West Tacoma, Washington

West Tacoma, Washington is sometimes called the "West End" and holds about 16% of Tacoma’s population in about 16% of the land mass of the "City of Destiny". Some of the most spectacular views in Tacoma are in the West End; as it rises from the Sound, Seattle and Vashon Island may be seen. The most incredible view may well be from "Galloping Gertie" the first  part of Tacoma Narrows Bridge.   Tacoma Narrows Bridge is actually a pair of mile-long suspension bridges now taking Route 16 across the Tacoma Narrows of Puget Sound.

West Enders enjoy their shoreline, much of which has been left in its natural state. A birdwatcher's paradise is also enjoyed by other nature lovers as deer and other wildlife also abound here. There are more than 130 species of birds and 50 species of wild animals represented here. Titlow Beach,  next to Titlow Park, offers sunbathing, picnicking, kayaking, and scuba diving. Titlow Park is on the Narrows and was once an extravagant hotel with docking facilities. A ferry ran from Titlow to Gig Harbor before the Narrows Bridge was built (1940).

West End Tacoma boasts a Neighborhood Council that is truly involved in the life of their section of Tacoma, which includes the entire west slope of Tacoma from Point Defiance to below 19th St.

The home of Tacoma Community College, Wilson High School and Hunt Middle School are also in the West End of Tacoma.

Point Defiance Park, originally a military reservation established in 1866, and now one of the largest urban parks in the United States, boasts more features than most cities can provide for activities and outdoor recreation. Washington State Ferries ferry dock, a Carousel, a living history museum Fort Nisqually, a Zoo and Aquarium, a marina, go-carts, batting cages, hiking trails, a Logging Museum, sports, aquatics, classes and activities, gardens and picnic areas are just a few of the park offerings. The West End actually boasts 7 parks, (China Lake, Optimist Park, Vassault Park, Minnetti Fields, Kandle Park, Baltimore Park and 1/2 of Jane Clark Park), and Salmon Beach, developed as a small weekend salmon retreat resort. (A fun thing to do in the West End is to find the many salmon sculptures – each quite different!)