Discover Tacoma's Top 5 Scenic Hiking Trails for a Healthy Mind and Body

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Tacoma for tourists and locals. Each hiking trail offers incredible views, but we cannot underestimate what hiking does to your physical and mental health. 

Whether on a moderately flat terrain or a steep one, hiking has amazing effects on your entire body. It strengthens your muscles and bones, improves your sense of balance, and reduces risks of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. 

Spending time outdoors boosts your sensory perception, and sufficient vitamin D absorption improves your immune health. Several studies, including this one by Stanford University, show that hiking in nature reduces stress, anxiety, and risks of depression. It also improves mental clarity. 

Tacoma has many hiking trails with views of the city, forests, rivers, parks, and wildlife. You can choose the trail based on your preferred incline and views. 

Overview of Health Benefits of Hiking

Most hikers enjoy the outdoors and scenic views. They also socialize with other people with a passion for hiking and the benefits on their body and mind. Hiking is also one of the best forms of exercise for the following reasons. 

• It provides pain relief. 
• Hiking builds bone density.
• It improves joint health.
• Aids with weight loss.
• It tones muscles. 
• It also helps you with your balance. 
• It improves your mood.
• Hiking improves heart health.
• It prevents lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes.
• It also decreases the risks of respiratory diseases.
• It also provides stress relief.

Chiropractors also encourage combining hiking with chiropractic care because it helps relieve pain after joint adjustments. It also strengthens bones and muscles, which makes chiropractic treatments more effective. At Narrows Chiropractic, we recommend different hiking trails for our patients, depending on their condition and the long-term benefits of hiking on their physical health.

Top 5 Scenic Hiking Trails

1. Point Defiance Park Loop Trail

The Point Defiance Park Loop Trail is 4.2 miles (6.8km) long and has an elevation gain of 318 feet (97m). Since it is a loop, it is a popular trail for hikers who want to enjoy different views, which include Puget Sound and the historic Fort Nisqually. You can also visit the zoo and aquarium within the park. 

The trail is mostly gentle, but there are some steep areas. Most sections are paved, but some have gravel and a natural surface. When it rains, the dirt sections get very muddy. You should also look out for exposed roots and rocks. Dogs are allowed on this trail but should be on a leash.

2. Snake Lake Nature Trail at the Tacoma Nature Center

The Tacoma Nature Center covers an area of 71 acres, while this trail is 1.7 miles (2.7km) long, with an elevation gain of 141 feet (43m). On a good day, you will encounter other hikers and some birdwatchers. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.

There are two designated paved parking spaces where the trail starts at the north end. The surface has gravel, but some sections have wooden boardwalks. Although the trail is mostly gentle, it has some steep stair-like sections that are sometimes slippery. Expect views of the serpentine-shaped lake, wetland, ducks, and geese. 

3. Swan Creek Park Trail 

With an elevation gain of 417 feet (127m), Swan Creek Park Trail is a moderately challenging route with some steep sections. It is 3.8 miles (6.1km) long and is a popular trail for dog walkers, but the dogs should be on a leash. It is within the 373-acre Swan Creek Park and has views of a wooded canyon, streams, a community garden, and forests. The trail is paved but some natural surfaces get slippery when it rains. 

4. Dash Point State Park Trail

This trail is a loop, with a total distance of 4.8 miles (7.7km) and an elevation gain of 502 feet (153m). It is moderately challenging and can take seasoned hikers close to 2 hours to complete. The trail is popular for hiking, biking, and running. Dogs are allowed but they should be on a leash. Some of the views you’ll encounter include a river, forest, wildlife, and wildflowers. 

5. Chambers Bay Loop Trail

The Chambers Bay Loop Trail is a relatively steep trail, with an elevation gain of 250 feet (76.2m). The views of the creek, golf course, bridge, and beach make up for the steep incline. It is not unusual to see photographers capturing images of the sunset, and relics of old mining operations along this trail.

Health and Safety Tips for Hiking

• Stick to the trail: Some of these trails are in vast parks with wildlife. You can easily get lost, and if you suffer any injuries while you are off the trail, other hikers will not spot and assist you. 
• Inform someone of the hiking trail you’ll be taking: Some of these trails have limited cell service, and you need someone to be aware of where you’re going. 
• Wear the right shoes: Some of these hiking trails are long and no vehicles are allowed beyond certain areas. You should wear sturdy shoes that guarantee your comfort throughout the entire hike. The shoes should also have sufficient traction since some trails are slippery.
• Carry enough water: Unless you’re allowed to drink water from streams and rivers, it is best to leave that water for wildlife. 
• Watch your step: Look out for roots and stones that may trip you. Injuries are common during hikes, so you should be careful. You should also tuck your pants in your boots because they too can cause your fall.
• Avoid touching plants: Some plants are poisonous, or they may cause your skin to itch.
• Ask other hikers to move aside if you want to pass: You should also warn hikers heading in the direction you’re coming from of slippery trails or dangerous wildlife.
• Check the weather conditions before setting off. 
• Pack a first aid kit in your backpack.

Visit Narrows Chiropractic For More Health Tips

Everyone stands to benefit from hiking, from kids to the elderly. You only need to choose the appropriate trail based on your physical capability. Hiking will strengthen your joints, muscles, and bone density. It will also improve your mood and help with stress relief.

Visit Narrows Chiropractic for guidance on how you can explore Tacoma’s trails, especially if you or anyone in your family has physical limitations. We will also guide you on how you can merge chiropractic care with hiking for optimal health.