Fort Nisqually – Point Defiance Park loop from Ruston

Running trails & routes

Fort Nisqually – Point Defiance Park loop from Ruston

Hard

2.5

(24)

runners

Fort Nisqually – Point Defiance Park loop from Ruston

02:04

19.0km

190m

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: August 19, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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1.71 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.

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2.55 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.

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3.90 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.

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4.23 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.

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6.08 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, …

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7.20 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 …

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13.8 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.

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