The Tacoma Nature Center

by Lauren Lenore on 01/31/09 at 1:14 pm

One of the jewels of Tacoma is the Tacoma Nature Center. Seventy acres of wilderness makes it a perfect getaway on a sunny day. There are several trails which can accommodate whatever energy level you have that day. When I arrived, I was just looking to take a short walk, so I took the half mile loop.

There is a large building at the entrance of the center where you will find a gift shop, as well as exhibits. They even hold classes in subjects like Zoology and Botany. Near the building, I was happy to see a map of the trails, because since I had never been here before, I wasn’t really sure where I was going.

The trails are good size, and when I went, I really didn’t see very many people around. The one thing that was a distraction is that you can definitely hear a lot of road noise as part of the trail is next to a busy road. However you can also hear the birds chirping, and as you cross the little bridge over the water, you will feel like you are more in the wilderness. Had I had more energy, I could have taken the Hillside Loop, which goes up into the forest and looks like more of a challenge.

There are two bridges, one on the half mile loop and one on the one mile loop. I really enjoyed standing on the bridge for a little while basking in the sun and watching the birds in the marsh. Unfortunately you can’t bring your dogs here to walk them because I am sure dogs would love this place as much as I do.