Tacoma, WA

I always remember this route like an old reliable friend. Before the drive you have to enter at Point Defiance Park; I love being greeted by the large pond with the waterfall, ducks and birds relaxing, enjoying their life. There are families and friends lying on the grass so peacefully. It’s funny to think that annually I walk through this very same park in a people-congested hunger frenzy during the Taste of Tacoma.

The drive is saturated with lush green, trees, and fern. I wish I could be more grown-up, but I always think of the speeder chase scene in ‘Return of the Jedi’. The route always has people jogging and cycling this route since it’s safe, paved and easy to mark your progress. It makes us feel guilty that we’re riding by in the comfort of my sedan, sipping our mochas. My favorite time to come is around 5 pm in hopes of seeing my little raccoon family along the side of the road. Though we’ve opted for safety and never opened the window, we’ve always slowed down to take pictures of their cute little faces.

The route can seem pure forest-y but it does offer a variety of curious spots to explore so that it’s more than just a car ride. There’s the Point Defiance Zoo, Never Never Land, Fort Nisqually, scenic areas, picnic tables/parks, and hiking trails. My husband and I have brought lunch a couple times, and parked at one of the many scenic cliff-parking along the route to grub with a view. On each of the occasions I’ve done driven this route, it wasn’t my first pick of activities. Either I’ve had out-of-town visitors who were done touring their tired feet through Pikes Market or I just needed to calm my baby down. Just last week I needed a not-so-energetic activity before dinner for an aunt visiting from Hawaii. She loved the tranquil and earthy drive, she said it was so different from the greenery we have back on the islands! We had camera opportunities at 2 different cliffs for photo albums and memories. 5 Mile Drive always saves the day!