Attractions and Places To See around Ruston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ruston include a variety of trails, viewpoints, and historical sites. The area offers diverse outdoor experiences, from waterfront paths to suspension bridges with panoramic views. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails and significant historical landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Ruston
- The most popular attractions is Ruston Way Waterfront Path, a trail that connects several smaller parks along the waterfront. It offers impressive views and is wheelchair accessible.
- Another must-see spot…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
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Cushman Powerline Trail
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Ruston Way Waterfront Path
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Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive
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Fort Nisqually
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Tips from the Community
Due to the increased risk of landslides from the steep walls, the outer loop is closed to all motor vehicle traffic. It can only be accessed by bike or on foot. Please pay attention to all warning signs and remain within the designated safety boundaries.
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This is a well-maintained, wide, paved pathway that runs along the power lines (hence the name) and parallels State Route 16. It has multiple access points and several benches and picnic tables along the way. As you traverse the route, you can expect to travel over several hills through some beautiful scenic areas.
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The Tacoma Narrows Bridge consists of two suspension bridges offering impressive views over the Puget Sound. It can be a breezy ride, especially in the fall and spring. Be alert when descending onto the bridge from the west side (Gig Harbor), as there is an entrance to the trail on the right-hand side near the bottom of the hill, and other cyclists entering the path may be unaware of others barreling down at them at high speeds. On the east side (Tacoma), use caution when crossing busy Jackson Street, as there have been several auto/bike accidents at the off-ramp.
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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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The Ruston Way Waterfront is made up of several smaller parks connected by a multi-use path. There tends to be a lot of pedestrian traffic so cyclists should be alert.
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Five Mile Drive’s outer loop is only open to vehicle traffic from 9 am-2 pm, Monday-Friday. At any other time the trail is open to cyclists and pedestrians only. There are several viewpoints, and many spots to picnic along the way.
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Trail is wide, paved, and well maintained. There are bike racks, benches, and picnic tables scattered up and down the path. The trail is somewhat hilly, especially between Grandview and Burnham Drive. In places expect between 7 and 10% grades. Trailheads at 14th Avenue NW, Hollycroft Way, Kimball Drive, Grandview Street, and Borgen Blvd. Restrooms at located at Grandview, Hollycroft, and Borgen.
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Can be breezy at times once you clear the trees on either end, especially in the fall and spring. While descending from the west side (Gig Harbor), there is an entrance to the trail on the right hand side near the bottom of the hill. Watch out for cyclists entering the path and not watching for others barreling down at them at 30+mph. There have been several auto/bicycle accidents at the Jackson Street off ramp. Exercise caution when crossing Jackson Street.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities to do around Ruston?
Ruston offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can explore the multi-use Ruston Way Waterfront Path, which connects several smaller parks and is great for walking or cycling. For a more challenging ride, the Cushman Powerline Trail is a wide, paved path with some hilly sections. Additionally, Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive offers scenic routes through forests with various viewpoints. For more specific routes, you can find numerous cycling and running trails in the area.
Are there any historical sites to visit near Ruston?
Yes, you can visit Fort Nisqually, a living history museum that was once an important fur trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company. It offers a glimpse into the region's past.
What are some family-friendly attractions in the Ruston area?
The Cushman Powerline Trail is a great option for families, being a wide, paved, and well-maintained path with amenities like benches and picnic tables. Fort Nisqually also offers an engaging historical experience suitable for all ages.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Ruston?
For impressive views, visit the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which consists of two suspension bridges offering panoramic vistas over the Puget Sound. The Ruston Way Waterfront Path also provides continuous impressive views along the waterfront. Additionally, Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive features several viewpoints overlooking the water and surrounding forest.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Ruston?
Yes, the Ruston Way Waterfront Path is known for being wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic waterfront views.
What kind of cycling routes are available near Ruston?
Ruston offers diverse cycling routes. You can enjoy easy rides along the Ruston Way Waterfront Path or tackle the somewhat hilly Cushman Powerline Trail. For longer excursions, consider routes like the 'Cushman Trail and Point Defiance Loop' or the 'Five Mile Drive loop'. You can find more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Ruston guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ruston?
Visitors particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails and the impressive views. The Ruston Way Waterfront Path is popular for its continuous scenic beauty, while the Tacoma Narrows Bridge is noted for its breathtaking Puget Sound vistas. The accessibility and amenities like benches and picnic tables along paths like the Cushman Powerline Trail also receive positive feedback.
Are there any trails suitable for running near Ruston?
Absolutely. The area provides several running trails, including routes like the 'Dickman Mill Ruins loop from Ruston' and the 'Dalco Passage Viewpoint – Point Defiance Park loop'. These trails offer varying distances and moderate difficulty. Explore more options in the Running Trails around Ruston guide.
What should I know about cycling on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge?
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge offers impressive views but can be breezy, especially in fall and spring. Cyclists should be alert when descending from the west side (Gig Harbor) due to an entrance to the trail near the bottom of the hill. Exercise caution when crossing busy Jackson Street on the east side, as there have been auto/bike accidents there.
Are there any forest trails or natural areas to explore?
Yes, Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive offers a beautiful trail through a forest, providing a natural escape with several viewpoints. The outer loop of this drive is often closed to vehicles, making it ideal for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the natural surroundings.
What are the characteristics of the Cushman Powerline Trail?
The Cushman Powerline Trail is a wide, paved, and well-maintained path. It features multiple access points, bike racks, benches, and picnic tables. While generally accessible, be aware that it has some hilly sections, particularly between Grandview and Burnham Drive, with grades between 7% and 10% in places.
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