The Foothills Trail

Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail - 1.6 paved trail system in South Hill Park, Puyallup

Chambers Creek Trail - 1.5 miles one way; natural surface

'This is a well-traveled trail in a mature forest, just minutes from the I-5 corridor south of Tacoma. This trail is rough and steep. It's not advisable in wet weather but when it is dry you can follow it to the top. Along this steep climb up the shoulder of the creek ravine, listen for the forests birds and chattering squirrels. Several side trail drop down toward the stream. The first leads to a clearing by the bay, the second to a high viewpoint over clear, rushing Chambers Creek.' More on Chambers Creek Properties.

• How to Get There: From 1-5 northbound, take exit 119 and head north on the Dupont-Steilacoom Hwy. Follow Chambers Creek Road to just before it crosses Chambers Bay. Look on the right for a pullout and sign posted footpath into the forest. Limited Parking. From I-5 southbound, take exit 129. Go west on 74th Street then go another 1.2 miles and turn right onto Steilacoom Blvd. Follow it into the town of Steilacoom. Turn right on Main Street, the turn right again onto Lafayette Street. Look on the left for a pullout and sign posted footpath into the forest. Limited Parking.

Cushman Powerline Trail - Reed Rd & 28th St, Gig Harbor

The Cushman Powerline Trail is approximately 2 ½ miles of non-motorized public trail from 14th Ave. NW to the Kimball Drive Park and Ride Lot in Gig Harbor. The trail will occupy the land adjacent to or under the Cushman Power line which is generally used by Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) maintenance vehicles.

The Trail will be a 16 ft wide paved asphalt pedestrian route exclusively for non-motorized uses. A trailhead with parking for 12 cars will be located at 14th Ave. NW. The Gig Harbor Rotary Club will assist Pierce County and the City of Gig Harbor in providing trail improvements such as bike racks, benches and picnic tables.

Lake Tapps Park - 3 miles with undeveloped and natural surface.

Take a stroll after swimming or water skiing through pathways of trees and underbrush that entwine throughout Lake Tapps Park. This popular swimming, boat launch area in North Pierce County has several different trails that each lead back to the lake. Remember to bring your walking or water shoes for the undeveloped natural covering can be sharp to wet, bare feet.

• How to Get There: From SR 167 follow SR 410 through Sumner. Take the 166th Ave East exit and head north (left) on 166th. Stay on Sumner Tapps Hwy as it bends east (right) and turns into 16th St. East. Then it will bend north and turn into 182nd Ave E. Turn right on 9th Street East which bends gradually and turns into 12th St. East. Turn right on 198th Ave East and go approximately 1 block to park entrance. Summer per vehicle parking and boat fee charged.

Seeley Lake Park - 1.3 mile loop; graveled surface in Lakewood

Soundview Trail - Located in the northern part of the Chambers Creek Properties, Soundview Trail connects to both ends of Grandview Trail making the two trails walkable as a loop in University Place. This Trail is operated by Pierce County Public Works & Utilities www.piercecountywa.org/ccp.

South Hill Loop Trail - 1 mile paved, walking interpretive loop trail, Puyallup

Sunrise Beach - 1.5 miles with beach and natural surface in Peninsula.

'Stroll a forest path under moss-covered big leaf maples and 80 year-old Douglas firs, or climb a steep trail to small clearings that single out Mount Rainier and water views. This neighborhood beach park just outside Gig Harbor has a viewpoint trail and beach that continue down Sunrise Beach to the parking field. To hike the steep, viewpoint trail, return to the parking field and look on the north side against the hill for a trailhead sign. It is best to avoid this trail in wet weather because of its steep, hill-hugging ascents. For the gentle forest loop, look for trailheads (with limited parking) on both Moller Road and Sunrise Beach Road.' Take a Walk by Sue Muller Hacking

• How to Get There: From I-5 take exit 132 (SR 16 west, Gig Harbor). Follow SR 16 west over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Go 3.7 miles to Gig Harbor and the take the Pioneer Way exit. Go to the T junction at Harborview Drive and turn left, staying on Harborview as it veers right, hugging the water. At the T junction with Vernhardson St, turn right . Go to Crescent Valley Drive NW and turn left. Go 0.6 mile and turn right on Drummond Drive. Go 0.8 mile to the T junction at Moller Drive NW, jog right, then left onto Sunrise Beach Road at the Sunrise Beach Park sign. The road is narrow and winding.

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