Run the Howe Street Stairs
0.5 Miles
160 Feet
Running, Fitness
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
With 388 continuous steps and 160ft of elevation this staircase is a mecca for those who prefer to get fit outdoors. Big bonus: it's a convenient location and there is easy parking.
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 between sets for a full body workout.
The stairs can get a little crowded on evenings and nice weekends, but there is always plenty of room for everyone. People are courteous and friendly, and everyone’s there for the same reason. If you’re walking the stairs, stay to the right to let runners pass.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Great training, lackluster landscape
Take them for what they are: A set of stairs next to I-5, in a heavily trafficked neighborhood, with little to no views to reward you for your effort. That being said, Howe Street is a hotspot for before and after work trainers - including runners, walkers, or folks testing new gear (or personal limits?) in mountaineering boots and loaded packs. The November Project and other local workout groups meet here often for training sessions.
Great workout!
I ran these regularly to prepare for Mt. Rainier and summited the mountain with no problem!
Rough
It was so difficult! They are not joking around! Stairs stairs stair stairs stairs
