Foothills Regional Trail

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This information is a public record of the 2012 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Foothills Regional Trail

City, Town, or County Backcountry Trail Frontcountry Trail Rail Trail Urban Trail
  • Length
    15 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

Located in central Pierce County, the 15-mile long Foothills Trail is a 12-foot wide asphalt path with an accompanying 5-foot wide equestrian trail that offers scenic views of South Prairie Creek, Mt. Rainier, and rich fertile farmland. Additionally, the trail system accesses significant environmental areas and connects to local historic and cultural landmarks, parks, schools, and other public facilities.

  • Foothills Trail - Gateway to National Recreation. Photo by Parks Staff
  • Foothills Trail - Gateway to National Recreation. Photo by Parks Staff
  • Equestrian safety patrol.
  • Historical Burlington Northern railroad marker
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Location: Railtrail constructed on old Burlington Northern Right of Way extending from Puyallup through the city of Orting and into the town of South Prairie.

  • States: Washington
  • Counties: Pierce
  • Cities/Townships: Puyallup, Orting, South Prairie

The Foothills Trail is a 15-mile-long conversion of an abandoned railroad right of way into a paved multi-use recreational public trail for walkers, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders of all skill levels and capabilities. The Foothills Trail is a 12-foot wide porous asphalt path with an accompanying 5-foot wide equestrian trail made of natural materials. and located in a rural wooded scenic environment intermittently bordered by privately owned grazing land and the South Prairie Creek.

Our vision is to provide a safe and separated, non-motorized public trail for multiple kinds of recreational use and as an alternative commuting route between towns and neighborhoods. Located in central Pierce County, the trail system offers five fully-equipped trailheads and accesses significant environmental areas, and connects to local historic and cultural landmarks, parks, schools, and other public facilities.

Additionally, the relatively flat Foothills Trail offers scenic views of South Prairie Creek, Mt. Rainier, rich fertile farmland, and areas where open meadows meet forested hillsides. Coffee stops and eateries are within easy access for people using the trail in the towns of Puyallup, Orting, and South Prairie.

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Allowed Uses:

Bicycling Dogs, on leash Equestrian Hiking/Walking

Other Activities

  • Fishing
  • Heritage and history
  • Wildlife viewing / observation

Public Contact

Tony Tipton
Pierce County Parks & Recreation Services
9112 Lakewood Dr SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
[email protected]253-798-4250

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 59
  • Elevation (high): 431
  • Elevation (cumulative): --

  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • State Designations: WA Audubon Society Birding Trail
  • Surface (primary): Paved
  • Surfaces (additional): Grass or Vegetation, Rock, crushed

  • Tread Width (average): 127"
  • Tread Width (minimum): 127
  • Running length (minimum): --

  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 1
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 2
  • Running length (maximum): --

  • Cross-slope (average, percent): 1
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    May 29, 2012
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