Today only one plywood plant remains. Shipping has continued in Olympia. In the past steam schooners and ocean freighters used to load lumber, shingles, plywood, apples and canned goods. However, along the waterfront today foreign ships load logs for shipment to Japan or China. Olympia is one of the fastest growing areas in the state without major industrial growth.
State government is the leading base of the economy.
The Olympia Brewery is one of the oldest industries. Oyster farming, dairy farming, mushroom growing, and berry raising take place in nearby Thurston county areas. The Evergreen State College is located close to Olympia. People can visit the Washington Center for the Performing Arts or the State Capital Museum. An open-air market, parks and marinas are available to both tourists and hometown people.