Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Looking for the best running in Mount Rainier National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mount Rainier National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Running Spots in and near Mount Rainier National Park
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North Bend, Washington
Kaleetan Lake via Denny Creek Trail
19.31 mi / 6273 ft gainIf you want to visit multiple lakes, get a view of or tackle a peak at Kaleetan, Chair, and Bryant, campgrounds for overnight or weekend adventures, fish in the lakes, explore off the trail and natural waterslides and picnic area waterfalls, this is for you. Denny Creek Trail offers it all! Afte...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Kendall Peak
5.09.17 mi / 2677 ft gainKendall Peak is an easily accessible summit hike just off of Exit 52 of I-90 that offers spectacular 360-degree views of the entire Snoqualmie range. You’ll start out in the PCT parking lot where you’ll need a NW Forest Pass to park, or pay the daily fee. A permanent bathroom and backcountry acce...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Gravel Lake
14.25 mi / 2792 ft gainStarting at the Snoqualmie Pass PCT trailhead, you start hiking through an old growth forest. This hike has a nice gradual incline with views starting near a talus field. Late June, early July wildflowers are growing like crazy along the trail. This field offers a up close view of Mt. Rainier alo...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Scramble Guye Peak
4.5 mi / 2200 ft gainThere are quite a few ways up Guye Peak ranging from a simple walk up to multiple pitches of technical rock climbing. Both of the routes described here start from the PCT parking lot north of exit 52 of I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass. Some of the scrambling described would be treacherous in wet or sno...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Lila Lakes via Rachel Lakes Trail
4.59.47 mi / 3012 ft gainGetting There From Seattle, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 62, Signed Kachess Lake/Stampede Pass. Turn left and head north over the interstate; you'll reach Kachess Lake Campground in five miles. Turn left where the pavements ends and drive four miles on Box Canyon Road (FS Road #4930) to the Rach...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Rampart Lakes
5.09.11 mi / 2556 ft gainThe Trail: With very little elevation gain, the first three miles of the trail are the easiest; the next mile up to Rachel Lake is great work out. After reaching Rachael Lake, look for the sign that says "trail" to find your way to Rampart Lakes. While there are many side trails that turn out ...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike Alta Mountain
4.012 mi / 3300 ft gainStart off at Trail #1313 to Rachel Lake. The first 2.5 miles is a flat, slow uphill hike till you get to a river crossing. From there, the next 1.3 miles will be a 1,000 foot elevation gain to Rachel Lake. Once you arrive, this is a good spot to rest, eat some snacks, and replenish your water sup...Read more -
Snoqualmie, Washington
Rattlesnake Mountain Traverse Run
21.1 miTo Snoqualmie Point Park, from Seattle take I-90 east to Exit 27. At the end of the off-ramp, go right and follow the road to the end. Go through the gate on the right to enter the trail head To Rattlesnake Lake: From take I-90 to Exit 32. Go south on 436th Ave. SE, turning into Cedar Falls Rd...Read more -
Issaquah, Washington
Poo Poo Point
4.46.57 mi / 1880 ft gainThe Poo Poo Point trail is a great option for beautiful forest and great views only about 20 minutes outside of Seattle. The longer and less steep of the two routes to Poo Poo Point, this trail leaves from the Issaquah High School (the shorter and steeper Chirico Trail leaves from the paragliding...Read more -
Renton, Washington
Far County Falls via Licorice Fern Trail
4.24.25 mi / 801 ft gainFrom Seattle, take the I-90 E to exit 15. Make a right on 17th Ave. This street will later become Renton/Issaquah Rd. Drive about four miles then turn right on to May Valley Rd. Make a sharp right onto SE 112th St. This street will soon turn into 169th Ave SE as it turns left. The trailhead is ri...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail
5.027.57 mi / 3609 ft gainThis beautiful tucked-away trail offers runners, hikers, and backpackers a new view of their favorite neighboring peaks - like Mailbox Peak and Mt. Si - from one of the most scenic river trails in the Seattle area. Often overlooked in favor of more rigorous hikes, the Middle Fork is a gently gra...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
CCC Road: Upper Trailhead
6.34 mi / 1102.61 ft gainWhile the full Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) road trail can be quite a challenging adventure, the upper section of the trail is perfect for a modest hike or trail run through some beautiful classic PNW forest terrain. Just adjacent to the Middle Fork Road the 3.4-mile trail runs between a sm...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Otter Falls
4.08.37 mi / 853 ft gainThe hike begins at Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead, but you'll actually have to start your hike about a half mile down the road from the trailhead as some cement barricades are up. There is plenty of room to park below the barricades, and the walk up to the trial head is easy and quick. Once at the tr...Read more -
Gig Harbor, Washington
Run through Point Defiance Park
5.04.3 miPoint Defiance Park is the largest urban park in Pierce County and it provides a variety of amenities. Located at the very northwest tip of Tacoma, the park provides residents with a much needed retreat from the bustle of everyday life. Point Defiance Park is the place to go if you need a quick d...Read more -
Bellevue, Washington
Anti-Aircraft Peak Loop
4.53.53 mi / 436 ft gainHead up the road about .75 miles and take a left onto the Klondike Swamp Trail (well-singed). Stay on Klondike for a mile before taking a left onto Lost Beagle Trail. From here the trail climbs uphill and wraps around the edge of the park, offering views of the surrounding area. Hop on Shangri-La...Read more -
Bellevue, Washington
Coal Creek Trail
4.05.55 mi / 545 ft gainThis trail takes you through Coal Creek park and follows the creek along the trail with minimal elevation gain. This trail can also be accessed from the northern end of the park if that's a more convenient drive. For the lower parking lot, park at the Red Town lot (exit 13 off I-90) and cross the...Read more