Over 200 acres of parks within the city limits make Gig Harbor a fall paradise for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a small town with big views. Here’s a guide to some of Gig Harbor’s most scenic parks and trails, perfect for your autumnal adventure.
TRAILS WITH ANY TERRAIN
If you love hiking, jogging or just taking in the crisp fall air, Gig Harbor PenMet Parks has miles of trails for you to explore — 21 miles to be exact — ranging from forested hills to leisurely pavement. For the hiker seeking to break a sweat, embark six miles from the park to the city, winding through wooded beauty. If you’re more of a peaceful pedestrian, find an easy-to-navigate adventure on the Cushman Trail for all ages. Bikers, joggers and those with a baby stroller in tow can wind through this multi-use trail that is especially stunning in the fall, with vibrant colors adorning the trees.
WALK ALONG THE WATER’S EDGE
Beachcomb at Sunrise Beach Park for iconic views of the water. The Puget Sound is at your fingertips here, where you can catch a fleeting glimpse of Washington’s wildlife. Seals, seabirds and other marine life may appear to welcome you to the place they call home.
North Creek Park, affectionately known by locals as Donkey Creek Park, has historical charm. It is named after the donkeys once used by loggers in the area. Today, it’s a lush spot where you might see salmon spawning in the creek. With plenty of open green space, Donkey Creek Park is also where you unpack the picnic blanket — whether with family, friends or a special someone who happens to find beauty in nature.
Beachcomb at Sunrise Beach Park for iconic views of the water.
A PLACE FOR FAMILY FREE-TIME
If you have a packed mini-van, Skansie Brothers Park is the heartbeat of downtown Gig Harbor, with opportunities for every age to unwind. As the obvious Town Square, Skansie Brothers Park is where farm meets table with the fall farmers market and many other seasonal events and festivals. The splendor of Gig Harbor’s waterfront acts as the backdrop for wayfaring wanderers on kayaks and canoes. Visitors can grab a bite at nearby restaurants, browse local shops and enjoy the lively atmosphere with a breeze at their back.
If you have a budding athlete in the backseat of your van, unleash their inner Olympian at Sehmel Homestead Park. Basketball, tennis, three baseball diamonds, pickleball courts and big toys for your youngest make this vast expanse the perfect playground. The pavilion is available to rent for weddings, parties, showers, or other large events that need the quintessential autumn vibe.
Lace up your hiking boots, pack your camera and see for yourself – Gig Harbor is the perfect place to unwind and cozy up to nature this fall.
