The best walks and hikes around Fort Lewis

Yes, there are over 30 hiking routes to explore in the area. The trails primarily consist of easy and moderate paths, with no difficult-rated hikes listed, making the region very accessible for most fitness levels.

The hiking experience around Fort Lewis is defined by the classic Pacific Northwest landscape. Expect to find trails winding through dense, mossy forests of fir and cedar, following creek canyons, and sometimes leading to the pebbled shorelines of the Puget Sound. Most routes have gentle gradients with low elevation gain.

Absolutely. The Bender Woods loop from DuPont is a great option. It's a relatively short and easy walk through the forest. Another local favorite for families is the Sequalitchew Creek Trail, which has a steady, gentle path down to a beach on the Puget Sound.

Many parks in the area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. For example, Dash Point State Park and Fort Steilacoom Park are popular spots for dog walkers. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to visit before you go.

The Sequalitchew Creek Trail is often used by families with rugged or all-terrain strollers. The path follows an old railway grade, so it's wide and has a consistent, gentle slope, though the surface is unpaved dirt and gravel.

For a bit more of a challenge, consider the Bender Woods loop from Tanglewilde. This route is longer than many of the easy loops and involves a bit more elevation gain, offering a good workout through the forest.

While the immediate trails focus on forests and coastline, you can find waterfalls with a bit of a drive. The Little Mashel Falls trail system is located about a 45-minute to an hour's drive away and features a series of three beautiful waterfalls.

Several parks and trailheads are highly regarded by local hikers.

Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head is an extremely popular starting point for walks down to the Puget Sound. Capitol State Forest offers a vast area for recreation with numerous trails. For a tranquil walk through the woods, Bresemann Forest is a well-liked choice.

The trails in the area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the serene forest atmosphere, the accessibility of the trails, and the scenic reward of reaching the Puget Sound shoreline.

Yes, hiking is a year-round activity here. The low elevation of most trails means they are generally free of snow. However, trails can be very muddy and wet during the winter and spring, so waterproof hiking shoes are strongly recommended.

Many trails, like those leading from the Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head, offer rewarding views of the Puget Sound. For expansive mountain vistas, a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, about 60 miles away, is your best option. On clear days, you can often see Mount Rainier as a stunning backdrop from various points in the region.

Most popular trailheads, such as the one for Sequalitchew Creek in DuPont, have designated parking areas. Parks like Dash Point State Park and Capitol State Forest also have established parking, though they may require a Discover Pass for vehicle access. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends as lots can fill up.