May GoHike Urban Walk: 3 to 5.5 miles, 300 to 1,250 feet gain (optional) - Point Defiance Park

We will be doing the Outer Loop (dark blue trail) clockwise to the Rhododendron Garden, then cutting back to the starting point via the Inside Loop (yellow trail). We will make a few stops along the route, including the restrooms at the northern end of the loop near the Gig Harbor viewpoint, and at the Mountaineers Tree. The viewpoints offer sweeping views of the south sound and the nearby islands. This amazing urban park is a great nature oasis, and I encourage you to tune into the quiet of the forest. A trail map is available on the MetroParks website here: https://www.parkstacoma.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PtDef_2024-TrailMap-14x8.5-web.pdf

My walk style is social, nature-focused, and collaborative. We will take breaks when needed and encourage going at a pace where you can still talk. I will be slow on the downhills. The group will stay together, and re-gather at all road crossings and trail intersections. 

Please feel free to bring a charged phone and take pictures but refrain from taking or making phone calls while on the trail unless absolutely necessary.

Further details will be sent out in a Hello Walker email on May 28. Registration closes on May 29.

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum parking lot, at the picnic shelter at 8:45AM for a start at 9AM. 5519 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407