Pierce County Travel Guide

Washington

This is a great place to picnic and to stretch your legs on a network of trails that meander amid wildflower meadows and around the small lake. For a bit of adventure, hike the Naches Peak Loop trail - only 3 miles long (4.8km) but with some stunning views of Mount Rainier. Also, nearby Upper Tipsoo Lake is popular for sunrise photos of the mountain.
This is a great place to picnic and to stretch your legs on a network of trails that meander amid wildflower meadows and around the small lake. For a bit of adventure, hike the Naches Peak Loop trail - only 3 miles long (4.8km) but with some stunning views of Mount Rainier. Also, nearby Upper Tipsoo Lake is popular for sunrise photos of the mountain.
Your reward for hiking 1400ft (426m) up Rampart Ridge is a great view of Mount Rainier and the forested Nisqually River valley. The hike is open year round, so you can get your Mount Rainier fix even in January! The loop is 4.6 miles (7.4km) long and departs from the Longmire parking lot.
Wildflowers skirt the road leading to Mount Rainier's highest visitor center (6400ft / 1950m). Some great hiking trails depart from here - the ones through the lush valley are quite tame, while others ascend nearby peaks for unique views of the mountain and it's glacier packed east slope. The road is only open about three months each year, and the visitor center even less, so plan you visit for July or August to take advantage of the nice facilities.
Stellar afternoon view of Sourdough Ridge and the Huckleberry Creek valley. This moderate hike starts at the Sunrise visitor center and climbs 400ft (120m) up the ridge, offering sweeping views to the north and south before descending into a lush valley and back to the parking lot.

Popular cities in Pierce County

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbour and a marina
Tacoma
Known for Shopping, Theatres and Live music
Visit Tacoma to see stunning glass art and excellent museums. Explore nearby majestic Mount Rainier or a large urban park on Puget Sound.

Reasons to visit

  • Tacoma Dome
  • Museum of Glass
  • LeMay Car Museum
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Crystal Mountain Ski Area featuring mountains, a gondola and landscape views
Enumclaw
Known for Mountains, Skiing and Live music
Trip time! Discover the mountains, skiing and local cuisine in romantic Enumclaw.

Reasons to visit

  • Crystal Mountain Resort
  • Crystal Mountain
  • Miner's Basin
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Ashford featuring hiking or walking as well as an individual male
Ashford
Known for Nature, Natural parks and Dining
Use Ashford as a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, which features snowcapped mountains, glacier-fed waterfalls and spectacular douglas fir and cedar forests.

Reasons to visit

  • Mount Rainier
  • Longmire Museum
  • Mowich Lake
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Eatonville
Eatonville
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Excursions
Escape to quaint Eatonville! Enjoy its hiking, dining and parks.

Reasons to visit

  • Tanwax Lake
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Lakebay
Lakebay
Known for Islands, Beaches and Boating
Get away to Lakebay! Enjoy the hiking, beaches and camping.

Reasons to visit

  • Penrose Point State Park
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Gig Harbor featuring forests, a marina and a coastal town
Gig Harbor
Known for Ports, Dining and Family-friendly
Dine in fine restaurants, take a harbor tour and enjoy many cultural activities while visiting this charming town on Puget Sound.
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