Swan Creek Park

Swan Creek Park is a large 373-acre urban green space located in East Tacoma, Washington. The park features a diverse landscape including a salmon-bearing stream, wooded canyon, upland forest, and various trails. It spans across land owned by both Metro Parks Tacoma (290 acres) and Pierce County (83 acres).

The park offers a mix of natural and developed areas. The natural areas include the wooded Swan Creek canyon, which provides habitat for local wildlife and supports a salmon population. The upland forest areas offer opportunities for hiking and nature observation.

Swan Creek Park has undergone recent developments to enhance recreational opportunities. These improvements include new trails, a dog park, picnic areas, and parking facilities. The park now features both paved and natural surface trails suitable for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. A network of 3.65 miles of paved pedestrian/bicycle paths and 4.94 miles of renovated trails wind through the park.

The Pioneer Way Parking Area serves as one of the main access points to the park. This entrance provides parking and access to picnic tables, maintained by Pierce County Parks. From here, visitors can access the Swan Creek Trail, which traverses the canyon area.

The park is popular for various activities including bird watching, hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking. It's home to Tacoma's first trail system specifically designed for mountain bikes. The park also includes a community garden, offering local residents a space to grow their own produce.

Swan Creek Park serves as an important green space in the urban environment of Tacoma, providing recreational opportunities while also preserving natural habitats and ecosystems.