In-City Nature Walks for Seattle, Eastside and South Sound Families
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Explore nature at Point Defiance Park. Photo: iStock
Tacoma-area nature walks
Snake Lake
Distance: There are over two miles of soft-surface walking trails winding through forest, over bridges and around Snake Lake, including a half-mile trail that’s wheelchair accessible.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma
Description: Snake Lake’s gently sloping, wide trails make this finger lake hike a popular one with South Sound families, especially those with toddlers or strollers. Towering trees line the trails that can easily be divided into longer and shorter hikes, depending on which bridge you cross or offshoot you take as you wind your way around the water. Bird boxes and a self-guided tour along the interpretive trail holds kids’ interests, while fantastic programs such as family nature walks, Agents of Discovery and Little Sprouts (just for toddlers) leave much of the planning to the pros.
Parking: Park at the Tacoma Nature Center parking lot for easy access to the trails, as well as the Interpretive Center and Discovery Pond nature-themed play area. Plan to begin or end your hike at the playground on a sunny or dry day, or drop into the Interpretive Center to see turtles, fish and other wildlife that inhabit the area up close. Open daily, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dash Point State Park
Distance: Find more than 11 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with minimal elevation gain, many of which are designated for hikers only, at this state park. Some of the trail system is open to bikers, and there is a BMX area for riders, too.
Location: 5700 S.W. Dash Point Rd., Federal Way
Description: While the hiking trails are a big draw at Dash Point, it’s the 3,300 feet of shoreline that keeps everyone coming back for more. Its convenient location, halfway between Seattle and Tacoma, is another. Starting near the shoreline, the hiking trails penetrate the forest, following the creek’s natural path through the trees and crossing under state Route 509. The system is a network of shorter trails that allow families to adjust their mileage easily — map out shorter hikes if you have little kids with you and longer ones if your kids can handle it. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed.
Parking: The parking lot is close to the shoreline, off Dash Point Road. A Discover Pass is needed to park and hike here.
Point Defiance Park
Distance: Point Defiance Park’s 760 acres boast more than 14 miles of hiking trails. Stay on the primary trails if you want groomed, easy-to-read signs, and reserve the secondary trails for when you want a little less city and a little more wilderness with your hike. The paved outer loop is another place families can hike; it’s completely closed to vehicles. All trails are for foot traffic only.
Location: 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma
Description: An oasis in the middle of Tacoma, Point Defiance Park’s trails beckon, drawing families from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy spectacular viewpoints, forested trails and vibrant rhododendron that bloom in spring. Hike the Spine Trail (1.3 miles each way) to get a feel for the park without spending too much energy, or meander a bit on the Inside or Outside Loop Trails. It’s easy to start on one and pick up another trail along the way if you need a change of scenery. Pair your hike with family programming such as Tots on the Trail, Babies on the Trail or a guided drop-in hike.
Parking: Access all of Point Defiance Park’s many trails from the Owen Beach parking lot.
