Ruston way

Join us for a walking tour along Ruston Way from Old Town to Point Defiance. Actually, Ruston Way ends at the edge of town at the Asarco Smelter, now closed and being torn down, cleaned up, and being developed to add additional acreage to the waterway parks along Commencement Bay. But we personally consider Point Defiance to be the end of our walk.
	We start off just South of McCarver street in "Oldtown" at Commencement Park, which I call Sundial Park because there's a large sundial which you can see just left of center in the picture to the left (by the way, just click on the pictures to see a larger image and use your browser back button to return).
From "Sundial Park", we can look across Commencement Bay to see Brown's Point. It's about two miles away if I remember correctly. This area, and North East Tacoma, to the right, has literally exploded in housing development over the past several years.
	Further down Ruston Way, we look north along the shoreline. We can see about two miles of shoreline from here. This area is dotted with numerous small parks and several popular eating and "imbibing" establishments.
About half way on our stroll along Ruston Way, we pause for a rest at Firemans Park. The fireboat on display was one of the original fire boats that protected the buildings along the shoreline many years ago. Nowadays, the fire station behind the boat is home to a speedy modern surface-effect fireboat.
	Looking north from Firemans Park, we can see Les Davis fishing pier. A popular place for Tacoma residents to fish from. After all, we can't all afford a boat. There is a bait shop and snack bar at the entrance to the pier (just in case you forgot your worms and/or lunch).
From Marine Park, (where Les Davis Pier is located), we look south for a view of the park area with a view of downtown Tacoma and the port area in the background. This is also the place where the skydivers land (hopefully) during the 4th of July fireworks & celebration extravaganza.
	Looking north from Marine Park toward Point Defiance, we see more of the developed areas along Ruston Way. There is ample parking along the way, but on hot, sunny weekends, I would recommend taking a bus unless you're an early riser.
All along Ruston Way, we can find these nice, clean, grassy areas. Spots that are just right for a spur of the moment picnic, or just a place to laze around, waste some time, girl or boy watch, (depending on your preference), and enjoy the sun.
	This shows a section of walkway that is typical along Ruston Way. Many people utilize these walkways to meander along, walk their dog (you'll need a pooper scooper), skate, (some even run), to get their daily exercise.
Across from the North end of Ruston Way, we look across Commencement Bay toward Vashon Island. There is a ferry service from Point Defiance to the South end of the island. Saves the Vashon residents from having to swim across. (BTW, Cliff, the mailman from Cheers lives over there).
	Looking North, we can see what remains of the Asarco Smelter. Upon completion of the cleanup process, this multi-acre site will be included in the waterway park system along Ruston Way. Hopefully, the powers that be will not allow any commercial development to intrude along this beautiful area of Tacoma.
Finally, we end our walk (about 4 miles) near the Point Defiance boathouse looking at the ferry "Endeavor" which provides the link from North Tacoma to Vashon Island. If you don't want to take the ferry, you'll need a deep water fording kit for your car. (ever seen a 600 foot high tail pipe?).
We hope you have enjoyed your short tour of Ruston Way. This area will continue to develop for many years to come, providing residents and tourists with peaceful and quiet parks to while away some spare time and enjoy some great scenery. If during your stroll, you should become hungry or thirsty, there are numerous establishments along Ruston Way to satisfy your needs.