The “Gateway To The Olympic Peninsula” Is A Cute Seaside Town With Mt. Rainier Views & Over 20 Parks Nearby

The State of Washington is residence to many pure wonders—most famously, Mount Rainier, the tallest in the state despite its continuous shrinking. However within the underrated seaside city of Gig Harbor, you may nonetheless see the state’s highest level, Mount Rainier, aka Tahoma (14,410 ft), in all its glory.

This hidden gem is sometimes called the “gateway to the Olympic Peninsula,” which has the cutest small towns nestled in diverse landscapes. However Gig Harbor is in contrast to your typical overlooked small towns in Washington.

On the coronary heart of it’s a peaceable, postcard-perfect harbor with a deep-rooted waterfront tradition in contrast to some other. Gig Harbor is an energetic fishing port whose traditions date again to the nineteenth century. It has since preserved its unhurried life-style whereas embracing refined experiences.

Gig Harbor affords upscale eating, historic small-town charms, and adventures in mystical parks—with over 20 of them inside and outdoors town limits. This is why “The Maritime Metropolis” of Washington deserves a spot in your journey bucket checklist.

Gig Harbor, Washington Is A Cute Seaside “Gateway To The Olympic Peninsula” With Views Of Mt. Rainier

Gig Harbor, WA, is a laid-back vacation spot with metropolis comforts and coastal views

Gig Harbor is definitely the title of each a bay on Puget Sound and town proper on its shore in Pierce County, Washington. Puget Sound is a fancy waterway and inlet of the Pacific Ocean. It covers a number of cities, islands, and peninsulas—from the Deception Move close to the coastal town of Anacortes (another Pacific Northwest treasure) to Olympia.

Situated on the western aspect of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Gig Harbor stays underneath the radar—overshadowed by main cities close by, like Tacoma and Seattle, which host a few of the state’s biggest tourist traps.

Generally known as the “gateway to the Olympic Peninsula,” Gig Harbor is a well-liked place to begin to discover the Peninsula’s pure magnificence. Nevertheless, the city affords a slow-paced getaway with no gimmicky points of interest. It thrives on genuine native traditions with out sacrificing refined experiences.

Fishing boats (no noisy tour boats) and historic web sheds line the marina, together with native boutiques and chic eating spots the place you may benefit from the views of Mt. Rainier. There aren’t any flashy resorts or kitschy boardwalks in Gig Harbor, simply over-century-old piers with pleasant native fishermen and occasional sightings of harbor seals or ospreys diving gracefully into the water.

Issues To See And Do In Gig Harbor, Washington

Gig Harbor, WA has probably the most magical parks for varied outside actions

Gig Harbor is a maritime city with a wilderness really feel. With greater than 20 parks inside and across the metropolis, it’s lush with evergreen forests and untamed nature. Amongst its most verdant parks is the 98-acre Sehmel Homestead Park, which has sports activities fields, trails, and wetlands.

You will positively wish to rent a boat or kayak downtown, however when you’re in that space, be sure that to drop by Skansie Brothers Park on Harborview Drive. There, you will see the well-known 15-foot carved cedar statue, “Our Fisherman, Our Guardian.” The determine is a Native American fisherman holding up a salmon, which honors the early settlers of the realm.

Additionally alongside Harborview Drive, the 7,000-square-foot Harbor History Museum homes an enormous assortment of items from Gig Harbor’s maritime historical past. For good morning walks or biking, you could have the 6.2-mile paved Cushman Trail. It is also a 2-minute drive to McCormick Forest Park, a densely forested space with old-growth timber, scenic mountaineering trails, and picnic tables.

When you’re feeling just a little extra adventurous, try the sting-ray-shaped Cutts Island (Deadman’s Island), an uninhabited marine state park in Carr Inlet that is accessible by paddling, boating, or kayaking from Kopachuck State Park (0.5 miles away) or the Gig Harbor Marina or Jerisich Dock (5 miles).

Past the attractive outside alternatives, Gig Harbor boasts a variety of native eating places, artwork galleries, and boutique outlets. Uptown Gig Harbor, an open-air mall, affords a variety of wonderful clothes and present outlets.

The Greatest Time To Go to Gig Harbor, Washington

Every season in Gig Harbor, WA, affords a unique scene together with a variety of festivals

Summer season is the general finest time to go to Gig Harbor, WA. It has delicate temperatures and the least rainfall—excellent for park and waterfront actions. Nevertheless, additionally it is the busiest time within the metropolis, with weekly waterfront markets, in addition to the city’s largest occasion, the Maritime Gig Festival (June).

For related climate situations, the runner-up selection is spring. Flowers are blooming and there are fewer vacationers. Autumn can also be a superb time for a visit to Gig Harbor, particularly early within the season.

Throughout that point, you get to witness vibrant fall foliage and a few harvest festivals, just like the Scarecrow Competition. Simply word that rain peaks between October and November. Winter scenes in Gig Harbor are nonetheless a sight to see, however the persistent rainfall and chilly climate aren’t ideally suited for outside actions.

Gig Harbor is one among Washington’s best-kept secrets and techniques. It is a fusion of laid-back ambiance and wealthy maritime heritage. Set towards the distant Mt. Rainier, towering cedar timber, and tranquil waters, town has a pure method of opening you as much as new experiences.