Top 5 trails in Tacoma, WA
In this blog post we will share our list of the five best trails in Tacoma, Washington. So grab your hiking boots and a water bottle and read on!
Five Mile Drive:
The infamous Five-Mile-Drive is now permanently closed to vehicles, making it a pedestrian haven of paved roads and winding dirt trails all canopied by lush greenery. A 4.4-mile loop with a 311 ft elevation gain, this Tacoma trail is generally considered an easy route, taking about 1.5 hrs to complete. Locals love this trail for birding, road biking, running, or simply strolling, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and welcomes dogs that remain on-leash.
Dash Point State Park:
Check out this 3 mile loop trail near Tacoma, Washington. Our only pick just outside of Tacoma, this mountain bike trail is generally considered an easy to moderate walking route, only taking an average of 1hr 15 mins to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but walkers and meanderers are welcome. The best times to visit this trail are January through September. This trail is considered kid-friendly and dogs are allowed, on-leash.
Ruston Way Trail:
This beautifully paved 5.7 mile out-and-back trail runs along the commencement bay in Tacoma, Wa. A relatively easy trail, taking an average of 1hr 40 mins to complete, with a mere 52ft elevation gain. This is a very popular trail for walking, jogging, road biking, and wildlife observation, with lots of benches and grassy areas along the way to rest or play games. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime with views of the nearby islands and Mt. Rainier, on a clear day. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Puget Park Trail:
This out-and-back trail near Ruston Way in Tacoma, Wa is considered a moderately challenging route, only taking an average of 37 min to complete, but with a 252 ft elevation gain. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but there are still many moments of quiet and solitude along the way. The best times to visit this trail are Spring through early Autumn. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in designated areas.
Swan Creek Trail
Open year-round, this 3.8 mile out-and-back trail in Tacoma, Washington is considered a moderately challenging route, taking around 1.5 hrs to complete and a total elevation gain of 416ft. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so be prepared to encounter other people along your trek. Dogs are welcome, but require a leash.
