It's a multi-use trail system that follows a steep grade up the hill to the top area which has multiple loops to ride. There is very little water control so the trails tend to get boggy. Regardless it
It's a multi-use trail system that follows a steep grade up the hill to the top area which has multiple loops to ride. There is very little water control so the trails tend to get boggy. Regardless it's a fun loop or two at the top of the grade that winds through the trees. There is a few new trails up on top. A lot of work is being done by the trail gnomes these days. Try the "96th" trail section, it is located off the spur trail on the left loop. Turn before you hit the pave.
Grunt is low once you're in the loops. The steep grade up to the loops is difficult and loose. Park also has a fitness course.
How to Find It
It's easier to find the northern parking area off of 7th. If you take 167 into Puyallup then turn off onto Meridian (south, one way) and then turn right (west) onto 7th. Follow the road until you see the ball fields on the left. The parking area is there. Do not park in the back lot near dark, the city closes the gate very early and you will get locked in. For night riding, use the parking area at the ball fields.
You can also enter the best part of the trails from the parking lot at Fruitland Elementary.
Typical Conditions
The trail from the park up the hills tend to get boggy and aren't brushed very often. The loops at the top of the hill (behind Fruitland Elementary) are pretty well groomed and fun. They have a few water control issues but are mostly flowy and fun.
It looks like some "freeride" trails were cut in at pretty steep grades but they're poorly bench cut and washed out in a number of places. A lot of the older, steeper trails are relics from the 90's, try not to use the bad trails and keep this area open. Hopefully we can get some of the water issues fixed with a little grunt work.
Local Points of Interest
- Crockett's Pub just opened up in a historic building on Stewart (118 E. Stewart) - great food and beer
- Powerhouse Brewery is at 454 E. Main and has great microbrews and good food
Advocacy & Stewardship
County park property, open to multi-use.
Turn by Turn
From Clarks Creek Park Parking:
Follow the fire road grade up from the tennis courts past the small shack. (If you parked in the south parking lot the shack will be right in front of you). This doubletrack turns to singletrack with a steep grade up the hill. At the top are a few loops to ride. There are a couple of mini bridges that drop to flat up by the school.
From Fruitland Elementary:
Park in the parking lot. Head behind the school. The forest on the backside of the playfields has the trails. If you go between the portables and enter the forest you'll find the southern loop right through the trees.
