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Ruston Way Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 368 Google reviews · Running trail in Tacoma, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ruston Way Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Waterside park featuring paved trails with beach access, picnicking, and scenic views.
What runners say about Ruston Way Park
“There is a smooth beautiful spot to skate over near the movie theater & shopping center though.”
Absolute favorite spot in Tacoma! It’s a massive sidewalk stretch for walking & exercising. It was hard to skate the whole stretch though, lots of cracks in the sidewalk. There is a smooth beautiful spot to skate over near the movie theater & shopping center though.
Ruston Way is a great place for walking and bike riding. The trail is accessible for all and if you get hungry there is a variety of restaurants to choose from. If you are a scuba diver Les Davis beach is the place to go diving. Great place to bring your family.
Gorgeous place for a relaxing walk or jog and take in the fresh ocean air. Saw folks on bicycles and walking dogs too. Even more accessible via foot with the extension and connection to Dune Peninsula and Pt. Defiance. WA in July/August is, hands down, one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Most amazing park to get 6 mile walk with beautiful sceneries. Ample parking in multiple spots. Public restrooms available Social distancing is not hard to maintain while enjoying this place.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a smooth beautiful spot to skate over near the movie theater & shopping center though.”
“Ample parking available, and this is the center of activity as well; close to the Old Tacoma area.”
“The trail is accessible for all and if you get hungry there is a variety of restaurants to choose from.”
“Paved sidewalk for miles with multiple spots of beach access and a few docks to walk on and fish off of.”
“Public restrooms available Social distancing is not hard to maintain while enjoying this place.”
Plan your run at Ruston Way Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitemetroparkstacoma.org
- Phone+1 253-305-1030
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Tacoma
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Puget Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 71 reviews
Trails, playgrounds, swings, slides and picnic tables at this natural area.
Puget Creek Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 437 reviews
Playground and hiking trails through the woods, also featuring picnic tables.
Hamilton Park (Ruston Way)
4.6 ★★★★★ 176 reviews
Tranquil park with waterfront views, featuring a birdwatching spot, a walking trail and parking.
Jack Hyde Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 874 reviews
Relaxed waterfront spot providing a pier and a dock for paddleboarding, fishing and relaxing.
