Point Defiance Loop Hike: Easy 5-Mile Trail with Puget Sound Views and Old-Growth Forests

Point Defiance, located in Tacoma, Washington, offers an excellent trail network for anyone seeking a local Seattle hike that’s easy and has minimal elevation gain. It’s also a fantastic winter option if you want to avoid snowy trails. You’ll find everything from old-growth forests to coastal views and grassy meadows. With its expansive network of trails spanning over 700 acres jutting into the Puget Sound, I’ll be sharing a loop hike that showcases the best of Point Defiance. This trail is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced hikers looking for a relaxed, scenic route.

Getting to the Point Defiance Trailhead

Point Defiance is located about 45 minutes from Seattle, making it an easy and convenient getaway for the day. The park is also near the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which stretches from the Kitsap Peninsula to Tacoma, and you’ll enjoy great views of the bridge along the hike. There are multiple parking lots around the loop, so you can park at any of them, but the main lot for this trail is at the Point Defiance Trailhead, adjacent to the Zoo & Aquarium parking area. On weekends, this lot can get quite busy, so you may want to consider parking at one of the other lots along the trail.

The Best Time to Hike Point Defiance

Point Defiance is a year-round hiking destination, so you can enjoy its trails in any season. While experienced hikers may prefer the mountains during the summer months, this trail is a perfect option during the winter when shorter days and frequent rain make mountain hikes less appealing. If you’re looking for a beautiful and accessible hike during the off-season, Point Defiance is a great choice.

Points of Interest Along the Trail

The Point Defiance Loop offers a few key highlights. The Mountaineer Tree, a towering Douglas fir over 450 years old, is a must-see. As you circle the peninsula, you’ll get fantastic views of Puget Sound, with Vashon Island and the Cascade Mountains in the distance. Keep an eye on the forest floor for a variety of mushrooms hidden among the ferns and towering old-growth trees.

Hiking the Point Defiance Loop

The loop for this hike follows the blue-marked trail along the outer edge of the park. Starting from the main trailhead, you’ll enter the forest along a gravel path. Take the first right toward the Rhododendron Garden, where ferns line the trail beneath towering evergreen trees.

As you pass the Rhododendron Garden on your right, the trail begins to ascend slightly, narrowing as you go. This section is filled with bigleaf maples draped in moss, which come alive in the rainy winter and spring months, glowing a vibrant green. Among these are towering western hemlocks, Douglas firs, and Sitka spruce—key species in this old-growth forest.

Though there’s a slight elevation gain as you ascend the hill, the total elevation gain for the loop is under 400 feet, so the uphill stretches are brief and manageable. Keep right when you encounter a giant uprooted tree, its massive root structure exposed.

Soon, you’ll cross your first paved road, something you’ll do several times throughout the hike. Cars move slowly, but it’s good to stay alert. Along the way, you’ll notice a variety of mushrooms—there are so many kinds if you take the time to look! I even spotted a banana slug munching on a mushroom, which was a fun surprise.

The trail intersects with other paths, so be sure to follow the blue route markers, which make navigation straightforward. As you continue, you’ll head toward the water, remaining along the peninsula’s outer edge—hence the “Outer Loop” name. Glimpses of Puget Sound begin to appear through the trees, as you head down the fern-lined trail.

The path traces the cliffs above the waterline, offering occasional stunning views of Puget Sound. You’ll eventually reach Vashon Viewpoint, which overlooks the water toward Vashon Island, with the Cascade Mountains visible to the right. It’s a great spot to pause and watch boats as they pass by.

After Vashon Viewpoint, the trail dips up and down, with massive western hemlocks towering overhead. One section feels like a tunnel as thick evergreen huckleberries line the trail several feet high, creating a lush canopy around you.

The trail then parallels the road until you reach Dalco Passage Viewpoint. Before that, you’ll pass the Mountaineer Tree, a majestic Douglas fir estimated to be over 450 years old. Its towering height and sprawling branches offer a glimpse into the ancient forests that once covered this area—a true highlight of the hike.

Dalco Passage Viewpoint is a fantastic spot for a lunch break, with plenty of picnic tables set among the grass. If you prefer, you can continue a bit further to Gig Harbor Viewpoint, another excellent spot to stop, complete with restroom facilities that include flush toilets.

At Gig Harbor Viewpoint, make sure you rejoin the blue trail. The trailhead can be tricky to spot, so keep an eye out for the blue markers as you continue. From here, the path parallels Five Mile Drive for the rest of the hike, offering several more viewpoints with fantastic views of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The drop-offs at these viewpoints are steep, so be cautious and stay on the trail.

Soon, you’ll reach Fort Nisqually, a fully restored 19th-century fur trading post. Turn left to stay on the trail, but it’s worth stopping here to explore the fort. It’s a fun addition to the hike, and if you’re lucky, you might catch one of their reenactment events.

After visiting the fort, the trail descends gently back toward the main trailhead, where you’ll complete the 5-mile loop.

Is Point Defiance Trail Dog Friendly?

Yes, you can take your pup on this trail. You’ll see a lot of dogs out. They should be leashed and make sure you pick up after your dog.

Who is This Hike For?

This hike is perfect for anyone looking for an easy, enjoyable trail that just about anyone can do. Whether you’re an experienced hiker wanting a more relaxed day, a family looking for a scenic outdoor adventure, or someone with a dog, this trail has something for everyone. It’s family and dog-friendly, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, especially the many varieties of mushrooms that pop up along the trail. It’s a great choice for those wanting to experience nature without the challenge of a strenuous hike.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Point Defiance

Hiking Point Defiance is the perfect way to enjoy nature without venturing too far from the Seattle area. With its easy trails, stunning views of Puget Sound, and peaceful old-growth forests, this loop offers something for everyone. Whether you’re out for a relaxed day, bringing the family, or simply looking to spot some wildlife, Point Defiance won’t disappoint.