3 Best Hiking Trails in Tacoma, WA

“Point Defiance Park is a 760-acre ideal destination that is owned and managed by Metro Parks Tacoma. The infrastructure of roads and trails that weave through the nature reserve provides a quiet getaway for joggers, cyclists, and hikers. People can see bald eagles prey on salmon flowing through the heavy tidal currents from the high cliffs surrounding the Tacoma Narrows. At Point Defiance Park, Owen Beach offers waterfront picnic shelters with barbecues, tables, and restrooms. Point Defiance Park also features an active Park Watch system to facilitate, keep visitors safe, and protect the park's resources. The park provides a warm welcome to more than three million visitors every year. The nature haven also has a habitat for mule deer, red foxes, pileated woodpeckers, Douglas squirrels, and raccoons. Picnic tables and public restroom facilities are also available. The park also includes designated areas for dogs.”

“Swan Creek Park is an elegant spot to have a great time with family and friends. This park features walking and mountain biking trails, a community garden, a wooded canyon, and upland forests. The park's total area is 373 acres—290 acres are owned by Metro Parks Tacoma and 83 acres are owned by Pierce County. The park includes five miles of renovated trails and 3.65 miles of paved pedestrian/bike paths. The elevation gain of the hiking trail is 133 meters. The community garden program offers horticultural opportunities for the social and physical benefits of the people and communities in Tacoma. The park also provides various facilities, such as public restrooms, picnic tables, and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot. The park also welcomes dogs in leashed areas.”

“Tacoma Nature Center is a 71-acre wetland and forest area around Snake Lake that features various trails and an adventure park. The 70-acre classroom at the center offers an interactive and practical experience for students to discover the essence of science and build a bond with the natural world. Visitors can enjoy the two miles of soft-surfaced walking trails winding through wetlands and woodland areas. This park also features a half-mile outdoor route facility for wheelchairs. The exhibition hall showcases the views of the nature reserve behind the venue. Spacious playgrounds, picnic tables, public restrooms, and wheelchair accessibility facilities are also available.”