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Tumtum, Washington
View from WA-291 looking east
View from WA-291 looking east
Tumtum, Washington is located in Washington (state)
Tumtum, Washington
Tumtum, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Country United States
State Washington
County Stevens
Elevation
1,552 ft (473 m)
Time zone UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP code
99034
Area code(s) 509
GNIS feature ID 1511380

Tumtum is a small, unincorporated community located in Stevens County, Washington, United States. It is not an official city or town, but rather a group of homes and businesses without its own local government.

This community sits right along the Long Lake part of the Spokane River, which is also known as Lake Spokane. Tumtum is about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of the city of Spokane, along Washington State Route 291. The area uses the ZIP code 99034.

The name "Tumtum" comes from Chinook Jargon, which was a trade language used by Native Americans and early settlers in the Pacific Northwest. In Chinook Jargon, "Tumtum" means "heart" or "soul."

Exploring Tumtum, Washington

Tumtum is a quiet place known for its natural beauty. It is located in the state of Washington, which is in the northwestern part of the United States. This area is famous for its forests, mountains, and rivers.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community like Tumtum is a place where people live close together but are not part of an official city or town. This means they do not have their own mayor or city council. Instead, they are governed by the county they are in, which is Stevens County in this case.

Life in an Unincorporated Area

Living in an unincorporated area often means a more rural lifestyle. Services like police, fire, and road maintenance are provided by the county government. Residents might also rely on nearby towns for schools, shops, and other services.

The Spokane River and Lake Spokane

The Spokane River is a major river in eastern Washington. It flows through the city of Spokane and then widens into several lakes, including Long Lake. This part of the river is often called Lake Spokane.

Activities on Lake Spokane

Lake Spokane is a popular spot for outdoor activities. People enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake. The beautiful scenery around the lake makes it a great place for nature lovers.

Washington State Route 291

Washington State Route 291 is a highway that connects Tumtum to other areas. It runs northwest from Spokane, passing through scenic landscapes. This road is important for residents to travel to and from the community.

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