Updated September 19, 2026.
A visit to Pierce County guarantees delicious food, a steaming cup of crafted espresso, and glorious mountain views. But what may be most special about this little Pacific Northwest slice of paradise are the seemingly boundless opportunities to convene with the great outdoors (and perhaps spot a few vampires from Twilight along the way!). And, what better way to spend time soaking it all in than exploring the South Sound by way of bike? Say sayonara to your hiking boots and hello to a comfy seat and two wheels set to take you and your family on the ride of your life—or, at least a memorable afternoon.
But, with so many amazing neighborhoods to explore in Pierce County, the obstacle of choice may feel a little daunting prior to piling onto your two-wheeler. That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled a list of top-recommended biking paths organized by region. Choose a distance, surface, and grade that suit your youngest rider: several routes have hills or street crossings, and Swan Creek is an off-road mountain-bike option.
SAFETY FIRST!
Before setting out on your set of wheels, there are some things to keep in mind to ensure a safe trip:
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Remember to obey all traffic laws.
Biking does not exempt you from the rules of the road - be sure to continue abiding by traffic laws including signage, street markings, and signals (car and fellow biker alike). -
Use hand signals.
Speaking of signals, bikes often lack that fancy flicker to make your next move clear to onlookers. Here’s the basics: Stick your left arm out straight to signal a left turn. Make a right angle with your elbow to signal a right turn. Place your hand down towards the ground while maintaining the right angle to signal a stop. -
Dress to protect.
Wind, rain, obstacles, oh my! Be sure to dress in weather-appropriate gear and always don a helmet to protect that noggin for another day of Pierce County exploration.
Trails in Tacoma
Tacoma isn’t just for world-class food and entertainment - it also features some stunning biking and hiking trails to enjoy on your next visit. Best enjoyed as the rain begins to let up in spring and summer, we recommend a two-wheel ride on the Ruston Way Trail - a stunning paved path to get up close and personal with Commencement Bay and Old Tacoma. We also recommend Tacoma's well-known Five Mile Drive for paved loops to bike along the Point Defiance Park peninsula. The outer loop is closed to motor vehicles, but it still has hills and shared pedestrian traffic. Ride slowly and yield to people walking. In the fall, we recommend exploring the city along the Pipeline Trail which connects travelers to major transit, neighborhoods, and other parks along its paved route. For riders with suitable bikes and off-road skills, Swan Creek Park offers mountain-bike trails; it is not the same experience as a level paved family path.
Trails in Puyallup
Farm-to-table food and fabulous nature views are par for the course in Puyallup. On your next visit to the region, we recommend riding along the Riverwalk Trail to enjoy fall colors or in the summer to soak in the sights and sounds of the river. For a shorter outing, the Bradley Lake Park paved loop trail is a must-stop for families with a playground and picnic tables to visit after your outdoor adventure.
Trails in University Place
University Place is a coastal city full of Pacific Northwest natural beauty. If endless greenery and water views are your jam, the Chambers Bay biking and hiking paved trails are sure to impress come spring or summer as the drizzle takes a back seat. For an even closer look at the sound, take your family down to the Soundview Loop in Chambers Creek Park. The park’s loops include steep grades, so review the official trail descriptions before choosing a full circuit with children. After your adventure, stop at the Chambers Bay Grill for a bite to eat and view to boot!
Trails in Gig Harbor
In Gig Harbor, the 6.2-mile Cushman Trail provides a paved route through town and wooded stretches. It has hills, so choose a manageable out-and-back section for younger riders and check the map for access points and facilities. The Scott Pierson Trail and Tacoma Narrows Bridge connection are more exposed, urban riding options; assess grades, crossings, and traffic noise before making them a family outing.
Pack a picnic for the ride or choose an all-ages meal stop afterward. Tides Tavern is a 21-and-over venue, so save that waterfront stop for an adults-only visit.
Trails in Sumner
Sumner pairs river scenery with a downtown break for a snack. The Sumner Link Trail remains worth exploring, but a section around the 24th Street Bridge is temporarily closed for the White River Restoration Project. Check the city’s current map and detours, choose an open section, and do not assume an uninterrupted end-to-end ride. The State Street trailhead has public parking and restrooms; restroom access is not available at every trailhead.
Trails in Lakewood
Some of the most gorgeous gardens of the Pacific Northwest are nestled in the city of Lakewood, so we couldn’t miss adding a biking trail recommendation for this terrific town to the list. Fort Steilacoom Park offers 340 acres of nature to enjoy, complete with an off-leash dog park, year-round bathrooms, and picnic shelters. But most importantly, it offers a one-mile paved path around Waughop Lake Loop for summer fun with the whole family.
Bonus Tip:
For even more recommendations, check out the official Pierce County bike map and route resources, which focuses on the on-road bikeways such as roads with wide lanes and paved shared-use trails for additional exploration.
Did we miss any fabulous family biking paths? Two-wheeler trekkers sound off! Tag us @visittacomapiercecounty on Instagram and Facebook.
