Wondering when the color of fall leaves will peak in 2022 near Tacoma South Sound and where best to see them?
David Angotti can tell you. He is a statistical expert and the co-founder of the site SmokyMountains.com. His love for weather, travel, technology, and the autumn season led him to begin developing a nationwide fall leaf map in 2013 after one Smoky Mountains visitor too many inquired with him when the leaves would be at their fall best.
What started as a fun side-project quickly became the most respected nationwide fall leaf map and one of the best fall resources in the country. Now, tens of millions of people use his map each year to plan everything from photography trips to weddings. But the most common users are simply people wondering when the leaves will peak near them, just like you're wondering when leaves will be at their best fall color in Tacoma South Sound!
While not an exact science, the predictive map uses a complex algorithm that carefully analyzes several million data points and outputs approximately 50,000 predictive data pieces to determine when leaves will peak in each part of the country.
Check out the map below to see when the leaves will peak near Tacoma South Sound or another part of the country. Simply move the slider along the bottom to see when leaves are expected to reach peak color in Tacoma South Sound.
Where to go leaf peeping in Tacoma South Sound
While at Macaroni KID Tacoma South Sound we don't use scientific data to determine the best place to go in Tacoma South Sound to see fall leaves, we think we have pretty good intel!
Here are my family's top five places near Tacoma South Sound to go leaf-peeping:
 Elena Photo via Canva |
Point Defiance Park
5400 N. Pearl St
Tacoma, WA 98407
Details:
Most people think of Point Defiance Park as our local zoo & aquarium, but in reality it is a 760-acres of old-growth forest trails, beaches, gardens, and play equipment with spectacular views of Commencement Bay and the Puget Sound. In the park you will find several walking trails ranging in distance from 0.5 - 5 miles, but if you’re not up for the walk they also offer the Five Mile Drive option through the park (Note: review hours and car restrictions before heading out).
When you’re done exploring the trails, you can enjoy the myriad of other conveniences offered throughout Point Defiance Park. The playgrounds, picnic areas, multiple gardens, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, and more make this a great place to spend the day with your family.
General Park Hours:
- Open ½ hour before sunrise
- Close ½ hour before sunset
*Check individual attractions hours prior to heading to the park.
DOGS:
- Point Defiance Park has a 7-acre fenced off-leash dog park
- Dogs must be leashed at all times while on the trails and in general park areas (Note: Dogs are strictly prohibited in some areas. SEE RULES).
You can print a map of the park, including the trails HERE.
A few sentences about the location and why your family enjoys this spot.
 Ikostudio via Canva |
Swan Creek Park
E 42nd St & Roosevelt Ave
Tacoma, WA 98404
Details: While it may be smaller in size, Swan Creek Park is big on appeal. An inherent symbol of unity, this little slice of tranquility is 373-acres joining the boundaries of Tacoma and Pierce Country. As fall moves in, the abundance of deciduous trees provides an array of leaves and vivid hued foliage. Kids can collect fallen leaves and compare the different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures they find. Nature-lovers everywhere will enjoy the salmon-bearing stream, myriad of bird species, woodland areas, and paved and natural trails. For those looking for more sport, Swan Creek Park has recently added Tacoma’s first trail system for mountain biking and BMX. Conveniently located with a little something for everyone, this Swan Creek Park is an ideal location to experience Autumn with your family.
General Park Hours:
- Open ½ hour before sunrise
- Close ½ hour before sunset
Dogs must be leashed at all times while on Swan Creek Park property.
You can print a map of the park, including the trails HERE.
When is the peak time for the best fall foliage colors?
Based on the Fall Foliage Prediction Map, it looks like fall colors will peak October 11th - October 18th, 2021.
Want to sneak in a lesson about leaves for the kids (or yourself)?
Check out the Fall Colors page provided by the Forest Service & USDA. It includes information on the Science of Fall Colors, Fall Colors for Kids and more.
 Gratisography from Pexels |
Wright Park
501 South I St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
Details:
We were introduced to Wright Park when Fit4Mom-Tacoma held their outdoor classes there back in the day, and it’s been one of our favorite semi-hidden gems ever since. In the summer we love the playground and splashpark, but come Autumn, Wright Park is 7-acres brimming with more than 600 trees. Many of the historic trees are over a century old, including a red oak planted to honor President Theodore Roosevelt’s visit to Tacoma in 1902, a giant sequoia planted in 1939 to commemorate the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, and more. Enjoy these and more natural treasures on the easy walking loop (distance is less than 1 mile. The park also houses an Arboretum, the beautiful W.W. Seymour Conservatory (check hours prior to visiting), many interesting statues and a duck pond. All-in-all, this is a perfect environment to explore the fall foliage...and maybe sneak in a local history lesson.
General Park Hours:
- Open ½ hour before sunrise
- Close ½ hour before sunset
*Check individual attractions hours prior to heading to the park.
Dogs must be leashed and are not allowed to enter in the pond, sprayground, or any play area designed to use water in the park.
You can print a map of the park, including the trails HERE.
 Ikostudio via Canva |
 Laura Reed from Pexels |
