City of Gig Harbor

City of Gig Harbor Official site of the City of Gig Harbor These three fisherman rowed from British Columbia to Gig Harbor and decided to stay. Census Bureau).

Gig Harbor - The Maritime City

Discovered in 1840 and incorporated in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque small cities in America. The city was named from the Wilkes Expedition in which the crew entered the harbor in a longboat called a "captain's gig". Gig Harbor is one of several cities and towns that claim to be "the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula". It is located on Gig Harbor Ba

y in Puget Sound across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. Due to its close access to several state and city parks, and historic waterfront that includes boutiques and fine dining, it has become a popular tourist destination. The current population is 12,029 (2020 U.S. Average Seasonal Temperatures: Summer 65F to 80F / 35F to 50F. Average Annual Rainfall - 37 inches (wettest / Dec - driest / Jul) . Altitude: Sea level to 440 feet

We welcome comments and encourage respectful conversations on the City of Gig Harbor social media platforms. Persons who post comments are solely responsible for the content of their posts and comments, including but not limited to any claims of copyright infringement or libel resulting from the posted content. Posts and comments contributed by members of the public are their own and do not express the official policy or position of the city. The city makes no representation as to the accuracy or validity of information posted by anyone other than an official City of Gig Harbor representative. Comments should be on-topic, respectful, and civil. The city respects and values a diversity of opinions and perspectives and asks that all comments be free from hate, harassment, obscenities, or other derogatory language about other people or groups based on age, race, ethnicity, country of origin, s*xual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, income, political persuasion, or cultural practices. Commenters may not provide any comments which would be considered:

- incitement (comments where such advocacy is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to incite or produce such action),
- fighting words (words likely to provoke the average person to retaliation, and thereby cause a breach of the peace),
- true threats (occur when the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals),
- obscenity (material which appeals to the prurient interest in s*x, depict or describe s*xual conduct in a patently offensive way, and lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value),
- commercial promotion,
- comments that support/oppose any ballot measure or any candidate for elective office – whether at the local, state, or federal level,
- illegal activity,
- duplicative/repetitive posts by a single user that negatively impacts the function of the forum,
- “off-topic” comments,
- or any other type of speech which is not legally protected speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The explanations provided are examples only and the true scope of those prohibited topics is based on then-current controlling law. The city may, in its discretion, remove or hide content which is in violation of these rules. Comments posted will in no way constitute a legal or official notice or comment to or from the city. Posts and comments are public records which will be retained by the city. Posts and comments, as well as your name and email address or other information you share with us, are subject to the Public Records Act and may be produced in response to a public records request. If you have any questions or comments about this policy, please email us.

If not friend, why friend-shaped? For real though, please don’t feed the bears. We are helping our friends at Washington...
06/12/2026

If not friend, why friend-shaped? For real though, please don’t feed the bears.
We are helping our friends at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife in raising awareness about feeding black bears and other wildlife.

-- Unsecured garbage is one of the top causes of conflicts between black bears and humans.
-- Feeding or negligently attracting black bears is also illegal under state law (RCW 77.15.790).
-- The best way to encourage them to move along and focus on natural food sources is by removing potential attractants.

In addition, the WDFW would like you to know that feeding deer, elk, and moose is prohibited statewide.

Bears are always looking for food... even during your vacation! Bears have noses that can smell lunch from a mile away and the taste buds of the average two-year old; they’ll eat just about anything, including stuff that’s not even food. Some simple precautions will keep bears out of your vehicle, your home away from home and your garbage, leftovers and picnic lunch.

Bears are attracted to trash because it smells great (to a bear) and is usually full of food. Dispose of your trash in a secure container and don’t forget to close and latch the lid. Bears can open unlatched lids with a flip of the paw. Resist the temptation to leave your trash piled up next to a dumpster or in your vehicle overnight. Take it with you or keep it inside a cabin until you can dispose of it properly.

Get more BearWise vacation tips by visiting our page: bearwise.org/vacationing-in-bear-country-what-to-know-before-you-go

Get BearWise. Have a fun vacation. Keep bears wild. Go home happy.

Learn About Bears: BearWise.org

Who are you going to call? 📞Here’s a great resource from our partners at South Sound 911.As a reminder, South Sound 911 ...
06/11/2026

Who are you going to call? 📞
Here’s a great resource from our partners at South Sound 911.

As a reminder, South Sound 911 is also the 911 dispatch for the City of Gig Harbor. (These numbers work on our side of the bridge, too!)

Knowing which number to use can save time, reduce frustration, and help keep 911 available for life-threatening emergencies and crimes in progress. Learn which number to call and when.

Not every situation is a 911 emergency. Knowing the difference matters.

Three-digit numbers are designed to be easy to remember when you need help. Whether it’s an emergency, mental health support, city services, or finding local resources, using the right number connects you to the right response.

Choosing the right number keeps emergency lines open for true life-threatening situations and crimes in progress, while connecting others to the support they need.

At the city council study session on May 28, public works staff presented the updated 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation ...
06/10/2026

At the city council study session on May 28, public works staff presented the updated 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the city’s annual roadmap for major transportation projects planned over the next six years.

This annual plan helps the city stay competitive for grant funding and guides long-term investments in safer roads, sidewalks, and transportation connections throughout the community. Learn more from the Agenda Packet Memo: https://gigharborwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/812/files/attachment/1421



[Image: a map of the city showing the project zones marked in bold purple lines for the 27 projects listed in the Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2027-2032]

The city would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Gig Fest a huge success! From o...
06/09/2026

The city would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 Gig Fest a huge success! From our incredible Public Works crew and dedicated police officers, fire fighters, and enthusiastic volunteers, to every community member who came out to celebrate; it could not have been done without you.

[photos: 1) Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce staff and volunteers with the Gig Harbor Police Chief at the parade entry check in. 2) The Gig Harbor Police Department leads off the beginning of the parade. 3) Local youth open the parade carrying the Maritime Gig Festival banner. 4) Gig Harbor Mayor Mary Barber rides in a classic 1965 Ford Mustang convertible and waves to the crowd in the Maritime Gig Parade. 5) Gig Harbor Mayor Mary Barber walks in the Maritime Gig Parade with her family members. ]

In case you missed it: The City of Gig Harbor Youth Council brought the community together May 30 for its inaugural Yout...
06/08/2026

In case you missed it: The City of Gig Harbor Youth Council brought the community together May 30 for its inaugural Youth Mental Wellness Summit, welcoming nearly 100 attendees for a day focused on mental health awareness, education, and connection.

The day concluded with a powerful community-building activity on the Civic Center lawn, reinforcing a simple but important message: no one has to face life's challenges alone.

Thank you to all our community members, Youth Council members, city staff, and volunteers who contributed to and attended the event!



[Image 1: Gig Harbor Youth Council members and city staff. Image 2: Panel members sit in Council Chambers during a Youth Mental Wellness session discussion. Image 3: Gig Harbor mayor and city staff with Toby the therapy dog.]

We are excited for this!! Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend at Maritime Gig Festival!  🔆⛵⚓🛶🎵
06/05/2026

We are excited for this!! Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend at Maritime Gig Festival! 🔆⛵⚓🛶🎵

In case you missed it: The Richard H. Shaw Loop Trail is open and ready for hikers! This 0.6-mile loop trail is the firs...
06/04/2026

In case you missed it: The Richard H. Shaw Loop Trail is open and ready for hikers! This 0.6-mile loop trail is the first trail open to the public in the 52-acre txʷaalqəł Conservation Area.

The trailhead is accessible from the Cushman Trail, between the 96th Street and Rosedale Street crossings. Signs are placed at the trailhead, which is along the Cushman Trail about ¾ mile from the closest parking at Wilkinson Farm.

The trail is limited to foot traffic only. No bicycles, scooters or e-bikes are allowed on the trail. A bike rack will soon be placed at the trailhead for bikers to park their bikes and hike on the trail. The trail is natural-surfaced, so may be slippery, muddy, or have tripping hazards. There is a very steep section on which hikers should use caution.



[Images: 1) A sunny afternoon along the Cushman Trail with a sign marking the trailhead to the Richard H. Shaw Loop Trail on a fence. 2) Signs marking the trailhead to the Richard H. Shaw Loop Trail on a fence along the Cushman Trail. 3) Sun-dappled trees along a trail in the forest and a trail sign that reads, "Caution Steep Slope." ]

🚧Heads Up Gig Harbor! 🚧Know what the roads are closing for this weekend’s Maritime Gig Festival Saturday, June 6, and Su...
06/04/2026

🚧Heads Up Gig Harbor! 🚧

Know what the roads are closing for this weekend’s Maritime Gig Festival Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7.

The following street sections will be closed:

Saturday, June 6, from 5:30 a.m. to Sunday, June 7, at 7 p.m. (festival)
-- Harborview Drive: Rosedale Street to 3026 Harborview Drive (Direction Apparel Retail Shop)
-- Pioneer Way: Tarabochia Street to Harborview Drive

Saturday, June 6, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (parade)
-- Harborview Drive: Burnham Drive to Austin Street

Saturday, June 6, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (parade)
-- North Harborview Drive: Harborview Drive to Burnham Drive
-- Harborview Drive: Austin Street to Soundview Drive
-- Soundview Drive: Harborview Drive to Judson Street
-- Judson Street: Soundview Drive to Pioneer Way

Signed detours will be in place to navigate around the closures. Please use caution when traveling in the area. If possible, use alternate routes to avoid delays.

Learn more: https://www.gigharborwa.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/1527


Gig Harbor Police Department
Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce
Visit Gig Harbor

[Image: a map showing the location of the Maritime Gig Festival and Parade street closure schedule. A red line shows the festival closure June 6 and 7 where Harborview Drive will close from Rosedale Street to just past Pioneer Way, and up Pioneer Way up to Tarabochia Street. A solid blue line shows the main parade street closure on June 6 where Harborview Drive will close from Burnham Drive through the downtown area, to Soundview Drive and Judson Street. A dotted blue line shows the pass-only access area during the parade street closure on June 6 where the neighborhoods north of Rosedale from Harborview drive to Stinson Avenue, and to the east of Stinson Avenue to Harborview Drive, will be restricted to residents and businesses with an access pass. ]

At the City of Gig Harbor, we pride ourselves in…     Welcoming different backgrounds and perspectives&     Fostering fa...
06/03/2026

At the City of Gig Harbor, we pride ourselves in…
Welcoming different backgrounds and perspectives&
Fostering fairness and opportunity for all&
Creating space for every voice to be heard&
Ensuring access and opportunity&
Listening, learning, and growing together&
Pride Month.

Happy Pride Month!

[Image: The State of Washington and pride flags on a flagpole outside the Civic Center in Gig Harbor. A blue color block overlays the right side of the image with the words “Welcoming& Fairness& Creating Space& Growing together& Pride Month.” with the city logo in the bottom right corner.]

Hey, have you seen the new welcome display at night yet? We’re loving it!! Thank you The Rotary Club of Gig Harbor  for ...
06/02/2026

Hey, have you seen the new welcome display at night yet? We’re loving it!!

Thank you The Rotary Club of Gig Harbor for your continued collaboration with the city, and for all the people who volunteered time and resources to make this city glow-up project a success!



[Image: Gig Harbor welcome display at night showing the lighting on the three metal sails and “Welcome to Gig Harbor” message. Photo courtesy Pat Schmidt.]

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