3 Kid-Friendly Urban Hikes Around Tacoma

Our next walk, the Puget Creek Natural Area Trail, offers a woodsy-hike feel, right in the city. Begin this trail at the waterfront at Alder Way and Ruston Way and traverse a scant mile through an urban greenspace. You can also access the path on a spur trail that begins at North 31st Street and North Proctor Street, where there’s a playground (Puget Park) with a parking lot. (If you think your crew won’t make it to the trail if they see the playground first, start your walk from the waterfront access point.) You’ll walk less than a mile in either direction, but note the hill climb of 238 feet is close to the Proctor spur, with stairs, making it tricky, but not impossible, for rugged strollers.

“Puget Creek Natural Area contains one of the few salmon-spawning creeks remaining within the Tacoma city limits,” notes Northwest hiking expert Craig Romano. “Hike alongside it through tunnels of cottonwoods and maples to a beautiful historic art deco bridge. Best of all, the area feels remote despite just being minutes from the city’s bustling waterfront.”

Enjoy the serenity of this wooded area by spending a few minutes on one of the many benches placed alongside the trail.

Grab the kiddos’ imagination by telling them gold was found here in 1891 — though it’s probably not worth encouraging them to dig for more. Ask them to spot the baby salmon in the stream.

Tip: For more hikes around Tacoma, consult Romano’s book “Urban Trails Tacoma.”

Next up: Wilson Way