Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from Wollochet
Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from Wollochet
3.3
(24)
76
runners
Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from Wollochet
05:09
48.4km
440m
Running
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
12.6 km
View of Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Gig Harbor
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
13.8 km
View of Gig Harbor from Point Defiance Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
14.1 km
Dalco Passage viewpoint in Point Defiance Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
16.1 km
Point Defiance Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
16.7 km
Rhododendron Garden Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
20.2 km
Ruston Way Waterfront Path
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
23.0 km
Dickman Mill Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
27.9 km
Fluent Steps
Lake
37.9 km
Raptor Overlook – View of Commencement Bay and Marina
Highlight • Viewpoint
48.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
33.8 km
8.58 km
2.96 km
2.47 km
492 m
166 m
Surfaces
35.5 km
6.13 km
2.89 km
1.89 km
1.03 km
959 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (120 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Sunday 2 August
21°C
13°C
42 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking a truly diverse and challenging long-distance jogging experience, the Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from Wollochet delivers. This difficult 30.1-mile (48.4 km) route, with 1438 feet (438 metres) of elevation gain, is a substantial undertaking, typically requiring around 5 hours and 8 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for experienced joggers looking to combine urban waterfront vistas with the serene natural beauty of a large park, offering a constantly changing backdrop for your workout.
What to expect on Point Defiance Park – Ruston Way Waterfront Path loop from Wollochet
The journey begins with accessible paths around Wollochet, leading you towards the vibrant waterfront. You'll soon find yourself on the Ruston Way Waterfront Path, a largely flat and paved section offering expansive views of Commencement Bay and Puget Sound. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains, with seals occasionally visible in the water. The route seamlessly transitions via the Waterwalk at Point Ruston, adorned with marine life murals, into the contrasting environment of Point Defiance Park. Here, the terrain shifts dramatically to include hilly paved sections like the Five Mile Drive and gravel paths winding through dense old-growth forests, home to moss-draped bigleaf maples and the ancient Mountaineer Tree. This route is best suited for confident joggers who appreciate varied scenery and are prepared for a significant physical challenge.
Planning your visit
While the initial trails around Wollochet are generally gentle, the overall difficulty of this loop is high due to its length and the hilly sections within Point Defiance Park. The paths along Ruston Way and the Waterwalk are popular and well-maintained, making them enjoyable for all. For the best experience and clearest views, plan your jog for a clear day. Parking is available in the vicinity of Wollochet and around Point Defiance Park and Ruston Way, though popular areas can fill up quickly on weekends.
Trail details
- Distance: 30.1 miles (48.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 1438 feet (438 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 8 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free