Point Defiance Loop Trail Redesign

Point Defiance Park is a treasured part of our community. When Metro Parks Tacoma and BCRA partnered on improvements to the popular Loop Trail, McInnis Engineering was honored to join the effort!

Improve the Trail. Protect the Forest.

Our team was brought into the project with a clear objective: redesign a major portion of the trail alignment and preserve as many mature trees as possible, particularly within the “Rocky Shores” corridor.

The original plan called for removing numerous established trees and constructing a significantly larger gabion basket wall to support the new trail section. While functional, this design posed a major environmental impact, one the team believed could be avoided.

A Smarter, More Sustainable Engineering Solution

After reviewing the site and existing conditions, our engineers proposed an alternative, build up and reinforce the existing rockery wall instead of replacing it.

This redesigned approach:

• Preserved the natural character of the trail

• Reduced construction impacts

• Maintained slope stability

• Avoided unnecessary disruption to habitat

Most importantly, by rethinking the wall design and tightening the construction footprint, we were able to protect 20 trees that were originally scheduled to be removed.

These trees provide shade, stabilize soil, support wildlife, and contribute to the feel of the Point Defiance Loop Trail. Preserving them is a direct investment in the park’s ecological health and the community’s outdoor experience.

Engineering With Community in Mind

For McInnis Engineering, projects like this represent the best of what civil engineering can accomplish, balancing safety, accessibility, and environmental stewardship through smart design.

We’re proud to support Metro Parks Tacoma, BCRA, and the community in improving a trail system that thousands of residents and visitors enjoy every year.