Pierce: Coast, Trails and Nature Experiences

Pierce combines a saltwater coast, riverbanks, lakes, forest trails and the landscape of Mount Rainier National Park. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first asking which experiences should define your trip: walks by the water, varied days in nature, cycling routes, wildlife watching or excursions into the mountains.

Saltwater, Riverbanks and Lakes

Chambers Creek Regional Park covers 930 acres and has more than two miles of saltwater shoreline. Its public areas include beaches and trails, an off-leash dog area, meadows and opportunities to play golf at Chambers Bay. The public areas generally open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 30 minutes after sunset. The trails are paved and accessible. The Grandview Trail offers particularly impressive views: it runs along the top of a 200-foot-high bluff and provides expansive views of the Chambers Bay golf course, Puget Sound and the surrounding islands.

By the water, North Lake Tapps Park has a different character. The 135-acre, largely undeveloped area has approximately 10,000 feet of shoreline access and a sandy swimming area. A walking trail on a peninsula ends at a viewpoint overlooking Mount Rainier. Riverside Park covers 50 acres and is located on the Puyallup River; visitors can go for walks, have picnics and watch wildlife there. The boat launch is designed for manually launching and removing kayaks, drift boats and inflatable rafts. Spanaway Park complements these water-based experiences with two swimming beaches, a boat ramp, a fishing pier and a three-mile trail.

Trails for Active Days on Holiday

Those who want to explore Pierce by bicycle or on foot will find a variety of options. The Trek at Tehaleh is a 204-acre mountain bike park in unincorporated Pierce County. More than six miles of mountain bike trails are available for different levels of experience and ability, including a cross-country loop for beginners. The Foothills Trail is a 12-foot-wide, non-motorized paved trail or linear park for bicycles, walking, inline skating and wheelchairs; an unpaved shoulder is designated for horseback riders. The Pipeline Trail currently runs 5.8 miles from downtown Tacoma to Orangegate Park in the Summit-Waller community.

Ashford County Park also combines nature with easy-to-manage trails. It has a 1.2-mile loop trail as well as ADA-compliant trails within the park. In addition, the park encompasses 80 acres of peaceful wetlands and two scenic walking trails. Since it is located on SR706, it is suitable as a stopover on the way to or from Mount Rainier National Park.

Nature, History, Wildlife and Regional Specialties

Naches Trail Preserve is a 50-acre conservation area that protects wildlife and serves as an educational resource. As part of the Naches Trail, it has cultural and historical significance: the trail was once used by Indigenous peoples, the military and early settlers. In Chambers Creek Canyon, short nature trails lead through a quiet urban forest. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park places a particular emphasis on wildlife viewing; more than 40 species of native animals from the Pacific Northwest live there.

Mount Rainier National Park expands the range of options with more than 260 miles of maintained trails through old-growth forests, high-elevation subalpine meadows, lakes and streams. Along the way, visitors can see wildflower fields and glaciers. The farmers' markets in Pierce County offer fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce, as well as locally made arts and crafts, for culinary discoveries. Cockrell Cider in Puyallup makes cider in small batches from regional fruit and apples and has its own tasting room.

Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Style

When searching for accommodation in Pierce, you can make your desired mix of water, nature, activity and excursions the starting point for your decision. A quiet trip with walks suggests different experiences than a stay focused on mountain bike trails, longer hiking trails or Mount Rainier National Park. Pierce Transit connects communities throughout Pierce County and makes it easier to access local attractions. Anyone departing from Ketron Island must reserve the ferry crossing at least 60 minutes in advance. This also allows travel arrangements and day planning to be taken into account early, without assuming that a holiday apartment has specific amenities or a particular location.

More Places for Your Planning

More local pages to help you find your bearings: Sumner, South Hill, Tacoma, Fife, Puyallup, Ashford, Gig Harbor, Fox Island, Lakewood, Dupont, Graham, Buckley, University Place, Lake Tapps, Eatonville, Lakebay, Greenwater.

For the broader travel overview: Washington.