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The Scott Pierson Trail is a paved, multi-use trail that runs from 24th Street NW on the southern end of Gig Harbor all the way east to S 25th Street next to the Allenmore Golf Course in the Hilltop neighborhood of central Tacoma. The clear highlight from a walking standpoint is access to the new Narrows Bridge and all the views that affords. Much of the rest of the route east of the Tacoma War Memorial park tightly hugs the Highway 16 freeway and is not well marked so while useful for bicycle commuting, does not make for a peaceful walk.
From the lot at the War Memorial, walk east down through the park giving respect to those Tacoma residents who gave their lives in service to our country. Cross N. Jackson Ave at the signal at the northeast corner of the park and continue west along the trail divided from the Highway 16 off ramp.
Follow the ramp up onto and over the bridge. There are good railings and the trail is completely separated from any vehicular traffic by a large concrete wall/barrier so there are no safety issues. One word of caution--it is quite high so take pity on folks in your party that might have a bit of acrophobia. Once across the bridge the trail ends in about a quarter mile at 24th St NW.
There is no easy parking on this end. Turn around and retrace your steps back across the bridge and up through the War Memorial. Round trip distance for this section is just 4.6 miles.
The views off the bridge are spectacular. Looking north provides close up views of the old original Narrows Bridge with Point Defiance and Vashon Island beyond. Views south down the Narrows channel include Fox Island, Ketron Island and Anderson Island past Steilacoom and Dupont all the way to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, another great walk.
While this is still a relatively urban area with traffic noise there is quite a bit of wildlife - hawks, eagles, raven, etc - that nest in the crags on the west side of the channel plus seals, sea lions and if you are lucky, an occasional whale or porpoise in the water below.
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