Pedal through Pierce: 5 bike trails to try this summer before the rain returns
There’s plenty of good weather left in the summer and early fall months, with the chance to get outside too good to pass up before the big dark sets in during the winter. For those who enjoy bicycle riding, either as a passion or a family-friendly recreational activity, here are five bike paths worth checking out.
No need for an expensive gas fill-up on the car, either. All the trails are in Pierce County, except one — but that journey begins in Tacoma.
1. Foothills Trail (east Pierce County)
Stretching from Puyallup to Buckley, this 22-mile long, 12-foot wide paved trail is busy in the summer with bicyclists, pedestrians, strollers and families. The scenery is the main attraction: The trail cuts through the charming city of Orting and features views of Mount Rainier, runs parallel to the Carbon River for a stretch before reaching South Prairie. With the exception of the most hardcore cyclists, most will surely appreciate that the trail is relatively flat from start to finish.
2. Scott Pierson/Cushman trails (Tacoma/Gig Harbor)
On the Tacoma side, this is mostly a commuter trail, beginning near Allenmore Golf Course and running parallel on State Route 16 to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The bonus is that it loosely links up with Gig Harbor’s Cushman Trail, connecting with a wide bike path on the new Narrows Bridge and running 6.2 miles through Gig Harbor. The Cushman trail is a 16-foot wide paved path and has multiple trail heads with parking and restrooms. Most of those connected trails are relatively flat, with some hills around the bridges and toward the northern end of Gig Harbor. If you’re looking for a trail within Tacoma city limits, this is an easy one to jump on quickly.
3. Vashon Island Loop (Vashon Island)
OK, we’re cheating a bit here. Vashon Island is in King County, but our journey begins in Pierce County with a short ferry ride from Point Defiance. Once there, the loop around the island is between 35 and 43 miles, depending on the route taken. Low traffic, scenic views everywhere and challenging climbs at different points.
4. Chambers Bay (University Place)
The panoramic views of Puget Sound and the golf course — host site of the 2015 U.S. Open — are worth the trip alone on any nice day. As a bike path, the flat section at the top remains the most family friendly and scenic, albeit a bit crowded at times. The entire 3.25 mile loop is doable on bike, but not for the faint of heart; there’s some serious incline here.
5. The Trek at Tehaleh (Bonney Lake)
Looking for something a bit more adventurous? This park was built in 2018 and spans 204 acres, offering over six miles of mountain bike trails for adrenaline seekers. The park, which overlooks the Orting Valley, the Carbon River and the Puyallup River, offers options for a variety of skill and experience levels, including a 2.5-mile cross-country loop for beginners.
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Pedal through Pierce: 5 bike trails to try this summer before the rain returns."
