Chambers Creek Regional Park
Explore an old quarry resurrected as a grand park
Quick Facts:
Location: University Place (Tacoma)
Distance: more than 6.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: up to 230 feet
Contact: Pierce County Parks
Recommended Guidebook: Urban Trails Tacoma (Mountaineers Books)
Notes: dogs permitted on leash and there is an off-leash area; some trails jogger-stroller and wheel chair friendly; open half hour before sunrise until half hour after sunset.
Trailhead directions: From Tacoma follow I-5 south to Exit 130. Then head right on S 56th Street and proceed for 2.4 miles to traffic circle. Continue west here on Cirque Drive W for 2.7 miles to another traffic circle. Then head south on Grandview Drive W for 0.8 mile and turn left onto the Chambers Creek Regional Park access road. Continue 0.5 mile to large parking area and trailhead.
Good to Know: dog-friendly, kid-friendly, snow-free winter hike, historic, beach, interpretive displays
Chambers Creek has a long and fascinating history. Originally the site of a Steilacoom Indian fishing village, the Hudson Bay Company (HBC) established a trading post nearby in the 1830s. The area then went from army post to timber mills and other industrial endeavors. Then in the 1890s gravel mining began here and continued on a massive scale until 2003. After that the county began reclaiming the mine by establishing a beautiful 930-acre regional park and links golf course. The Chambers Bay Golf Course received national attention in 2015 when it hosted the US Open.
From the main parking area, you can walk on some easy short loop trails circling around the Central Meadow. A spur trail leads to a railroad overpass delivering you to a beach (no swimming due to past industrial contamination). During a low tide you can walk for nearly two miles on it.
The classic loop at this park utilizes the paved Soundview and Grandview trails for a distance of 3.25 miles. The loop passes by some of the ruins of the old quarry operation which almost look like ancient Roman ruins. The trail then traverses the golf course where signs warn of stray golf balls and their inherent risks.
While keeping an eye out for birdies and bogies, enjoy great views of the Sound and of nearby Anderson, McNeil, and Fox islands. The trail then enters forests and climbs. Pass a popular playground and parking area as you head along the rim of the old quarry operation. Enjoy excellent views over the moonscape golf course. The way then passes the Chambers Bay Clubhouse and Grill before coming to a junction. Straight ahead are trails leading to the Environmental Services Building. The classic loop continues right descending to the main parking area.
Other trails to consider in the park are the short loops near the Environmental Service Building. There are some historical artifacts here, and some beautifully landscaped grounds with plenty of oaks and tulip poplar trees.
For more details on this hike and many more in and near Tacoma including Anderson Island, pick up a copy of my Urban Trails Tacoma (Mountaineers Books).
