Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma, WA
Thea Foss Waterway is one of the most beautiful places in Tacoma, Washington. It’s a place where you can forget about your worries and enjoy the beauty around you while also fully appreciate nature. The waterway often hosts various events such as concerts, boat shows, and other family-friendly public happenings. If you’re looking for a great day out with friends or family, then this is the perfect spot!
History of Thea Foss Waterway
Thea Foss Waterway is a beautiful place in Tacoma, Washington. The canal was named after the daughter of Norwegian immigrant Peter L. Foss who came to this area with his family during the 1850s, settling on land near Commencement Bay. He later became one of Seattle’s pioneer businessmen. He served as mayor for two terms between 1870-1872, under the general incorporation act of 1869, which paved the way for municipalities west of the Rocky Mountains. His daughters were adventurous like himself; they traveled widely both at home and abroad.
They resided first in what is now known as Pioneer Square before moving out to West 25th Street. There, he built “Foss Mansion,” where she lived until the time of her death in 1928. As she was called by all who knew her, Thea became highly fond of Tacoma and its children, especially those less fortunate than herself. She remembered them often during the Christmas season with baskets filled with hampers of food or clothing for their needs, distributed through social service agencies to needy families throughout the region where she lived.
She was a woman of vision and action who, upon her death in 1928 at the age of 80, left “The Foss Estate” to Tacoma. Some years later, Thea’s sister donated funds for a 35-acre tract on North I Street between East 26th and 28th Streets, known as “Foss Waterway” because it adjoins Commencement Bay. It was the realization of a long-time dream to create an area where her beloved city could enjoy its waterfront and benefit from it as well.
Thea Foss Waterway is open 365 days per year, 24 hours a day, with public boat launching ramps for gas-powered and electric-powered boats (no gasoline motors). The area offers beautiful views of Mt Rainier, Vashon Island, and Commencement Bay. It also provides miles upon miles of interconnected trails that wind throughout Tacoma’s many neighborhoods, all part of the more extensive regional Pierce County Trails Network.
A wide range of events occurs year-round at Thea Foss Waterway, from art festivals to boat races & regattas. It is also home to many annual special events such as Tacoma’s Winterfest Boat Parade, Blessing of the Fleet Celebration, Fireboat Appreciation Day; each drawing crowds from near and far. Community members involved in ongoing restoration efforts express hope that this will be a catalyst for improving public access and waterfront areas everywhere–for both recreation users and marine life alike.
Thea Foss Waterway provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore Tacoma’s history through its historic buildings, museums, and waterfront views. It is one of the most beautiful places in Tacoma, Washington!
About the Thea Foss Waterway
The Thea Foss Waterway is the main waterway in Tacoma, Washington. Its history can be traced back to 1884, which was created by hand with shovels and wheelbarrows. At that time, Thea Foss’ husband owned a wood mill on the shore of Commencement Bay which used logs floated down this canal for processing. This made her part of Tacoma’s rich industrial heritage related to its waterfront during the late 19th century through mid 20th century. After years passed, she became known as “the woman who built Puget Sound” due to her work saving other waterways throughout the Pacific Northwest from being covered over or destroyed because many people didn’t appreciate them as they do now! Nowadays, there are walkways along the waterway, flower gardens, and amazing views of Mount Rainier! The whole area is simply beautiful.
One of the most beautiful places in Tacoma, Washington, is the Thea Foss Waterway. It has a rich history that can be traced back to 1884 when it was created with shovels and wheelbarrows. At this time, Thea’s husband owned a wood mill on Commencement Bay which used logs floated down this canal for processing – making her part of Tacoma’s rich industrial heritage related to its waterfront during the late 19th century through mid 20th century. After years passed, she became known as “the woman who built Puget Sound” due to her work saving other waterways throughout the Pacific Northwest from being covered over or destroyed because many people didn’t appreciate them as they do now! Now there are walkways along the watercourse, flower gardens, and amazing views of Mount Rainier. The whole area is simply beautiful!
Facts about the Thea Foss Waterway
Thea Foss Waterway is a must-see in Tacoma, Washington. It’s often voted as one of the most beautiful places to visit, and for good reasons.
Thea Foss Waterway is an artificial waterway that was created in the late 1800s. It began as seven miles of rivers and became an industrial hub for Tacoma, WA, throughout the 20th century. Now, it has become one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tacoma, Washington, with lots of fun activities like kayaking or fishing, biking trails, dining at local restaurants along Thea Foss Waterway, shopping at boutique shops nearby, and enjoying many special events hosted by different community groups each year.
Foss Waterway has been selected as one among 150 finalists in America’s Most Endangered Places by Docomomo US because it represents “the best mid-century modern architecture in America.” The campaign aims to increase awareness about the need to protect Modernist buildings. Docomomo US is an organization for people interested in mid-century modern design, history, and preservation efforts.
It was founded by individuals who were concerned that many significant post-war buildings (typically designed using new technologies like steel frames) would be lost forever due to lack of public knowledge or appreciation, or even worse, demolished because they did not meet current building codes regarding accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps which are required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Thea Foss Waterway has been included on Tacoma’s list of historic resources worthy of preservation through its Historic Landmarks program after a nomination process involving community members, including business owners, historians, and government officials. There are plans to redevelop the area into a mixed-use neighborhood, including creative office space with condos above, making it an excellent location for small businesses of all kinds!
The Thea Foss Waterway is a manufactured inlet of water created when Tacoma, Washington, invested in significant dredging. It was named after an early pioneer woman in this area who helped bring women’s suffrage and prohibition to fruition. It serves as an excellent place for boating and hosts many festivals throughout the year, including Art on the Ave, where there are food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and musical entertainment provided by local bands.
Tacoma Waterfront Park is the park that runs alongside Thea Foss Waterway. You can enter through South 15th Street or North pike street. There are many trails and benches along the way, so you don’t have to stay in one place if you do not want to. If you leave from either entrance, there are streetcar stops right outside each of them for public transportation back into town. Puyallup Ave Steet Car route will take you throughout downtown Tacoma stopping at Union Station where Amtrak travels between Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR.
What to do on Thea Foss Waterway?
Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma, WA, is a beautiful place to visit, and there are many activities you can do. Some of the most popular things to do on Thea Foss Waterway include:
It is fun to go fishing at Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma, WA, but you need a license, so be sure to contact the state licensing board before going because it varies depending on what type of fish you want to catch. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards if that interests you instead; remember that during certain seasons there are closures along these trails due to salmon migration paths being disrupted by too much foot traffic from people walking their dogs or running.
Walking, running, biking, several trails will take you by some of Tacoma’s most beautiful scenery. The Myra Barnes Griffis Walking Bridge is located right next to the canal. It makes for a leisurely walk over to Titlow Beach Park and Point Defiance, where many family activities happen all year long!
Bring your dog here for a nice walk by the water. It’s fun to let them run around off-leash here because they’re always happy playing with all the other dogs at this park. Just remember that during certain times of the year, humans aren’t allowed on these trails due to salmon migration paths being disrupted by too much foot traffic from people walking their dogs or running/biking.
Picnic by the water or rent a party boat for your next family reunion, birthday celebration, or another special event! Boat rentals are pretty reasonable, and you can even bring your food if you don’t want to pay extra for catering; make sure you clean up after yourselves before heading back onto land, though.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset there. There’s nothing more peaceful than sitting by the water and watching as the light fades from day into night. You can even bring your food to cookout on one of Tacoma’s public barbeques for an evening full of good times with friends and family!
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