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Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from University of Puget Sound

Routes

Running trails & routes

Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from University of Puget Sound

Hard

4.9

(8589)

12,794

runners

Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from University of Puget Sound

02:17

21.2km

260m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: April 7, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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7.99 km

Owen Beach

Highlight • Beach

If you’re looking for a nice waterfront view enjoy the speedy descent to a freshly renovated beachfront park (renovation c. 2022 summer), public restrooms, water fountains, green space to sit …

Tip by

8.50 km

Spanning 640 acres, this park provides a diverse range of activities, including trails for hiking, running, and biking through old-growth forests, as well as access to beaches, gardens, historic buildings, …

Tip by

10.5 km

Dalco Passage viewpoint in Point Defiance Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a great vantage point over Dalco Passage, the strait between this part of Tacoma and the south end of Vashon Island. You can also get nice views across the water from the beachside trails here.

Tip by

10.9 km

View of Gig Harbor from Point Defiance Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

The views from the bluff overlooking Gig Harbor are amazing from this area. This spot is a perfect place to stop, rest, have a picnic, or simply take in the beauty, with several benches and restroom facilities available here.

Tip by

12.1 km

View of Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Gig Harbor

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is one of the many viewpoints throughout Point Defiance Park that offers stunning views of the water, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and Gig Harbor.

Tip by

14.9 km

Raptor Overlook – View of Commencement Bay and Marina

Highlight • Viewpoint

17.0 km

Ruston Way Waterfront Path

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Ruston Way Waterfront is made up of several smaller parks connected by a multi-use path. There tends to be a lot of pedestrian traffic so cyclists should be alert.

Tip by

19.8 km

Dickman Mill Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Dickman Mill Park is the site of an abandoned lumber mill. There are some ruins of the mill along with views out onto the water from the short out-and-back path traveling through the park.

Tip by

21.2 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

18.8 km

905 m

796 m

733 m

Surfaces

12.7 km

4.78 km

1.14 km

1.05 km

837 m

726 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Monday 18 May

17°C

9°C

-- %

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Owen Beach