Fireboat No. 1 – Port Defiance Ferry Terminal loop from University of Puget Sound
Fireboat No. 1 – Port Defiance Ferry Terminal loop from University of Puget Sound
4.6
(9774)
13,566
riders
Fireboat No. 1 – Port Defiance Ferry Terminal loop from University of Puget Sound
00:48
13.1km
60m
Cycling
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 5.35 km for 154 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
968 m
Harbor Lights Restaurant
Highlight • Restaurant
Tip by
1.56 km
Fireboat No. 1
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
6.46 km
Raptor Overlook – View of Commencement Bay and Marina
Highlight • Viewpoint
7.28 km
Point Defiance Ferry Terminal
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
7.41 km
Port Defiance Ferry Terminal
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
9.29 km
Ruston Way
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
12.4 km
Dickman Mill Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
13.1 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.4 km
585 m
312 m
300 m
294 m
120 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
9.16 km
3.25 km
439 m
212 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Sunday 5 July
21°C
12°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for an easy touring cycling route that packs a punch of Pacific Northwest scenery without breaking a sweat, the Fireboat No. 1 – Port Defiance Ferry Terminal loop from University of Puget Sound is an excellent choice. This 8.1-mile (13.1 km) route, rated easy, offers just 204 feet (62 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 47 minutes, making it perfect for a leisurely ride combining urban charm with stunning waterfront views and parkland.
What to expect on Fireboat No. 1 – Port Defiance Ferry Terminal loop from University of Puget Sound
Starting from the University of Puget Sound, your ride quickly transitions from urban streets to the picturesque Ruston Way Waterfront. Here, you'll be treated to continuous views of Commencement Bay and get a close-up look at the historic Fireboat No. 1. The path along Ruston Way is mostly flat, offering a smooth ride before you reach the expansive Point Defiance Park. Inside the park, the renowned Five Mile Drive provides a varied terrain with some gentle climbs, but the reward is stunning vistas of the Narrows and Puget Sound, often in a car-free environment. This route is ideal for touring cyclists who appreciate a mix of city, history, and natural beauty without demanding climbs.
Planning your visit
This touring cycling route is accessible year-round, though spring and summer offer the best weather for enjoying the waterfront views. While the University of Puget Sound campus provides bike racks, parking for visitors is available in designated areas. Be aware that parts of Ruston Way can be busy with pedestrians, and while cycling on the sidewalk is legal, the street might offer a smoother ride if you're comfortable with traffic. The Five Mile Drive in Point Defiance Park is often closed to vehicles outside of specific morning hours on weekdays, providing a safer and more enjoyable experience for cyclists.
Trail details
- Distance: 8.1 miles (13.1 km)
- Elevation gain: 204 feet (62 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 47 minutes
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