The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Puyallup
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Family friendly hiking trails around Puyallup traverse a landscape characterized by lush greenery, extensive forested areas, and numerous water features. The region offers diverse and scenic hiking experiences, with many trails providing potential views of Mount Rainier on clear days. Water features such as Clarks Creek and Bradley Lake are common along routes, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Puyallup
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Clark's Creek Trail, a 2.4 miles (3.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 4 minutes to complete. This easy path connects several city parks and follows the creek.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Bradley Lake Loop Trail, an easy 1.4 miles (2.3 km) path. This loop offers views of the lake and is suitable for families.
- Local hikers also love the Puyallup Loop Trail, a 3.8 miles (6.1 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Hiking around Puyallup is defined by lush forests, serene water features, and potential views of Mount Rainier. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy and moderate family friendly routes.
- The routes in Puyallup are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.0 stars from more than 1 review. More than 60 hikers have used komoot to explore Puyallup's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
5.0
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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.
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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.
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2
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2.32km
00:35
10m
10m
The Bradley Lake Loop Trail offers a wonderfully accessible and serene escape, perfect for a quick dose of nature. This easy hiking route circles Bradley Lake, providing continuous, calming water views throughout its 1.4 miles (2.3 km) length. With only 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain, it's a flat and gentle path, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.
Planning your visit to the Bradley Lake Loop Trail is simple; its easy difficulty and short 35-minute duration mean it's suitable for nearly any time of day. You won't need special permits, and parking should be straightforward. It's a great option for a spontaneous walk or when you're short on time but still want to get outdoors.
This trail stands out as an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a peaceful, low-impact activity. Its minimal challenge and beautiful lake scenery make it a rewarding experience without the need for extensive preparation. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.
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6.36km
01:45
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.58km
02:05
120m
120m
The Clarks Creek – Puyallup Loop Trail loop from PetSmart offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through lush wooded areas with big-leafed maples and human-made wetlands. You'll enjoy scenic views along Clarks Creek, where you might spot ducks, herons, and even salmon. This moderate 4.7-mile (7.6 km) hike, with its 397 feet (121 metres) of elevation gain, is a fantastic way to spend about 2 hours and 4 minutes outdoors, perfect for families and those looking for a gentle, engaging walk.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is accessible year-round. While much of the path is comfortable soft-surface or gravel, be prepared for some paved sections and potential mud during winter months. The route is dog-friendly, just remember to keep your canine companion on a leash. Starting from PetSmart, you'll find this loop to be a convenient and rewarding option for a quick nature fix.
This trail is a key part of the broader Puyallup Loop Trail system, connecting several local parks like Clarks Creek Park and Dead Man's Pond. Along the way, you can discover a fish hatchery and even historic ruins, adding layers of interest to your hike. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatchers, with a notable heron rookery along the route.
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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 park offers amenities such as restrooms, ballfields, a picnic shelter, open grassy areas, and a paved trail that loops around Bradley Lake. The lakeside trail is shaded and tranquil, providing opportunities to spot ducks and various bird species in the area.
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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
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Puyallup?
Puyallup offers a selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with 6 routes featured in this guide. Most of these are rated as easy, making them suitable for various ages and skill levels.
Are there easy trails suitable for young children or strollers?
Yes, Puyallup has several easy trails perfect for families with young children or those using strollers. The Bradley Lake Loop Trail is just under a mile and offers lovely lake views. The Clark's Creek Trail is another popular, relatively flat option that connects several city parks. The Puyallup Riverwalk Trail, though not in this guide, is also a smooth, paved path ideal for relaxed walks.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on these trails?
The family-friendly trails around Puyallup are rich in natural beauty. You'll often find lush greenery, extensive forested areas, and various water features like Clarks Creek and the Puyallup River. On clear days, many trails, including the Bradley Lake Loop Trail, offer stunning views of Mount Rainier. You might also spot local wildlife, especially near water.
Are there any trails with waterfalls nearby?
While the trails directly within Puyallup primarily feature creeks and rivers, the wider region offers beautiful waterfalls. Notable options a short drive away include Mashel Falls near Eatonville and Skookum Flats, which ends at a picturesque waterfall. These can be great options for families looking for a slightly longer outing.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, several circular routes are perfect for families. The Bradley Lake Loop Trail is a great short loop around the lake. For a slightly longer option, the Puyallup Loop Trail offers a pleasant circular experience through the area.
What are some interesting landmarks or points of interest along the routes?
Along the trails, you can discover various points of interest. The Sumner Link Trail is a notable trail section, and you might find facilities like the Outdoor Fitness Area on the Sumner Link Trail. The View of Carbon River from Foothill Trail offers scenic vistas, and Wapato Lake is another beautiful spot to explore.
What is the best time of year for family hikes in Puyallup?
Puyallup's trails are enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall are particularly pleasant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lush greenery, while fall offers vibrant foliage. Summer is also great, though it can be warmer. Winter hikes are possible, but some areas might be muddy, and views of Mount Rainier are more common on clear days.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly trails?
Many trails in Puyallup are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific trail regulations before you go. Generally, dogs are welcome on a leash. For example, the Clark's Creek Trail is a popular spot for walkers with their canine companions.
Where can we find parking for these trails?
Parking is generally available at trailheads or nearby parks for most family-friendly routes. For instance, the Bradley Lake Loop Trail has dedicated parking at Bradley Lake Park. For trails like the Puyallup Loop Trail – Clarks Creek loop from Puyallup, you can often find parking in adjacent urban areas or designated trail access points.
Are there any less crowded family-friendly hiking options?
While popular trails like Clark's Creek can see more visitors, exploring routes during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) can offer a quieter experience. The Bradley Lake Loop Trail, being shorter, might also offer more serene moments, especially outside of midday weekends. The Jim Martinson Exercise Trail in Wildwood Park, though not in this guide, is known for its peaceful forested setting.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Puyallup?
Hikers often praise the accessibility and natural beauty of Puyallup's trails. The opportunity to enjoy lush forests, serene water features, and the occasional stunning view of Mount Rainier makes for a rewarding experience. Many appreciate the well-maintained paths and the family-friendly atmosphere.
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