Enumclaw
Enumclaw is about 45 miles southeast of Seattle, in the foothills of Mount Rainier, which looms the northeast.
The city got its name from a group of Native Americans who camped at the mountain's base. During the night, strong winds made loud thundering noises that kept them awake, so they named the area "Enumclaw," meaning "strong wind" or "thundering noise."
The city retains a flavor of a small farm town, although it has grown in recent years. The downtown has undergone a revitalization program and boasts bakeries, restaurants and restored buildings.
The town's population was 11,116 in the 2000 census, but the Enumclaw plateau area is home to about 40,000 people.