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Garfield Gulch
Access
Get to either the restored walking trail (leads to Park Drive) or the lower gulch track from Garfield Park, 400 N. Borough Rd. The upper track begins further north down Borough Road and can reach the mouth. Both tracks are steep and slippery. There’s foot access to the gulch’s mouth from Schuster Parkway opposite the Chinese Reconciliation Park, but no car parking.
Explore + Restore
restoration area
homeless-dug cave
logger springboard stump
Helping
Rob Girvin is the official habitat steward and holds work parties several times a year. To help, contact him at 253-383-4588 or rgirvin@harbornet.com. You can also contact the Green Tacoma Partnership, which manages the habitat steward program, at 253-274-5673 or greentacoma@cascadeland.org.
restoration area
Garfield Park
restoration area
Buckley Gulch
Access
Public access is through Ursich Park at 2412 N. 29th St. The trail gets boggier and boggier and eventually reaches private property. While it’s possible to access the gulch at the Yakima (off West Road) and North 21st Street bridges (off Anderson Street), it’s private property. The mini-park at North 16th and Junett Streets is public.
Helping
There’s currently no plan to restore Buckley Gulch, but if you’re a local resident you can contact Metro Parks for updates at 253-305-1000 or info@tacomaparks.com. To report crime, call the North End community police substation at 253-573-2508.
Tips
Wear waterproof shoes. Look for watercress in spring/summer. Watch pets – there are sometimes coyote. Be aware under the bridges - take a buddy.
Old Town Park
fresh watercress
graffiti, treehouse
Ursich Park
fresh watercress
graffiti
community park
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Puget Gulch
Access
Walkable track down from Puget Park, 3111 N. Proctor St. ADA-accessible gravel path along floor of gulch from North 36th Street at Ruston Way. Two steep tracks lead out of the upper gulch's north fork to Monroe Street at North 33rd and 34th Streets.
Tips
Wear walking shoes. Stay on the path to preserve restoration efforts. Salmon chum sometimes live under the bridge on the waterfront end, but are hard to find.
Helping
Volunteer with Puget Sound Restoration Society (253-779-8890, pugetcreek.org) on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.
picnic tables, salmon bridge
log bridge
graffiti, rope swing
bouncing maple
Puget Park and switchback trailhead
Mason Gulch
Access
Walkable track outside fence line on west of treatment plant, 4002 N. Waterview St. Ends in brambles. Very steep tracks down from N. Stevens at N. 38th Street (west side) and atN. 38th on east side. It's mostly public property, but don’t go through the treatment plant.
Helping
There’s no current restoration work at Mason, but check metroparkstacoma.org or future community input on plans.
Tips
Take a buddy – the gulch is invisible from the street. Wear waterproof shoes and long pants/sleeves against nettles.
sewage treatment plant
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Mouse for sights
freshwater spring pipe
logger springboard stump
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Explore + Restore
Tips
Wear waterproof boots and carry a stick for balance. Be prepared to clamber. Bring a buddy – it’s lonely down there. Look for birdhouses and a bald eagle’s nest high up.