The best walks and hikes around Sumner

Yes, there are over 10 designated hiking routes in and around Sumner. The local terrain is mostly flat, featuring paved multi-use paths that follow the river, as well as trails through city parks. These offer accessible options for walking and hiking without significant elevation changes.

Sumner is great for family outings. Many trails are paved and flat, making them suitable for strollers and little legs. A particularly good option is the Bradley Lake Park loop, which is a short and easy walk around a lake.

Most of the paved, multi-use trails in the Sumner and Puyallup area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. Park trails, like those in Loyalty Park and Rainier View Park, are also good options for a walk with your canine companion. Always check local signage for specific park rules.

The area offers several loop trails, which are perfect for a walk without having to retrace your steps. The Puyallup Loop Trail – Clarks Creek loop from Puyallup is a pleasant, easy loop that takes you through local green spaces and neighborhoods.

The trails directly around Sumner are generally easy and flat. For more of a challenge, you'll need to drive a bit. Hikes in the Issaquah Alps, like at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, or trails closer to Mount Rainier offer significant elevation gain and are popular for those seeking a strenuous day out.

There is a dedicated parking lot for the Sumner Link Trail located at 142nd Ave E. It offers four-hour parking and is a convenient starting point for accessing the trail.

The Sumner Link Trail is a key connector in the regional trail network. It links to the Interurban Trail to the north, heading towards Kent and Seattle, and the Foothills Trail to the south, which extends towards Puyallup and beyond.

While many local trails are in the river valley, you can get excellent views of Mount Rainier from Rainier View Park in Sumner. For trail-based views, you'll typically need to drive towards the mountain itself. The Naches Peak Loop and trails from the Paradise or Sunrise visitor centers in Mount Rainier National Park offer world-class scenery.

For local paved trails, comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. For more remote hikes in the Cascades, it's essential to be prepared for changing weather. Pack layers of clothing, rain gear, extra food and water, a map, and a first-aid kit. The weather can change quickly, even in summer.

There are no significant waterfalls on the trails immediately within Sumner. To see waterfalls, you'll need to travel to the Cascade foothills. Areas along the I-90 corridor or near Mount Rainier National Park have numerous trails that feature beautiful waterfalls, but they require a drive to reach the trailheads.

The komoot community has explored the area, with reviewers often enjoying the accessibility and gentle nature of the riverside paths. The trails are praised for being well-suited for casual walks, family bike rides, and connecting with the wider regional trail system.

For a lovely evening stroll with river views, head to Two Rivers Point. It's a quiet spot where the Puyallup and White Rivers meet, known for its pretty sunsets over the water.