Pierce County, WA

Washington

This is a great place to picnic and to stretch your legs on a network of trails that meander amid wildflower meadows and around the small lake. For a bit of adventure, hike the Naches Peak Loop trail - only 3 miles long (4.8km) but with some stunning views of Mount Rainier. Also, nearby Upper Tipsoo Lake is popular for sunrise photos of the mountain.
This is a great place to picnic and to stretch your legs on a network of trails that meander amid wildflower meadows and around the small lake. For a bit of adventure, hike the Naches Peak Loop trail - only 3 miles long (4.8km) but with some stunning views of Mount Rainier. Also, nearby Upper Tipsoo Lake is popular for sunrise photos of the mountain.
Your reward for hiking 1400ft (426m) up Rampart Ridge is a great view of Mount Rainier and the forested Nisqually River valley. The hike is open year round, so you can get your Mount Rainier fix even in January! The loop is 4.6 miles (7.4km) long and departs from the Longmire parking lot.
Wildflowers skirt the road leading to Mount Rainier's highest visitor center (6400ft / 1950m). Some great hiking trails depart from here - the ones through the lush valley are quite tame, while others ascend nearby peaks for unique views of the mountain and it's glacier packed east slope. The road is only open about three months each year, and the visitor center even less, so plan you visit for July or August to take advantage of the nice facilities.
Stellar afternoon view of Sourdough Ridge and the Huckleberry Creek valley. This moderate hike starts at the Sunrise visitor center and climbs 400ft (120m) up the ridge, offering sweeping views to the north and south before descending into a lush valley and back to the parking lot.

Popular cities in Pierce County

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbor and a marina
Tacoma
Known for Shopping, Theaters and Live music
Visit Tacoma to see stunning glass art and excellent museums. Explore nearby majestic Mount Rainier or a large urban park on Puget Sound.

Reasons to visit

  • Tacoma Dome
  • Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
  • Washington State Fair Events Center
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Gig Harbor featuring forests, a coastal town and a marina
Gig Harbor
Known for Ports, Dining and Family-friendly
Dine in fine restaurants, take a harbor tour and enjoy many cultural activities while visiting this charming town on Puget Sound.

Reasons to visit

  • Kopachuck State Park
  • Rocky Creek Conservation Area
  • Skansie Brothers Park
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Ashford which includes hiking or walking as well as an individual male
Ashford
Known for Nature, Natural parks and Dining
Use Ashford as a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, which features snowcapped mountains, glacier-fed waterfalls and spectacular douglas fir and cedar forests.

Reasons to visit

  • Mount Rainier
  • Sunrise Visitor Center
  • Paradise Loop
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Sun setting over Mt Rainier at Tipsoo lake in Mt Rainier national park in Washington
Enumclaw
Known for Mountains, Skiing and Live music
Trip time! Discover the mountains, skiing, and local cuisine in romantic Enumclaw.

Reasons to visit

  • Crystal Mountain
  • Crystal Mountain Resort
  • Mud Mountain Dam Park
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Man Made Lake Tapps on a beautiful summer day in Bonney Lake Washington
Bonney Lake
Check out the local area in Bonney Lake—home to attractions like Lake Tapps and Regal Tall Firs.

Reasons to visit

  • Lake Tapps
  • Regal Tall Firs
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Expansive purple tulip field, spring's vivid tapestry
Sumner
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Coffee
Experience the local cuisine, festivals, and golf in Sumner!
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