Easy hikes and walks around Spanaway
4.5
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55
hikers
6
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Spanaway offer diverse natural landscapes, characterized by lush greenery, rolling hills, and picturesque waterfront views. The region features accessible parks and a temperate climate, supporting year-round outdoor exploration. Hikers can explore areas around Spanaway Lake, Bresemann Forest, and various local parks, providing a serene backdrop for walks. The terrain primarily consists of gentle paths through forests and along water bodies, suitable for easy excursions.
Best easy hiking trails around Spanaway
- The most popular easy hiking route is Clark's Creek Trail, a 2.4 miles (3.8 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to complete, offering accessible paths and views of Clark's Creek.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Fort Steilacoom Perimeter Loop, an easy 4.4 miles (7.1 km) path. This route features well-maintained trails through a park setting, with diverse terrain and views of Waughop Lake.
- Local hikers also love the Orange Gate Park Loop, a 1.6 miles (2.5 km) trail leading through forests and wetlands, often completed in about 40 minutes.
- Hiking around Spanaway is defined by its lakes, forests, and rolling hills, offering waterfront views and lush greenery. The network provides options primarily for easy hiking trails, suitable for various ability levels.
- The routes in Spanaway are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars. More than 60 hikers have used komoot to explore Spanaway's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
3.82km
01:05
80m
80m
Clark's Creek Trail in Puyallup, Washington, offers a delightful and easy urban escape, perfect for a quick refresh. This 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike features a gentle 275 feet (84 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. You'll follow a pleasant gravel path through city parks, enjoying views and discovering a magical spot with wooden swings over the water.
As a popular multi-use trail, it's generally accessible, though specific parking details aren't provided, expect street parking or small lots near park entrances. The trail is enjoyable in all seasons, but visiting in the fall offers the unique chance to observe salmon swimming upstream near the historical Puyallup fish hatchery.
This trail is a local gem, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature within an urban setting. Its multi-use nature makes it suitable for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike, providing a green corridor through the city.
2
hikers
7.09km
01:54
80m
80m
The Fort Steilacoom Perimeter Loop offers an easy 4.4 miles (7.1 km) hike through a variety of landscapes. You will gain a gentle 256 feet (78 metres) in elevation, completing the route in about 1 hours and 53 minutes. As you walk, you can enjoy views of Waughop Lake and pass through groves of native Garry Oaks, experiencing a mix of woodlands, open fields, and prairie lands.
Planning your visit to Fort Steilacoom Park is straightforward, as you do not need a parking pass. The park provides ample parking, and you will find convenient amenities like restrooms and picnic shelters available. This trail is accessible year-round, making it a great choice for a spontaneous outdoor adventure whenever you are in the area.
This loop is notable for its diverse natural environment, showcasing the varied ecosystems within the park. On clear days, you might even catch glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains from the open hillsides. The trail's blend of natural beauty and accessibility makes it a popular option for a relaxing hike.
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2.51km
00:39
20m
20m
The Orange Gate Park Loop offers a delightful, easy hike through a natural woodland setting, perfect for a quick escape. You'll wander beneath towering Douglas firs and past tranquil wetlands, experiencing a peaceful environment rich in natural beauty. This 1.6-mile (2.5 km) loop has a gentle 67 feet (20 metres) of elevation gain, making it a very accessible option for all skill levels.
Planning your visit requires a quick check on current park conditions, as some sections of Orangegate Park are undergoing development and may be closed until 2027, with Orangegate South reopening in summer 2025. The trail is multi-use, welcoming hikers, dog walkers, and even horse riders. Parking is available at the trailhead, and the entire route can be completed in about 39 minutes, making it ideal for a short outing.
This park, historically named for the orange gate that marked its entrance when owned by the State Department of Natural Resources, provides a vital green space. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting due to its diverse wetlands and streams. The Orange Gate Park Loop also connects to the longer Pipeline Trail, offering options for extended adventures if you're looking to explore more of the area.
1.41km
00:22
10m
10m
Hike the easy 0.9-mile Spanaway Lake Trail in Spanaway Park for pleasant lake views and a peaceful, family-friendly outdoor experience.
3
hikers
6.09km
01:41
100m
100m
If you're looking for an easy hiking experience that packs a lot of natural beauty into a short distance, the Puyallup Loop Trail is a fantastic option. This 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route, with a gentle 328 feet (100 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a varied landscape of forested lands, creek beds, and even gardens. You'll enjoy comfortable soft-surface paths that meander alongside Clarks Creek, offering glimpses of riparian habitat and opportunities for wildlife spotting, all completable in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is generally considered easy and suitable for all fitness levels. While it's a great year-round option, spring, summer, and fall offer the most pleasant conditions. Be aware that some sections can be steep, and the trail may get muddy during the wetter winter months. Dogs are permitted, so feel free to bring your leashed canine companion along for the adventure.
What makes this trail truly stand out is its clever design, connecting seven other existing trail systems within Puyallup, including the Clark Creek Trail and Silver Creek Trail. This interconnectedness allows you to explore a wide array of urban green spaces and natural environments. Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, woodpeckers, and even salmon or trout in Clarks Creek, especially near the notable heron rookery.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
Nice quick hike. Start at Decorsey Park across 7th St for a little extra distance
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Clarks Creek is a small creek that makes its way through Clark's Creek Park. There are several trails that cut across the creak and give you good views of the water.
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This 4-mile-long trail forms a loop connecting Clark's Creek Park, Dead Man's Pond, Brown Community Garden Park, Silver Creek Open Space, and Meeker Creek Open Space. It features well-shaded, soft-surface trails with ample opportunities to extend your hike onto other trails and enjoy picturesque views of Clark's Creek.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of easy hiking trails can I expect around Spanaway?
Spanaway offers a variety of easy hiking trails characterized by lush greenery, rolling hills, and picturesque waterfront views. You'll find paths through natural forests, along lakeshores, and within well-maintained parks. The terrain is generally gentle, making it suitable for leisurely walks and family outings.
Are there any short, easy hikes suitable for a quick outing?
Yes, for a quick and easy walk, consider the Spanaway Lake Trail, which is about 1.4 km and takes around 22 minutes to complete. Another great option is the Orange Gate Park Loop, a 2.5 km trail through forests and wetlands, typically finished in about 40 minutes.
Which easy trails are best for families with children?
Many easy trails in Spanaway are family-friendly due to their gentle terrain. The Clark's Creek Trail is an excellent choice, offering accessible paths where children can enjoy views of Clark's Creek. The Spanaway Lake Trail is also very suitable for families, providing pleasant lakeside views.
Are there any easy loop hikes in the Spanaway area?
Yes, several easy loop options are available. The Fort Steilacoom Perimeter Loop is a popular 7.1 km path with diverse terrain and views of Waughop Lake. The Orange Gate Park Loop is a shorter 2.5 km loop through forests and wetlands.
Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Spanaway?
Many parks and trails in the Spanaway area are dog-friendly, though leash laws typically apply. Always check specific park regulations before heading out. Trails like the Fort Steilacoom Perimeter Loop are generally welcoming to leashed dogs.
What kind of natural attractions or viewpoints can I see on these easy hikes?
You can enjoy scenic waterfront views, especially around Spanaway Lake and Clark's Creek. Trails like the Fort Steilacoom Perimeter Loop offer views of Waughop Lake. On clear days, some trails, such as the Orange Gate Park Loop, may even offer glimpses of Mount Rainier.
Are there any trails where I might see waterfalls near Spanaway?
While Spanaway's immediate easy trails focus on lakes and forests, the broader region within a 50-mile radius offers numerous waterfall hiking trails. These range from easily accessible to moderately difficult, providing additional options for those seeking waterfall views.
What is the best time of year to go on easy hikes around Spanaway?
Spanaway benefits from a temperate climate, making it conducive for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer provides warmer, drier conditions. Even winter can be suitable for hiking, with the lush greenery maintaining its appeal.
Are there less crowded easy trails if I prefer a quieter experience?
For a more secluded experience, consider exploring the trails within Bresemann Forest. This 70-acre naturally wooded site offers a system of pedestrian nature trails that can make you feel far removed from urban settings, providing a peaceful environment for your hike.
What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Spanaway?
The easy trails in Spanaway are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the serene natural settings, and the accessibility of the routes for various ability levels.
Are there any easy trails accessible by public transport?
While specific public transport routes to trailheads can vary, many parks in Spanaway, such as Spanaway Park and Fort Steilacoom Park, are generally accessible within the local public transport network. It's recommended to check local bus schedules and routes for the most current information to plan your trip.
Where can I find parking for easy hiking trails in Spanaway?
Most major parks and trailheads in the Spanaway area, including Spanaway Park, Fort Steilacoom Park, and Orange Gate Park, offer designated parking facilities. These are typically well-marked and conveniently located near the start of the trails.
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