Pierce: Parks, Trails, and Nature

Chambers Creek Regional Park brings coastal scenery together with plenty of room for a range of activities: The park covers 930 acres and includes more than two miles of saltwater shoreline. Public beaches and trails, an off-leash dog area, meadows, and opportunities to play golf at Chambers Bay are among its features. Plan a visit that combines a stroll, wildlife watching, and other recreational interests.

Coast, River, and Lake

Public areas at Chambers Creek Regional Park generally open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset. These hours may change seasonally, so check them before your visit. The trails are paved and accessible. The Grandview Trail follows the top of a 200-foot bluff, with views of Chambers Bay Golf Course, Puget Sound, and the surrounding islands.

North Lake Tapps Park offers something different: This 135-acre area is largely undeveloped and has approximately 10,000 feet of shoreline access, as well as a sandy swimming area. Water conditions can vary. A walking trail on a peninsula ends at a viewpoint overlooking Mount Rainier.

Along the Puyallup River, the 50-acre Riverside Park is ideal for walks, picnics, and wildlife watching. Its boat launch is designed for hand-launching and retrieving kayaks, drift boats, and inflatable rafts; permits are required. Spanaway Park has two swimming beaches, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and a three-mile trail. Some amenities may be affected by temporary closures or construction.

Hiking and Biking Trails

The Foothills Trail is a 12-foot-wide, nonmotorized paved trail and linear park. It is designed for bicycles, walking, inline skating, and wheelchairs; horseback riders use an unpaved shoulder. The Pipeline Trail currently runs 5.8 miles from downtown Tacoma to Orangegate Park in the Summit-Waller community. Its length and endpoints may change as future extensions are completed.

For mountain biking, The Trek at Tehaleh is a destination in its own right: The 204-acre mountain bike park is in unincorporated Pierce County and features more than six miles of trails for a range of experience and skill levels. These include a beginner cross-country loop. The designated beginner loop offers a specific starting point within a trail network that accommodates different abilities.

Nature and History

The 50-acre Naches Trail Preserve protects wildlife and serves as an educational resource. The preserve has cultural and historical significance associated with the Naches Trail. Indigenous peoples, the military, and early settlers once used the trail. A visit here connects time in nature with the history of earlier use.

Ashford County Park brings together wetlands and walking trails: It encompasses 80 acres of quiet wetlands and has two scenic trails. There is also a 1.2-mile loop trail and ADA-compliant trails within the park. The park is located on SR 706 and makes a suitable stop on the way to or from Mount Rainier National Park. More than 40 species of native Pacific Northwest wildlife live at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.

Getting Around and Local Produce

Pierce Transit connects communities throughout Pierce County, making it easier to reach local attractions. If you include bus service in your plans, check the transit agency’s latest information before traveling, as routes and service areas may change.

Farmers markets in Pierce County offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce in communities across the county, along with locally made arts and crafts. Market dates change seasonally and from year to year, so check the current market schedule before visiting. In Puyallup, Cockrell Cider makes small-batch cider from regional fruit and apples and has its own tasting room. Tasting arrangements may change, so check before your visit.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Sumner, South Hill, Tacoma, Lake Tapps, Puyallup, Ashford, Gig Harbor, Fox Island, Lakewood, Dupont, Fife, Lakebay, Greenwater, Graham, Buckley, University Place, Eatonville.

For the main travel guide: Washington.