Open ½ hour before sunrise
Close ½ hour after sunset
This two-mile-long scenic waterfront with panoramic views of Commencement Bay is a great place for walking, jogging, rollerblading and fishing.
The Ruston Way Waterfront is made up of several smaller parks:
- Judge Jack Tanner Park (formerly Marine Park)
- Dickman Mill Park
- Hamilton Park
- Jack Hyde Park
- Chinese Reconciliation Park
There are several places with water access along Ruston Way. Among the most suitable for launching kayaks or paddle boards are Jack Hyde Park on the east end and Les Davis Pier on the west end. Click here for a more detailed overview of the various Ruston Way Park spaces.
About the Park
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Park Improvements
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Envision Our Waterfront
How would YOU improve Tacoma’s waterfront?
Whether you use Ruston Way regularly or think you might in the future, we will need to hear your voice and ideas. Please visit the project page and sign up for email updates. We’ll notify you when there is a public meeting, survey or another way you can provide input.
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Stranded or Beached Wildlife
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Stranded or Beached Wildlife
- To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal, please call: 1-866-767-6114
- For law enforcement, harassments, and other violations, please call: 1-800-853-1964
If you see a stranded marine mammal
- Approach no closer than a distance of 100 yards.
This will minimize the potential for disturbing a resting animal and/or reduce stress for an animal that may be recovering from illness or injury. - Dogs should be leashed and kept away from seals on the beach.
Baby seals can easily fall prey to dogs. Older seals may bite in self-defense. Some diseases are infectious to dogs, seals, and humans. - A minimum undisturbed observation period of 24-48 hours is recommended to determine whether a pup is being attended by a female.
Seal pups need time ashore. Mother seals will not return if people or dogs are nearby. The pup’s best chance at survival is to be left alone on the beach. Please stay at least 100 yards away from seal pups. Signs of an attendant female would include sightings of seal(s) in the water nearby, tracks near the pup, and movement of the pup up or down the beach or in and out of the water. - Do not handle, cover, pour water on, or attempt to feed seal pups.
Feeding seals in the wild is a form of harassment and is harmful. Seals that are fed by humans quickly learn to seek humans for feeding opportunities. Unfortunately, the next dead fish they find may have a hook in it.
Read more about wildlife in our parks
