Chambers Creek Park Letterbox Series
Steilacoom
Pierce County
Washington

Level of difficulty: Level to steep dirt/gravel trail (portions are
mucky in rainy season).

Setting: Originally known as the Steilacoom River, this drainage
became known as Chambers Creek after an early pioneer who owned the
land surrounding the stream. Thomas Chambers took advantage of the
stream's water power to build a series of mills (beginning with
Pierce County's first grist mill in 1850) at the mouth of the creek.
The often-steep trail climbs up the valley ending in a neighborhood;
trail spurs lead down toward the wetlands or up to other houses on
the ridge.

Highlights: This beautiful glen and estuary provide a rare haven to
many different types of wildlife, including salmon. Salal and sword
ferns carpet the lush hillside, and the trunks of the big-leaf
maples are festooned with licorice ferns. The mixed woods of
conifers (several Douglas firs reach three-to-four feet in diameter)
and maples allows a more open forest walk during the winter, when
the stream wetlands are more visible. For more park information,
call 253-798-4177.

Facilities: None. Oh--there is a portapotty but I can't guarantee
that it's clean or even if it's standing up! Recently, it was
knocked over... ;(

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect for pets.

Length of trek: approx. 1 mile roundtrip, 25 minutes roundtrip for
the athletic folks

Directions: This is the direct route (I highly recommend you take
the scenic route, though): From southbound Interstate 5 south of
Tacoma, take Exit 129 (stay in the right-hand exit lane) and turn
right (west) onto South 74th Street. From Interstate 5 northbound,
take Exit 129 and turn left on South 72nd Street (which soon becomes
South 74th).

About a half mile after South 74th Street turns into Custer Road
West, turn right on Bridgeport Way West. Turn left on Chambers Lane
West, which turns into Chambers Creek Road West. Across from a
cemetery, turn left to follow Chambers Creek Road West down into the
stream valley. After you cross the road over the bay, park on the
shoulder, and the trailhead is across the road.

Scenic Route directions: From North or South Interstate 5, take
Exit 119 Steilacoom/DuPont. Head West over railroad tracks, then
turn right on Steilacoom Highway. Take this road for about 6
miles. You will drive through parts of North Fort Lewis that will
eventually take you through the quaint seaside village of
Steilacoom. Continue on the same road until you approach the line
for the ferry, turn right on Lafayette Street and continue through
downtown Steilacoom until the road appears to leave the village
area. It will veer down toward Sunnyside Beach along the water and
the railroad tracks. Continue on the same road past a large
recycling plant on the right side of the road. About mile from
the recycling plant, you will notice the Chambers Creek Fish trap on
your left (the West side of the road). There will be a large lake
like area with a dam, fish ladder, gravel parking area, picnic table
and a sign that describes the various fish that spawn in the area.
Park here or on the other side of the street. The entrance to
Chambers Creek Park is pretty well hidden from traffic so keep your
eyes posted for this.

BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL CROSSING THE ROAD HERE AS CARS TRAVEL QUITE
QUICKLY ALONG THIS ROADalthough it's posted as 35 mph. IT'S ALSO A
BLIND CORNER FOR VEHICLES COMING FROM THE NORTH NEAR THE BRIDGE SO
BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS AS YOU CROSS THE STREET.

Chambers Creek Park `Duck' Letterbox: