Water Sports and Outdoor Recreation

Standing 14,410 feet above sea level at the eastern edge of Pierce County, Mount Rainier is a breathtaking icon in the Washington landscape. Mount Rainier offers high-altitude adventures for every season and every preference – from alpine climbing and hiking, to mountain biking and horseback riding, to sightseeing and camping, to cross-country skiing and snowboarding. Further outdoor recreation activities are available at the Olympic Mountains nearby. All-told, Tacoma-Pierce County offers access to three ski resorts just two hours away.

Tacoma-Pierce County boasts a vibrant city life, not just in Tacoma but in places like Puyallup, Lakewood, Fife, DuPont, Gig Harbor and Sumner. With Point Defiance Park offering 700 acres of trails, beaches, gardens and landmarks – not to mention the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest – Tacoma blurs the line between the natural and urban landscape. Similarly, maritime activities can be found in Gig Harbor, while majestic gardens populate Lakewood. Residents can also enjoy one of the nation’s largest state fairs in Puyallup, score a birdie at the world-class Chambers Bay Golf Course near DuPont and immerse themselves in a true slice of Americana in Fife or Sumner.

Picture kayaks drifting in the sunset; a brisk jog alongside saltwater shores; or thrilling water sports events featuring world-class athletes. All that is available in Tacoma-Pierce County, which features miles upon miles of stunning shorelines along the South Puget Sound, Gig Harbor, American Lake and many more bodies of water in the area. Our waterfronts provide unmatched access to the South Sound – perfect for dining, outdoor recreation and relaxation. Originating from the glaciers of Mount Rainier, the Puyallup River is a spawning ground and fishing haven for varieties of salmon. American Lake is a family-friendly hotspot for boating, water skiing, tubing, sailing, swimming, fishing, picnicking and more.