Wildwood Park Loop

Point Defiance Park is the largest urban park in Pierce County and it provides a variety of amenities. Located at the very northwest tip of Tacoma, the park provides residents with a much needed retreat from the bustle of everyday life. Point Defiance Park is the place to go if you need a quick dose of nature, but you don't have a lot of time to travel out of Tacoma. The Owen Beach parking lot ...

The upper Foothills Trail from the Fairfax Bridge to Manley Moore can be hiked starting from either end as an "out and back" hike or a "point to point" by shuttling with two vehicles.  Starting from the upper end of the trail you begin by walking under the Kolisch Rd. Bridge, which has the Manley Moore Mural painted on its buttress depicting Bigfoot, Mt. Rainier, salmon, wildlife and the forest...

The Franklin Ghost Town trailhead is just a large muddy lot, surrounded by no trespassing signs. When you pull in you will see signs for a $5 day use fee, just fill out the form and drop it in the box. There are two trails that leave the lot, one heads down to the river and is probably a mile round trip. There is lots to explore down there and the views of the river are amazing. In the summer i...

Visited here in August and the water was possibly the coldest I've ever swam in. A great half-day trip as the hikes are easy and the spots are quick to get to. The falls are located just to side of the road with a couple of different places to park. There's a $5 or $10 entrance/parking fee. A great spot to hangout and swim. There's a few cliffs to jump from at your own risk and a rope swing. Th...

Just over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a small, quiet, and tranquil town of Gig Harbor. The best way to experience the town is from the water.Tucked beneath Anthony's restaurant is Gig Harbor Rent-a-Boat, a small rental company that will outfit you for your afternoon on the water. Most days the company has rentals available, but it's worth calling in advance to reserve, especially on sunny day...

The Green River Gorge is one of the best whitewater options within an hour of the Seattle area. This beautiful scenic rocky gorge offers 14 miles of class III-IV whitewater and lots of great play spots for rafters and kayakers. This section of river is often boated in the late fall, winter, and spring months but is typically too low in the summer. Both private boaters and commercial outfitters ...