5 Reasons Why Tacoma's Point Defiance Park is a Destination

5 Reasons Why Tacoma's Point Defiance Park is a Destination

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Most people not from the Pacific Northwest, or even Washington are aware of Point Defiance Park. As a 760-acre destination for locals and travelers alike, it’s one of the nations largest urban parks and provides the residents of Tacoma a sanctuary from frantic city life. 

 

Point Defiance originally began as a military reservation in the 1840’s and and in 1888 President Grover Cleveland authorized its use as a public park for all to enjoy. The park includes a fully operational zoo and aquarium, the Rhododendron and Rose Garden, beaches, endless trails, a 5-mile loop for biking and walking and even a ferry launch for Vashon Island. 


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Also inside Point Defiance lies Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Fort Nisqually was a key fur trading post originally located in what is now Dupont Washington. The Granary along with the Factor’s House was relocated from Dupont to Point Defiance in the 1930’s. Unfortunately the rest of the Fort was not in a condition worthy of relocating. Visitors can now take tours today and stand inside Washington State’s first building, the Granary, built in 1843. 


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As a regular to Point Defiance, I find the park greatest appeal lies in it’s over 400 acres of old growth forest and ample views of the Puget Sound from the Dalco Passage Viewpoint that overlooks Gig Harbor and vast amounts of commercial and leisure boats and ships. The park is well known for being home to many bald eagles that circle the Tacoma Narrows keeping a watchful eye over the salmon runs passing through. Often seen on walks are raccoons, mule deer, foxes, woodpeckers and squirrels. Point Defiance even has one of the prettiest dog parks around, surrounded by towering evergreen trees. 

 

Built in 1914, there is also a Pagoda that surrounds the Japanese Garden. Originally it was a streetcar station for visitors to the park, but has gone through changes as transportation and tourism needs changed with the times. Today the Pagoda and many areas around the park are often used for special events like weddings and receptions. 

 

Lastly, if kayaking or beach going is your kind of activity, Owen Beach recently re-opened with brand new facilities allowing kayakers the ability to launch from the beach out onto the Puget Sound. The beach is often popular for fishing as Chinook Salmon are often caught when bald eagles haven’t already pulled them from the water. 

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If you’re looking for a truly memorable outdoor experience, and you’re considering making the Tacoma area your home, I cannot overstate the beauty, serenity and history that Point Defiance offers as a refuge for both humans and wildlife alike. 

 

If you have any questions about real estate, Tacoma, Gig Harbor or Pierce County, or are thinking about entering the market, please text or call (206) 643-8845 or register with me at https://erikmolzen.bhhsnw.com/

Location: Tacoma, WA, USA

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