Point Defiance Park

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Point Defiance Park Privacy/Commenting Policy: parkstacoma.gov/privacy This 760-acre park is a popular destination for more than 3.1 million people each year.
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Natural forest, saltwater beaches and spectacular views offer numerous possibilities for recreation, education and communing with nature. Hours: The park is open daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Hours at attractions within the park may vary.

The Pacific Madrone (also called Madrona, Arbutus, or Strawberry Tree) grow best on dry, rocky slopes and bluffs. Each t...
10/23/2026

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.

Construction begins this week at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum as we kick off restoration work to preserve four h...
10/22/2026

Construction begins this week at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum as we kick off restoration work to preserve four historic structures and make the Fort more accessible.

The project will focus on the Kitchen, Sale Shop and two Bastions, with improvements including new foundations, step-free entrances, structural repairs and weatherproofing to protect these pieces of Tacoma's history.

10/22/2026

"The nicest thing about rain is that it always stops eventually." ~Eeyore

The leaves of the Ginkgo tree turn a beautiful show-stopping golden color in the fall. These two beautiful Ginkgos can b...
10/20/2026

The leaves of the Ginkgo tree turn a beautiful show-stopping golden color in the fall. These two beautiful Ginkgos can be found near the entrance to Point Defiance Park.

The Ginkgo is the only surviving species of a group of trees that existed before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Genetically, it has remained unchanged over the past 180+ million years.

They are dioecious, meaning separate female and male trees. In the fall, the female has a foul-smelling fruit-like structure. In the spring, the male will produce pollen which fertilizes the females and allows for seed production in the fall.

You've probably passed this statue on your way into Point Defiance Park. But do you know the story behind it?🌲101 years ...
10/19/2026

You've probably passed this statue on your way into Point Defiance Park. But do you know the story behind it?🌲

101 years ago today, on October 19, 1925, a bronze statue honoring Congressman Francis W. Cushman was unveiled near the park's entrance.

Cushman helped secure Point Defiance for Tacoma, successfully championing legislation that transferred ownership of the land from the federal government to the City in 1905.

Following his death in 1909 at just 42 years old, his family funded the monument to honor his lasting contribution to one of Tacoma's most beloved parks. So next time you visit Point Defiance, take a moment to appreciate this little piece of Tacoma history.

10/19/2026

Fill in the blank: "The best season at Point Defiance is _______________."

It's time to winterize the Dahlia Garden! Thanks to volunteers from the Washington State Dahlia Society (WSDS) who helpe...
10/18/2026

It's time to winterize the Dahlia Garden! Thanks to volunteers from the Washington State Dahlia Society (WSDS) who helped dig out the buffer rows. They will divide the tubers and sell them in the spring at their tuber sale. The sale occurs mid-March at Portland Avenue Nursery. Keep an eye on their page for more info.

We always love spotting a cool looking jellyfish 🪼 What wildlife have you seen in the park lately?
10/17/2026

We always love spotting a cool looking jellyfish 🪼 What wildlife have you seen in the park lately?

Tots on the Trail is turning TWO! We're celebrating two years of outdoor adventures, curious little minds and muddy boot...
10/16/2026

Tots on the Trail is turning TWO! We're celebrating two years of outdoor adventures, curious little minds and muddy boots with a Halloween twist: trading the trails for the shoreline 🎃 Little explorers (and their parents, of course) are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes for the occasion!

Join us on October 23 for a beach day at Owen Beach. (Please note we'll be meeting at Owen Beach instead of the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter for this session).

Here's to two years of discovering the outdoors together, one tiny step at a time 🌲💚

10/16/2026

Anyone else need a cozy sweater and a pumpkin spiced beverage? ☕️ 🎃 🍁

Address

4702 S 19th Street
Tacoma, WA
98405

Telephone

(253) 591-5339

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