Get Outside

Garfield gulch exists in a sort of limbo between inaccessible wilderness and managed natural area. Of all the north end gulches, this one’s probably had the roughest history. Not only was it heavily logged like the rest of Tacoma, but a huge portion of it was actually filled in and built over. If you’ve ever wondered why there’s a four block gap in N. 7th St., it’s because that’s where the gulch used to be. The only evidence left is a slight dip in elevation. Read More

Despite this being a properly maintained trail that actually exists on most maps, it’s still very lightly used compared to other nearby trails in Point Defiance. It’s more of a shortcut than a standalone trail but the shortcut it provides is the real fun part that makes it worth mentioning. Most beach walkers start at the more popular Owen Beach. This puts you out more than half a mile closer to the point. Read More

Of all the trails in this collection, this one is probably the most well known. Nonetheless, you won’t find any useful trail maps online and the park itself is hidden in a neighborhood with no signage on the main road. The land was previously owned by the Kobayashi family who donated it to the city when they moved to Japan. The picnic shelters next to the parking lot are the hollowed out remnants of their home. Read More

While most of us think first of The Humane Society when it comes to a lost pet, what's someone in Tacoma to do when they find a more unusual critter in need of help? Read More

Ever have one of those moments when you want to just give it all up and take to the sea? Jim and Stephanie Sutherlin of Life at Six Knots know how you feel. In 2016 they sold their house in California, bought a boat, and started a new life on the Puget Sound. Read More

If you were asked to name five Pacific Northwest animals, what would you come up with? For a lot of us, salmon, bald eagles, and orcas might be at the top of the list. Of course there are many more animals in the evergreen forests all around us, some endemic, some widespread. Read More

Head down to the Point Defiance area and you'll find construction happening all over the place. Between multiple projects going on at the zoo and aquarium, and a major overhaul of the Point Defiance/Ruston connection (more below) there's plenty to see. Read More