0.66-Acre Bluff-Top Lot in Washington’s Oldest Town — Steilacoom, WA

The Headline

The two lots next door already sold. This one — a full 0.66 acres, the largest of the three — is still available. Build your dream home on one of the last undeveloped bluff-top parcels in Steilacoom, Washington’s very first town. Farrell’s Marsh Wildlife Area sits as your forever-green back boundary. Water and power run to the street. Potential Olympic Mountain and Puget Sound views with thoughtful development. Bring your builder — this window is closing.

The Story

Some places you buy a lot. Other places, you inherit a view, a history, and a lifestyle. This 0.66-acre parcel at 1213 Walnut Lane in Steilacoom, Washington is firmly in the second camp.

Sitting high on a quiet, tree-lined bluff in the historic Union Ave Heights area, this is exactly the kind of piece that real estate agents whisper about over coffee — because there simply aren’t many undeveloped lots left at this elevation in Steilacoom. Both of the neighboring lots have already sold — one in 2022, the other as recently as October 2025. This one, at a full 0.66 acres, is the largest of the three and the only one left. If you’ve been waiting for your chance to plant roots in a small coastal town that genuinely feels like a postcard, this is your window — and windows like this close fast.

What makes this lot special isn’t just the dirt — it’s what surrounds the dirt. Directly behind the property, Farrell’s Marsh Wildlife Area serves as a natural 64-acre green belt buffer: over 2 miles of gravel and dirt trails winding through freshwater wetlands, 3,500 feet of shoreline, three scenic viewpoints, and blue herons and kingfishers drifting between the cedars. Imagine stepping off your back porch and onto a trail where the wagon ruts from settlers 150+ years ago are still carved into the ground. That’s your morning commute to nature.

And here’s the part that raises eyebrows: with thoughtful development, this bluff elevation offers potential views of the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound — the kind of backdrop people move to Washington for. If seclusion, big sky, and water views are on your wish list, you can stop scrolling.

The build-ready details: The road easement is already established, so the access piece is handled. Water and power run to the street on this stretch of Walnut Lane (septic/sewer will need to be installed — standard for this area). Translation: fewer hoops than a true raw-land build, without losing the “middle of nowhere” quiet. Whether you’re planning a custom forever-home or eyeing this as a smart hold-and-build investment play, the bones are here. Bring your plans, bring your builder, bring your dream.

Three Things You Should Know About Steilacoom

1. It’s the Oldest Town in Washington — and it shows (in the best way). Incorporated in 1854, Steilacoom was the first town in the state. It has Washington’s first jail, first public library, first school, first church, and first post office. The 40-block Historic District includes the Orr Family Home, the Mission Church, the Wagon Shop, and Historic Fort Steilacoom — all walkable from this lot. The town has fewer than 7,000 residents and has fiercely protected its charm. Graded grid streets step down the green hillside to Pioneer Orchard Park overlooking the Puget Sound.

2. The Water is Right There. Downtown Steilacoom’s waterfront is a short drive from Walnut Lane. Sunnyside Beach Park offers sand, picnic spots, and Puget Sound swims minutes from your front door. The Pierce County Ferry runs daily from Union Avenue to both Anderson Island and Ketron Island — favorite local day trips. Kayaking, fishing, tennis, beachcombing, and golden-hour walks along the Sound are all built into the lifestyle here. On clear days, you’ll see the Puget Sound islands, the Olympics to the west, and Mt. Rainier standing sentinel to the southeast.

3. The Schools are Legendary — and JBLM is Right Next Door. Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1, established in 1855, is the oldest organized school district in Pierce County and consistently ranks among the most respected small districts in the region. A serious check in the “yes” column for families. And for military families: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is a quick drive away, making this one of the most convenient off-base locations for active-duty, civilian, or retired military buyers who want small-town life within easy commute of the base.

Location & Directions

The lot sits in Pierce County, zip code 98388, with easy access to three major Washington cities:

·       Tacoma — approximately 13 miles (~20-minute drive)

·       Olympia — approximately 20 miles (~27-minute drive)

·       Seattle — approximately 44 miles (~50-minute drive)

Driving directions from Tacoma (the nearest major city): Head south on I-5 to Exit 129 for Bridgeport Way SW. Take Bridgeport Way SW west, then continue onto Steilacoom Boulevard SW. Follow Steilacoom Blvd SW all the way into the historic downtown of Steilacoom, then turn onto Union Avenue and make your way up the bluff to Walnut Lane. 1213 Walnut Lane will be on your lot-tour list before you even park the car — the quiet and the trees tell you you’re in the right place.

GPS / Map it: Drop 1213 Walnut Lane, Steilacoom, WA 98388 into Google Maps or use APN 0219068003 in the Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer portal.

Price & Terms

Cash Price: $209,999

That’s the whole number. No financing games, no credit checks, no drawn-out approval process. Just a clean, fast close on a lot that — bluntly — doesn’t come on the market often at this elevation in this town.

Why This One, Why Now

Let’s be honest about what you’re really buying: you’re buying scarcity. Steilacoom isn’t expanding. The historic district is protected. The bluff is already built up. Lots like this don’t get made anymore — they get passed from one thoughtful owner to the next. Both neighboring lots have already been purchased — the most recent one in October 2025. This is the last piece of that puzzle, and it’s the biggest of the three. If you’ve been daydreaming about a small-town life near the water, near the trails, 20 minutes from a real city but a hundred years from the noise, this is your signal.

Call or email Krista today — serious inquiries only, because this one is going to move.

Phone: 407-250-9220

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://lands2love.com/

About Lands2Love

We use an independent title company to make sure our buyers are protected and ensure title is free and clear. All information presented is believed to be true, however, buyer is responsible for doing their own due diligence to verify with the county/township and/or HOA/POA to determine utilities as well as what can and cannot be done with the property, and to obtain proper permits for site development. Seller has equitable interest in the property and makes no warranties or representations about the land, its condition, or what can be built on the property.

Sources & Research References

·       Town of Steilacoom — Official Website

·       Farrell’s Marsh — Town of Steilacoom

·       Visit Pierce County — A Day in Steilacoom

·       Steilacoom Historical School District

·       Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Information Portal

·       Farrell’s Marsh — Washington Trails Association