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Walk the Waterwalk at Point Ruston

The Waterwalk at Point Ruston is the Puget Sound’s newest world class public amenity located along the shores of the Tacoma waterfront. It has some of the finest views of Commencement Bay, making it a popular destination for repeated use by Point Ruston’s residents, visitors, shoppers and diners. Stretching nearly a mile from Ruston Way to Pt. Defiance Park, the Waterwalk offers walkers beautiful views of Mount Rainier and Commencement Bay without leaving the shoreline.

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One of the most exciting things about the Waterwalk is that pedestrians can, for the first time in more than a century, walk directly into Pt. Defiance Park from Ruston Way. It’s the missing link between these two highly popular public amenities. Nearly 5 million visitors a year are expected to converge on Point Ruston’s Grand Plaza, the Puget Sound’s newest waterfront dining and entertainment destination.

For Tacoma and Ruston residents, the Waterwalk at Point Ruston is now a regular summertime base for waterfront activity and living. It’s become a magnet for runners, bicyclists, skateboarders, as well as those who appreciate art and nature. Along the Waterwalk, visitors can find painted and tiled murals, with mosaics representing starfish, sea bass, and other sea creatures native to Puget Sound.

A Direct Link to Point Defiance Park

The Waterwalk connects the Ruston Way waterfront with the 700-acre Pt. Defiance Park and its intricate trail system featuring miles and miles of walking paths.

Here is a quick list of just some of the activities people frequently enjoy on the Waterwalk:

  • Exercise Walk: The beautiful water views are inspiring and relaxing. Visitors and residents can get in the day’s exercise, greet neighbors, and view the mosaic centerpieces at the five main intersections along the Waterwalk.
  • Romantic Stroll: The shoreline of the Puget Sound is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Imagine strolling along the Waterwalk with your significant other taking in the refreshing smells of the salt water air. Following the sunset stroll, your senses will continue to be amazed by the tantalizing tastes of traditional NW cuisine at Wild Fin American Grill in the Grand Plaza.
  • Room to Run: The Waterwalk’s 100 foot-wide trail system along the bay offers ample space for joggers. A jog from end-to-end and back is about two miles and a great cardio workout opportunity for Tacoma runners in a setting that will leave you feeling happy.
  • Take the Pet Out: The Waterwalk is dog-friendly. On any given day, you’ll see dogs and their owners taking a walk in the beauty of the South Sound along the Waterwalk.
  • Look into the Past: Point Ruston pays homage to the historically significant past of its location in several ways. One of which are the benches shaped like mooring cleats for the large vessels that previously frequented its shores.

There have been tremendous improvements from the days of the Asarco copper smelter to the present beauty of the Waterwalk at Point Ruston. Watching this area evolve in the coming years with additional residential, retail, and entertainment will certainly be exciting for Tacoma residents and visitors alike.