Volksmarching is a German word meaning ‘peoples' march', which is exactly what it looks like when it happens. This type of organized, non-competitive fitness walking involves participants walking 10 kilometers, about 6.2 miles, on a designated outdoor trail. While the walkers are not competing at these walks, they are typically offered incentive awards (usually pins and patches) for completing a certain number of events.

The American Volkssport Association (www.ava.org) is the reigning authority in the United States and presides over 305 volkssport clubs, including four locally in Lacey (www.esva.org), Tacoma (www.evergreenwanderers.homestead.com) and two in Olympia (www.capitolvolkssportclub.org and www.ava.org/clubs/extremevolksportadventures).

The events, which are run by the local clubs, are ideal for any outdoor enthusiasts and groups of any size. Club members select trails by safety, scenic or historic interest and degrees of difficulty. The trails are then rated for complexity with a universal system that allows individuals to choose the best walk for them.

1.  An easy walk on pavement or well-maintained trail with no significant hills. Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

2. A moderately easy walk, may be on pavement or on trails. No significant difficulty with hills. May not be suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

3. A moderate walk in any setting with some difficult terrain, one or two substantial hills and/or steps. Strollers and wheelchairs are questionable.

4. A difficult walk. Most likely in a natural setting with poorly maintained paths and steeper inclines. Not likely to be wheelchair or stroller accessible. Participants with certain health problems should take caution.

5. A very difficult walk. All in rough fields or woods. Many steep hills or high altitude trails, or very rough uneven terrain, steep or unstable inclines. Not suitable for any person in poor health.

While many walks are dependent on the weather, the following are year-round volksmarch courses in the area:

Point Defiance Park

This 10k walk includes views of Gig Harbor, the Narrows Bridge, Fort Nisqually and the sprawling park. Starting point is the Boathouse Marina and Tackle Shop, 5400 N. Pearl in Tacoma. Course is open daily, form 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Trail is rated a 2 with two short flights of stairs after the start. 

Historic Steilacoom

The 10k trail will take walkers past many historical ‘firsts' as well as along the Puget Sound providing views of Mt. Rainier and McNeil Island. Starting point is at the Chevron Station located at 3025 Steilacoom Blvd. The course is open daily, from dawn to dusk. Trail is rated a 2 but is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers though pets are allowed. Revised walk is on city sidewalks and two short trails (5k). 

Proctor District/Waterfront District  

Starting point is the Spar Coffee Bar, 2123 North 30th St. in Tacoma.

The 10k trail is rated 2+. This is a new trail that follows the Commencement Bay waterfront and through the historic Proctor District. For those who'd prefer a trail rated 1, there is a 7k option that is entirely flat along the waterfront.