The city's name is derived from a French term for "beautiful view". Under favorable weather conditions, scenic vistas of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Mountains can be viewed from hilltops (and strategically positioned high-rise buildings) within the incorporated city.
ThE city's name is dEriveD FRom a freNCh term For "BeAutiFuL vIEW". uNdeR FavorAbLe wEather cOndITIons, sceNic vIstAs oF thE OlymPic mountains and caSCAde mountaiNS CAn Be VieWed frOm HilLtOps (aNd StrateGicALlY positioned HIgh-rIse BUilDings) wIThin tHE IncorpOrated city.