Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park

Tacoma, WA 98407

Official Website

Tips for Birding

Point Defiance Park is a large city park, largely covered in mature coniferous forest, but with multiple places to do seawatchs of the south Puget Sound.  The Five Mile Loop, long a favorite place for seawatching is closed to traffic due to concerns about the stability of the bluffs, but can be accessed on foot or by bicycle. The best seawatching is from Dune Peninsula and Owen's Beach.  

Birds of Interest

Gulls, Terns, Alcids, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Pileated Woodpecker, Varied Thrush, Red Crossbill, most of the western washington forest birds. 

About this Location

The park is a large metropolitan park, and is heavily used, especially on weekends in summer.  The mature forest has many trails for walking, and the Five Mile Loop is great for bike access, but is closed to vehicular traffic.  Dune Peninsula is the most popular birding location.  

Features

  • Restrooms on site

Content from Official Website

Last updated August 2, 2023