1924 and developed from an agricultural settlement near the Nisqually River. Farming, dairy production, and logging were important to the area's early economy, while modern growth has been influenced by the expansion of the South Sound region and nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The city sits near the Nisqually River and Deschutes River watershed and is surrounded by farmland, forests, wetlands, and rolling hills. Mount Rainier is visible from many areas around Yelm and is a major part of the local landscape. Nearby attractions include Yelm City Park, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Millersylvania State Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. State Route 507 and State Route 510 provide important connections to Olympia, Tenino, Roy, and other South Sound communities, while Interstate 5 is accessible west of the city.

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Yelm City Facts

Distance from Yelm, WA to Nearby Cities

• Rainier, WA – 5 miles (8 km)
• Roy, WA – 10 miles (16 km)
• Tenino, WA – 12 miles (19 km)
• McKenna, WA – 8 miles (13 km)
• Olympia, WA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Lacey, WA – 18 miles (29 km)
• Centralia, WA – 20 miles (32 km)
• Tumwater, WA – 22 miles (35 km)
• DuPont, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Lakewood, WA – 30 miles (48 km)
• Tacoma, WA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Spanaway, WA – 25 miles (40 km)
• Puyallup, WA – 35 miles (56 km)
• Longview, WA – 70 miles (113 km)
• Seattle, WA – 65 miles (105 km)
• Mount Rainier, WA – 40 miles (64 km)
• Aberdeen, WA – 80 miles (129 km)
• Portland, OR – 115 miles (185 km)

Top Attractions in Yelm

• Yelm City Park – A community park with open lawns, walking areas, playgrounds, sports facilities, and spaces for local events.
• Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – A major protected wetland at the Nisqually River delta offering boardwalk trails, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and scenic wetlands.
• Mount Rainier National Park – One of Washington's most famous national parks, featuring Mount Rainier, glaciers, alpine meadows, forests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints.
• Millersylvania State Park – A wooded state park on Deep Lake offering camping, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, and picnic areas.
• Nisqually River – The river and surrounding watershed provide opportunities for fishing, wildlife observation, scenic recreation, and views of the Cascade foothills.
• Deschutes Falls Park – A nearby natural area featuring waterfalls, river scenery, hiking opportunities, and forested landscapes.
• Yelm Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, photographs, and information about Yelm and the surrounding agricultural community.
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord – A major military installation near Yelm that has played an important role in the economy and development of the South Sound region.
• Wolf Haven International – A nearby wildlife sanctuary dedicated to wolf conservation, education, and habitat protection.
• Capitol State Forest – A large forested recreation area west of Yelm offering hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Airports Near Yelm, WA

• Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) – 25 miles
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 60 miles
• Tacoma Narrows Airport (TIW) – 45 miles
• Gray Army Airfield (GRF) – 25 miles
• Southwest Washington Regional Airport (KLS) – 75 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Yelm website and local government records.

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