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Mindful Outdoor Experience

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Mindful Outdoor Experience - Point Defiance Park

This is a mentored trip for my Urban Walk Leader badge. 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.

Contacts

Melissa Lanning
Melissa Lanning
Primary Leader
  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 4.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 400 ft
  • Pace: 2-2.5 mph
  • 10 (10 capacity)
  • 2 (2 capacity)
  • Mon, Mar 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM
  • Thu, Apr 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  • Cancellation & Refund Policy
  • iCal Google

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. Expect some mud and standing water on the trail, especially on the eastern side of the park. There are also some downed trees from recent storms.

Wear supportive, waterproof boots and pants that you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring your 10 Essentials, especially rain gear, and gaiters if you have them. I highly recommend trekking poles. We will hike rain or shine.

The trail includes viewpoints that 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 and connecting with the group. 

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 March 31. Registration closes on April 2. If you are new to the Mountaineers or do not have any similar activities on your profile, I may reach out to you to ask about your experience and readiness for this trip.

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

Route/Place

Point Defiance Park

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Wear supportive, waterproof boots and pants that you don’t mind getting muddy. Bring your rain gear and gaiters if you have them. I highly recommend trekking poles. 

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