Running in Washington
Washington state combines a world-class running city (Seattle) with access to stunning mountain trails in the Cascades, coastal paths, and dense Pacific Northwest forests. The running community is large, passionate, and embraces the rain that defines the region.
Climate
Western Washington is mild and rainy, with overcast skies from October through May
Terrain
Urban waterfront paths in Seattle, dense forest trails on both sides of the Cascades, alpine routes in Mount Rainier and North Cascades, coastal beach running, and dry canyon terrain in eastern Washington
Top Race
Seattle Marathon
Climate and Weather
Western Washington is mild and rainy, with overcast skies from October through May. Eastern Washington is dry and continental. Seattle rarely sees extreme temperatures. Mountain passes get heavy snow. Washington runners learn to love running in drizzle.
Terrain and Landscape
Urban waterfront paths in Seattle, dense forest trails on both sides of the Cascades, alpine routes in Mount Rainier and North Cascades, coastal beach running, and dry canyon terrain in eastern Washington. Trail running options are world-class.
Top Running Routes
Burke-Gilman Trail
27 milesSeattle
Seattle's premier running trail, stretching from Ballard through the university district and along Lake Washington.
Discovery Park Loop Trail
2.8 milesSeattle
A loop through Seattle's largest park with bluff views of Puget Sound, the Olympics, and Mount Rainier.
Wonderland Trail
93 milesMount Rainier
An epic circumnavigation of Mount Rainier through old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and glacier-fed streams.
Tiger Mountain Trail
3-16 milesIssaquah
Forested trails on the edge of the Seattle metro, popular for trail running with moderate elevation gain.
San Juan Island Trails
VariesSan Juan Islands
Scenic running on the islands with ocean views, orca whale watching opportunities, and peaceful roads.
Popular Races
Seattle Marathon
Seattle
Chuckanut 50K
Bellingham
Sun Mountain 50K/50M
Winthrop
Running Culture
Seattle has a massive running community with a strong trail running emphasis. The city's proximity to mountains and water means many runners seamlessly mix urban and trail training. Running clubs are numerous and active. The Chuckanut 50K near Bellingham is a premier ultra that draws national-level talent.
Safety Tips
Rain gear is essential. Light, waterproof layers make rainy runs comfortable.
Mountain trails may be snowbound into July at higher elevations. Check conditions.
Be bear and cougar aware on Cascade trails. Make noise and run with others when possible.
Trail surfaces can be slippery with wet roots and mud. Trail shoes with good grip are essential.
Make Running in Washington a Game
Turn your Washington runs into a real-world strategy game. Capture territory by running loops, compete with local runners on leaderboards, and explore every street through a Fog of War mechanic. Motera adds purpose and competition to every mile.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
Can you run in Seattle year-round despite the rain?
Absolutely. Seattle rain is typically light drizzle, not heavy downpours. A waterproof layer is all you need. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making year-round outdoor running comfortable. Most Seattle runners simply embrace the rain.
What is the best trail running near Seattle?
Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain are the closest options from Seattle with excellent forest trails. For more dramatic scenery, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Mount Rainier area are within 1-2 hours and offer world-class mountain running.
What is the Wonderland Trail?
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier through some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the Pacific Northwest. It is a bucket-list trail run/hike with significant elevation gain, requiring permits and careful planning.
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