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Beach Report: Narrows Park in Gig Harbor

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If you’re looking for a great beach near Tacoma, UP, or Gig Harbor, here’s one worth finding! At one time, I would have called it a hidden treasure, but judging by the crowd there on our last visit, word is out.

It’s at Narrows Park in Gig Harbor, and it’s just a minute or two from the bridge itself, which makes it a nice destination for those of you in the West End of Tacoma and University Place, as well as my Gig Harbor friends.

The parking lot is just steps from the beach, and there is a nice, paved path with a telescope for checking out the bridge up close.

Look through the telescope to see the Narrows Bridge up close.

The beach itself is pretty standard for the Northwest, although if you look closely, you can find a bit-just a bit-of sand. Once you’ve plunked your chair down, you can try to spot seals or check out the passing boat traffic.

Beach at Narrows Park in Gig Harbor

Plenty of beach for play and exploration, water for splashing, and a view with wow factor!

The water is as cold as any you’ll find out here, and it has a decent bit of wave most every day. Your kids will still want to splash around; just watch them closely.

If the tide isn’t up, you can get more privacy by walking a bit in either direction. It was quite high when we were there, so it didn’t feel like a spot for quiet. On the other hand, it was very much a family atmosphere. No party crowd-just families and dogs (Lots of dogs). [Read more…]

Blueberry Picking at Charlotte’s Blueberry Park in Tacoma

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Did you know you can pick FREE blueberries, grown without pesticides, right off the bushes in Tacoma? It’s true! If you haven’t discovered this not-quite-secret treasure in Tacoma, you’ll want to add it to your bucket list. It’s a great activity to do with the kids. Note-We have a few thoughts on safety concerns at the bottom of this post.

Tacoma U pick Blueberroes

What’s better than fresh blueberries? How about fresh and free blueberries?

Charlotte’s Blueberry Park in Tacoma is a Metro Parks Tacoma property, and thanks to the efforts of volunteers, like its namesake, the late Charlotte Valbert, it’s full of thriving blueberry bushes, and the picking is free! Plus, they grow naturally-no pesticides or other gunk.

The pictures in this post are from my family’s outing last August. The picking season typically runs July-September.

There are thousands of berries at Blueberry Park, including some on bushes right next to a nice, paved path. The only bushes we saw that had really been picked over were a few right by the path.

 

The bushes are tall and dense. The hubs says to tell you to keep your kids right by you, if you don’t want to loose ’em in the shrubbery!

We found tons of berries-ripe and still green. I’m guessing you will, too!

We picked around half a gallon in about an hour. We probably could have gotten more if we hadn’t brought the rescue lab to help.

The boys had fun, although Henry got crabby once he realized he was working hard. When I wrote about strawberrry picking last year, my brilliant friend Traci suggested bringing some small cars to let kids play with between the bushes. Great idea, huh? We also saw lots of kids riding bikes on the path and generally running around yelling. If you’re fine with having yours out of your sight, that’s an option. Do bring sunscreen, hats, and water,if you go on one of the upcoming sunny days. There is a nice, shaded area for a picnic, but you’ll get plenty warm picking.

Several readers have suggested going to this spot Early to beat the neighborhood competition. Honestly, we found plenty mid day by going back in the middle and looking high and low. This time of year there may be fewer ripe, so an early start is probably smart (and it will be cooler).

Is It Safe?

One final note-In July of 2015 there was a shooting near this park, and more recently some readers say they have seen evidence of drug use and paraphernalia here.

Updated 2019-I haven’t been here in quite a while. I do know some neighbors of the park were just recently at the council speaking about ongoing safety concerns. A friend on Twitter let me know that she saw the impression of a handgun in the snow there this winter. I know-YIPES.

On the other hand, I know there is an active Friends group here, and MetroParks has added some new features, and safety, at the end of the day, is such a personal issue. If you have been here recently, I’d love to hear what you think!

I do have a list of other options at more traditional U Pick farms below if this isn’t a spot where you feel safe with your kiddos. If you’ve been here recently, I’d also love your input on this issue and how you felt here. I know there is a, “Friends,” group that works hard here.

Here’s a  full round of places  to pick blueberries in the South Sound.

U Pick Blueberries Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Enumclaw

Ten Great South Sound Parks With Shade!

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Need a fun place to cool off with the kids today?

Updated 7/15/2020

If a little natural air conditioning is in order, here is a list of great shady parks and playgrounds in and around Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Olympia, and beyond!

To the best of my knowledge the parks and trails on this list are open, unless otherwise noted. You will want to bring a mask in case you find yourself on a path where you aren’t able to socially distance.

Be sure to also check the comments for more ideas from our great readers!

Pierce County area parks with good shade

Tehaleh Trails  Bonney Lake  Many shaded walking trails at this Bonney Lake area development. No, you don’t have to be a resident, and yes, they have a trail map!

Loyalty Park Sumner  Fun playground (currently closed for renovation) , and huge trees that provide ample shade. Open for household picnicking and walking. City listing here.

Wildwood Park Puyallup  A great choice on a hot day. It features a little crick for kids to splash in right next to the playground (trails and park open-playground still closed), and tall trees provide shade. Kids will get very dirty here. New story walk!

Frontier Park Graham  There isn’t shade on the playground itself, but there is a good amount beyond it on the grass under tall trees. Great playground, too. County listing here. Pierce County Parks playgrounds are open with restrictions. Parks and trails are open for household walking and passive recreation.

Main City Park Orting We haven’t been here, but reader Laura wrote in to say that it has nice shade. Several other readers have recommended its newly improved play areas. As of this writing, the playground is open, with restrictions.

Wright Park Tacoma  Some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful trees offer lots of shaded spots, plus there is a sprayground! Metro Tacoma parks and playgrounds are open, with restrictions. The spray grounds are off, likely for the summer.

Decoursey Park  Puyallup    Many shaded picnic areas, ponds that are fun for kids to check out. I have found the ducks/geese here to get aggressive. Don’t try to feed them or get too close. Note-this was improved on our last visit! Note-Puyallup parks and trails are open. Playgrounds are still closed as of this writing. Here’s a post on the updated playground for future planning.

Clarks Creek South Puyallup  There are some wooded trails-try the one that goes to the fish hatchery, and a very small section across from the dog park where kids can dunk their feet in the muddy crick. There used to be a spot where you could actually sit on the bank and access the whole creek, but it has been planted and fenced off.  Thanks to reader, Amy, for reminding me about this. I think this part is technically Clarks Creek North-they’re connected, but there are two different signs/parking areas. The one at Clarks Creek South is bigger and close to the playground. The Clarks Creek North entrance is by the tennis courts, and across from Decoursey.

WonderWood Park Lacey   My son and I just discovered this one. It’s a bit hidden at the end of a residential neighborhood, but there is a lovely, paved path through forest and lots of shaded picnic spots and benches under mature trees. Tennis courts, ball fields, and a playground, too, though they’re in sun. This is a good one to discover if you’re a Lacey area reader.

Harry Fain Olympia  Readers suggest this small, hidden park for shaded play

Priest Point Olympia  playground, beach access, and lots of shaded trails Here’s the city’s listing.

 Narrows Beach Gig Harbor   Lots of wooded trails, and bonus-there is a beach at the bottom of them!

Mud Mountain Dam    closed as of this writing

I’m sure I’ve missed lots of great ones, so do feel free to share your favorites and read the comments for other reader suggestions. Or head here for our complete beat the heat guide.

 

Hidden Beach Trail and Hidden Beach: A Pretty Walk and Quiet Beach by Tacoma’s Titlow Park!

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Did you know there is a Hidden Beach right by Tacoma’s Titlow Park? No, I don’t mean the beach right by Steamers, though that’s a great spot, especially for tide pooling! I’m talking about an extra slice at the end of that one that you can access through a charming, woodsy walk.

It’s actually called Hidden Beach, and the trail is the Hidden Beach Trail, so don’t feel bad if you haven’t stumbled on it before!

There are three ways to get there.

Bridge on trail to Hidden Beach in Tacoma

Option One: Park on Hidden Beach Road in front of the white posts. It’s on your right hand side off 6th before you get to the parking lot for Titlow. The blue sign says, “Private Road,” but that just means it isn’t maintained by the city. You will be out of sight of the car almost immediately, and I saw some broken glass, so do secure your valuables out of view.  Park there and take the unpaved road right in front of you. You’ll see a Metro Parks sign. This is a wide, easy road that quickly comes to a bridge over railroad tracks. If you want, hang out until a train passes underneath and feel the vibrations as it rumbles beneath you. Just over the bridge is a private club. Stay on the path (It’s still park’s property, I promise), and you’ll quickly come to the woods. You can follow any number of paths through the woods or down to the beach. There are high bluffs, so be mindful of the kiddos, and take one of the sets of actual steps to the beach.

Option Two: Just behind the sprayground in front of the lagoon that is to your right if you’re facing the water, there is a trail. If you take this, it will connect you to the trail above (I haven’t tried this route, but this is the scoop I got from Metro Parks).

Option Three: Park at the playground for Titlow Park (don’t accidentally park in a Steamers spot), cross the train tracks carefully, and take the sidewalk all the way down. If you’re facing the water, go right. There is a  Take the trail up past the end of the walk and into the woods. From here, you’ll see several paths you can follow, and you’ll fairly quickly come across one of two sets of steps to the beach.

A fourth option, if the tide is low enough, is to go down to the beach right in front of the signage/picnic tables, and just keep walking it around the corner.

Why bother? Well, as you can see, you’ll be treated to beautiful, shaded trails, and forested paths to the water that look like something out of The Secret Garden (Yes, I’ve probably read it one too many times)! If you go in the day, you’ll also likely  have the beach-the only Metro Parks property with western exposure-to yourself! The boys and I felt like we’d found our own treasure, and they would totally have spent the day playing if I hadn’t forgotten the sunscreen. Oops!

Trail to beach by Titlow Park

Now, I will tell you we came back here in the evening, and the vibe was really different. In my husband’s words: Creepy. There were a couple of odd looking guys walking around, and there were groups of teenagers arriving to party (Oh, youth)! Melissa with Metro Parks told me they haven’t had many problems with crime since they took down the old Scout buildings that had decayed and become nuisances, but there are pretty frequent bonfires and kids looking for romance. Henry busted up the one couple we saw pretty effectively. Kids-the best birth control-amiright?

There are also long term plans for more development in this area-including some kind of educational building where Kay’s house is now.

So, pack up a bag and grab a friend and go in the day when the vibe is charming and the crowd is small. I think you’ll be glad you found it, too!  If you’ve been here before, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Know another spot we should discover? Leave a comment and let us know about it!

Visit Brown’s Point Lighthouse Park

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It may not look like it, but I’m told summer is on the way! Here’s an outing with a beautiful picnic spot, beach for wading, and a lighthouse keeper’s cottage with free tours! It’s Brown’s Point Lighthouse Park   in Northeast Tacoma.

Lighthouse text

 

Mapquest does a good job of getting you to this little gem. You’ll feel like you’re lost since you have to wind through a serious of small, neighborhood streets. I promise you’re not. The park itself is at the end of Tulalip St, after the dead end sign.

It offers gorgeous, rolling lawns with picnic tables and a prime slice of waterfront for beach combing.

Henry Beach text

I’ve never been there and found more than a handful of other visitors, usually folks from the neighborhood. It might be because there are maybe six parking spots-that’s it. There is a big, empty parking lot right next door, but it’s private property, and they don’t want to share. I honestly don’t know what to tell you to do if the spots are full, because the streets are way too small to park on. I think maybe you could drive up to the playground, park, and walk down, but it would sure be a trek. I honestly think if it’s full, you might be better off getting back on Marine Drive and heading to Redondo. If someone has a better idea, do share!

During the summer months, you can also tour the lighthouse keeper’s cottage, the history museum, the boathouse, and ring the bell. Tours run until November from 1-4 on Saturdays.  It really is charming, and there is plenty that kids are allowed to touch.  Tours are free.

You can also rent the lighthouse keeper’s quarters for 800.00 a week. Now, that’s a little out of our staycation budget, but it’s a pretty screaming deal for a week at a waterfront house (it’s got cable and wifi, too). Hey, hasn’t your mother in law always wanted to be a lighthouse keeper??? You can get much more information on the history of the lighthouse, rentals, and more from the Points Northeast Historical Society.

Want to spill the beans on your family’s favorite little beach outing? I’d love to hear about it!

End Summer With a Splash at the Mashell River

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It’s supposed to get Hot again Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking to end summer with a splash, you may want to try the pretty Mashell River in Eatonville.

The Mashell River is gentle enough for water play and wading. Just remember-rocks are slippery when wet!

I’ve been meaning to head here for a while, but I didn’t manage to get in gear until my friend Lisa inspired me by posting a bunch of pictures she took during a trip with her adorable girls. Hey, Lisa, could you post some pictures of your clean house and folded laundry? Let’s see how powerful your magic is…..!

Back to the river. You access it from Smallwood Park. You’ll see a sign explaining how the river is important to salmon, and there are several points where you can get down to the water. Unlike most rivers in this area, this one is gentle enough to wade and play in, and thanks to wood that has been added to make pools for those salmon, there are even spots deep enough for real splashing and dunking. Of course, you should watch your kiddos around any water, but if there is any hazard here, it’s more likely to be slippery rocks (No joke!). There are also some trails in the park, but don’t look for a bathroom!

If that’s not enough play for you, the playground in nearby Millpond Park is excellent, with a nice climbing web and two structures. There is also a skate park for the teen set and the little Stagecoach Museum. There is a bathroom here, and though it wasn’t super clean, there was actual soap in the dispenser. Whoo-hoo!

If this sounds a little too far, or a little too adventurous, you may want to head to one of Tacoma’s free spraygrounds. They have extended hours during the day this week and this weekend, too. I’m working on checking the rest of the sprayground list. Generally, most outdoor pools have closed, but most spray and splash places remain open. If you’ve got an update I’ve missed, leave a comment and let me know.

 

A Trip to Everett’s Jetty Island: A Guest Post From Holly of FreePlay Kids, and the First in the SFM Summer Day Trip Series!

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I’m so excited to be launching this summer’s day trip series! If you come here for South Sound fun, don’t worry-I’ll continue to have plenty of that every day, in addition to these special weekly posts on great, one-tank trips that will help you make the most of the rest of your summer!

Today’s adventure is a trip to the sandy beaches of Jetty Island, and it’s a guest post from Holly of FreePlayKids, a blog full of affordable outings for the greater Seattle area.

Jetty Island Ferry

The sandy beaches of Jetty Island are a two minute ferry ride away!

Recently, C and I decided to spontaneously head to Jetty Island in Everett since it had been such a beautiful morning.

Jetty Island is a beautiful, two mile long island that has a massive, man-made sandbar great for playing and exploring. You have to take a two minute ferry ride to get to it!

Miles of sandy beach perfect for exploring or play.

We headed there in the early afternoon and arrived at the 10th Street Boat Launch Parking Lot which is free Monday through Thursday and has a $3 parking fee (still “Less than a Latte”!) Friday through Sunday.

We got a 3pm boarding pass and sat in the waiting line for the 2:30pm ferry just in case it had cancellations. I asked the attendants what were the best days and times to come for easier boarding pass pickup, and they said it was completely weather dependent.

You can reserve a ferry if you live in Everett, or if you’re coming from outside of the city with a group of eight or more.  Also, be aware that everyone needs a boarding pass, even babes-in-arms.. If you can’t reserve a ferry and find you have to wait, there is a nice, grassy lawn to play on. We were lucky and were the last two that were able to get on the 2:30pm ferry from the wait line.

C was so excited to get on the ferry and ride across to the island. Once we got to the island (about 2 minutes later!) we disembarked and started up the ramp and located the seasonal Floating Restroom. Be aware that there is no electricity or plumbing on the island, so this is a large outhouse for all intents and purposes. There are two stalls in each section and additional space for changing clothes if necessary.

Once you get to the end of the ramp area, make sure to pick up your return boarding pass for the time you would like to leave.

Kids can build castles or play in the warm, shallow water.

 

There is a nice little trail that just takes a couple of minutes to walk to the beach area. The beach is long and sandy with some cool photo ops along the way. There are some volleyball nets up off the beach area too.
But the coolest thing about Jetty Island is the massive sandbar. The kids can spend hours playing, digging, building and exploring on it.

We explored and found some mini jellyfish, crab claws and shells that had been left behind by the tide. The water on the edge of the sandbar is shallow, and because of that, unusually warm for this area.

We had an enjoyable, relaxing afternoon. As we were leaving, the kiteboarders were taking off, and they dotted the sky with their colorful kites.
I would highly recommend this outing to anyone as a great way to spend the day! You just have to have a little patience while you wait for an available ferry. And next time I go, I want to walk more about the island as I have read there are eagles and other creatures that call the area home. There are even nature walk tours available too!

Holly Kennedy loves to go on little adventures and explore the greater Seattle area with her active and curious 3 year old. If it is free or “less than a latte” all the better. And she loves to share what she discovers on her blog FreePlay Kids. If this post has you ready to plan your own trip to Jetty Island, make sure to check out her complete post with more pictures and a list of tips to know-before-you-go! I’ll have more day trip and staycation ideas coming your way later this month. If you’d like to submit a guest post, or just give me an idea, leave a comment or drop me a line!

Brown’s Point Lighthouse Tour and Beach

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I’ve blabbed all about Brown’s Point Lighthouse Park before, but with summer almost (sort of, kind of) here, I thought I’d remind you about this great outing. You can play at the lovely beach any day, and if you go on a Saturday afternoon, you can take a tour of the Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage.

Mapquest does a good job of getting you to this little gem in NE Tacoma. You’ll feel like you’re lost since you have to wind through a series of small, neighborhood streets. I promise you’re not. The park itself is at the end of Tulalip St, after the dead end sign.

It offers gorgeous, rolling lawns with picnic tables and a prime slice of waterfront for beach combing.

I’ve never been there and found more than a handful of other visitors, usually folks from the neighborhood.

The one downside to this lovely spot? Parking is very, very limited. There is a big, empty parking lot right next door, but it’s private property, and they don’t want to share, so don’t try it. I honestly don’t know what to tell you to do if the spots are full, because the streets are way too small to park on. I think maybe you could drive up to the playground, park, and walk down, but it would be a trek. I honestly think if it’s full, you might be better off getting back on Marine Drive and heading to Redondo. If anyone has a better idea, leave a comment!

During the summer months, you can also tour the lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Your kids just may get to ring the bell.  How great is that?

Tours run until October from 1-4 on Saturdays.  It really is charming, and there is plenty that kids are allowed to touch.  Tours are free.

You can also rent the lighthouse keeper’s quarters for 950.00 a week in July and August, and less other months. Now, that’s a little out of our staycation budget, but it’s a pretty screaming deal for a week at a waterfront house (it’s got cable and wifi, too). Hey, hasn’t your mother in law always wanted to be a lighthouse keeper??? You can get much more information on the history of the lighthouse, rentals, and more from the Points Northeast Historical Society.

Want to spill the beans on your family’s favorite little beach outing? I’d love to hear about it!

 

South Sound Beaches With Sand!

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Last updated 7/2020

Looking for beaches around the 253 where your kids can play in the sand? If you’ve had it with barnacles and want an actual beach experience, here is a list.

Here’s a round up of area parks from north to south and beaches where you can find actual sand! This is an updated version of a previous post with new reader recommendations.

Please use provided links to confirm details as there may be some Covid related hour changes or other restrictions. One important note: No lake or swimming area I’ve checked has lifeguards this season.

 

Best Beaches with Sand in the South Puget Sound

One note: You won’t find as much sand at lake front parks these days. Fish and other creatures need those native, grassy plants, which is why many parks have less sand than you might remember.

Lake Meridian, Kent

This picturesque park has a large swimming area (NO lifeguards for 2020) with sand and an additional gravel beach. There is also a spectacular playground and plenty of grassy knolls to set up for the day, play frisbee, or have a nap!  Be sure to check out our Lake Meridian Playground Report..

Isaac Evans Park, Auburn

This is a riverfront park with access to a swimmable (well, splashable) area of Green River with a small area of sand.  The water reminded me a bit of splashing in a mud puddle, but the boys enjoyed it. There are lovely, shaded picnic areas, walking trails, and a small, albeit fun, play structure.

Lake Tapps North, Sumner

This is another popular park with a sandy beach area. You’ll have to pay to park.  Allan Yorke Park is on the south side of Lake Tapps and also has a swimming area and playground.

Redondo Beach, Des Moines

Unless the tide is up, you can find some sand on both sides of the fishing peer. The boardwalk is great, and when it opens be sure to check out the Highline MaST Aquarium, too. Note from SFM: I’m unsure of the status of the pier here. Let me know if you find out.

Steel Lake, Federal Way

This is a very popular park with a brand spanking newly renovated HUGE kids’ playground. There are plenty of picnic tables, and a swimming area with sand. No lifeguard as far as I know this year. I’m not sure on the playground status.

Dumas Bay Sanctuary, Federal Way

This gem is hidden away in a neighborhood and is super private. You may also get to watch skim borders. Downside: It’s more tide dependent.  At high tide, the sand areas will be minimal. Also, a reader pointed out that Dumas Bay is a heron sanctuary, so dig is a no-no. If you just want the feel the sand between your toes, go for it!  This beach is also featured in our list of Ten South Sound Nature Walks for Young Hikers.

Dash Point State Park, Federal Way

While this park requires a Discover Pass, it is a South Sound treasure! There is so much sand here, you can even bring your skim boards if you’re adventurous. The best part? The beach is far from the hustle and bustle of the city, so you really feel like you have gotten away from it all and can relax.

Dash Point Park, Brown’s Point

Wait? Two Dash Points? Yes! This one is a MetroParks Tacoma park just down the street from Dash Point State Park. It requires no Discover Pass! It also has a newly renovated playground, bathroom facilities and a beautiful view of the Sound.

Ruston Way, Tacoma

Most Tacoma area beaches are better for beach combing than sand play, unless the tide is out. The section of Ruston Way next to Jack Hyde park (where the sundial is) almost always has some sand.  Read my full review of Jack Hyde Park.

American Lake, Lakewood

This park includes a boat launch, a swimming area with a small sand area, picnic tables, and a playground. This is a busy, popular park. No lifeguard this year.

Spanaway Lake

The lake has a swimming area with a small section of sandy beach. Closed as of 7/2/2020 due to toxic algae.

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Reader recommended hot spots:

If you’re willing to go a bit out of South Sound territory, you might consider Gene Coulon Beach in Renton. If you want to make a day trip to Seattle, you can’t beat Alki Beach.

The Washington coast is another option. It’s definitely not Hawaii, and you can’t swim here, but you’ll find plenty of sand at popular destinations like Long Beach and Ocean Shores.

If you have a favorite I should add, let me know!

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