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And so begins a great exploration
of everything natural on our pristine peninsulas. Impossible
to see in a single day, or even a week, what follows is a quick
guide to some great places to start. Recreation is abundant
in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula region. Whether you’re
looking to swim, hike, boat, fish or play ball, there are numerous
outdoor activities awaiting you.
Kopachuck State Park
Located on Carr Inlet on Henderson Bay. The 156-acre
saltwater shoreline site includes 41 campsites, 15- and 35-person
group camps, early 80 picnic sites, as well as water skiing,
fishing, SCUBA diving, birdwatching, swimming and boating.
(253) 265-3606
Cutts Island State Park
Located on the Carr Inlet just northwest of Kopachuck
State Park. The park is a 5.5-acre saltwater shoreline site
that can only be accessed by boat, including hand-launched
craft from Kopachuck State Park. (253) 265-3606
Crescent Creek Park
This 5.8-acre site at the top of the bay offers basketball and tennis courts
and a softball field, as well as a playground and restroom. A picnic ramada
is available on a first-come, first-served use. The park boasts some of Gig
Harbor’s largest cedar trees and the Crescent Creek estuary.
(253)
851-8136
Jerisich Dock/Skansie
Brother’s Park
A pedestrian pier, picnic tables, restrooms and public dock are the primary
features of this on-the-water park in the heart of Gig Harbor’s waterfront.
The acclaimed Fishermen’s Memorial is on display here. (253) 851-8136
Donkey Creek Park
This 1-acre park at the intersection of Harborview and North Harborview Drive
features a salmon-bearing waterway cuddled by the largest trees remaining
on the waterfront. Restrooms available. (253) 851-8136
Grandview Forest Park
This all natural, 8.5-acre chunk of forested land next to the Gig Harbor Civic
Center, 3105 Grandview St., is a verdant retreat shielded from neighboring
roads and houses by a collection of sizable cedars and firs. The park is
a great place to see birds. Dogs on leashes are welcome at the park and are
even provided a drinking spigot. Restrooms available.
(253) 851-8136
Cushman Trail
This beautiful paved trail is a haven for walkers,
roller bladers, and bicyclists. Stretching from the middle
of Gig Harbor to nearly the Tacoma Narrows bridge, the trail
parallels state Route 16 and runs under the power lines.
(253)
851-8136
Adam Tallman Nature
Trail
A small nature oasis in the middle of town, the Adam Tallman Trail is a short
and easy walk on a comfortable trail through a wetlands area. Viewing of multiple
birds, flora and wildlife is available on this hidden and scenic walk.
(253) 851-8136
Wilkinson Farm Park
This 17-acre plot at Rosedale Street and state Route 16 features an authentic,
turn-of-the-century dairy barn and holly orchard, walking tours and lots
of wildlife. (253) 851-8136
Sehmel Homestead Park
Seventyeighth Avenue NW and Sehmel Drive NW. The Sehmel Homestead Park site
is situated on a 98-acre parcel in the Swede Hill area, only minutes north
of downtown Gig Harbor.
(253) 858-3400
McCormick Forest
Sehmel Drive and Bujacich Road NW. This is a great hiking area, near the Burnham
Drive exit off state Route 16. A large network of foot trails, bicycle or
horse trails winds around McCormick Creek. The park is a 122-acre natural
area containing old-growth trees, abundant wildlife, and over three miles
of trails. Trails wander through the old-growh forest while others offer
views down into the McCormick Creek canyon. (253) 858-3400
Fox Island Fishing Pier
1453 Ozette Drive, on the south end of Fox Island.
This unique fishing pier was built by the Department of Fish
and Wildlife and managed by the Pierce County Parks Department.
Comprising a beautiful accessible fishing dock with paved pathways
and handrails for safety in a picturesque setting. Plenty of
parking is available. Unimproved trail to beach. There is a
small fee required for this day use site. (253) 798-4009 Visit
Pierce County website for more information.
Sunrise Beach
10015 Sunrise Beach Drive NW, Gig Harbor. Undeveloped 82-acre scenic site in
the Peninsula area with over 2,400 feet of waterfront on Colvos Passage with
walking trails and a popular diving destination. There are forest paths and
steep trails with views of Mount Rainier and the water. (253) 798-4176
Narrow's Park
1600 Lucille Parkway, Gig Harbor. This “off the beaten path” location
is undeveloped open space with 1,000 feet of waterfront on a 3-acre site. The
site is right on the water with a view of the bridge and the sound. (253) 798-4176
Penrose Point State
Park
A 152-acre marine and camping park on the Key Peninsula. Wildlife, birds and
forested terrain are among the features.
Joemma Beach State
Park
The site is a 122-acre marine camping park with 3,000 feet of saltwater frontage
on southeast Key Peninsula. The area is an excellent place for fishing, boating
and crabbing.
Purdy Sand Spit
Located adjacent to state Route 302, the 7.5-acre park includes tidelands,
a boat launch, as well as picnic and walking areas on both sides of the Gig
Harbor-Longbranch Road approach to the Purdy bridge between Henderson Bay
and Burley Lagoon. Summer favorites include windsurfing, fishing, boating
and beachcombing. (253) 798-4476
Home Park
Located at the corner of Key Peninsula Highway and
8th Avenue.
Directions: from Key Center, south on KPN Highway five miles to Home. Corner
of 8th Avenue & KPN Highway. Home Park is a success story of what determined
individuals can do. The property for Home Park was classified as one of Pierce
County’s illegal dump sites and was cleaned up in a pilot program called, “Pierce
County Responds.” The items on the property were removed by Pierce County
Public Works and the Key Peninsula Parks and Recreation District. This partnership
has enabled the park district to provide an open space that was once an eyesore.
(253) 884-9240
Rocky Creek Conservation
Area
Located at state Route 302 and 150th Avenue KPN.
Directions: From Purdy, go south on state Route 302 for five miles. Right on
Elgin-Clifton road, then right on 150th Avenue KPN and then left on first gravel
road. Follow on gravel road approximately 1 mile to trailhead. Two-hundred-twentyfour
acres of county tax-title property was leased to Key Peninsula Parks & Recreation
District in 1997 for conservation and passive recreation purposes. The area
consists of woodlands, wetlands, a salmon stream, various plants and wildlife.
There are several walking trails of various distances leading from the trailhead.
Rocky Creek contains sensitive salmon spawning grounds, and recent efforts
have concentrated on keeping damaging off-road vehicles away from gravel bed.
(253) 884-9240
Key Peninsula Sports
Complex And Fairgrounds
Located at 5514 Key Peninsula Highway, North Lakebay, WA. 98349.
Directions: From Purdy, go south on state Route 302 for five miles at which
point highway becomes Key Peninsula Highway. (KPH). Follow KPH through Key
Center, park is located on your right approximately three miles south of Key
Center. This 20-acre park, which was once Pierce County tax title property,
was dedicated in 1997. It has been known as “the park” by many
locals. The facility includes three ball fields including one full-size lit
baseball diamond, soccer, tennis courts, six lit horseshoe pits, walking trails,
covered picnic shelter, restrooms, limited camping sites, concession stand,
playground equipment, meeting room, office space and maintenance shop. (253)
884-9240
Crescent Lake Park
At the south end of Crescent Lake, a 2-acre waterfront park sits at the end
of a cul-de-sac in a residential area.
(253) 798-4176
Crescent Lake Boat Launch
A small boat launch is avilable at the northwest end of Crescent Lake and includes
parking and portable restrooms.
Randall Street Boat
Launch
The two-land paved boat launch is on the northeast
side of the harbor at the end of Randall Street. Car and boat
trailer parking is allowed along the curb on Randall Street
and 89th Street Northwest in the residential area.
Marinas
Numerous commercial and private marinas have been
developed along the north and west shores of the harbor. |
Activities of all kinds are available, but
the water is the blood of the community. Water sports abound.
Sailing, kayaking
and pleasure boats line the many marinas in Gig Harbor. A
public boat dock is located downtown with three boat launches
close
by. 
options
as well as day use facilities, beach access and hiking and biking
opportunities. 
