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Puget Creek Natural Area
N Lawrence St &, Alder Way, Tacoma, WA 98407, United States
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Br
Review №1

Great place for a nice walk in nature. You can see owls and all kinds of wildlife there.

Ra
Review №2

Pretty area. Cool view of bridge. Trail is a lil stinky in areas though. Great for a run or stroll. Good stairs for added difficulty.

Te
Review №3

It is so peaceful and quiet here. I really enjoy it.

Ma
Review №4

A great, quiet little walk right through the middle of north Tacoma. You can turn right and head down to the waterfront or turn left and follow a lovely little trail. Check it out!

Da
Review №5

This park area is so secluded you would like that you were miles away from the city.

Ha
Review №6

Beautiful trail. Sometimes muddy. Note that it can be a bit steep and you need the right shoes. Also please protect out trails by using the provided constructed stairs and staying on trail! Thanks!

Ju
Review №7

Youd never know from the street what gem awaits! Great workout! Lots of stairs, I mean lots!

Ch
Review №8

The trail itself is perfect for high-speed mountain biking.

Be
Review №9

This is a great walk for seniors and children or if your wanting a light jog unders some shade. A beautiful arched trail, with peekaboo creeks and a beautiful architected bridge, sadly graffitied on. So the reason for the 2 stars is this place literally smells like sewage waste.

Ma
Review №10

One of the most scenic ways to get from Proctor to the Ruston Way waterfront. Some spots get (and stay) pretty muddy, and the area under the bridge can be a little sketchy, but mostly, its just a beautiful path that connects to the waterfront. Its also a fantastic way to add a little elevation gain to your waterfront walk or run.

Jo
Review №11

Amazing trail, Great for kids and families. Access from bottom is easier to get to but access is available from Puget Park.

Ha
Review №12

Lovely Park with steep trail to waterfront. Railings and steps could use some work but great for the nimble (I am not). Will try trail in drier weather again. Beautiful big maples, quiet...

Ka
Review №13

Stunning forested ravine walk.

Ch
Review №14

It is beautiful and peaceful. My wife and I saw a buck, which was nice.However, there is one drawback; it can smell like sewage due to the sewage pipes running through the creek (surprise!).

Ha
Review №15

Its a beautiful place to hike

Am
Review №16

We had so much fun a beautiful day and a more amazing walk .

Il
Review №17

ADORABLE SUPER FiND

ga
Review №18

Nice little park to stop and have lunch

Ab
Review №19

This is a great short walk for some nature refilling. It is too short for a good walk with animals.

Pa
Review №20

No restrooms. No shaded parking.

Ki
Review №21

Nice trails, nice scenery. The only drawback is the sewage smell, but considering that several blocks away is a sewage treatment plant, its not surprising. There are lots of sewage lines going throughout the park. Its an unfortunate truth about a number of parks in Tacoma, it seems theyre only there because of a sewage issue and its easier and less expensive to have a park there than to fix the problem.

Ha
Review №22

Fun adventure to do with kids.

Ca
Review №23

My car was broken into, purse stolen, while i walked in the trails. May 19th, 2020 between 8 and 9pm. Young, mixed dude. Had the nerve to walk back by too while i was cleaning up the glass.

Dr
Review №24

Wonderful nature trails, excellent running, walking and exploring. Good access to parking on all entrances, beautiful nature right in Tacoma

Jo
Review №25

The trees that fell during the winter storm have been cleared. There is a stretch of steps between the playground (on Proctor and 31st) and the bottom of the gulch that descends nearly 150 feet and may challenge some walkers, but there are benches along the way. The steps are mostly about 4 inches high except for one step formed by a tree root which around 12 inches tall. The trail becomes much easier after the descent and is a pleasant walk from Proctor district to the waterfront.Be aware that the trail goes along a creek bed, so parts can be pretty muddy depending on the recent weather.The trail feels pretty remote and isnt normally very busy, so it may be more enjoyable with a companion.

No
Review №26

A great local walk. It’s clean and easy to walk. Feels safe and not very busy on a Saturday

Se
Review №27

Beautiful piece of nature connecting two of the most desirable urban environments on Tacoma. Moderate hiking trail with good footing. The side trail that leads to Puget Park is fairly steep. On your way down dont miss the small access trails that lead to the creek! At the bottom of the trail it empties into a neighborhood with no sidewalks, so you have to walk about 200 meters along a street to reach Puget Sound.

Mu
Review №28

Neet little park with playground for the kids

Er
Review №29

Excellent place to be in the heart of the city but the feel of being in nature. So close yet so far!

La
Review №30

New poke stop and great hike.

Do
Review №31

Awesome walk/hike. Not too hard but a good way to get active in a beautiful setting.

An
Review №32

Well maintained, quick, and easy trail that almost makes you forget your in town.

No
Review №33

A great park and walking trail right off Proctor. I highly recommend this park to families with young children and this trail for everyone!

Co
Review №34

The playground is great for toddlers and preschoolers, unless you have a runner! No bathrooms. Preschoolers will enjoy hiking down the steps to the creek area, but it is not stroller friendly so bring a carrier or be prepared for a slow hike back up!

Da
Review №35

A nice downhill walk. Beautiful area. And about halfway down we spotted a beautiful barred owl. What a thrill!

Ky
Review №36

Beautiful area with plenty of trails and scenery

Mi
Review №37

I drove right by this place forever. Its very cool and well maintained. A real hidden gem!

Po
Review №38

Love this Park. Lots of birds. A little refuge from the busyness of the Waterfront, at one end, and Proctor Street at the other.

Ky
Review №39

Shaded playground which is amazing on hot days. Places to sit and eat on tables or grass. Grassy area is not ideal for ball sports as its sloped, but there is a great trail leading through a deep ravine to down to the water at Ruston way (comes out by the RAM).

Ja
Review №40

Great spot for a nature walk

Br
Review №41

I remember as a first grader with friends heading into the gulch now referred to a the Puget Creek Natural Area. Sadly with the fancy name come hypodermic needles, fences, and the smell of marijuana burning. No wonder parents feel its unsafe.Well as a first grader we and friends left our books after school and headed straight to the gulch to discover what was behind that rock or could a camp be built on the side of the side of that cliff or or up in that tree. I think as a good parent today would encourage this same behavior and reward it by telling the kids how proud of them you are.So in second grade we collected insects. I would buy carbontetrachloride at Faulkners Drug Store up at Proctor and Mr.Faulkner would carefully explain how to put the insects in the jar that contains cotton with a small amount of the carbontetrachloride on it. Further I was warned never to smell it and not to let anyone else. He then very carefully tore off butcher paper and string and began to wrap my purchase.Let me say this was sixty years ago and everyone used bags But when I got home and showed my mom and dad they both chuckled and said you went to Faulkners What did you buy...stuff to put bugs to sleep. My father said youll need a jar. Then asked what he sold me I said that I didnt remember so he called Mr. Faulkners and so as the story goes we put bugs insects butterflies anything we could think ofmounting and labeling to turn in to Mrs. Myersour second grade teacher at Nell Hoyt.In third grade it was hide and seek.Fourth grade building trails and camps....A few wars and tearing down others camps and building swings.Cant remember who broke their arm but some father went over board and cut the swing down that his son broke his arm swinging on.A new swing was up later.Fifth, sixth, seventh grades treehouses.Some quite fancy. One built on the edge of the gulch had electricity...a cord from the parents house.Of course eigth grade brought on an interest in girls and and The Gulch or Puget Creek Natural Area became less interesting.The older kids talked of trapping beaver and musk rat.By the way my son would walk down from the park to the entrance near Ruston Way when he was in second grade twelve years agoAnd also from the walking bridge down the gulch to Carr park where I would be having coffee.

Ma
Review №42

Its so peaceful here. Just minutes from the neighborhood and you think youre far away from civilization. The entire gulch has been restored with indinginous plants native to the North West.

Za
Review №43

Awesome trail, my dog loved it and the trail was very clean of other dogs poop. So very pleased with the trail etiquette.

Co
Review №44

Relaxing. Sounds of nature. Who could ask for more?.

Vi
Review №45

Lots of downed trees from the recent snow/wind.(Feb 28, 2019) The path has been mostly cleared, and the trees are ready to bud. All together a different walk from the summer, well worth a visit.

Ka
Review №46

I find this little park to be a hidden gem. The park is at the top of an uphill trail. Yake the kids to play at the park then, finish wearing them out with a hike to the waterfront.

Be
Review №47

Relatively well maintained trail established in an old creek bed. Some uphill and downhill walking, and depending on your entry point, may involve stairs.

Ch
Review №48

A very beautiful and scenic park all but hidden in Tacomas north end. A must see place for the avid hiker.

Am
Review №49

This was a fun short and easy hike for my little family.

Ma
Review №50

A beautiful hike!

Ta
Review №51

Where google maps sent me was someone’s house. Looked nice in theory but was not clear were to enter. Also no parking as far as I could tell.

j
Review №52

This is times I wish I a kid again. WOW what a cool place. Go and enjoy.

Ka
Review №53

A great natural area to walk through. Has a small picnic area and a gravel trail up to the park. Always interesting to see the restoration work.

Br
Review №54

This is a great little spot to get away from the citys hustle and bustle. Without having to take a vacation. The port-o-potty is convenient.

Je
Review №55

This place is terrible homeless people around there will vandalize your car while youre walking the trail I wouldnt recommend this to anybody

Mi
Review №56

A great playground for kids and a nice hiking trail for them as well.

Do
Review №57

Nice hike in the woods. Definitely will come back. Beautiful area surrounded this park

He
Review №58

This is a cute park! There is a small play structure with swings and slides and a great little walking trails through the forrest. With only one bench to sit on for the whole park, bring a blanket to sit on. Also, stay vigilant with younger Littles. The park is located on a flat part set in a long hill. At the top of the hill is a busy street and down the hill is the trail. If you do choose to sit on the grass in the shade (closest to the play structure), you will be sitting on a hill. If you choose to sit where it is more flat, you will be further away and in full sun.

Al
Review №59

Nice rec area, beware of glass and homeless under bridge.

Jo
Review №60

Simple park. Good area. Right down the road from a few restaurants and grocery stores.

Jo
Review №61

It was good but a bit musty smelling.

Da
Review №62

The meal and service were both very good.

ma
Review №63

Shady during the summer. Perfect.

Jo
Review №64

Fantastic urban hiking area with access to the water from from Proctor. A short walk and you feel like you left the city.

Jo
Review №65

Beautiful little patch of wilderness in the city!

Fr
Review №66

Its okay, lots of sewage outlets and bad smells

Da
Review №67

An easy trail to walk or run. its an urban frost and fun place to explore.

Du
Review №68

Great walking trail - havent used the playground though.

Ja
Review №69

Good neighborhood playground with play sets for both young children and older children.

B.
Review №70

I love this park! There is a playground off of Proctor and the gulch is an adventure in itself. I like to explore under the bridge.

Ra
Review №71

Awesome little neighborhood park. The gulch is a great walk down to the waterfront.

da
Review №72

Its absolutely beautiful and very nice ride.

Ri
Review №73

The true size of this park is hidden until you venture on the trail. If Im heading to Ruston way I park at Puget Creek Park and walk through the gorge to the water.

Br
Review №74

Great place to walk when its hot, all shade.

Ch
Review №75

This park is great in the summer because the trees shade all of the playground equipment.

He
Review №76

One the better parks around Tacoma, a great place to hang out below the tree line.

Gi
Review №77

Nice little park to take the kids for a picnic or a quick outing.

Li
Review №78

Lovely park

Ji
Review №79

Quiet place to eat food picked up at Met Mkt

Kr
Review №80

Loved it

Du
Review №81

The walk down to the waterfront is great.

Ze
Review №82

Little play ground for youngsters. Down the gulch is a world away from Tacoma. Passing under the Procter st bridge is a grand sight

Ju
Review №83

9/15/16 did the walk today - found that the steps going down to the main trail to ruston way was incredibly scary for us - 75 year olds that walk a lot - the drop offs on either side were a bit scary and the slippery steps with leaves and silt made for some dicy walking - at one point a huge step down and really nothing to hang onto -- coming back thought by looking at the map the the trail could come out onto proctor - well a fork in the road said that at one point we had already missed the proctor exit we were hoping for and appeared to end up in people backyards --- this was a lovely walk except for switch back/forth at the starting point in puget park - we are new to the area and would like to limit our driving and still find another route to ruston way other than 30th - we have done that one....we are near proctor and 28th - any ideas of an easier walk to ruston way?

So
Review №84

Great place for a short and challenging hike.

Ri
Review №85

Wonderful park and trails in the middle of a busy neighborhood, nice route to the waterfront

Ro
Review №86

Very nice, most often quiet place for a short hike.

Ro
Review №87

Nice place for hike

DA
Review №88

Nice place. Great part of Tacoma.

G
Review №89

Quaint and well kept little park and trails.

Sc
Review №90

Really cool step away from the city

Ta
Review №91

Great park for small kids. Only issue is no bathroom available!

Ar
Review №92

Love walking and hiking here!

ce
Review №93

This place was so fun, a beautiful place to escape reality or recreate it

Ja
Review №94

So beautiful

Da
Review №95

For fitness

Ri
Review №96

Beautiful

De
Review №97

Fun to explore!

Ch
Review №98

Beautiful pristine little slice of heaven

jo
Review №99

Nice area

Ka
Review №100

Wonderful park and walking path

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.5 Rating
  • Address:N Lawrence St &, Alder Way, Tacoma, WA 98407, United States
  • Site:http://www.metroparkstacoma.org/pugetcreek/
  • Phone:+1 253-305-1000
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
  • Park
Working hours
  • Monday:8am–6pm
  • Tuesday:8am–6pm
  • Wednesday:8am–6pm
  • Thursday:8am–6pm
  • Friday:8am–6pm
  • Saturday:8am–6pm
  • Sunday:8am–6pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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