Just moved to Tacoma, or getting back into it after a while? These groups are beginner-friendly and welcoming — no need to be fast, experienced, or know a soul.
Saturdays, 8:00am · free 5K on road + fire-road trail
Point Defiance Park (Five Mile Drive), Tacoma
A free, timed-optional 5K through Point Defiance — paved Five Mile Drive plus a fire-road trail stretch. Park at the Owen Beach upper lot.
Mount Tahoma Trails Association
Winter groomed cross-country trails & huts — see grooming report
Mt. Tahoma Trails, near Ashford
North America’s largest no-fee hut-to-hut system — ~50 miles of trail (20 groomed) with three huts and a yurt below Mt. Rainier.
Thursdays, 6:30pm · social 3 mi from a rotating bar
Rotating Tacoma bars & restaurants
A social-pace 3-mile run from a different Tacoma bar each week, rain or shine.
Mondays, 6:00pm · free 3–5 mi run/walk, all abilities
A free 3–5 mile run or walk for every ability, finishing with a social stop at Peaks and Pints.
Winter race series at Fort Steilacoom — see calendar
Fort Steilacoom Park, Lakewood
Weekly group runs & training groups — see shop
South Sound Running, Point Ruston, Tacoma
Last Wednesday of the month, 6:00pm · social pub run
South Sound Running, Point Ruston, Tacoma
A relaxed last-Wednesday social run from the Point Ruston shop.
Tacoma City Marathon Association
Year-round road races (marathon, half, 5K) — see calendar
Varies by event (Tacoma area)
The Mountaineers — Tacoma Branch
Member-led trail runs & courses — see activity calendar
Rotating South Sound trailheads
Trail half-marathon / 10K / 5K at Chambers Bay — August
Chambers Bay Loop Trail, University Place
Trail half-marathon / 10K / 5K at Chambers Bay — November
Chambers Bay Loop Trail, University Place
Half / 10K / 5K across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge — August
Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Gig Harbor
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance — South Sound
Evergreen Crank Sisters group rides at Swan Creek (spring–fall)
Swan Creek Mountain Bike Park, Tacoma
Recurring evening rides run through Evergreen’s Crank Sisters program (women’s, plus coed rides) at the Swan Creek bike park the South Sound chapter built.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance — South Sound
Volunteer trail-building days — see calendar
South Sound trail projects (Swan Creek, Tehaleh & more)
Tacoma Washington Bicycle Club
Year-round member rides for all paces — see ride calendar
Rotating South Sound start points
Your first ride is free — no membership required.
Tacoma Washington Bicycle Club
Annual spring signature ride — see events
Pierce County (see event page)
The Mountaineers — Tacoma Branch
Branch day hikes & backpacks — see activity calendar
Rotating Mt. Rainier & South Sound trailheads
The Mountaineers — Tacoma Branch
Winter snowshoe trips — see activity calendar
Rotating Mt. Rainier-area trailheads
Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition
Volunteer trail-stewardship days — see events
Foothills National Recreation Trail
Park Guide-led walks & hikes, mostly June–August
Various Tacoma parks (Point Defiance, Titlow Beach)
Open daily · top-rope, lead & bouldering plus classes
The Mountaineers — Tacoma Branch
Basic & intermediate climbing courses + trips — see calendar
Varies by course (Cascades & Mt. Rainier)
The Mountaineers — Tacoma Branch
Beginner classic-ski course + winter outings — see calendar
Rotating Cascade sno-parks
Fourth Monday, 9:30am · beginner walk, loaner binoculars
Adriana Hess Audubon Center, University Place
A fourth-Monday walk built for beginners — borrow binoculars and a field guide at the center.
Third Thursday, 8:00am · no base pass required
Eagle’s Pride Golf Course, JBLM
Monthly guided bird walks & field trips around the South Sound — see schedule
Rotating Pierce County & South Sound sites
Fly-fishing classes & guided saltwater trips — see shop
Puget Sound Anglers — Gig Harbor & Tacoma
Monthly chapter meetings + member outings — see calendar
Gig Harbor / Tacoma (see chapter site)
The Mountaineers — Tacoma Branch
Basic/intermediate sea-kayak courses + paddles — see calendar
Puget Sound launches (Commencement Bay & beyond)
Beginner, intermediate & 50+ kayak tours — see schedule
Owen Beach, Point Defiance Park, Tacoma