Best attractions and places to see around Rosedale include a mix of waterfront trails, scenic viewpoints, and historical sites. The area offers opportunities for exploring suspension bridges, paved pathways, and forested drives. Its diverse landscape provides varied outdoor experiences for visitors.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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Due to the increased risk of landslides from the steep walls, the outer loop is closed to all motor vehicle traffic. It can only be accessed by bike or on foot. Please pay attention to all warning signs and remain within the designated safety boundaries.
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This is a well-maintained, wide, paved pathway that runs along the power lines (hence the name) and parallels State Route 16. It has multiple access points and several benches and picnic tables along the way. As you traverse the route, you can expect to travel over several hills through some beautiful scenic areas.
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The Tacoma Narrows Bridge consists of two suspension bridges offering impressive views over the Puget Sound. It can be a breezy ride, especially in the fall and spring. Be alert when descending onto the bridge from the west side (Gig Harbor), as there is an entrance to the trail on the right-hand side near the bottom of the hill, and other cyclists entering the path may be unaware of others barreling down at them at high speeds. On the east side (Tacoma), use caution when crossing busy Jackson Street, as there have been several auto/bike accidents at the off-ramp.
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Fort Nisqually was once an important fur trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company. Today, it serves as a living history museum.
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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.
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Five Mile Drive’s outer loop is only open to vehicle traffic from 9 am-2 pm, Monday-Friday. At any other time the trail is open to cyclists and pedestrians only. There are several viewpoints, and many spots to picnic along the way.
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Trail is wide, paved, and well maintained. There are bike racks, benches, and picnic tables scattered up and down the path. The trail is somewhat hilly, especially between Grandview and Burnham Drive. In places expect between 7 and 10% grades. Trailheads at 14th Avenue NW, Hollycroft Way, Kimball Drive, Grandview Street, and Borgen Blvd. Restrooms at located at Grandview, Hollycroft, and Borgen.
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Can be breezy at times once you clear the trees on either end, especially in the fall and spring. While descending from the west side (Gig Harbor), there is an entrance to the trail on the right hand side near the bottom of the hill. Watch out for cyclists entering the path and not watching for others barreling down at them at 30+mph. There have been several auto/bicycle accidents at the Jackson Street off ramp. Exercise caution when crossing Jackson Street.
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Rosedale offers several attractions with beautiful natural features and scenic viewpoints. You can enjoy impressive views over the Puget Sound from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The Ruston Way Waterfront Path provides waterfront views, while Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive takes you through forested areas with multiple scenic spots.
Yes, the Rosedale area has family-friendly options. The Cushman Powerline Trail is a wide, paved pathway suitable for all ages, featuring benches and picnic tables. Fort Nisqually, a living history museum, offers an engaging experience for families interested in history.
For history enthusiasts, Fort Nisqually is a must-visit. It was once an important fur trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company and now operates as a living history museum, offering a glimpse into the past.
Yes, the Ruston Way Waterfront Path is noted as being wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for those with strollers or mobility aids. The Cushman Powerline Trail is also a wide, paved pathway, generally suitable for accessibility.
The Rosedale area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling and running. For touring bicycles, explore options like the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the Cushman Trail and Point Defiance Loop. Runners have trails like the Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the dedicated guides for Cycling around Rosedale, Road Cycling Routes around Rosedale, and Running Trails around Rosedale.
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse outdoor experiences. The Ruston Way Waterfront Path is popular for its multi-use path and scenic views. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge is appreciated for its impressive Puget Sound vistas, while the Cushman Powerline Trail is valued for its well-maintained, wide, paved surface and beautiful scenic areas.
When cycling the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, be aware that it can be breezy, especially in fall and spring. Exercise caution when descending from the west side (Gig Harbor) due to an entrance to the trail near the bottom. Also, be alert when crossing busy Jackson Street on the east side, as there have been auto/bicycle accidents at the off-ramp.
The Cushman Powerline Trail is wide, paved, and well-maintained, with bike racks, benches, and picnic tables. It has multiple access points and restrooms at Grandview, Hollycroft, and Borgen. Be prepared for some hilly sections, especially between Grandview and Burnham Drive, with grades between 7% and 10% in places.
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge offers impressive views over the Puget Sound year-round. However, it can be particularly breezy in the fall and spring, which might affect comfort for some visitors.
The outer loop of Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive has restricted vehicle access. It is only open to vehicle traffic from 9 am-2 pm, Monday-Friday. At all other times, the trail is exclusively open to cyclists and pedestrians. Due to landslide risks, the outer loop is closed to motor vehicles entirely and can only be accessed by bike or on foot.
The provided information does not indicate that permits are generally required for visiting the listed attractions like the Ruston Way Waterfront Path, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, or Cushman Powerline Trail for general use. For specific events or commercial activities, it's always best to check with local authorities or the attraction's official website.


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