The best walks and hikes around Spanaway
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Hiking around Spanaway, Washington, offers diverse natural landscapes characterized by lush greenery and rolling hills. The region features accessible parks and trails, including areas around Spanaway Creek and Spanaway Lake. These natural settings provide a peaceful backdrop for outdoor activities, with well-maintained paths suitable for various fitness levels.
Best hiking trails around Spanaway
- The most popular hiking route is Puyallup Loop Trail — Clark's Creek Park, an easy 3.8 miles (6.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to complete, offering accessible paths within the wider region.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Fort Steilacoom Park loop — Lakewood, an easy 4.0 miles (6.4 km) path. This route features well-maintained trails through a park setting.
- Local hikers also love the Wapato Lake Trail loop — Wapato Park, a 1.5 miles (2.4 km) trail leading through a tranquil park, often completed in about 36 minutes.
- Hiking around Spanaway is defined by lush greenery, rolling hills, and waterfront views. The network offers options primarily for easy ability levels, with routes suitable for various outdoor activities.
- The routes in Spanaway are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from over 1 review. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Spanaway's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
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4
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3.82km
01:05
80m
80m
Clark's Creek Trail in Puyallup, Washington, offers a delightful and easy urban escape, perfect for a quick refresh. This 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike features a gentle 275 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. You'll follow a pleasant gravel path through city parks, enjoying views and discovering a magical spot with wooden swings over the water.
As a popular multi-use trail, it's generally accessible, though specific parking details aren't provided, expect street parking or small lots near park entrances. The trail is enjoyable in all seasons, but visiting in the fall offers the unique chance to observe salmon swimming upstream near the historical Puyallup fish hatchery.
This trail is a local gem, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature within an urban setting. Its multi-use nature makes it suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike, providing a green corridor through the city.
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7.09km
01:54
80m
80m
The Fort Steilacoom Perimeter Loop offers an easy 4.4 miles (7.1 km) hike through a variety of landscapes. You will gain a gentle 256 feet (78 metres) in elevation, completing the route in about 1 hours and 53 minutes. As you walk, you can enjoy views of Waughop Lake and pass through groves of native Garry Oaks, experiencing a mix of woodlands, open fields, and prairie lands.
Planning your visit to Fort Steilacoom Park is straightforward, as you do not need a parking pass. The park provides ample parking, and you will find convenient amenities like restrooms and picnic shelters available. This trail is accessible year-round, making it a great choice for a spontaneous outdoor adventure whenever you are in the area.
This loop is notable for its diverse natural environment, showcasing the varied ecosystems within the park. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains from the open hillsides. The trail's blend of natural beauty and accessibility makes it a popular option for a relaxing hike.
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2.51km
00:39
20m
20m
The Orange Gate Park Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through a natural woodland setting, perfect for a quick escape. You'll wander beneath towering Douglas firs and past tranquil wetlands, experiencing a peaceful environment rich in natural beauty. This 1.6-mile (2.5 km) loop has a gentle 67 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, making it a very accessible option for all skill levels.
Planning your visit requires a quick check on current park conditions, as some sections of Orangegate Park are undergoing development and may be closed until 2027, with Orangegate South reopening in summer 2025. The trail is multi-use, welcoming hikers, dog walkers, and even horse riders. Parking is available at the trailhead, and the entire route can be completed in about 39 minutes, making it ideal for a short outing.
This park, historically named for the orange gate that marked its entrance when owned by the State Department of Natural Resources, provides a vital green space. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting due to its diverse wetlands and streams. The Orange Gate Park Loop also connects to the longer Pipeline Trail, offering options for extended adventures if you're looking to explore more of the area.
1.41km
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10m
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Hike the easy 0.9-mile Spanaway Lake Trail in Spanaway Park for pleasant lake views and a peaceful, family-friendly outdoor experience.
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6.09km
01:41
100m
100m
If you're looking for an easy hiking experience that packs a lot of natural beauty into a short distance, the Puyallup Loop Trail is a fantastic option. This 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route, with a gentle 328 feet (100 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a varied landscape of forested lands, creek beds, and even gardens. You'll enjoy comfortable soft-surface paths that meander alongside Clarks Creek, offering glimpses of riparian habitat and opportunities for wildlife spotting, all completable in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is generally considered easy and suitable for all fitness levels. While it's a great year-round option, spring, summer, and fall offer the most pleasant conditions. Be aware that some sections can be steep, and the trail may get muddy during the wetter winter months. Dogs are permitted, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion along for the adventure.
What makes this trail truly stand out is its clever design, connecting seven other existing trail systems within Puyallup, including the Clark Creek Trail and Silver Creek Trail. This interconnectedness allows you to explore a wide array of urban green spaces and natural environments. Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, woodpeckers, and even salmon or trout in Clarks Creek, especially near the notable heron rookery.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Spanaway
Tips from the Community
Nice quick hike. Start at Decorsey Park across 7th St for a little extra distance
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Clarks Creek is a small creek that makes its way through Clark's Creek Park. There are several trails that cut across the creak and give you good views of the water.
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This 4-mile-long trail forms a loop connecting Clark's Creek Park, Dead Man's Pond, Brown Community Garden Park, Silver Creek Open Space, and Meeker Creek Open Space. It features well-shaded, soft-surface trails with ample opportunities to extend your hike onto other trails and enjoy picturesque views of Clark's Creek.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Spanaway?
While komoot lists a few specific routes directly in the Spanaway area, the region offers numerous accessible parks and trails. These include local gems like Spanaway Park and Bresemann Forest, as well as nearby options such as Puyallup Loop Trail — Clark's Creek Park and Fort Steilacoom Park loop — Lakewood, providing a variety of options for hikers.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Spanaway?
Yes, Spanaway is well-suited for family outings. Many trails, such as the Wapato Lake Trail loop — Wapato Park, are easy and feature well-maintained paths through tranquil park settings. These routes are generally short and have minimal elevation gain, making them enjoyable for all ages.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Spanaway?
Many parks and trails in the Spanaway area are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. For example, Spanaway Park and Bresemann Forest are popular spots where you can enjoy a walk with your canine companion. Always check specific park regulations before heading out.
Are there any circular hiking routes around Spanaway?
Yes, several trails in the wider Spanaway region are circular, offering convenient loops for hikers. Examples include the Fort Steilacoom Park loop — Lakewood and the Wapato Lake Trail loop — Wapato Park, which allow you to start and end at the same point.
Where can I find parking for hiking trails in Spanaway?
Most major parks and trailheads in the Spanaway area, such as Spanaway Park, Bresemann Forest, and other local parks like Coffie Creek Park and Wyndam Ranch Park, offer dedicated parking facilities. These are generally well-marked and accessible.
What is the best time of year to hike in Spanaway?
Spanaway's mild and pleasant climate allows for year-round enjoyment of its outdoor offerings. Spring and fall bring vibrant colors and comfortable temperatures, while summer is ideal for enjoying waterfront activities at Spanaway Lake. Even winter offers opportunities for peaceful walks amidst the lush greenery.
Are there any less crowded hiking trails near Spanaway?
For a more secluded experience, consider exploring the trails within Bresemann Forest. This 70-acre naturally wooded site offers pedestrian nature trails along Spanaway Creek, providing a serene escape that feels far from the city. You can find more information about Bresemann Forest at piercecountywa.gov.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see on hikes in Spanaway?
The lush natural landscapes around Spanaway, including areas like Bresemann Forest and Spanaway Park, are home to various local wildlife. Hikers might spot diverse bird species, small mammals, and aquatic life along Spanaway Creek and Spanaway Lake, especially during quieter times of day.
What can I see along the hiking trails in Spanaway?
Many trails in the Spanaway area offer scenic views of lush greenery, rolling hills, and waterfront vistas. You can explore natural features like Spanaway Creek in Bresemann Forest or enjoy the expansive views of Spanaway Lake from Spanaway Park. Nearby attractions also include several beautiful lakes such as Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park and Wapato Lake.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Spanaway?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience around Spanaway, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Hikers often praise the area's accessible paths, tranquil park settings, and the peaceful escape offered by its lush natural landscapes and waterfront views.
Are there options for more challenging hikes near Spanaway?
While the immediate Spanaway area primarily features easy trails, its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park offers access to a vast network of more adventurous and challenging hiking experiences. For serious hikers seeking significant elevation gain and rugged terrain, Mount Rainier provides breathtaking views and diverse trails.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails in Spanaway?
Many of the local parks in Spanaway, including parts of Spanaway Park and other community parks, feature well-maintained, paved, or compacted gravel paths that are suitable for wheelchairs. These trails often provide easy access to scenic views and recreational areas.
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