Point Defiance Park

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." -John Muir

What's your favorite thing about visiting Fort Nisqually?

This section in the middle of Wilson Way is affectionately called “The Moment” because visitors can’t help but stop and take a moment to enjoy the expansive views.

The Park Board named the bridge after Jack C. Wilson, who retired in 2016 after 17 years as executive director of Metro Parks.

"When the path reveals itself, follow it." ~Cheryl Strayed

The Pacific Madrone (also called Madrona, Arbutus, or Strawberry Tree) grow best on dry, rocky slopes and bluffs. Each trunk bends and twists in a style all its own. You'll see quite a few of them along the bluffs and within the forest at Point Defiance Park.

It's official, we're halfway to summer! 🌙✨

Even in the middle of December there are plants blooming! What's blooming in your garden?

Just like moons and suns,
With certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
~Maya Angelou

December POV: 4:30 pm, lights are on and the sun is setting. We're ready for spring, who's with us?

1964 postcard featuring Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Is this the zoo you remember from your childhood?

Everyone wants to know when the lowest tides and king tides are, right? Get a 2024 Tide Calendar at Point Defiance Marina!

There's no need to guess, we've calculated the mileage for you. Download a map and start exploring!

https://bit.ly/Pt-D-Map

Welcome to the “Whale Trail”. Our park is among 90 West Coast sites where people can view whales and other marine mammals from shore. What marine mammals have you seen lately?

We love our park in every season. Which time of year is your favorite? ❄🌧☀️🍁

The Nereides Baths opened on Memorial Day in 1906 at Point Defiance Park. It was Tacoma’s first indoor swimming pool and was built on the bluff where the north end of today's Wilson Way bridge is located. It had salt water heated to 80 degrees and admission was 10 cents which included rental swim suits.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. -John Muir

Which team are you on? Umbrella or no umbrella? ☔️🌧

"I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." ~Henry David Thoreau

Sometimes there are actual bears (sort of) that do the Polar Bear Plunge. Are you jumping in with us on January 1st at the Point Defiance Marina?

Skip the line by registering in advance: https://bit.ly/MPT-polar-plunge

A tree's beauty lies in its branches, but its strength lies in its roots.” ~Matshona Dhliwayo

Fog adds a whole new layer of beauty to the waterfront. Share your best foggy photos. We'll go first.

We think our pond is pretty any time of year. Share your favorite pond photo!

This was the scene in 1915 near the Pagoda (known then as the streetcar station). Passengers came to the park for a day spent in nature and returned via streetcar to their homes in Tacoma.

Blue skies look good on you, Point Defiance. 💕

Location: Wilson Way pedestrian bridge, slides and stairs

1971 aerial view of Point Defiance and vicinity showing the boathouse, ferry landing and Tacoma Yacht Club. The peninsula near the yacht club is now 11 acres of usable park land thanks to voter approval of the 2005 and 2014 bond measures, EPA funds, and other sources.

Photo credit Tacoma Public Library

This rock on Dune Peninsula is a natural bird bath (and a great place to watch the sunrise).

"The morning steals upon the night, melting the darkness." ~William Shakespeare