Pierce County is central to all Pacific Northwest splendor. Seas, skies, mountains, and wildlife encircle picturesque cities and small towns—perfect for the outdoor enthusiast in us all. If you’re seeking some natural beauty this summer, look towards the skies and catch a glimpse of over 500 bird species that call Washington home. Join a flock or fly alone; whether you’re a bird-watching hobbyist or simply looking to soak in some sights of wildlife, there’s no better place to be than Pierce County.
Pick Your Own Adventure: Guided and Unguided Birdwatching Opportunities Across Pierce County
Experienced birders and novices both can benefit from the various guided tours and group events offered across Pierce County. Save time searching and get to sightseeing with our comprehensive list of groups and events across the South Sound. Seeking a freestyle adventure with our feathered friends instead? Well, fear not readers, if groups aren’t for you, we’ve also got a few non-guided options to explore at your leisure listed below (along with some great Pierce County hotspots to see while you’re at it!)
Tacoma
Tacoma isn’t just a great place for world-class shopping, delicious bites, and cultural fare—it’s also surrounded by abundant natural beauty and plenty of bird species to spot! For a schedule of group events, educational resources, and volunteer opportunities, look no further than the fellow bird-obsessed Tahoma Bird Alliance. You can also check out the Titlow Bird Walk every third Sunday of the month at Titlow Park for a guide-led bird walk across the shores and forests of the region (extra binoculars available upon request!).
For a more independently led outdoor adventure near the city, we recommend visiting Point Defiance Park, which has beaches, trails, and old growth forest housing countless species of birds, including a national favorite: the bald eagle!
Lakewood
Some of the region's most stunning gardenscapes and spanning parklands can be found in Lakewood, making it a hotspot for both exploration and, you guessed it, birdwatching! For an opportunity to mingle with fellow feathered aficionados, we recommend the Fort Steilacoom Park Bird Walk. Held on the first Tuesday of each month, bird seekers of all ages are welcome to explore the diverse habitats and 146 species that live within the park.
Can’t make the class schedule? Fortunately, you can still find plenty of bird-watching spots on your own in the 340 acres of the park, with views of Mount Rainier and historical sites to enjoy along the way. Be sure to not miss a visit to Thornwood Castle and a round at the Oakbrook Golf Course while you’re in the area!
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier towers over the South Sound, offering access to untouched landscapes from lakes and forests to alpine adventures. A bird enthusiast’s playground, Mount Rainier National Park is home to 165 species of birds found at different elevation points across the varied landscape including endangered or sensitive species like the northern spotted owl and harlequin ducks. For a comprehensive guide of common species and where to find them, we recommend reviewing the Mount Rainier Bird Checklist. For a more formal wildlife walkthrough, check out Evergreen Escapes’ Mt. Rainier National Park Tour; their professional guides will ensure you have a great time without ruffling any feathers!
Even without a guide, you’re sure to spot some eye-catching wildlife while out exploring. On your next adventure to the mountain, check out the Trail of Shadows where you’ll find red-breasted sapsuckers and red-winged blackbirds, to name a few. On short trails at Sunrise, the highest point at Mount Rainier that can be reached by vehicle, you’ll find a whole host of additional species soaring the skies—especially in the summer!
Gig Harbor
If you are lucky enough to find yourself in the maritime village of Gig Harbor and are seeking some opportunities for bird watching, there’s a guided bird walk every first Saturday of the month at Gateway Park hosted by the Tahoma Bird Alliance. Free and available for all ages, this one to two-mile trek through the park with a nature guide will help you learn more about the region’s incredible wildlife and spot some winged wonders along the way.
For a more freestyle birding excursion, we recommend a stroll through Grandview Forest Park with 8.5 acres of urban forest, perfect for a casual hike with the kiddos and abundant opportunities to spot wildlife. Another great stop is Sunrise Beach Park, an oasis by the water and ideal bird-spotting stop that various ducks, eagles, and herons all call home. Be sure to visit the Harbor History Museum while in town, and take advantage of all the area’s delectable eateries.
Fife
Fife, a lovely community close to Tacoma and central to all the South Sound action, is known for its classic diners and drive-ups, entertainment such as the Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino, and access to beautiful nature trails. For a self-guided bird-watching trip, we recommend reviewing the Rainier Audubon Society’s field trip by Heather Gibson, which suggests exploring Hylebos Creek, a salmon waterway that stretches into Commencement Bay, and Place of Circling Waters, a 30-acre restored habitat along the creek. On this journey, you may see species such as mourning doves, red-tailed hawks, and northern flickers to name a few.
Fife has also made itself home to a rare bird called the purple martin by hosting sixteen 13-foot birdhouses within Levee Pond Park, open year-round for plenty of feathered exploration by yourself or with the whole family.
Bonus: Check out The Great Washington State Birding Trail published by Audubon Washington for even more opportunities to sight-see our friends in the skies!
Have any additional bird spotting hotspots to share? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @visittacomapiercecounty!
