Fort Steilacoom Park Trails

Fort Steilacoom was established in 1849 to settle conflicts between the Native Americans and settlers. It was decommissioned in 1868 and repurposed as a psychiatric hospital with the barracks serving as patient and staff housing. Hospital residents grew crops and orchards in the park area. Buildings were added onto, remodeled, and demolished over the years. The last hospital building on the park grounds was Hill Ward, built in 1932 and closed in 1965. Hill Ward was demolished but the foundation has been preserved. 

The current modern hospital is adjacent to the north end of the park property. Four restored buildings that served as officers' quarters are on the hospital grounds and now form Historic Fort Steilacoom, an interpretive and living history site. Hours are very limited.

Miles of trail crisscross through the park property. Most are narrow dirt paths and are not accessible but the .9 mile path that circles the lake is paved, level, and accessible. The paved road that goes to Hill Ward is steep but accessible with assistance. A ramp provides access to the foundation floor. Part of Angle Lane is closed to traffic and is accessible. Paved trails are marked in blue on this Map. Historic Fort Steilacoom was not opened during our visit so I don't know about access.

The main parking lot which is close to the lake loop trail is located at the end of Dresden Lane. The lot is large enough for any RV. Vehicle access is at the north end of the park only. Angle Lane is blocked off at the south end but here's a small lot were vans and short RVs will fit that has access to the trails and closed section of Angle Lane. Park  47.17263, -122.56087