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Follows the cliff edge above the water. Beautiful views of Puget Sound.


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Map Key

4.1

Miles

6.5

KM

97%

Runnable

302' 92 m

High

133' 41 m

Low

339' 103 m

Up

333' 101 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Open dawn to dusk

Description

This trail is well marked with blue square blazes on 4 ft posts. At many of the major intersections there is also a park map in case you get turned around.

The trail is dirt with exposed roots and can get muddy after heavy rains, especially in the winter. You can access the trail from any of the main parking areas around five mile drive. However the most popular start finish points for this loop is the Zoo or Fort Nisqually.

As you work your way around the outer edge of the park, there are numerous opportunities to take side trails to viewpoints overlooking Puget Sound.

Contacts

Land Manager: Metro Parks Tacoma

Shared By:

Shaun Henderson

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 16 votes

#6905

Overall
  4.2 from 16 votes
5 Star
38%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#283

in Washington

#6,905

Overall
26 Views Last Month
2,562 Since Feb 19, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

7%
7%
79%
0%
7%
0%

Photos

Sunset view from Point Defiance Park
Sep 12, 2016 near Gig Harbor, WA
Walking through some of the giant trees along the trail.
Nov 16, 2019 near Gig Harbor, WA
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Dec 5, 2017 near Gig Harbor, WA
Beautiful fall day.
Nov 16, 2019 near Gig Harbor, WA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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Check-Ins

Oct 25, 2021
Matthew Bahny
Lots of blowdowns and puddles 5mi — 0h 53m
Aug 31, 2021
Matthew Bahny
Best trail running in Tacoma 4mi — 0h 54m
Jun 9, 2019
Brody Stewart
4.6mi — 0h 41m
Apr 20, 2019
Bobby Porch
Wow 4.1mi
Mar 23, 2017
Matt G
Mar 19, 2017
Matt G
Jan 21, 2017
Edgar Vasquez
Parked at Owen beach park and ran North, had to cut through the woods to get on the blue trail. I recommend parking near the entrance. 5mi
Aug 27, 2016
Melina Stayton
First time on this trail, it is well maintained with beautiful views. 4.2mi — 1h 02m
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