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The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is a pair of twin suspension bridges that span the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound in Pierce County, Washington. The bridges connect the city of Tacoma with the Kitsap Peninsula and carry State Route 16 (known as Primary State Highway 14 until 1964) over the strait. Historically, the name “Tacoma Narrows Bridge” has applied to the original bridge nicknamed “Galloping Gertie”, which opened in July 1940, but collapsed possibly because of aeroelastic flutter four months later, as well as the replacement of the original bridge which opened in 1950 and still stands today as the westbound lanes of the present-day two-bridge complex.

The original Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened on July 1, 1940. The original bridge received its nickname “Galloping Gertie” due to the vertical movement of the deck observed by construction workers during windy conditions. While engineers and engineering professor, F. B. Farquharson were hired to seek ways to stop the odd movements, months of experiments were unsuccessful.^[3] The bridge became known for its pitching deck, and collapsed into Puget Sound the morning of November 7, 1940, under high wind conditions. Engineering issues, as well as the United States’ involvement in World War II, postponed plans to replace the bridge for several years; the replacement bridge was opened on October 14, 1950.

By 1990, population growth and development on the Kitsap Peninsula had caused traffic on the bridge to exceed its design capacity; as a result, in 1998 Washington voters approved a measure to support building a parallel bridge. After a series of protests and court battles, construction began in 2002 and the new bridge opened to carry eastbound traffic on July 16, 2007, while the 1950 bridge was reconfigured to carry westbound traffic.^[4]

At the time of their construction, both the 1940 and 1950 bridges were the third-longest suspension bridges in the world in terms of main span length, behind the Golden Gate Bridge and George Washington Bridge. The 1950 and 2007 bridges are as of 2017 the fifth-longest suspension bridge spans in the United States and the 43rd-longest in the world.

Tolls were charged on the bridge for the entire four-month service life of the original span, as well as the first 15 years of the 1950 bridge. In 1965, the bridge’s construction bonds plus interest were paid off, and the state ceased toll collection on the bridge. Over 40 years later, tolls were reinstated as part of the financing of the twin span, and are presently collected only from vehicles traveling eastbound.

This 31-acre forested park includes walking trails, a lake, and numerous opportunities to observe wild birds in a wetland habitat like the ones that once flourished throughout Pierce County.

The City of Tacoma acquired the land in 1942 as a natural space for residents to enjoy, and Metro Parks Tacoma has managed the parklands since the 1980s. In 2010, the City formally transferred ownership to Metro Parks Tacoma.

Natural History
Apart from the name of the lake, recent history has focused on the threat of continued urbanization to local wetlands and the ecosystems therein. Although it was heavily logged in the 1890s after it was acquired by the City in 1942 for greenspace, the natural areas revived at China Lake.

What are Wetlands?
Wetlands are transitional areas between land and water, in this case freshwater ponds. Wetlands support specialized plants, offer refuge and habitat for many species of fish, birds, and wildlife. Nearly thirty distinct types of plants and over ninety different animal species, including mammals, amphibians, and birds, can be found in wetlands like this!

Wetlands contain rich nutrients, absorb excess stormwater to help prevent floods, and clean water by filtering out pollutants and sediment. Wetlands are amazing and diverse: the complex interaction of their basic components – soil, water, animals and plants – have helped sustain the interconnected lives of animals and humans for millennia.

Thanks to wildlife advocates this site has been protected from development over the years and maintained as a valuable habitat for plants and animals.

For more details about wetlands at Snake Lake and China Lake, check out the Tacoma Nature Center’s webpage and interactive programs.

Titlow Park is a large grassy flat park located near a lagoon and Puget Sound at the base of 6th Avenue. The park is 75 acres.

If you see a seal on the beach, give it room – at least 100 yards. It’s the law! Dogs should be leashed and kept away.

Harbor seals utilize shoreline locations as resting places for several hours every day to regulate body temperature, interact with other seals, and sleep. Chasing, tormenting, molesting, capturing, or feeding these animals is harassment and is prohibited.

If you see a marine mammal being harassed contact NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline (1-800-853-1964).

If an animal has been on the beach for 48 hours or is clearly in distress (injured) contact NW marine Mammal Stranding Network (1-800-853-1964).

Launch your kayak or paddleboard: Take 6th Ave to Titlow Park and drive past the playground and lodge towards the end of the road near the railroad tracks. There is a small ramp to the water on the waterside of the tracks. Titlow Beach is home to a sandy shoreline and great views of both the Narrows Bridge and the Olympic Peninsula.

Parking: Yes – designated for Park
Restroom: Yes
Water Fountain: Yes – located near restroom
Surface: Wood fiber
Swings: Yes – (1) high back support swing
Ground Play: Equal number of ground and elevated play; Ground arch
Adaptive Play: Transfer system only
Sensory Play: Music, Manipulatives, Imagination
Play Tables: None
Shade: Limited, shelters near playground area
Accommodations: Tables and benches near playground
Sprayground: Yes – water spray feature with zero depth access

At 66-acres, this natural area has one of only three salmon-bearing streams within the city limits. This natural area was established in 1985.

On March 17, 1888 Allen C. Mason donated the first section of Puget Park “to the uses of the public forever.” Additional land was later donated by Charles S. Reeves and others. The park included the small level area along Proctor as well as the gulch extending from Union Street down to the waterfront.

But in 1891 the talk was all about the gold. “Gold Discovered in Puget Park!” was the headline of an August 8, 1891 newspaper article in the TACOMA NEWS. Puget Park, located at the corner of Procter Street and North 31st, was one of the first parks donated to the City of Tacoma. According to the article:

“Yesterday some timber-clearers in the North End discovered what they took to be gold in Puget Park….On investigation the dust proved to be actual gold. It was found in one of the park gulches, not very far from the Mason’s chapel. An analysis is being made of some of the soil containing the shining particles.

The timber clearers reported their find to Major D. C. Stam, who made a personal examination of the premises. He says the appearances are identical with those of the spot where some well diggers found gold over a year ago. The find created considerable excitement at the time, but the gold was not in large enough quantities to pay for working. The indications are, he thinks, that the gulch contains more gold than did the well.

The city may thus have a bonanza which will yield enough of the precious “dirt” to carry on the proposed park improvements without issuing bonds.

Mr. Allen C. Mason, on hearing of the reported gold find this morning said” “If I had known that these gulches contained gold perhaps I wouldn’t have given that park to the city. But one thing I do know and knew then, Mr. Reporter, is that the gulch from which Mr. Mullen draws his North End water supply contains some splendid mineral springs which I am firm in believing can be made, with proper care, to yield a large supply of mineral water. I drank water from the springs last summer, when not feeling very well, and it invigorated and helped me a great deal. I think that those springs can be made as famous as any in the West.

“The water contains iron, magnesia, sulfur, I think, and other medicinal properties. Now, it has been brought to my attention again, I intend to have some of it analyzed. Quite likely there is more gold in those springs than in the gulch dirt. Time will tell.”

It appears that Mr. Mason was thinking well into the future and today’s popularity of bottled water. Maybe we should consider bottling Puget Gulch Creek Water as another way to earn revenue. It’s interesting to note that even in 1891 people were trying to come up with ways to financially support the parks without having to resort to bond issues.

 

You can enjoy various activities such as Tacoma trails, Summer Camp for your children, Camps, Dancing, Cooking, Fitness Yoga, and so much more.

From humble beginnings comes one of Tacoma’s greatest treasures.

Long before Snake Lake and the surrounding area were set aside as a nature preserve, Native American tribes used the abundant resources of the wetland. The Snake Lake area was traditional tribal land used as a resource for berries, bulbs, and tender shoots. The reeds were used for mats inside of dwellings as wall and floor coverings and on the outside as protective covering.

As the City of Tacoma grew, so did the number of people visiting Snake Lake. In 1890, the Tacoma-Lake City Railway was put in place on the east side of Snake Lake. The railway was constructed as a pleasure train, taking passengers from the hill above Old Town (26th Street) to a resort on American Lake. The railway closed after just seven years of operation, but the flat, even grade is still evident on the forested side of the lake.

Snake Lake soon became a popular recreation area. Many people ice-skated on its frozen waters in the winter. One tragic day in 1908, two boys died after falling through the ice. Twenty years later, Snake Lake and the surrounding area became part of the Metropolitan Parks District, a gift of R. A. Booth and others.

In the early 1970s William Glundberg, director of Metro Parks Tacoma, recognized the potential for a nature center on the site. Countless people and organizations, including Tahoma Audubon Society’s Helen Engle, Bob Ramsey and Thelma Gilmur, fought long and hard to preserve the land and promote nature education. Citizens began to discover the wonderful resources in their own backyards.

When plans to construct State Route 16 right over the lake were revealed, concerned citizens and officials realized building on top of a wetland would create drainage problems. The road was designed to bridge Snake Lake instead. In 1972 the bridge over the south end of the lake was completed.

The park was dedicated in 1979 with an advisory board in place. Portable buildings arrived in 1981, and tours began for school and community groups as well as summer day camp programs.

Ten years later, the current interpretive center was completed with money from the 1986 “Parks for People” bond issue. School and group tours, outreach programs, community programs and special events all grew to meet the needs of an ever-growing and changing population. As the need for conservation grew, so did the response of The Tacoma Nature Center staff and volunteers. We will continue to work to increase understanding and appreciation of the natural world, a haven in the middle of the city.

About the Trail

ore than two miles of soft-surfaced walking trails wander through the wetlands and forest areas. There is also a half-mile outdoor access route for wheelchairs.

Trails are open daily from 8 am to 30 minutes after sunset

• General admission is free for the preserve
• Since this is an urban nature preserve, we ask you to leave pets and bicycles at home while visiting
• Smoking is prohibited

For the health of our ducks and geese, we ask you to refrain from feeding them.

Discovery Pond is a natural play area for children designed to inspire creative play and environmental learning.

Where adventure and learning happen naturally . . .

Discovery Pond is a natural play area for children designed to inspire creative play and environmental learning.

It has unconventional play features like a tree house, boulder scramble, slide inside a hollow log, snag climb, pond with waterfalls and logs crossing, walking trails, and rain gardens.

Hours
Open daily from 9:30 am to 30 minutes after sunset, except when reserved by a group or party

Admission
Admission is free.

Interpretive Center

The interpretive center offers informative displays with plenty for kids to see and do. Check out the interactive wetland, watershed, and wildlife exhibits featuring small animals like toads and turtles.

• Center hours: Monday-Friday, 10 am-2 pm
  Beginning April 25 the Nature Center will be open daily 10 am-2 pm
• Conference/meeting room available for rent
• General admission is free for the building

Gift Shop

Choose from an array of affordable items that will make your visit even more memorable.

You’ll find high-quality creations in the gift shop, perfect for any budget. Browse through unique gifts including:

• Nature-themed books, toys, jewelry, art, and gift items.
• Nature exploration tools

Please note that we comply with the City of Tacoma’s plastic bag ban. Recycled paper bags are available to purchase if you do not bring your own bag.

Established in 1915, what was once a tourist camp is now filled with firs and grassy areas and a variety of recreational features.

This is a 7.4 acre park. A gravel walking path circles the park and is about 1/3 mile in length.

The Metropolitan Park District purchased 10 acres for $2,500 in 1915 in what was the extreme southwestern corner of the city. At the time of purchase, this tract was bisected by the Pacific Traction company’s electric car line which ran from City Center to American Lake and was later extended to Fort Lewis. When the line was abandoned, Metro Parks acquired the right-of-way for the nominal sum of $10.

It was considered to be one of the best tourist camps along Pacific Highway and at fifty cents a day it was self-supporting. Records show that 3,079 people traveling in 901 autos stayed at Manitou Park in 1920. By 1923 that number had increased to 11,000 people traveling in 3,086 autos.

Manitou Park Picnic Shelter

4408 American Lake Blvd.
Tacoma, WA 98409

 

Manitou Park’s shelter is located in a grassy area with plenty of shade trees, next to a playground.

Manitou Park Picnic Shelter

Capacity: 100

Rental Rate: (April-September) $125

Amenities:

• Hours: Available daily 10 am-dusk
• Tables: 4 under shelter, 2 outside
• Restrooms: Yes
• BBQ’s and Stoves: None
• Electricity: n/a
• Water: None
• Parking: Street parking
• Picnic Shelter Rental Guide