Washington

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

Top Running Spots in and near Washington

  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Lake Ann via Lake Ingalls Trailhead

    8.61 mi / 2513 ft gain
    Both trails start at the Esmeralda Trailhead, Trail Number 1394. Lake Ann has a handful of folks that you will run into, whereas Lake Ingalls is a well-traveled trail. Both offer camping spots along the trail, and Lake Ann has spots where you can camp by the lake. NO CAMPING ALLOWED at Lake Ingal...
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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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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Winter Backpack to Blanca Lake

    5.0
    7.5 mi / 3300 ft gain
    Since Blanca Lake is a very popular place for folks to explore and with the nice and sunny weekend. I drove out Friday night and slept in my Jeep. Got up at 7:30am when folks first started arriving to the trail head.A couple of things to keep in mind before you start this hike. The 7.5 miles ro...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Spruce Railroad Trail

    4.0
    11.36 mi / 1138 ft gain
    This versatile trail can adapt to your needs. It's can be an out-and-back hike, so you can make it as long as you like. If you do full distance, you are looking at an 8 mile day... OR, if you have two cars, you can park a car at either end of the trail and make it a 4 mile one-way hike. This des...
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  • Kirkland, Washington

    Forbes Creek Stairs

    3.0
    0.19 mi / 92 ft gain
    All benefits of a stair master paired with fresh air is the perfect recipe for a northwest workout. 210 wooden railroad ties make up a staircase that will test your endurance, build strength and get you sweating in no time. The stairs are open year round, 24 hours a day and offer parking for abo...
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  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Hike through the American Camp

    3 mi
    For what was once a highly contested and disputed piece of land in the Pacific Ocean, now lays home to one of the most peaceful, tranquil, and historic hikes in the island chain. Start the hike at the parking lot of the San Juan Island National Historic Site American Camp Visitor Center. Proceed ...
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  • Seattle, Washington

    Green Lake Park Loop

    4.2
    2.94 mi / 226 ft gain
    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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  • Bellingham, Washington

    Pine & Cedar Lakes

    4.5
    5.61 mi / 1857 ft gain
    These two quaint lakes in the Chuckanuts are a must-do for people looking for a day hike, short camping trip or steep trail run in the Bellingham area. Starting at the trailhead off of Old Samish Road, one begins the 2 mile ascent to the two lakes. The first 1,400ft climb has its fair share of up...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Gravel Lake

    14.25 mi / 2792 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Hike Alta Mountain

    4.0
    12 mi / 3300 ft gain
    Start 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...
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  • Snoqualmie, Washington

    Rattlesnake Mountain Traverse Run

    21.1 mi
    To 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...
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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Snowshoe Lake Valhalla

    11.6 mi / 1500 ft gain
    You start out at Stevens Pass just across the street from the lodge. The trailhead is slightly hidden but it is located to the left of the substation. Parking is plenty before ski-season.  Once you are all geared up, you wanna hit the trail running cause this is a long one to snowshoe. With short...
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  • Moran State Park, Washington

    Camp at Moran State Park

    Moran State Park is an true gem within the beautiful San Juan Islands. The park takes up a large portion of the East side of Orcas Island, the largest of all the San Juans. There are multiple campgrounds within the park along the shores of Cascade Lake and Mountain Lake. For the most relaxing exp...
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  • 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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  • Camas, Washington

    Round Lake Loop via Lacamas Creek

    4.3
    4.06 mi / 515 ft gain
    This trail is a great option for people who want to escape the city, without actually leaving. Lacamas Park is located right downtown Camas, Washington and offers over six miles of dirt trails popular for cyclists, pedestrians, and runners. Park off of 3rd avenue at the Lacamas Creek Trailhead t...
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  • Palouse, Washington

    Kamiak Butte Park Loop

    4.0
    2.51 mi / 712 ft gain
    Formerly a Washington State Park, Kamiak Butte County Park is a hidden treasure on the eastern border of the state. An "ecological island" rising more than 800 ft from the surrounding hills of Palouse, the butte is home to a high country desert on its southern side and a lush forest on its shaded...
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