Ruston Way Waterfront Path – Fort Nisqually loop from University of Puget Sound

Hiking trails & Routes

Ruston Way Waterfront Path – Fort Nisqually loop from University of Puget Sound

Moderate

4.7

(1735)

18,772

hikers

Ruston Way Waterfront Path – Fort Nisqually loop from University of Puget Sound

04:39

17.6km

180m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

90 m

Harbor Lights Restaurant

Highlight • Restaurant

A long-time Tacoma institution, Harbor Lights is known for serving enormous portions of seafood. Its waterfront location also offers great views over Commencement Bay.

Tip by

417 m

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

4.73 km

Viewpoint

6.90 km

Fort Nisqually

Highlight • Historical Site

Fort Nisqually was once an important fur trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company. Today, it serves as a living history museum.

Tip by

7.35 km

Five Mile Drive's outer loop was once open to vehicles for part of the day, but it's now restricted solely for pedestrians and bicyclists. As a bonus, you also get amazing waterfront views from many points just off the roadway.

Tip by

11.2 km

Point Defiance Park

Highlight • Forest

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

11.7 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

14.9 km

Ruston Way

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This paved bayside trail offers easy walking and stunning views over Commencement Bay. It's a shared-use trail, so watch for bicycles and even the occasional carriage.

Tip by

17.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.3 km

930 m

718 m

647 m

Surfaces

10.4 km