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Nature, Parks & Life Outdoors
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Nature & Parks
image: Picture
We love our nature, our parks and their serenity. You'll enjoy
the many wondrous parts of our area as well, from Wright Park's Conservatory to Snoqualmie Falls. Do be mindful: We Washingtonians expect you to pick up after your pets, and yourselves. Follow precautions along slopes and trails. And above all, take a moment as often as you can to absorb the surrounding pace of the nature you're in - your body will breathe better, your mind will be clearer, and it's nearly guaranteed you'll leave a much happier, and possibly even a better, person.
Snake Lake & Tacoma Nature Center
Address: 1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma, 98405
253/591-6439 http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/tacomanaturecenter/
An ideal taste of Northwest nature, nestled in the heart of Town, the Tacoma Nature Center is a 71-acre nature preserve encompassing Snake Lake and the surrounding wetlands and forest. Take a breath of fresh air and experience native birds, animals and plants - the lake and reserve shelter 25 species of mammals and more than 100 species of birds, including nesting pairs of wood ducks, rare elsewhere in western Washington. You'll encounter the intriguing Discovery Pond and enjoy a series of well-mapped trails in pristine Northwest conditions.
The interpretive center is a fun place for little ones to discover small creatures, take walks, learn about nature and dress up in animal costumes. Also exciting are nature programs and summer day camps. Learn about landscaping with native plants - they require less care, are preferred nesting spots for birds and can be purchased here May through October.
Access is free to all.
Point Defiance (Park, Zoo, Aquarium & Fort Nisqually)
North 37th Street; Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 305-1000 www.pdza.org
The 702-acre Point Defiance Park is a favorite place to enjoy natural forest, saltwater beaches, rhododendron gardens, trails and spectacular views. This is perhaps the most popular place for locals to escape into nature - there are miles and miles of trails to enjoy, and a zoo with aquarium are great for adults and children alike.
Also at Point Defiance is Fort Nisqually, a living history museum where volunteers and staff, in period clothing, demonstrate the crafts of the 19th century and engage visitors in historic dialogue during the Living History Days and other events throughout the year.
Wright Park & W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
316 South G Street; Tacoma, WA 98405-4733
(253) 591-5330 website
Tues - Sun 10a - 4:30p (gift shop closes at 4 pm)
Closed Mondays
Always in bloom, exotic tropical plants and floral displays await you at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park. This historic glass conservatory, with its distinctive, twelve-sided central dome, is listed on the City of Tacoma, Washington State and National historic registers. 3,000 panes of glass make up the dome and wings of the Conservatory, but the variety of plants and the atmosphere allow for a particularly wonderful place to relax and enjoy yourself in a truly unique place. While you’re there, take a walk through the forrest of large trees throughout Wright Park, play horseshoes, and be inspired by a beautiful world most of us could hardly imagine a life without. Children will enjoy the playgrounds.
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Ave E Ashford, WA 98304
(360) 569-2211 www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Not technically anywhere near Tacoma’s city limits, no list of beloved parks and nature retreats would be complete without the mention of our area’s most beloved natural landscape.
Open all year, visitation is at its peak in July and August, when the weather is warm and dry and the wildflowers are blooming. Parking is limited in many areas of the park especially on busy summer weekends and holidays. If you are planning a summer trip to Mount Rainier, consider visiting mid-week, which is generally less crowded. In spring, with ephemeral waterfalls, and in autumn, with brilliant colors reaching deep into the valleys, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely vacation in the park.
Vehicle access to Mount Rainier in the winter is only available from the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park on the way to Paradise. The Carbon River Entrance is open but the road within the park boundary is limited to foot and bicycle traffic. Check the road status prior to coming to the park as road conditions are subject to change.
The entrance fee is $15 for a private, noncommercial vehicle or $5 for each visitor 16 and older entering by motorcycle, bicycle, horseback, on foot, or for individuals traveling together as a non-commercial, organized group. These fees provide the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for Mount Rainier National Park. Adapted from website
Snoqualmie Falls
Closest Address: 6501 Railroad Ave SE; Snoqualmie, Washington, 98024
www.snoqualmiefalls.com
Sno-qual-mie is the English pronunciation of a Salish word meaning “Moon,” and was once a seasonal rendezvous point for native tribes. As a spiritual place of meeting, it gave birth to many legends, and seeing the inspiringly beautiful 270 foot falls you’ll understand why it’s one of our state’s most popular attractions. The park and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk, leashed pets are allowed, and romance encouraged.
Jack Hyde Park on Commencement Bay
2000-2198 Ruston Way; Tacoma, WA 98402
Located on the water's edge in the Old Town area, the park is named in memory of Jack Hyde, former Tacoma mayor and leader in developing the Ruston Way waterfront. Don't miss the plaza below the grassy area, or the gigantic sundial - both are great places to enjoy views, which include panoramics of Commencement Bay, Vashon Island and the Olympic Mountains.
The two-mile long scenic waterfront is a great place for walking, jogging, bicycling or rollerblading. Fishing enthusiasts can find a place to drop their lines at the Les Davis pier. Public art projects add interest to a walk down Ruston Way, and you'll be close to several restaurants.
Included are two miles of paved walkways, picnic tables and grills, grassy play areas, fishing piers, boat docks, beach access, and kayak/canoe ramps. Restaurants are plentiful along the waterfront and in Old Town.
Titlow Beach
8425 6th Ave. (West end of 6th Avenue)
Adjacent to Titlow Park, Titlow Beach is popular for sunbathing, picnicking, launching kayaks and canoes, and as an entry point for scuba diving. Adjacent to the beach there is a large covered picnic shelter with a fireplace and barbecues.
NorthWest Trek
11610 Trek Drive East
Eatonville, WA 98328-9502
(360) 832-6117 www.nwtrek.org
Mon-Fri 9:30a - 3p; Sat-Sun: 9:30a - 4p
A narrated tram tour of the free-roaming area allows you to see bison, Roosevelt elk, moose, mountain goats and other native animals, up close in their natural habitats. A self-guided walking tour along the paved trails in the core of the park provides the opportunity to see grizzly bears, wolves and more in naturalistic exhibits. The park is an easy drive from Tacoma. It’s open year-round, with each season offering something new to experience.
Fireman's Park (@ So. 8th & A Streets)
Possibly our city's most overlooked and under-used park, Fireman's is a great space to get away if you need a break from downtown. Expansive views of Commencement Bay and Mt. Rainier provide the landscape for one of our city’s most overlooked historic parks. Created in 1894 next to the city’s first brick fire station, it was in 1903 that Fireman’s iconic, 82 feet high totem pole was presented to us from the Sitka area of Alaska, in an attempt to rival Seattle’s historic Pike Place pole. Fireman’s is an excellent, semi-private enclave where you can eat and enjoy a lunch hour stroll, walk your pet, or simply use as a more scenic route than Pac Ave. to get to your area destination. Eat on picnic tables or at the pavilion.
the many wondrous parts of our area as well, from Wright Park's Conservatory to Snoqualmie Falls. Do be mindful: We Washingtonians expect you to pick up after your pets, and yourselves. Follow precautions along slopes and trails. And above all, take a moment as often as you can to absorb the surrounding pace of the nature you're in - your body will breathe better, your mind will be clearer, and it's nearly guaranteed you'll leave a much happier, and possibly even a better, person.
Snake Lake & Tacoma Nature Center
Address: 1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma, 98405
253/591-6439 http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/tacomanaturecenter/
An ideal taste of Northwest nature, nestled in the heart of Town, the Tacoma Nature Center is a 71-acre nature preserve encompassing Snake Lake and the surrounding wetlands and forest. Take a breath of fresh air and experience native birds, animals and plants - the lake and reserve shelter 25 species of mammals and more than 100 species of birds, including nesting pairs of wood ducks, rare elsewhere in western Washington. You'll encounter the intriguing Discovery Pond and enjoy a series of well-mapped trails in pristine Northwest conditions.
The interpretive center is a fun place for little ones to discover small creatures, take walks, learn about nature and dress up in animal costumes. Also exciting are nature programs and summer day camps. Learn about landscaping with native plants - they require less care, are preferred nesting spots for birds and can be purchased here May through October.
Access is free to all.
Point Defiance (Park, Zoo, Aquarium & Fort Nisqually)
North 37th Street; Tacoma, WA 98407
(253) 305-1000 www.pdza.org
The 702-acre Point Defiance Park is a favorite place to enjoy natural forest, saltwater beaches, rhododendron gardens, trails and spectacular views. This is perhaps the most popular place for locals to escape into nature - there are miles and miles of trails to enjoy, and a zoo with aquarium are great for adults and children alike.
Also at Point Defiance is Fort Nisqually, a living history museum where volunteers and staff, in period clothing, demonstrate the crafts of the 19th century and engage visitors in historic dialogue during the Living History Days and other events throughout the year.
Wright Park & W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory
316 South G Street; Tacoma, WA 98405-4733
(253) 591-5330 website
Tues - Sun 10a - 4:30p (gift shop closes at 4 pm)
Closed Mondays
Always in bloom, exotic tropical plants and floral displays await you at the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory in Wright Park. This historic glass conservatory, with its distinctive, twelve-sided central dome, is listed on the City of Tacoma, Washington State and National historic registers. 3,000 panes of glass make up the dome and wings of the Conservatory, but the variety of plants and the atmosphere allow for a particularly wonderful place to relax and enjoy yourself in a truly unique place. While you’re there, take a walk through the forrest of large trees throughout Wright Park, play horseshoes, and be inspired by a beautiful world most of us could hardly imagine a life without. Children will enjoy the playgrounds.
Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Ave E Ashford, WA 98304
(360) 569-2211 www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Not technically anywhere near Tacoma’s city limits, no list of beloved parks and nature retreats would be complete without the mention of our area’s most beloved natural landscape.
Open all year, visitation is at its peak in July and August, when the weather is warm and dry and the wildflowers are blooming. Parking is limited in many areas of the park especially on busy summer weekends and holidays. If you are planning a summer trip to Mount Rainier, consider visiting mid-week, which is generally less crowded. In spring, with ephemeral waterfalls, and in autumn, with brilliant colors reaching deep into the valleys, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely vacation in the park.
Vehicle access to Mount Rainier in the winter is only available from the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park on the way to Paradise. The Carbon River Entrance is open but the road within the park boundary is limited to foot and bicycle traffic. Check the road status prior to coming to the park as road conditions are subject to change.
The entrance fee is $15 for a private, noncommercial vehicle or $5 for each visitor 16 and older entering by motorcycle, bicycle, horseback, on foot, or for individuals traveling together as a non-commercial, organized group. These fees provide the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for Mount Rainier National Park. Adapted from website
Snoqualmie Falls
Closest Address: 6501 Railroad Ave SE; Snoqualmie, Washington, 98024
www.snoqualmiefalls.com
Sno-qual-mie is the English pronunciation of a Salish word meaning “Moon,” and was once a seasonal rendezvous point for native tribes. As a spiritual place of meeting, it gave birth to many legends, and seeing the inspiringly beautiful 270 foot falls you’ll understand why it’s one of our state’s most popular attractions. The park and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk, leashed pets are allowed, and romance encouraged.
Jack Hyde Park on Commencement Bay
2000-2198 Ruston Way; Tacoma, WA 98402
Located on the water's edge in the Old Town area, the park is named in memory of Jack Hyde, former Tacoma mayor and leader in developing the Ruston Way waterfront. Don't miss the plaza below the grassy area, or the gigantic sundial - both are great places to enjoy views, which include panoramics of Commencement Bay, Vashon Island and the Olympic Mountains.
The two-mile long scenic waterfront is a great place for walking, jogging, bicycling or rollerblading. Fishing enthusiasts can find a place to drop their lines at the Les Davis pier. Public art projects add interest to a walk down Ruston Way, and you'll be close to several restaurants.
Included are two miles of paved walkways, picnic tables and grills, grassy play areas, fishing piers, boat docks, beach access, and kayak/canoe ramps. Restaurants are plentiful along the waterfront and in Old Town.
Titlow Beach
8425 6th Ave. (West end of 6th Avenue)
Adjacent to Titlow Park, Titlow Beach is popular for sunbathing, picnicking, launching kayaks and canoes, and as an entry point for scuba diving. Adjacent to the beach there is a large covered picnic shelter with a fireplace and barbecues.
NorthWest Trek
11610 Trek Drive East
Eatonville, WA 98328-9502
(360) 832-6117 www.nwtrek.org
Mon-Fri 9:30a - 3p; Sat-Sun: 9:30a - 4p
A narrated tram tour of the free-roaming area allows you to see bison, Roosevelt elk, moose, mountain goats and other native animals, up close in their natural habitats. A self-guided walking tour along the paved trails in the core of the park provides the opportunity to see grizzly bears, wolves and more in naturalistic exhibits. The park is an easy drive from Tacoma. It’s open year-round, with each season offering something new to experience.
Fireman's Park (@ So. 8th & A Streets)
Possibly our city's most overlooked and under-used park, Fireman's is a great space to get away if you need a break from downtown. Expansive views of Commencement Bay and Mt. Rainier provide the landscape for one of our city’s most overlooked historic parks. Created in 1894 next to the city’s first brick fire station, it was in 1903 that Fireman’s iconic, 82 feet high totem pole was presented to us from the Sitka area of Alaska, in an attempt to rival Seattle’s historic Pike Place pole. Fireman’s is an excellent, semi-private enclave where you can eat and enjoy a lunch hour stroll, walk your pet, or simply use as a more scenic route than Pac Ave. to get to your area destination. Eat on picnic tables or at the pavilion.