If you’re looking for the perfect place for outdoor activities, then you really don’t need to look any further than Tacoma, Washington and the Puget Sound. It’s one reason locals love living in the area. But what if you aren’t all that into the great outdoors? Not interested in an Alpine hike or whitewater rafting? No problem. Not a fan of extreme weather? Again, no problem. You can still find an outdoor experience that fits perfectly with your interests.
For starters, spring and summer weather in the Tacoma area is perfect for outdoor activities. In May temperatures are in the mid-60s and warm into the 70s in June. As the temperatures warm up, the precipitation chances decrease. By early August, skies are usually clear, precipitation chances are low and the temperature is comfortably in the mid-70s typically. Evenings are cooler, in the mid-50s, but still great for enjoying a gorgeous mountain view or sunset over the Puget Sound. Check out these favorites:
Puget Sound. A quick geography lesson: a sound is an inlet off an ocean or sea that is larger than a bay. The Puget Sound is 100 miles long and is named for Peter Puget, who was part of the original expedition in 1792. It has numerous great fishing and boating locations. But you’re certainly not limited to water sports. As you move off the water, you’ll find seemingly limitless choices, from camping and hiking to dining and art.
Point Defiance Park. Located on the Puget Sound, this 760-acre park has so much to offer. Located inside Point Defiance Park is the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. This is the only zoo and aquarium combination in the Northwest. With daily presentations and exclusive animal experiences, you can get up close while you learn about the animals and their habitats. Let the kids take a break at the playground or simply stroll and relax. Take a step back in time at the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Originally, the Fort was established as one of the Hudson’s Bay Company outposts in 1833. The reconstructed Fort will let you get a feel for life in 1855. If you just want to relax, you can lie on a saltwater beach, stroll along the waterfront or rent a boat for a day on the water.
Mount Rainier. You can take a scenic drive, hike, picnic and simply take in all of the beauty of Mount Rainier. At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the tallest peak in Washington State. It is also an active volcano. Experience the breathtaking beauty of its waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, rainforest and flowers. You can choose to take in the scenery from your car, on foot or even from the Mt. Rainier Gondola. From Tacoma, it’s a short two-hour drive to Paradise. You can choose from more than 260 miles of maintained hiking trails. Or you can sit back and enjoy the view from the gondola.
Museums. A museum may not typically be considered an outdoor activity, but it is when you are crossing the Chihuly Bridge of Glass. This 500-foot pedestrian bridge is always open. You’ll want to take in the three Chihuly glass installations either on your way into or out of the Museum of Glass. The museum district includes not only the Museum of Glass but also the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State History Museum and the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum.
When you live in the Tacoma area, you have all of this right in your backyard! Whether you decide to enjoy the great climate literally in your own backyard or in your extended backyard, you have so many choices. You don’t have to be an avid outdoors enthusiast to appreciate the natural beauty of the Puget Sound region. It’s time to get out and enjoy it. Let us at PMI Cascade help you free up more time for exploring.
