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Overview
The Water Flume Line Trail runs for 2.4 miles through the City of Tacoma, WA. The wide, paved trail follows the route of a wooden structure, known as a flume, that carried water from Spanaway Lake into city over a hundred years ago. Operational pump houses are located along the trail and are still used during periods of high demand or low river water.
About the Route
The northern end of the trail is at the corner of S 47 Street and S Tacoma Way. From there, the trail heads south through South Park, which is next to Tacoma Cemetery. The park has restrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables, benches, a playground, a baseball field, and a basketball court. Please note that the restrooms and water fountains may be closed during the off-season.
Leaving the park, the trail continues south through residential neighborhoods and passes two elementary schools. The trail runs along S Clement Avenue and includes several street crossings, so please exercise appropriate caution. After crossing S 74th Street, the trail curves through Oak Tree Park, which has a playground and benches.
The southern end of the trail is on S Tacoma Way at the southwest end of Oak Tree Park and next to a shopping complex. There is trail signage at the entrance to the trail on S Tacoma Way.
Trail History
Construction of a trail along the Flume Line began in 1898. Made primarily of wooden planks, the original trail included a bridge over the flume that was advertised as the “longest, highest, and only exclusive bicycle bridge in the world." Although the 110-foot-high and 450-foot-long bridge no longer exists, the nearby modern-day Delin Street Bridge has bike lanes.
The Water Flume Line Trail runs between S 47 St & S Tacoma Way (Tacoma) and S Tacoma Way (Tacoma).
Parking is available in several paved parking lots at South Park (4851 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma).
The Pierce Transit system has several bus stops that provide access to the trail.
Visit the TrailLink map for all transit options and detailed directions.
It's a nice trail. I've walked it a few times. Areas to sit. Safe crosswalks. It's got a few greenbelt areas that are interesting to explore. Pretty safe. Great for a bike ride too, I have biked it. Had to review it. It's worthy of a hike.
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