McCormick Forest Park — Attraction in Gig Harbor

Whether you need to bring your dog out for some exercise and socializing, you need a quiet, safe place to have a jog or walk, or you just want to feel like you're getting into some nature to re-energize, McCormick Forest Park has hit what you need. The western side (next to the fire hall) is designated as a dog park and has facilities a short distance from the parking​ lot in which you can let your dog safely run wild in a rather large fenced area. If that's not your style there are miles of wooded paths zigzagging their way through the park.

The eastern side is maybe just a bit bigger with more routes to choose from but usually has more people using the trails so you might run into a handful here and there. This is one of my favorite places in (near) Gig Harbor. It's so close to town but makes you feel like you're not...at least most of the time. If you venture too near the Hwy. 16 side you will be reminded of where you are from the constant purr of vehicles speeding by at 60+ mph on the other side of the fence. Not to worry though, the sound is dulled and traded to nearly silence just a short way back into the trees. I highly recommend this place to anyone attracted to this description. Go for a walk someday and check it out, you won't be...

I enjoy this park and it seems that many other people and people’s pets do also. Be cautious where you step. There is nothing dangerous, only a bit yucky. Ha. Ha . Ha. Yes it seems that many doggy owners walk their dogs here too. Part of this park runs parallel with the express way so it might be a bit traffic noisy at times. The rest of the park is just fine. I really enjoy the perimeter trails because of the less traffic. The park even has a human port-a-potty for the two legged critters like us. I also get a laugh out of the alphabet markings, like how can a person get lost in a small area. There is a fire search and rescue department right across the park for those that...

This is my go to park for dog walks. Because of the way the trails are set up you can very easily tailor the length of your walking loop depending an the amount of time and or energy you have. Lots of hills to keep it interesting and my favorite, the multiple well spaced hidden oasis waypoints along the main stem of the stream that bisects the property. My boy is getting up there in years now and needs to occasionally cool his arthritic "heels" in the cool stream.

Whether you're out hiking with your favorite pup, mushroom hunting, getting your fitness on or preferably all 3 at the same time, this is one of the best places to do it on...