6 Urban Trails in the South Puget Sound to Explore
There’s no shortage of beautiful outdoor spaces to explore in the South Puget Sound, and that includes urban trails! Our region is home to several scenic urban trails to enjoy, with many of these city trails guiding you alongside scenic waterfronts or through peaceful forested areas.
An urban trail typically refers to a route that’s in or near town, and built for daily use. Many urban trails are paved, and they’re designed for everything from biking from Point A to Point B, to getting your steps in with a stroller, or even rollerblading!
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but if you’d like to see what urban trails are all about, here are six favorite South Puget Sound routes to explore:
1. Ruston Way Waterfront Path in Tacoma
The Ruston Way Waterfront Path is an iconic Tacoma waterfront walk with scenery from beginning to end. Admire views of Commencement Bay the entire time! This paved urban trail runs from Jack Hyde Park to Point Defiance Park, passing through Judge Jack Tanner Park along the way. It’s easy to break into shorter sections so you don’t have to walk the entire thing all at once! Pack a picnic, and stop for a break at one of the parks.
Bonus add-on: Dune Peninsula + Wilson Way Bridge
If you want to extend your Ruston Way adventure, add the trail at Dune Peninsula and the Wilson Way Bridge onto your itinerary. Wilson Way Bridge connects Point Defiance Park to Ruston Way, so you can keep going if you’re up for a longer trek.
2. Foothills Trail in Pierce County (Puyallup to Buckley)
This epic 22-mile trail begins in Downtown Puyallup, runs through Orting and South Prairie, and ends in Buckley. The Foothills Trail in Pierce County guides visitors through urban areas, parks, farmland, a historic railroad bed, and along the Carbon River, with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier along the way! Parts of the trail even has a soft shoulder path for equestrians. Take a look at a map of the Foothills Trail here to plan your trip.
3. Prairie Line Trail in Downtown Tacoma
The Prairie Line Trail in Downtown Tacoma is part trail, part public art walk, and part Tacoma history lesson. This trail is 1 mile long and runs along the tracks of the retired Prairie Line railroad corridor, and it links Tacoma’s waterfront, Downtown Tacoma, University of Washington Tacoma, and the Brewery District. Explore this interactive map of the trail for a quick look at what you can expect to see on this urban trail.
4. Pipeline Trail in Tacoma
The Pipeline Trail is a paved 2.7-mile urban trail that takes you through part of the City of Tacoma. Starting at E 40th Street in Tacoma, the trail heads south alongside Pipeline Road with part of it running through Swan Creek Park, and ends at the intersection 72nd Street and Waller Road in Waller. This well-maintained paved trail is 12 feet wide with lighting, signage, benches, and is ADA accessible, and is the perfect blend of urban setting meets scenic greenspace!
5. Port Orchard Boardwalk in Port Orchard
For small-town waterfront charm, take a stroll on the 1.5-acre Port Orchard Boardwalk. This pathway offers idyllic views of Sinclair Inlet (including ferries passing by and wildlife) and Bremerton, and guides you by many different businesses, parks, the farmers market, and more.
6. Cushman Trail in Gig Harbor
This 6.2-mile trail runs from Borgen Boulevard south down to 14th Ave NW, and is parallel to Highway 16. City trailheads for the Cushman Trail can also be found at Hollycroft Street, Kimball Drive, and Grandview Street, so there’s quite a bit of flexibility as to where you start and end your adventure. The trail is 12-16 feet wide, and is ideal for walkers, runners, rollerbladers, cyclists, and more! Click here to check out a map of Cushman Trail so you can plan ahead.
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