Walk for the health of it. The sponsors of the Tacoma-Pierce County Walk for the fun of it. Walking Guide invite Park (pages 9 & 10), bring you face-to-face with our local history. you to experience the Others have stunning views, such as Grandview/Soundview (pages simple pleasures and 15 & 16) and the Foothills Trail (pages 23-26). significant benefits Whichever walk you choose, this guide provides directions to of walking. What a get you there and details about fees, hours and special wonderful way to explore considerations. There is a lot to explore and you will feel great our neighborhoods, for the experience! have fun, relax, be active and spend quality time by yourself or with We hope to see you on the trail! those you enjoy. With health and transportation being two of the “The energy I get from exercise helps most critical problems we face, it is important to recognize the sustain my focus and positive approach. benefits of walking for our whole community. I encourange you to take advantage of our beautiful area and make Explore the possibilities. The Walking Guide exercise a priority in your life. is designed to make area walking trails easier to experience. You’ll appreciate the results . Take your pick from many different walks that showcase regional and the wonderful energy you’ll earn.” parks, local lakes and rivers, wildlife refuges and urban settings. Diane Cecchettini, RN On foot, you can explore wetlands, the shoreline and other President and CEO environmentally sensitive areas that can be reached in no other MultiCare Health System way. Some trails, such as Point Defiance (pages 5 & 6) and Wright 1 It’s just what the doctor ordered. “The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk; Walking but divert yourself by the objects surrounding you. Walking is Doctors recommend walking more than any other . the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.” exercise to improve our health. The Centers for — Thomas Jefferson Disease Control and Prevention recommends we get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, five times per week. “That trail However, few of us saved my life.” follow this advice. In fact, more than “Thanks, Pierce County Gets 45% of adults in our Fit partners: MultiCare Center county are active, but For Healthy Living, Tacoma- still do not meet these Pierce County Health guidelines. 16% do not Department, and YMCA of participate in any physical Tacoma-Pierce County! With activity at all! your inspiration and Pierce Walking – especially brisk walking, is an activity that almost County parks and trails I’ve everyone can participate in. It reduces stress and improves lost almost 100 pounds!” lifelong health. Walking can actually lower the risk of cancer, — Shawn Bunney, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Pierce County Councilmember Furthermore, it improves flexibility and balance, bone density and mental well-being. 2 Let’s take a If you haven’t been walk! physically active for Remember: awhile, it is a good idea The TIME spent to check with your walking is more doctor before beginning any walking or exercise important than the program. This is distance traveled. especially true if you • Slow down or take a have medical conditions break if breathing becomes difficult or you cannot carry on such as high blood a conversation while walking. pressure, diabetes or • A regular walking buddy or group can help keep you motivated heart problems. and committed to walking on a regular basis. In addition to Ready to start? friends, neighbors and co-workers, fellow walkers can be found at local Volkssport walks and other city and county • Put on comfortable walking shoes. walking events. • Pack water and perhaps a light snack. • Wear clothing suitable to the weather. Dress in layers so you ABOUT THE WALKS IN THIS GUIDE can remove some clothing as you get warm. • Bring optional accessories include a walking pole and The 25 walks featured in the Tacoma-Pierce County Walking Guide pedometer. were selected for beginning walkers. They are easy walks on pavement or well-maintained trails with no significant hills. Most Getting the most out of your walk: are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Trails designated for • Keep a steady pace for at least 20 minutes each time you go. “shared use” are used not only by pedestrians, but also cyclists, • If you’re a beginner, start with a 10-minute walk and gradually runners, dog walkers and skaters. Horses may be encountered on add two minutes each week until you reach your goal. rural trails. 3 4 Cushman Powerline Trail PAGE 11 8 Spanaway Park PAGE 19 Distance: 2.5 miles (Also Bresemann Forest) of maps Terrain: Flat Distance: 2.5 miles Surface: Paved Terrain: Flat, wooded, natural slopes Index Highlights: Easy accessibility, picnic Surface: Paved 1 Point Defiance PAGE 5 tables, bird watching Highlights: View of Spanaway Lake, Start: Trailhead at 14th Ave NW & children’s play area Distance: 5 miles with options 28th St NW to Kimball Dr Park & Ride at Hunt St., Gig Harbor Start: North or south end of park Terrain: Varied terrain Access: By car, bus, bike or foot Access: By car, bike or foot Surface: Paved Highlights: Zoo, Fort Nisqually, Marina, Owen Beach, old growth 5 Scott Pierson Trail PAGE 13 9 Puyallup Riverfront Trail PAGE 21 trees, eagles, sea life Distance: 5 miles Distance: 3.8 miles Start: North 54th Street at North Pearl Terrain: Varied with slopes Terrain: Flat Access: By car, bus, bike or foot Surface: Asphalt Surface: Paved Highlights: Crosses over the Tacoma Highlights: Puyallup River, Skate Park Narrows Bridge, War Memorial Park, Start: Trailheads at 3207 E. Main 2 Ruston Way PAGE 7 passes by Cheney Stadium Avenue (behind Mama Stortini's), at the truck scales on Start: 25th Street near S. Sprague Ave, Tacoma or Stone River Road, and multiple location along route. Distance: 2 miles Drive NW near Gig Harbor Access: By car, bus, bike or foot Access: By car, bus, bike or foot Terrain: Flat Surface: Paved Highlights: Mountain views, 6 Grandview/Soundview PAGE 15 10 Foothills Trail PAGE 23 waterfront access, sea life, Distance: 3.25 approximately restaurants, scuba diving area Distance: 16 miles Terrain: Flat with hills Terrain: Flat, wooded, rural Start: Many locations along pathway Surface: Paved Access: By car, bus, bike or foot Surface: Paved with soft shoulders Highlights: Views of Puget Sound, Highlights: Views of Mt Rainier and walk around golf course, restrooms farmlands Start: Many locations along Grandview Drive Start: Regional trailheads Access: By car, bike, or foot 3 Wright Park PAGE 9 Access: By car, bus, bike or foot Distance: 0.9 miles (outside loop) 7 Bradley Lake Park PAGE 17 Terrain: Flat with gentle slopes Sole Searching PAGE 27 Surface: Gravel Distance: 0.8 mile loop When the Shoe Fits PAGE 28 Highlights: Historic status Terrain: Flat, wooded conservatory, play equipment, Surface: Paved Recommended Viewing PAGE 29 lawn bowling Highlights: Fishing, play equipment, Contact Names, Phone and Web PAGE 30 Start: Many locations along pathway walk around lake, picnic tables Access: By car, bus, bike or foot Start: 531 31st Ave SE parking area Ideas to Increase Active Living Environments P31 Access: By car, bike, or foot Pierce County Map Inside back cover 1 – Point Defiance Park, Tacoma NORTH 54TH STREET AT NORTH PEARL STREET, TACOMA 5 sights & sound Point Defiance Park, Tacoma The U.S. Congress first permitted public use of Point Defiance in 1888 when it was a military reservation. Visitors came by streetcar to stroll the new gardens and dense forest. Today the 702-acre park offers a long list of opportunities for public enjoyment. About two million people visit every year, drawn by old-growth forest, saltwater beaches and spectacular views of Puget Sound. Lace up your boots or walking shoes and experience the best of South Sound at your pace. Point Defiance – a Tacoma treasure. ACCESS POINT North 54th Street at North Pearl Street, Tacoma. bring the camera FACILITIES Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, While just about come saturday Many viewpoints provide opportunities to relax, picnic beach access, boat launch, kayak rentals, any day is a great time and take pictures Fort Nisqually, picnic shelters, playground, to visit, the outer loop of Puget Sound, parking, restrooms. of Five Mile Drive is the Cascade and closed to motor vehicles Olympic mountain FEES Admission and rental information available at metroparkstacoma.org every Saturday until ranges, Tacoma 1 p.m. Visitors can Narrows and HOURS One half hour before sunrise to walk, jog or bicycle Narrows Bridge, one half hour after sunset. along the scenic drive Vashon Island with no interference and Gig Harbor. MORE INFORMATION from cars. metroparkstacoma.org 6 2– Ruston Way DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT TACOMA 7 the bay sceneRuston Way, Tacoma Panoramic views of Commencement Bay, Vashon Island, the Olympic Mountains and Northeast Tacoma greet visitors to Ruston Way. The two-mile stretch of scenic waterfront is a great place for walking, jogging, and rollerblading. Go solo, with a mate, or canine friend. Fishing enthusiasts can find a place to drop their lines at the Les Davis Pier. Public art projects, picnic tables, benches and grassy areas add to the scene and make Ruston Way “the place to be” for healthy outdoor activity. ACCESS POINTS Jack Hyde Park on Commencement Bay, Old Town Park, "Take a two-mile walk every Hamilton Park, Dickman Mill Park, Les Davis morning before breakfast." Pier, Cummings Park, Marine Park and other start here – Harry Truman locations en route. Located on the water’s edge in (giving advice on how to live to the Old Town area, Jack Hyde be 80 on his 80th birthday) FACILITIES Two miles of paved walkways, picnic tables and grills, grassy play areas, Park on Commencement Bay fishing pier, diving steps, beach access, was renamed in honor of the kayak/canoe ramp, public art, parking former Tacoma mayor and spaces, restrooms.