Point Defiance is the peninsula just north of Tacoma and Ruston. It’s considered one of the most scenic running spots in the area, with waterfront views, dense forests, and a selection of natural and asphalt paths. One of the most popular routes is the Five Mile Drive road circling the park. This paved one-way street has a wide shoulder that’s perfect for a run of — you guessed it — five miles. Note: hilly!
Another good running option is the Owen Beach Promenade. This concrete and gravel walkway runs from the Port Defiance ferry to the north end of the beach (about 1 mile one-way). To get the heart rate up, run the stairs at Stairs & Slides near the parking lot, where there’s a series of fun slides enjoyed by all!
ADD-ON: Combine with nearby Ruston Way, a waterfront path that runs for 3.6 miles from Dune Park (just east of Point Defiance) south to Old Tacoma.
Point Defiance is the peninsula just north of Tacoma and Ruston. It’s considered one of the most scenic running spots in the area, with waterfront views, dense forests, and a selection of natural and asphalt paths. One of the most popular routes is the Five Mile Drive road circling the park. This paved one-way street has a wide shoulder that’s perfect for a run of — you guessed it — five miles. Note: hilly!
Another good running option is the Owen Beach Promenade. This concrete and gravel walkway runs from the Port Defiance ferry to the north end of the beach (about 1 mile one-way). To get the heart rate up, run the stairs at Stairs & Slides near the parking lot, where there’s a series of fun slides enjoyed by all!
ADD-ON: Combine with nearby Ruston Way, a waterfront path that runs for 3.6 miles from Dune Park (just east of Point Defiance) south to Old Tacoma.
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