Point Defiance Park is a few miles west of Dash Point State Park in Tacoma, Washington. It’s also minutes away from Vashon Island via a quick ferry ride. Meanwhile, Gig Harbor sits near the northwest on the Kitsap Peninsula.
See more trip photos here.
Point Defiance Park at a Glance
Access: Mildred Street (park info)
Round Trip: 10.7 miles
Elevation Range: 150′-300′
Essential Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-friendly: yes
Playlist: Ethereal
Hiking Near Point Defiance Zoo
I remember a guy I met online 25 years ago suggesting a date at this park. But at the time, I thought it was a terrible idea before I became interested in the outdoors. Here I was. Who would’ve thought I’d be at the spot I’d rejected decades earlier?
Connor and I started before sunrise and explored nearly every inch of the massive trail network. But to be out of everyone’s hair, we began from the neighborhood street south of the main entrance. The hidden path took us straight into the woods by the street lamps.
See more trip photos here.
Mountaineer Tree in Point Defiance Park
I’d seen photos of the prominent memorial tree and was excited to see it. But beforehand, we strolled past the Rhododendron Garden above South Owen’s Beach. The tiny openings offered constant views of the Dalco Passage and the Olympic Mountains.
Hugging the rim, we went above the main beach before reaching Vashon Viewpoint. Soon, a sign beside a tall tree off the road marked the 450-year-old attraction. The interpretive sign gave a brief backstory of the tall Douglas fir; it was impressive.
See more trip photos here.
Fort Nisqually Near the Park’s High Point
Hiking atop the cliffs while working the inner trails, we passed two more overlooks before Narrows Viewpoint. Small clearings en route also offered views of the 73-year-old suspension bridge. Soon, we went over the park’s high point down to Fort Nisqually.
After reading the interpretive signs, I wanted to return later without Connor. We then picked up the rest of the trails past the off-leash park and greeted a few pups. It was a short, quiet stroll from atop Salmon Beach to the main road and back to the car.
See more trip photos here.