Tacoma Trails Challenge

Get a bingo card and complete 5 challenges in a row to complete a bingo or complete all 25 squares for a blackout.

Participants are responsible for tracking their own progress. We use the honor system for this event. Some staff may also use a rubber stamp to mark squares for staff-guided events.

Pick up a Bingo card or print your own and start marking off the challenges!

Bingo Cards are available at these locations:

• Get one from a Park Guide!
• Parks Tacoma Main Office
• Tacoma Nature Center
• Center at Norpoint
• Eastside Community Center
• People’s Center
• STAR Center

Download a Bingo Card 

Download a Bingo Card (pdf)

Official Rules (pdf)

Line Bingo (five in a row):

• Mark your bingo card as you complete the squares.
• Complete one bingo (five in a row)
• After getting one bingo, complete the “finisher form” online to be entered into the grand prize drawing

Participants are responsible for tracking their own progress. We use the honor system for this event and trust that anyone who completes the finisher form online actually finished 5 in a row on their bingo card. Some staff may also use a rubber stamp to mark squares for guided events.

Official Rules (pdf)

Blackout Bingo (complete all 25 squares):

• Finish every square on the Bingo card to complete a blackout and win the blackout prize
• To claim your prize come to the Parks main office, show your bingo card to customer service staff and receive your prize.
• Blackout finishers receive triple entries into the grand prize drawing.

Participants are responsible for tracking their own progress. We use the honor system for this event and trust that anyone who completes the finisher form online actually finished 5 in a row on their bingo card. Some staff may also use a rubber stamp to mark squares for guided events.

Official Rules (pdf)

Watch the sunrise or sunset to mark the SUNRISE OR SUNSET bingo square

Explore any of Tacoma’s Parks to watch the sunrise or sunset and take advantage of the photo ops!

Suggestions for sunrise:

• Dune Peninsula
• Owen Beach
• Ruston Way – Cummings Park
• Ruston Way – Les Davis Pier
• Thea’s Park

Suggestions for sunset:

• Titlow Park
• Browns Point Lighthouse Park

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Attend one of these events to mark one of the GUIDED WALKS & HIKES squares

One event = one bingo square

Babies on the Trail

• Wednesday, June 3; 10:00 am
• Wednesday, June 10; 10:00 am
• Wednesday, June 17; 10:00 am
• Wednesday, June 24; 10:00 am

Free, drop-in
Location: Meet at the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter in Point Defiance Park. The shelter is outside the walls of Fort Nisqually (MAP)
Ages: This program is for children 18 months and younger and their parent/guardian. Older siblings are welcome to attend.

Tots on the Trail

• Friday, June 5; 10:00 am
• Friday, June 10; 10:00 am
• Friday, June 17; 10:00 am
• Friday, June 24; 10:00 am

Free, drop-in
Location: Meet at the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter in Point Defiance Park. The shelter is outside the walls of Fort Nisqually (MAP)
Ages: This program is for early walkers and confident toddlers and their parent/guardian. Siblings are welcome to attend.

Drop-in Hikes at Point Defiance

• Saturday, June 13; 9:00 am – Canceled
• Saturday, June 20; 9:00 am – Canceled
• Saturday, June 27; 9:00 am

Free, drop-in
Location: Meet at the Fort Nisqually Picnic Shelter in Point Defiance Park. The shelter is outside the walls of Fort Nisqually (MAP)
Ages: Adults. Youth are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Please note the hike may be too long (up to 3 miles) for some children.

I’ve attended an event, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Attend this event as a volunteer or participant to mark the SWAN CREEK RACE bingo square:

Participate in the event as a volunteer or runner/walker!

• Saturday, June 20; 10:00 am
• Free to volunteer: sign up online
• Entry fee for runners/walkers: register online
• Location: Swan Creek Park, near the off-leash dog park. 4738 East T St, Tacoma, WA 98404 (MAP)

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Walk in the rain to mark the RAINY DAY WALK bingo square

On a rainy day, pick any park in Tacoma and go for a stroll. Then mark the square on your bingo card and pat yourself on the back for being a true-blue Pacific Northwesterner!

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Walk on this trail to mark the LOOP TRAIL AT POINT DEFIANCE bingo square

Visit Point Defiance Park and walk a section of the Loop Trail.

1. Take a trip to Point Defiance Park – directions here
2. Walk a section of Loop Trail Phase 1 or Loop Trail Phase 2 Download a trail map

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Visit this park to mark the WRIGHT PARK bingo square

Find all 20 Champion Trees at Wright Park

1. Download the Champion Tour Booklet
2. Explore the park and find all 20 Champion Trees

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

About Wright Park

This 27-acre park offers visitors ample space to explore all things nature has to offer; from our spacious grassy areas perfect for watching the clouds to the pond that homes our koi fish, there is something for everyone who comes by. Throughout the park you’ll find a plethora of trees – roughly 450! – all of which are composed of nearly 145 different species. You’ll also find a basketball court perfect for a game with friends, playground where your children can have fun, and wildlife all around. Whether wanting a fun day out with the family, looking for a quite stroll or for a place to be active, Wright Park has got it all.

• Wright Park Website
• Wright Park Tree Tour & Arboretum
• Wright Park Trail Map
• Wright Park Tree Tour
• Driving Directions

Participate in one of these events to mark one of the LOW TIDE BEACH WALK bingo squares

One event = one bingo square

Tiptoe Through the Tidepools

• Sunday, June 14; 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Free, drop-in
Location: Titlow Beach (MAP)
Ages: All ages. Youth must be accompanied by an adult
Tiptoe Through the Tidepools event web page

Explore the Shore

• Wednesday, June 17; 12:00-2:00 pm

Free, drop-in
Location: Owen Beach (MAP)
Ages: All ages. Youth must be accompanied by an adult
Explore the Shore event web page

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Visit this park to mark the MELANIE’S PARK bingo square

Visit Melanie’s Park along the Foss Waterway and discover interpretive signage featuring the sounds of the Lushootseed language

Melanie’s Park features interpretive signage about the sounds of the Lushootseed language, the native language of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. Visit this webpage to hear audio recordings of the Lushooseed language.

The park also features a whimsical, climbable tower with a curvy slide overlooks the plaza on one side and the waterfront on the other. A “log jam” structure encourages more climbing play.

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

About Foss Waterway

Foss Waterway is a water passage in downtown Tacoma that flows into Commencement Bay. It’s known for its scenic views and waterfront attractions, including the Foss Waterway Seaport museum. It’s a great spot for a leisurely walk along the waterfront and to enjoy views of the city skyline.

• Melanie’s Park Website
• Driving Directions

Attend any of these events to mark one of the BIRDING WALK bingo squares

One event = one bingo square

Grit City Birders Habitat Restoration
Event website

• Saturday, June 13 at 9:00 am
• Registration: Free, sign up in advance
• Location: Meet at the Titlow Park main parking lot, 8425 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
• Ages: All ages welcome. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Wapato Bird Walk
Event website

• Sunday, June 14 at 9:00 am
• Registration: Free, drop-in
• Location: Meet outside the Wapato Pavilion, 6500 S. Sherican Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408
• Ages: All ages welcome. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Titlow Bird Walk
Event website

• Sunday, June 21 at 8:30 am
• Registration: Free, drop-in
• Location: Meet behind Titlow Lodge, 8425 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465 (MAP)
• Ages: All ages welcome. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Point Defiance Bird Walk
Event website

• Sunday, June 28 at 8:30 am
• Registration: Free, drop-in
• Location: Meet at the entrance gate of the Five Mile Drive in Point Defiance, just past the Owen Beach road turn-off, 5766-5700 Five Mile Dr, Tacoma, WA 98407 (MAP)
• All ages welcome. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge

Participate in a volunteer work party to mark the VOLUNTEER bingo square

One event = one bingo square

Volunteer work parties are a great way to spend time outdoors while helping care for parks and trails. The following work parties will be held in June. Visit the event page to learn more and sign up.

• Friday, June 5, 9:00 am: TNC Stewardship Work Party
• Saturday, June 6, 9:00 am
  • Pollinator Work Party at China Lake Park
  • Charlotte’s Blueberry Park Work Party
  • Swan Creek Work Party
• Weds, June 10, 10:00 am: Point Defiance Garden Club Work Party
• Thurs, June 11, 1:00 pm: Peck Greenspace Work Party
• Friday, June 12, 9:00 am: Browns Point Playfield Work Party
• Saturday,  June 13, 9:00 am
  • Grit City Birders Habitat Restoration
  • Senator Rosa Franklin Park Work Party
• Friday, June 19, 9:00 am: TNC Stewardship Work Party
• Saturday, June 20,9:00 am
  • Oak Tree Park Work Party
  • McKinley Park Work Party
  • Dickman  Mill Work Party
• Sunday, June 21, 9:30 am: Point Defiance Animal Loop Road Work Party
• Weds, June 124, 10:00 am: Point Defiance Garden Club Work Party
• Saturday, June 27,9:00 am
  • Ursich Park Work Party
  • Rhododendron Garden Club Work Party
  • Wapato Park Work Party

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Visit this park to mark the MCKINLEY PARK bingo square

Visit McKinley Park and walk along the many hillside trails.

1. Take a trip to McKinley Park located in Tacoma’s Dometop neighborhood – directions here
2. Walk along its many trails. Can you find the boardwalk spanning the wetland?

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

About McKinley Park

McKinley Park is one of Tacoma’s oldest parks. In 1901 the land was donated to the city to be used as a park. This park boasts four streams and four wetlands and several miles of trails. The largest of the wetlands was enhanced and expanded. It is considered a wetland of local significance by the City of Tacoma and provides many valuable benefits to the community.

• McKinley Park Website
• Park Trail Map
• Driving Directions

Complete a mission to mark the AGENTS OF DISCOVERY bingo square

1. Learn about Agents of Discovery
2. Download the Agents of Discovery app for free through your app store
3. Once downloaded, update your settings and create a log-in to save your progress and rewards
4. On the main menu, choose your park of choice. Locations are Dickman Mill Park, Oak Tree Park, Point Defiance Park – Duck Pond, Tacoma Nature Center, Swan Creek Park – Lister Uplands, Titlow Park, Wapato Park, Wright Park.
5. Follow the highlighted portion on your map to discover new habitats and information regarding the park and animals that live there.
6. You can also play games by walking toward or tapping on the challenge markers located on your map

Driving Directions

• Dickman Mill Park
• Oak Tree Park
• Point Defiance Park – Duck Pond
• Swan Creek Park – Lister Uplands
• Tacoma Nature Center
• Titlow Park
• Wapato Park
• Wright Park

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

About Agents of Discovery

Agents of Discovery is a free app that makes learning fun! The missions – created by educators – are designed to take place at your local parks and can even be done from home (only on select parks). Missions encourage users to discover new habitats in the park, learn about the animals that live there, and more.

Participate in this event to mark the GUIDED DOG WALK bingo square

Guided Dog Walk

• Saturday, June 20; 2:00 pm

The pace will be casual for pups of all ages and sizes and includes both paved and uneven walking surfaces. All dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved. Walks will happen rain or shine.

Free, drop-in
Location: Alderwood Park (MAP)
Ages: All ages. Youth must be accompanied by an adult

Guided Dog Walk event web page

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Visit any park with your pup to mark the HAPPY TAILS TRAIL CHALLENGE bingo square

Take your pup for a walk (on a leash) at one of our local parks or let them romp freely at a dog park.

1. Choose a park or trail that allows animals or visit one of our off-leash areas.
2. Explore the park/trail of choice with your animal companion

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Driving Directions

• Rogers Dog Park
• Point Defiance Dog Park
• Wapato Dog Park
• Swan Creek Dog Park

Visit any flower garden at Point Defiance to mark the FLOWER GARDENS bingo square

Visit as many of the eight park gardens as you can

1. View the list of gardens at Point Defiance Park (Dahlia, Fuchsia, Herb, Iris, Japanese, Northwest Native, Rose, Rhododendron)
2. Take a trip to Point Defiance, directions here
3. During your park visit, visit as many of the gardens as you can

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

About Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park was established in 1888 with 640 acres and minimal amenities. Present-day, Point Defiance now stretches over 760 acres and includes eight gardens, a zoo and aquarium, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, and much more. This is truly the perfect place for everyone. If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the sights, or have a fun day out with friends and family, Point Defiance Park is where you want to be.

• Point Defiance Park Website
• Point Defiance Park Gardens
• Driving Directions

Visit this park to mark the WAPATO PARK bingo square

Visit Wapato Park and view wildlife from the trail or the docks

1. Take a trip to Wapato Park located in South Tacoma – directions here
2. Walk along the paved loop trail or step onto the dock located next to the Pavilion.

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

About Wapato Park

Wapato Park lies in a beautiful setting of lake and forest. Features include a walking trail around the lake (.9 miles), a playground, a dog park, picnic shelters, and an impressive, historic pergola. In 2018 the new docks were finished and opened to the public. They are ADA accessible and the large dock features a spot for launching kayaks/canoes.

• Wapato Park Website
• Trail Map
• Get Directions

Visit this park to mark the BROWNS POINT LIGHTHOUSE PARK bingo square

Explore all of Browns Point Lighthouse Park and take advantage of the photo ops!

1. Take a trip to Browns Point Lighthouse Park located in NE Tacoma.
2. Walk around the seven historic buildings on your own including the lighthouse, keeper cottage and others.

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

About Browns Point Lighthouse Park

Browns Point Lighthouse Park (4.03 acres) lies on the tip of historic Browns Point, and provides waterfront access for the community. A large green space makes this a nice spot for a picnic as you watch the deep-sea ships entering Tacoma’s busy port.

• Website Browns Point Lighthouse Park
• Driving Directions

Visit this park to mark the STEWART HEIGHTS PARK bingo square

Visit Stewart Heights Park and walk along the perimeter trail.

1. Take a trip to Stewart Heights Park in Tacoma’s Eastside neighborhood – directions here
2. Walk around the perimeter of this 25-acre park.

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Build a challenge of your own!

There are many parks and trails in Tacoma that are included in the “official” challenge list. If you aren’t able to complete one of those, feel free to pick your own park or trail and explore it!

I’ve completed this challenge, now what do I do?

Enter the photo contest

Submit your favorite photos taken during the challenge. The photo with the most votes wins!

Enter to win prizes

After completing five squares in a row on your bingo card, please complete the finisher form to be entered in the prize drawing.

Share on social

Post your photos on Instagram or Facebook and tag @parkstacoma, and use the hashtag #TacomaTrailsChallenge.

Trail Maps

• Trail maps for Tacoma’s Parks
• Printable map of all Tacoma’s Parks