Stroll Along the Paved Trails of the Gig Harbor Area
Are you looking for outdoor exercise on perfectly paved trails? The Gig Harbor area offers picture-book PNW scenery along a plethora of paved paths, ideal for all! Whether you’re looking for a smooth surface to run with your stroller or to safely skate along, there’s something here to fit everyone’s needs: bikes, trikes, wheelchairs, skateboards, hoverboards and more! Many of these trails are also located in parks or along paths with options for a more rugged terrain if you’re hoping for some variety! And if that’s more your speed, check out our Ultimate Guide to Hikes near the Harbor!
Cushman Trail – Gig Harbor
This 6.2-mile trails runs North to South in Gig Harbor. If the 6 mile course on this Cushman Trail Map in not long enough for you, this trail’s convenient location allows you to continue your workout across the Tacoma Narrows bridge to take in the victorious view!
Highlights:
5 restrooms along trail
4 onsite parking locations
Pedestrian and bike trail
Nearly 6.2 miles with mixed grades
16-ft wide pervious pavement with 4-ft gravel shoulders
Seating along trail
Emergency Locater Signage every ½ mile of trail with corresponds to GPS locations
Chambers Bay Loop Trail – University Place
A combination of the Grandview Trail with the beachfront Soundview Trail creates a 3.25 mile loop with some serious incline. You can even add a little more distance with the half-mile Central Meadow Inner Loop or the .75 mile Outer Loop near the temporary off-leash area. The walk around the golf course at Chambers Creek Regional Park adds to the scenery with views of Chambers Bay and the beautifully maintained golf course.
Highlights:
3.2 Miles with incline
All trails are paved and ADA friendly
315 elevation gain
Coast and wildlife
Mountain Views
Golf Course View
Dogs allowed on Leash (off leash park nearby)
Playground along loop
Point Defiance Loop Trail - Tacoma
You’ll have to explore this beautiful 4.2-mile loop trail yourself to see why it’s so popular! As you weave through the forest you can feast your eyes on the amazing Puget Sound views. This well-marked and moderately challenging route is a fit for the whole family, as long as Fido stays on a leash! If time permits, enjoy the historic Fort Nisqually, one of the many great picnic spots, or the zoo and aquarium near the parking lot at the start. Please check their trail construction map to plan your route!
Highlights:
4.2 miles length
Family friendly
Beaches and Forest
Picnic Shelters
Restrooms – wheel-chair accessible
Dogs on leash
Current Construction
Ruston Way Waterfront - Tacoma
Your whole family will love this 6.5-mile, round-trip stroll along the Tacoma Waterfront with breathtaking views of water and Mount Rainier. It’s convenient location provides access from Jack Hyde Park to Point Defiance Park, passing through Judge Jack Tanner Park along the way. It is also near the Chinese Reconciliation Park and the Fuzhou Ting.
Highlights:
Dogs on leash
Kid-friendly
Stroller-friendly
Wheelchair-friendly
Beaches and views
Access to other connecting trails
Waughop Lake Loop - Lakewood
This 1.1-mile loop trail circles the lake at the beautiful Fort Steilacoom Park. It’s a generally easy loop, taking an average of 19 min to complete. If you are looking to add more of a challenge, there are many unpaved trails in the park, as well as a dedicated 5k running route. Dogs on a leash are welcome!
Highlights:
Access to other connecting trails
Expansive Trail System
Castle playground
Sports fields (baseball, softball, and soccer)
Permanent orienteering course
Drone/RC flight area
Off-Leash Dog Park
Picnic Shelters, gazebos and benches
Year-round bathrooms
Free Parking
South Kitsap Regional Park – Port Orchard
This large park is surrounded by a beautifully lush forest with plenty to do for the entire family. Most of the trails are unpaved, but perfect for a rugged stroller. There are 2 paved trails at the park that will help you get your exercise on with any type of wheels.
Highlights:
3 ballfields (baseball, softball and multi-use)
Playground
Horseshoe pits
Picnic area
Hiking trails
Skate Park
Interactive Forest Explorer Trail near the playground (unpaved)
Large parking lot
Restrooms
Port Orchard Waterfront – Port Orchard
If you’re looking for a shorter stroll along the water and near some shopping, dining and exploring, this 1.5 mile (round trip) scenic paved path along the Sinclair Inlet is perfect for you! Between Bay Street and the Port Orchard Marina Observation Deck, you will pass through Rockwell Park and Port of Bremerton Marina Park.
Highlights:
Playground
Waterview
Picnic Shelter
Parking
Restrooms
Dogs welcome on leash
Foothills National Recreation Trail – Puyallup to Buckley
The Foothills National Recreation Trail that was once a railway is now a popular 22-mile-long trail and commuter route. It’s convenient 12-foot-wide non-motorized asphalt trail is accommodating for bicycles, in-line skates, wheelchairs, horseback riders and those on foot. The trail begins in the City of Puyallup and extends through the Puyallup Valley, Orting, South Prairie and terminates at the White River in Buckley. You can enjoy intermittent Mt. Rinier and river views with a mix of scenic nature on this friendly commuter path!
Highlights:
Wheelchair accessibility
Toilet at each trailhead
Dogs welcome on leash
Plenty of parking destinations along the trail
Here’s hoping these pleasantly paved trails provides you with all the outdoor exploration and exercise you desire! If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us.
