3 Best Hiking Trails in Tacoma, WA

Expert-recommended Top 3 Hiking Trails in Tacoma, Washington. All of our hiking trails actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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POINT DEFIANCE PARK

5400 North Pearl Street,
Tacoma, WA 98407 Directions

Since 1888

Specialty:

Rose Garden Mountain Road Biking Walking Running Gardens Fishing Dogs On Leash Aquarium Beach Zoo Trails Lake Off-leash Area Picnic Shelter Nature Trips Pagoda Rentals Wild Flowers Birding Wildlife Playground Japanese Garden Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Boathouse Marina Boardwalk

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.

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License #600554256

Contact:

(253) 404-3980 (253) 305-1000

Mon-Sun: 7:30am - 5pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

10+ YEARS IN TBR
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SWAN CREEK PARK

3997 East 42nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue,
Tacoma, WA 98404 Directions

Since 1968

Specialty:

Picnicking Hiking Forest Lake Walking Recreational Uses Road and Mountain Biking Running Nature and Park Dogs On Leash Bird Watching Wild Flowers Community Garden Off-leash Dog Park Picnic Shelters

"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.

2026 Highlights: Swan Creek Park features a salmon-bearing stream, wooded canyon, upland forest, paved and natural trails, community garden, dog park, picnic shelters, and mountain bike trails."

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Price:

Picnic Shelter
Rental Rate: $135

Contact:

TBR® Inspection Report:

7+ YEARS IN TBR
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TACOMA NATURE CENTER

1919 South Tyler Street,
Tacoma, WA 98405 Directions

Since 1979

Specialty:

Mountain Road Biking Trails Running Forest Lake Dogs On Leash Nature Trips Bird Watching Wild Flowers Walking Picnicking Birding Discovery Pond Interpretive Center Environmental Education Playground

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.

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License #601130653

Price:

Great Room
From $75
Upto $150

Discount:

10% Off on Online and In-Person Purchases from Their Nature Shop for Members

Contact:

(253) 404-3930

Wed: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Thu-Sat: 10am - 2pm
Mon,Tue & Sun: Closed

TBR® Inspection Report: