Parks & Recreation

Mount Rainier
Pierce County is home to Mount Rainier, the highest volcano and fifth highest peak in the continental United States. Every year, roughly 8,000 climbers attempt to climb to the peak (14,410 feet) of this formidable giant about half make it successfully to the top. Mount Rainier National Park is home to more than 300 miles of trails many of which are only accessible during summer months.

Point Defiance Park
This 702-acre park includes Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, a ferry dock, Fort Nisqually, Never-Never Land Family Picnic and Playground, plus miles of running and hiking trails. Point Defiance is one of the largest urban parks in the United States more than 2 million people visit it every year.

Marathon
Tacoma's own marathon event, Sound to Narrows, offers a variety of distances and events for people of all lifestyles. The 12-kilometer run and walk traverses the scenic and hilly terrain of west Tacoma and beautiful Point Defiance Park. The shorter 5k run and walk is a fast, yet challenging, course.

Golf
Chambers Bay Golf Course, a links-style golf course, can be found in University Place. This spectacular golf course has been compared to the finest links courses in Scotland and Ireland. Overlooking the Puget Sound, its naturally beautiful setting and design is of world-class caliber. Chambers Bay will host the 2010 U.S. Amateur and the 2015 U.S. Open, creating even more excitement and economic opportunity in Pierce County.

Sprinker Recreation Center and Ice Arena
Pierce County has its very own, full-sized ice rink! Harry S. Sprinker Recreation Center, located between Parkland and Spanaway, not only houses an ice arena but is used as a multi-purpose recreation location also. Owned and operated under Pierce County Parks and Recreation since 1959, there are indoor and outdoor tennis courts, racquet ball courts, outdoor skate park, conference rooms, rock-climbing and new ball fields.

Tacoma Rainiers Minor League Baseball
The Tacoma Rainiers have brought baseball fans - both young and old - together for enjoyable afternoons and evenings filled with exciting games and even fireworks. As a triple-A affiliate of the local Major League Baseball team the Seattle Mariners, the Rainiers offer action-packed games full of experienced ballplayers, as well as up-and-coming baseball stars. The Rainiers advanced to the Pacific Coast League Championship Series in 2005, and have consistently placed high in their League standings.

Hiking and Biking
Hiking and biking trails criss-cross Pierce County, including the Foothills Trail, which extends from Puyallup in the west to Buckley in the east roughly 20 miles. Other popular trails include the Cushman Powerline, the Chambers Creek and the Soundview.