EXPLORE: Tacoma Narrows Park | Gig Harbor

A favorite haunt of beachcombers, lunch-breakers, families, photographers, and picnickers, Tacoma Narrows Park is a gorgeous public park mere minutes from the Gig Harbor waterfront and Port Orchard that offers some of the most spectacular and unique views on the Peninsula.

1502 Lucille Parkway Gig Harbor, WA

Why we love it

This 35 acre ‘hidden’ park at the southern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula offers beach access directly under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. EPIC views of the colossal bridges and Narrows Passage as well as grassy play areas for the kids. Great beach combing and daydreaming spot!

Walk the stretch of beach from the park to directly beneath the rumbling bridges to catch one of the most unique perspectives of the twin undergirding.

The Tacoma Narrows is between the Kitsap Peninsula and the rest of the world. Although it’s but a finger of water in the Salish Sea when you’re standing on the shores of the wide channel between Pierce and Kitsap County it feels massive. Wavelets are whipped into whitecaps towards the middle of the Narrows and all the while a steady stream of cars crosses the cobalt blue waterway along a ribbon of concrete and steel. The tide reveals acres of surf rounded rocks and tangles of driftwood.

natural barrier

Moments from Gig Harbor

and on the last exit before the Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll road the park is tucked out of the way but the devoted following means that the small parking lot can fill up on nice days. Snag one of those spots and amble down to the beach and if the tide is in your favor hang a left towards the twin bridges that span the Tacoma Narrows!

The walk to the bridges takes about 20 minutes

and it is well worth it! Look up at the long expanse of architecture and listen to the rumblings of the traffic racing above you. All the while the wavelets lap at the shore. The combination of the natural beauty and the manmade spectacle is awe inspiring.

many people drive aCRoss the tacoma narrows bridge

few have stood directly beneath it with the waves at their feet and looked down the barrel of the twin bridges as hundreds of vehicles whoosh and thump overhead.

A visit to the Tacoma Narrows Park is a pilgrimage for any Kitsap Peninsula Resident and a damn lucky find for a visitor! Do yourself a favor and pack a picnic and plan a visit when the tide is on its way out.

Rain or shine, you won’t be disappointed!

THE EXPLORING NEVER ENDS

Previous
Previous

LOCAL: A Short History of the Kitsap Peninsula

Next
Next

LOCAL: Heritage Distilling | Holiday Drink Recipes