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Pierce County, Washington

Looking for the best running in Pierce County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Pierce County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Pierce County

  • Gig Harbor, Washington

    Run through Point Defiance Park

    5.0
    4.3 mi
    Point 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...
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  • Tumwater, Washington

    Tumwater Falls Trail

    3.0
    0.8 mi / 72 ft gain
    Tumwater Falls Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Olympia, Washington.
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  • Bremerton, Washington

    Hike the Gold Creek Trail at Green Mountain

    4.0
    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The Gold Creek Trail is one of several trails in the Green Mountain region. Although the trail is intertwined with others, it is almost impossible to start down the wrong path. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, making this an excellent option for the family.  The trail begins at the e...
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  • Carbonado, Washington

    Hike the Upper Foothills Trail along the Carbon River

    10 mi / 30 ft gain
    The upper Foothills Trail from the Fairfax Bridge to Manley Moore can be hiked starting from either end as an "out and back" hike or a "point to point" by shuttling with two vehicles.  Starting from the upper end of the trail you begin by walking under the Kolisch Rd. Bridge, which has the Manley...
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  • Seattle, Washington

    Visit Alki Beach

    5.0
    1 mi
    There is parking for about a mile along Alki Ave. SW, however it quickly fills up quickly so get there early. The beach is about a mile long and since there is little parking there is a good chance you will need to walk a fair distance.  There are many things to do at this beach. There are kayak,...
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  • Renton, Washington

    Far County Falls via Licorice Fern Trail

    4.2
    4.25 mi / 801 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • Bellevue, Washington

    Coal Creek Trail

    4.0
    5.55 mi / 545 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Bellevue, Washington

    Anti-Aircraft Peak Loop

    4.5
    3.53 mi / 436 ft gain
    Head 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...
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  • Seattle, Washington

    Howe Street Stairs

    3.3
    0.31 mi / 217 ft gain
    The Howe Street Stairs are Seattle’s longest continuous stairway, and your quads will confirm this fact after you’ve done a few sets of repeats. This is a great place to raise your heart rate and get some exercise outside of the gym. If you’re up for it, throw in some push-ups and sit-ups in betw...
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  • Seattle, Washington

    Lighthouse and Discovery Park Loop

    5.0
    4.27 mi / 384 ft gain
    This Beautiful park in Seattle offers up gorgeous views of Puget Sound. The park has an easy to follow loop, which is about 4.5 miles. There are easy offshoots of the loop if you're looking to get a little extra distance. Keep an eye out for Hidden Valley Trail and North Beach Trail if you're up ...
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  • Issaquah, Washington

    Poo Poo Point

    4.4
    6.57 mi / 1880 ft gain
    The 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...
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  • Seattle, Washington

    Washington Park Arboretum Loop Trail

    5.0
    2.4 mi / 197 ft gain
    The Washington Park Arboretum is the perfect place to swing through if you're looking for a short and gentle trail run without leaving the city. This expansive park includes the UW Botanic Gardens, Japanese Gardens, entire length of the Arboretum Creek - all landmarks you'll pass on this trail. ...
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  • Ashford, Washington

    Hike to Rainier NP's Ranger Falls

    4.5
    7 mi
    When heading to the adventure, stopped at the ranger station in Carbon to get your day pass ($5.00) and then continue on to the trailhead. Park on the road next to the Carbon river around. Start the hike down an old paved road that eventually leads through some trails and then to a gravel road. T...
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  • Carbonado, Washington

    Hike Bearhead Mountain

    5.0
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Formerly the site of an old fire lookout, Bearhead Mountain located in the Clearwater Wilderness, provides great unobstructed views of the north side of Mount Rainier, Little Tahoma, and many other surrounding Cascade mountain peaks. In the summer months you are likely to encounter great wildflow...
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  • Seattle, Washington

    Run The Green Lake Park Loop

    4.0
    Looping around a freshwater lake surrounded by tranquil natural scenery, Green Lake Park trail is considered by many to be Seattle’s go-to running spot. I love it because it’s an urban run that doesn’t feel like one. It’s especially popular with beginning runners and the after-work/weekend crowd....
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  • Hoodsport, Washington

    Upper Big Creek Loop Trail

    4.76 mi / 1142 ft gain
    Upper Big Creek Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Lilliwaup, Washington.
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