5 mile drive & trails

The five mile drive never really changes but the people who use it do and what used to be a nice scenic slow cruise through a beautiful park has turned into somewhat of a rushed get the heck out of my way racetrack. I visit the five mile drive on occasion to cruise slowly down the one lane road and take in the ambiance of the surroundings. The forest, the wildlife, the sounds of nature oh, and the front bumper of the jerk behind me riding my butt. My advice is that if you don't want to go slow and take in the scenery, then stay out of the five mile drive but it seems that a lot of people now days think that it's a racetrack meant for getting around as fast as possible while not paying any attention to the surreal surroundings.I'd still encourage you to go if you've never been. Especially if you're from out of town. It could be a once in a lifetime experience. There is a lot to see and do.First, you will enter the Pt. Defiance park area where there are beautiful gardens, a Japanese pagoda and a nice size pond usually full of ducks. Then if you choose, you can visit the Pt. Defiance Zoo & Aquarium located just before the five mile drive. Along the drive, there are multiple areas to pull over and take in the scenic views of the Puget Sound and the Tacoma Narrows bridges. There are multiple picnic areas and a couple of playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy. Along the way, take a turn and wind your way down the hill to Owen Beach. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy some snacks from the refreshment stand or rent a kayak and go explore the cliffs from the water side. There are BBQ pits available and a large covered picnic area but that is usually reserved for parties. Take a nice stroll down the beach and end up at the boat house and ferry dock where you can enjoy a nice meal at Anthony's Seafood restaurant or take the ferry over to Vashon Island and explore over there.Further on down the drive, you'll get to see a humongous tree that is about 450 thousand years old and towards the end of the five miles are the remnants of the old Never, Never Land and Fort Nisqually museum. I am really disappointed in the state of things currently versus how they used to be when I was younger and I know that it's because of a lack of funding and a lack of general care from people now days however there used to be so much more to see and do. Never, Never Land was an attraction where for a small entrance fee, you could walk through trails and discover storybook and nursery rhyme characters and decorations. There was a large shoe where the Little old woman who lived in a shoe lived. There was a grandfather clock where the mouse ran up the clock. We saw the gingerbread house of the wicked witch from Hansel and Gretel and a lot more. These days, all of that is gone because of a lack of money to maintain it and disrespectful people who broke in and vandalised it. Fort Nisqually is nicer now as a museum but now you have to pay whereas when I was a kid, it was free and we were allowed to enter the buildings and climb up the towers. Those days are gone now. A place called camp 6 used to actually be a day camp for kids before becoming a logging museum and then ceasing to exist altogether over the last few years. They had a cool train ride that would take you through the woods and show you how logging was done at the turn of the century. They had some really cool equipment to see and the train conductor would give you a history lesson along the way. Sadly, that is gone now too.As for the trails, there are tons of them and if you like to hike, this is the place to do it but beware, if you use the trails during the winter, they can get quite muddy and even have many puddles to avoid. It's also a good idea not to be in the trails on really windy days. Large branches as well as entire trees are known to fall quite often during our wind storms so be very mindful of that should you decide to go hiking. For all of the things that this area used to be, it still is a lot of things today. Maybe someday, it will build more attractions and gain the popularity of yesteryear. Maybe not but all the same, it is a nice place to visit.Thank you for reading.

Great drive especially in a Sunday. Saw several raccoons including a family of four. Beautiful area with lots to explore.

I am lucky and live near this wonderful oasis. Plenty of fresh air quiet hiking trails, weekends of course are busier weekdays pretty secluded. good place to take my dog.

The trails here are good. The dogs love the trails. The markers can be somewhat confusing though. They have a dog park, but I've never taken the dogs. The drive it self it good. Great views. Good little weekend drive.

I live near by so it is a nice way to get home. Slow speeds and plenty of amazing sights of creation.

This is a beautiful and relaxing drive on a Sunday afternoon (or any day). You move from the forrest to the bay and back. You may like to pull off the road for a picnic or a walk down the beach. You can stop at one of the scenic viewpoints or the old fort. There are many options based on your likes and the amount of time you have. Just the drive is incredible.

This Tacoma park located in the Puget Sound is just beautiful and so nice I would be willing to pay a small entrance fee. Beautiful all year round too, I like to go in the Summer or in the rainy season/winter. If biking a tiny hill or upgrade here and there, if running lookout for the raccoons. If visiting from out of town a great spot for a picnic and to take pics.

Did this ride about 4 years ago with my son, a perfect ride for length and distance if you're in moderate shape; lots of great places to stop and rest and enjoy the scenery, especially the fort!

I used to live in Tacoma and when I wanted some quite time, I would always drive and stop in Point Defiance Park. There are many trails, beach access, gardens, zoo, views, and an old fort. Plenty of trees and undergrowth to make you feel like you are in the back woods. A must do while in the Tacoma area.

Visited the drive this past weekend. Beautiful can't wait to bring my family back to see. Loved all the drift wood that was washed ashore and the beautiful area.

Whether you are a tourist or live here, the 5 Mile Drive is beautiful any time of the year. Drive it, run it, walk it, cycle it!!! Awesome views of our Sound and Narrows Bridge!

I am a girl who loves to walk and hike, but in the Northwest there are SOOO many places to try that unless some place is really unique I am not really inclined to go back because there are so many other options.... these trails are different.... they are close enough to home (45 minutes) to be reached easily and offer enough difference that I do not get bored and wonder why I went back... there is beach if you want it, paved if you want it, beautiful vistas if you want them, tree lined paths if you want them... all within this area... LOVE it!!!

This is a great scenic drive. If you don't have much time its great for a quick drive. If you have the time, its lovely to stop at each lookout and enjoy many of the side trails. It doesn't matter what the weather is like, the views are always awesome!

Hard to believe one can drive to the north end and find trees several hundred years old within the city nice trails and beautiful views.

It is very unusual to find such beauty in the city. Please take time to at least drive through this serene forest. There are plenty of places to stop and take beautiful pictures and if you are adventuresome, there are trails to walk. We noticed a lot of bikers but they posed no problems as the speed limit is only 20 mph. The smell of the pines is incredible and some of the views are breathtaking. You end up at Fort Nisqually which has a picnic area and some of the old buildings still are standing. Time well spent!