Tucked along Colvos Passage, Maplewood pairs woodsy privacy with wide water views and an easygoing, rural feel—yet remains within reach of shops and services.
Families appreciate nearby parks like Sunrise Beach and Crescent Lake, plus access to well‑regarded Peninsula schools—all in a neighborhood that feels like a natural escape.
Homes sit among mature evergreens and rhododendrons, creating a park‑like setting where nature and everyday living blend seamlessly.
Maplewood is located South of Ollala and Northeast of Downtown Gig Harbor on Puget Sound’s scenic Colvos Passage. From this area, Downtown Gig Harbor and Gig Harbor North are both accessible in 10-15 minutes, depending on what area of this large neighborhood you are driving from.
Maplewood is located South of Ollala and Northeast of Downtown Gig Harbor on Puget Sound’s scenic Colvos Passage. From this area, Downtown Gig Harbor and Gig Harbor North are both accessible in 10-15 minutes, depending on what area of this large neighborhood you are driving from.
Commuting to Seattle from here is about an hour drive with no traffic but can nearly double during heavy traffic times. A much easier commute is Tacoma which offers little traffic and can be reached in 20-30 minutes.
Both of these commutes consist of crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. In 2007 a second Narrows Bridge opened for eastbound traffic only, alleviating the massive traffic that the original bridge funneled both directions for many years. As a result, there is rarely any traffic and few closures at the Narrows crossing. For many years it was one of the biggest bottleneck in the areas prior to the opening of the new bridge.
Local traffic in Maplewood is never an issue but allow time and patience for commuting on narrow, low-speed, winding forested roads to safely get to your location.
Maplewood is an entirely residential and rural area but within minutes to Gig Harbor North which offers big box locations like Costco, Home Depot and Target that you don’t find in other parts of Gig Harbor. One of the anchor stores of Gig Harbor North is the “super-size” Albertson’s that meets nearly any food shopping need.
As a parent raising children in Gig Harbor, and a resident for 25 years, I have been very happy with the schools of the area and they are a big draw to people choosing to relocate to the area. I believe they are a reflection of the engaged and strong local community and part of the reason I have chosen this as my home.
Some of the schools accessible to Maplewood include Swift Water Elementary, Harbor Ridge Middle School, Gig Harbor High School, and Henderson Bay High School.
In the bustling Gig Harbor North and downtown you will find local dining options, wine bars and coffee shops.
Access to the one of the most attractive historic downtown’s in the state is a major attraction to living in this area. This quaint Maritime village is a known destination stop for boaters Puget Sound boaters.
It also features the beautiful Gig Harbor Maritime Museum, not only a great place for history education, but also a dynamic community event space with live music and other public events.
One of the amenities of Gig Harbor North is the large modern YMCA offering recreational programs and services for all ages including a swimming pool, climbing gym, sauna, indoor running track, youth center, and more. This community based non-profit offers empowerment and an inclusive space where people of all ages can learn, grow and improve health.
As someone who loves the outdoors, I find there is no end of options in a place like Maplewood! Two large waterfront parks give great access to Puget Sound and the beauty of Crescent Lake and Gig Harbor are right at hand.
As someone who loves the outdoors, I find there is no end of options in a place like Maplewood! Two large waterfront parks give great access to Puget Sound and the beauty of Crescent Lake and Gig Harbor are right at hand.
All of the above offer boating, water sports, and fishing, and the 82 acre Sunrise Beach Park is a favorite spot for swimming and scuba diving. It is not unusual to spot orcas, seals, and other wildlife along the scenic Colvos Passage.
Maplewood Beach Park is a 36-acre high bank waterfront park with trails and 1,000 feet of shoreline. Enjoy Orcas, dolphins, and all manner of sailing vessels. Fishing and clamming along with a wide sandy beach which is perfect for volleyball.
Nearby Crescent Lake also offers great walking and biking trails and a 15-minute drive gives you access to the Cushman Trail, a great walking and destination biking trail that runs through green belts tracking along Highway 16.
The options for outdoor activities are one of the things that has kept me in this area for over 25 years. As stated above, nearby downtown Gig Harbor offers everything from sailing and fishing to scenic walks and parks. You can rent kayaks and even take a ride on an authentic Italian Gondola!
For golfers,nearby Gig Harbor North offers one of the area’s most prestigious golf courses at Canterwood Golf and country club. Gig Harbor has numerous golf courses and a strong golfing culture.
Gardening is also very popular and you will find many nurseries, classes, community gardens, and garden tours. Nearby Maplewood is the Crescent Valley Lavender farm and Crescent Valley is still home to many farm properties.
In this area, you will also find the North Harbor Equestrian Center. Horse riding is very popular throughout rural parts of Gig Harbor, and for those interested, you will find a strong equestrian community here.
Maplewood is an entirely residential and rural area but within minutes to Gig Harbor North which offers big box locations like Costco, Home Depot and Target that you don’t find in other parts of Gig Harbor. One of the anchor stores of Gig Harbor North is the “super-size” Albertson’s that meets nearly any food shopping need.
Maplewood is an entirely residential and rural area but within minutes to Gig Harbor North which offers big box locations like Costco, Home Depot and Target that you don’t find in other parts of Gig Harbor. One of the anchor stores of Gig Harbor North is the “super-size” Albertson’s that meets nearly any food shopping need.
In downtown Gig Harbor and you will find an abundance of small local shops and boutiques for “retail therapy” along with boat and Kayak shops.
About 20 minutes away is the modern Uptown Shopping Center with J Jill, Chico’s, Ann Taylor Loft, Marshall’s, and other clothing shopping options.
For food shopping, Uptown also offers Safeway, Fred Meyer, Harbor Greens and the Luxury grocery, Metropolitan Market. But you don’t have to go to Uptown for grocery options.
The large Tacoma Mall is a 30-minute drive away and features Nordstrom, Macy’s, and many other national brands.
I enjoy the abundance of quiet developments in wooded areas here. there are many property options, and settings from private homes in the woods, to farmland and beachfront properties.
The main development of this area took place from the 1970s to the 1990s though you can find
I enjoy the abundance of quiet developments in wooded areas here. there are many property options, and settings from private homes in the woods, to farmland and beachfront properties.
The main development of this area took place from the 1970s to the 1990s though you can find some properties built since 2000 also. The majority of homes are medium size 3 to 4 bedrooms with some much larger homes.
For those who want out of the city, this is a great area to explore.
Maplewood is a classic Gig Harbor neighborhood along the east side of the harbor, offering a mix of historic homes, mid-century charm, and stunning water views of Mt. Rainier.
Yes, Maplewood has a variety of waterfront options—some with docks, others with high-bank views looking straight across to Point Defiance.
Only a few minutes from Downtown Gig Harbor’s shops, waterfront restaurants, and marinas.
Residents enjoy boating, paddleboarding, and easy access to Harborview Drive for biking, walking, and jogging along the waterfront.
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Long-time Gig Harbor resident and realtor. Darren has raised two kids in town and helped hundreds of clients buy and sell real estate here.
Have questions about Gig Harbor Real Estate or just want to chat? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
