Pierce County is home to a diverse array of state parks, recreation centers, trails, and playgrounds that offer accessible opportunities for our children, youth, and families to explore, connect, and play! Check out our list of ten family friendly hikes to explore our county’s unique environments, and be sure to check out the Tacoma Trails Challenge for extra fun this summer.
Click the hike titles to be redirected to All Trails pages for photos and additional information.
Ruston Way Trail
Location: North Tacoma
Length: 5.7 mi
Description: This paved trail along Commencement Bay is popular for birding, cycling, running, and dog walks.
Points of Interest: Chinese Reconciliation Park, Jack Hyde Park, Les Davis Public Fishing Pier, Ruston Playground and Spray Park, Point Defiance Park
Nisqually Vista Trail
Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise
Length: 1.2 mi
Description: This loop trail features beautiful views of Nisqually Glacier. You may encounter snow through June and July.
Points of Interest: Complete a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger Booklet and bring it to the Jackson Visitor Center to receive a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger badge
Swan Creek Trail
Location: Swan Creek Park, East Tacoma
Length: 5.3 mi
Description: This wooded, natural, out-and-back trail follows Swan Creek and features bridges and wildflowers.
Points of Interest: Community garden, food forest
Wapato Lake Trail
Location: Wapato Lake Park, South Tacoma
Length: 1 mi
Description: This loop trail around Wapato Lake is popular for birding and walking and features display gardens and a historic pergola.
Points of Interest: Playground, dock, dog park
Mashel Prairie Trail
Location: Nisqually State Park, Eatonville
Length: 2.5 mi
Description: This out-and-back trail is open year round and takes hikers along the Mashel River toward the end of the hike.
Points of Interest: Biking trails, equestrian trails
McCormick Forest Park Loop
Location: McCormick Forest Park, Gig Harbor
Length: 1.8 mi
Description: This loop trail through old-growth trees is popular for hiking and horseback riding and offers views down into the McCormick Creek canyon.
Jacob’s Point Loop
Location: Jacob’s Point Park, Anderson Island
Length: 3 mi
Description: This loop trail is great for birding and walking, features a bathroom midway through, and offers offshoots to water lookouts.
Points of Interest: Beach access, sea cave
Farrell Marsh Loop
Location: Farrell Marsh Park, Steilacoom
Length: 1.4 mi
Description: This wooded trail offers views of the water shoreline, three viewpoints, and is home to a variety of waterfowl.
Points of Interest: Bridge Log Foot Bridge
Mountaineer Tree and Dalco Passage Viewpoint
Location: Point Defiance Park, Tacoma
Length: .5 mi
Description: This short hike through Point Defiance offers water views and informational signs to learn about the Mountaineer Tree.
Points of Interest: The Mountaineer Tree
Titlow Park
Location: Titlow Beach Park, Tacoma
Length: 1.6 mi
Description: This popular loop trail offers views of the bay and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Points of Interest: Playground, Spray Park, Titlow Beach
