The Thea Foss Waterway is the best bet for running in downtown Tacoma. It’s the finger of harbor that lines eastern Tacoma. Just off of Dock Street, runners will find sidewalks and a concrete walkway around the marina. The public esplanade starts at the Dock Street/East 15th St. intersection and continues south to 21st Street Park. It’s ~1.7 miles one way.
Wright Park
ADD-ON: Nearby Wright Park is a lovely arboretum and botanical garden along South St. There’s a nice network of paths. A perimeter loop is ~1 mile. To access from the Thea Foss Waterway, use either S 11th St. or S 4th St. to cross I-705.
The Thea Foss Waterway is the best bet for running in downtown Tacoma. It’s the finger of harbor that lines eastern Tacoma. Just off of Dock Street, runners will find sidewalks and a concrete walkway around the marina. The public esplanade starts at the Dock Street/East 15th St. intersection and continues south to 21st Street Park. It’s ~1.7 miles one way.
Wright Park
ADD-ON: Nearby Wright Park is a lovely arboretum and botanical garden along South St. There’s a nice network of paths. A perimeter loop is ~1 mile. To access from the Thea Foss Waterway, use either S 11th St. or S 4th St. to cross I-705.
One of the most scenic runs in Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest. A paved path runs for 3.6 miles from Jack Hyde Park in Old Tacoma north to Dune Park. Great views of Commencement Bay & Mt. Rainier. Combine with Point Defiance Park for a longer run!
The Point Defiance Peninsula is one of the most scenic running spots in Tacoma. Water views, dense forests, and a nice selection of roads & paths. Most popular are the Five Mile Drive Road loop and Owen Beach path. Can combine with Ruston Way.
Chambers Bay is a large green space on the western end of the Tacoma peninsula. There's a nice running loop around the golf course and additional trails at the southern end of the park.
The Scott Pierson Trail is a popular multi-use path in western Tacoma. Among the highlights is the path along the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Combine with scenic trail along Titlow Beach at Titlow Park.
The “Maritime City” has lots of cute homes, shops, and waterfront views. Good running for 2 miles on Harborview Drive, in the nearby residential area, and the 2.7-mile Cushman Poweline Trail.
A worth-it spot for a destination run. Located in Tacoma's eastern suburbs, the paved multi-use path follows along the Puyallup River and White River for 21 miles, with intermittent river views and some glimpses of towering Mt. Rainier.
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