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Swan Creek Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 851 Google reviews · Running trail in Tacoma, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Swan Creek Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park with trails for walking & mountain biking, a community garden, wooded canyon & upland forests.
What runners say about Swan Creek Park
“And we planted a beautiful Japanese maple up the creek a ways, so if you find it, please water it and place a rock at the base to signal you've been there too!”
Best rock hunting ever. My husband found the biggest agate I've ever seen, two separate times!!! And we planted a beautiful Japanese maple up the creek a ways, so if you find it, please water it and place a rock at the base to signal you've been there too!
I've been here a few times and each time me and my family are able to do something different. I love this park/hiking area. It's very peaceful. The birds, the trees, the random flowers oh and I saw an orange 🦎. Along with a beautiful hummingbird. Definitely a place to check out.
Second time coming here for nature and walking. I love how big this park is. So many trails to walk on. And there's a creek, hence the name. I love the off beaten paths and trails that are riddled with ferns and fallen trees. Gives off the impression that you're deep in the woods and not in a neighborhood park.
If you're looking for a getaway into Washington's mossy, magical forests, but don't have time to drive three hours east or west into our state or national parks, may I recommend Swan Creek? This is a park with plenty to do for those who love to get active outdoors.
Trail conditions & character
“And we planted a beautiful Japanese maple up the creek a ways, so if you find it, please water it and place a rock at the base to signal you've been there too!”
“Mountain biking paths, kids interactive play area and an off-leash dog run.”
“It was a pretty steep hike in areas for her but she did well for never having been down anything like that.”
“A single dirt trail takes you next to the creek.”
“Don't leave anything valuable in your car though, very sus parking lot.”
“There's a section with plenty of paved trails for those who aren't into the occasional mud, and a community garden with folks working on their crops whenever the weather is nice.”
Plan your run at Swan Creek Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteparkstacoma.gov
- Phone+1 253-305-1000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
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