10301 Bujacich Rd NWGig Harbor, WA 98335
All parks are open 7 AM to dusk.
The trail system exceeds four miles in total length, with routes through old-growth areas and several views of McCormick Creek. Approximately 50 acres of McCormick Forest Park is made up of old-growth Douglas Fir. A small parking area is currently available adjacent to the park.
Rental options
READ PROJECT UPDATES
Park Description
This 122-acre natural area contains old-growth trees, abundant wildlife, and nearly four miles of trails: foot trails, bicycle trails, or horse trails. Some of the trails wander through the old-growth forest while others offer views down into the McCormick Creek canyon. Parking is across the street from the main trailhead in the Fire District #5 Headquarters’ parking lot.
Unless in an off-leash area, all dogs must be leashed within our parks. Report an off-leash dog or other animal issues by contacting Pierce County Animal Control. Animal control officers are responsible for enforcing the laws and codes involving animals within our parks.
McCormick Forest Park TrAILS Map (PDF)
Park Features
General
Dogs on leash, trails, horseback riding
Picnic
Picnic areas with tables
Additional
Parking available adjacent to park
Buildings & Venues
Portable restrooms on site
Natural Features
Scenic walking paths, creek, old growth Forest
History
This site is made up of two primary parcels, and totals 122 acres. The larger section was transferred to Pierce County from Washington State Department of Natural Resources on June 4, 1996, “to have and to hold as long as the land is developed and maintained and used for a public park.” Three smaller parcels on the east side of State Highway 16 are also part of the park property.
The Peninsula Park and Recreation District acquired 23 acres in 1995 through a Pierce County Conservation Futures grant. All of the parcels were transferred to the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District after its formation in 2004.
Approximately 50 acres of McCormick Forest Park is made up of old-growth Douglas Fir. The timber resources are managed by the State Department of Natural Resources with any and all timber revenue going to that department.
The trail system renovation and expansion began in 2001 when high school runners completed senior projects. Over the years several Eagle Scout projects have added or improved trails, constructed an information kiosk, added bridges, and built picnic tables. Many other volunteer groups have also worked to improve the park and even inmates from the Washington Correction Center for Women have contributed.
The meadow was cleared of blackberries and old tires in 2002 with help from the Master Gardeners and WCCW inmates.
The trail system exceeds four miles in total length, with routes through old growth areas and several views of McCormick Creek.
Parking for McCormick Forest is provided through a partnership with Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One, at the fire station across Bujacich Road from the park.
Park Rules
Please visit our Policy Webpage to view our updated Park Use Regulations
Explore More Parks
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- McCormick Forest Park
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- Rotary Bark Park
- Sehmel Homestead Park
- Sunrise Beach Park
- Tubby’s Trail Dog Park