Here are best spots to see The Mountain from Tacoma, according to TNT readers
For some, it might seem silly to ask for recommendations on the best places to see Mount Rainier from Tacoma. You might see it on your commute, from your office, or even from your window at home.
For others, seeing Mount Rainier is not a frequent occurrence. There are many parts of Tacoma where the mountain is blocked by buildings or trees, and sometimes you’re just not at the right elevation. Or even if you can see it, it’s still not a clear view.
That’s why The News Tribune asked readers to share their favorite Mount Rainier viewpoints throughout Tacoma (and beyond). Of course, all this depends on whether the mountain is actually out or not.
Here are the results.
Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park
- 5361 Yacht Club Road, Tacoma
From wherever you are on Dune Peninsula, you can get a clear, scenic view of the mountain overlooking the water, framed by dune grass blowing in the wind. But you probably won’t be alone, as the park can get pretty crowded, even on weekdays.
Ruston Way
- Starts near Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park and ends near Point Ruston
This two-mile walkway along Commencement Bay is scenic even without Mount Rainier in the background. You’ll get a better view of the mountain as you get closer to Point Ruston, since the hilly areas of North Tacoma and the Stadium District become less of an obstruction.
The field across from where Gault Middle School used to be
- Corner of East L Street and East Fairbanks Street in Tacoma
This area of Eastside Tacoma is an underrated spot to just stop and stare at Mount Rainier. The field and surrounding neighborhood are pretty quiet, with the occasional passerby jogging or walking their dog. In fact, the reader who suggested it said their dog loves the view just as much as they do. There are a few power lines that obstruct the view, but it’s hard to notice them after a while.
Target parking lot
- 3320 S. 23rd St., Tacoma (aka Tacoma Central Shopping Center)
While this wasn’t an official reader suggestion, word of mouth led me here. Mount Rainier looms over this Tacoma parking lot, which holds a Target and a few other stores. Depending on where you stand, there might be a few Douglas firs blocking your view, but it’s still a pretty good perk to have while running errands.
Ebony and Ivory Coffee
- 1145 Broadway, Tacoma
This sprawling coffee shop on the first floor of an office building in downtown Tacoma offers a nice view of the mountain, overlooking other tall buildings downtown. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the coffee shop don’t hurt, either. Ebony and Ivory can get busy, as it’s a popular spot to study, get some work done, or meet with friends or coworkers.
Fireman’s Park
- 801 A St., Tacoma
This small grassy area downtown offers a very Tacoma-specific view of Mount Rainier, since the mountain is framed by the Murray Morgan Bridge. You can also see the mountain through a strategically-placed art installation at the park.
Other reader-suggested spots
- Intersection of South 56th Street and Tacoma Mall Boulevard going eastbound in Tacoma
- Intersection of South 12th and South Mildred streets in Tacoma
- Intersection of South 56th Street and Tacoma Mall Boulevard going eastbound in Tacoma
- Gray Army Airfield at Joint Base Lewis–McChord, 41st Division Drive, Joint Base Lewis-McChord
- Old Ferry Landing, 2700 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor
- Steilacoom Boulevard in front of Western State Hospital, 9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood.
- LRI Landfill, 17925 Meridian E., Puyallup
- LRI Landfill, 30919 Meridian E., Graham
If you’re looking to traverse even farther outside of Tacoma, readers also suggested checking out East and West Center streets in Eatonville, Tehaleh Boulevard in Bonney Lake, High Cedars Golf Club in Orting and Point Robinson on Maury Island.