If you live near Tacoma and you are new to mountain biking, this trail is for you. For those who are more experienced riders, there are still some challenging sections. There is a loop that goes aroun
If you live near Tacoma and you are new to mountain biking, this trail is for you. For those who are more experienced riders, there are still some challenging sections. There is a loop that goes around the perimeter of the forest and a bunch of single track in the middle. In the center you will find a relatively flat, cleared out area with jumps and log obstacles. Trails range from wide, even and gravel to narrow, heavily vegetated and rooty. This a great place to develop your skills. Obstacles range from beginner to intermediate. Some of the jumps could be considered advanced.
At 340 acres, Fort Steilacoom Park is the largest park in Lakewood and provides a diverse mix of active and passive recreation. It features an expansive and scenic trail system traversing through woods and hills, looping around Waughop Lake, connecting to the Pierce College campus, and offering impressive views of the Puget Sound and Western State Hospital. This regional park has four developed baseball fields. The park also offers a number of partially developed softball and soccer fields and some playground equipment.
How to Find It
8714 - 87th Avenue SW Lakewood, Washington 98498 Directions: From I-5 northbound: Take exit 125 Turn left onto Bridgeport Way and go north crossing 100th street SW and Gravelly Lake Drive. Turn left on Steilacoom Blvd. Travel about 1.2 miles and turn left onto 87th Avenue SW. Turn right immediately into the park. From I-5 southbound Take exit 129 (72nd Street) and turn west onto 74th Street which becomes Custer Drive in 2.3 miles. Turn right on 88th Street SW whichj becomes Steilacoom Blvd. Turn left on 87th Avenue SW Then turn right immediately into the park. Then turn left and head towards to the back of Steilacoom Park, near the old red barn type buildings. You'll see a gravel parking lot on your left hand side, look for the yellow gate and pick a trail!
Typical Conditions
The trail seems to drain well. Some parts can be heavily vegetated.
Local Points of Interest
Nearest bike shop is:
Bike Tech 8819 Bridgeport Way Southwest Tacoma, WA 98499-2645 (253) 512-2453
Turn by Turn
If you head south from the parking area towards the wooded hill you will pass through lots of tall grass. There are mowed/beaten paths criss-crossing all the way though to the woods. This is very flat and easy to ride.
At the edge of the woods there is a gravelly/dirt path that runs all the way around the perimeter of the woods.
If you enter the woods on the East side you will find some clear areas towards the bottom of the hill that have jumps carved out as well as log obstacles.
The paths in the center of the hill can be a tough climb and have lots of roots in some spots.
The paths on the West side of the forest are the most easy. They are wider, less steep and have fewer obstacles.
