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Tacoma Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 817 Google reviews · Running trail in Tacoma, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Tacoma Nature Center'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.
A 71-acre tract of wetlands & forest around Snake Lake, featuring trails & a visitors center.
What runners say about Tacoma Nature Center
“There's also reptiles on display inside the Center and a small gift shop, and clean bathrooms with a step stool for kids at the sink.”
“Never would you expect to see such gorgeous and captivating scenery right in the heart of north Tacoma.”
We've been here so many times over the years - for birthday parties, preschool field trips, playdates, Girl Scouts (the staff teaches a few of the GS badges on the weekends and our troop did their bridging ceremony there), and to walk around the lake.
If you’re looking for a quick family walk the nature trails are great. There are a couple loops, both of which have bridges and lots of gorgeous trees. The nature center is also very cute. The kids loved the activities and seeing the turtles in the tank.
Great place for my daughter (2.5 years old). The staff is nice and friendly. We saw the exhibition, hiked on the trail and played at the playground. She had a lot of fun and she also chose a small cute bear at the gift store.
Tacoma Nature Center is a Great place to restore one’s spirit in a lovely green space. Trees abound, dense evergreens and deciduous co-mingle in natural harmony. Several species of birds conduct their day to day lives filling the air with their songs.
Trail conditions & character
“Never would you expect to see such gorgeous and captivating scenery right in the heart of north Tacoma.”
“Trail is stroller accessible loop around Snake Lake.”
“My kids love the playground but there's definitely some blind spots so you need a parent who can climb and move quickly if you have younger kids.”
“There are many trail options, some would be accessible to people with mild mobility barriers.”
“There's also reptiles on display inside the Center and a small gift shop, and clean bathrooms with a step stool for kids at the sink.”
“To top it all off, there is a small playground near the parking lot for kids to burn off every last bit of energy”
“Know before you go that they don't allow dogs, bikes, or smoking!”
Plan your run at Tacoma Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, water — 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.
- Websiteparkstacoma.gov
- Phone+1 253-404-3930
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 1:30–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
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