The best running trails around High Bridge

The Pipeline, Temple Pond and Quarry Loop offers a diverse and engaging jogging experience through Lord Hill Regional Park. You'll navigate a mix of hard gravel roads and softer single-track paths, all while enjoying lush forests and passing by scenic spots like Temple Pond and Beaver Lodge Pond. The route provides a good workout with its moderate elevation changes and varied surfaces, making it a favorite for runners in the Monroe area.

To plan your run, head to Lord Hill Regional Park; no parking pass is required. Be aware that some parts of the 8.7-mile (14.0 km) loop might not be clearly signed, so having a map on hand is a good idea. If you prefer a less crowded experience, aim to visit on a weekday, as the trail can get busy on weekends.

This popular 8.7-mile (14.0 km) jogging route, with its 836 feet (255 metres) of elevation gain and estimated 1 hour and 41 minutes completion time, is rated as moderate. It's known for its panoramic views of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, which are particularly vibrant during autumn. The trail also offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and wildflowers throughout the seasons, adding to its natural appeal.

The Mainline Running Loop in Paradise Valley Conservation Area offers a delightful escape into a lush, wooded landscape, perfect for a quick and varied jog. You'll move through vibrant forests of fir and alder, past wetland flats, with the ground shifting from wider doubletrack to more technical, rooty singletrack sections. The constant greenery, ferns, and moss create a refreshing atmosphere, making the 3.8-mile (6.2 km) route feel like a true immersion in nature.

This moderate loop, with its 203 feet (62 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 41 minutes, making it an excellent choice for an efficient workout. The trails are well-signed, ensuring straightforward navigation, though some sections can be muddy during wetter periods, so plan your footwear accordingly. Parking is available, but as a popular multi-use area, arriving earlier in the day is advisable.

Paradise Valley Conservation Area is a significant 793-acre greenbelt, protecting vital wetland, stream, and forest environments, including the headwaters of Bear Creek. This area boasts over 13 miles of trails, with the Mainline Trail serving as a central artery, allowing for diverse route options and connections to other paths like the Two Trees Trail. It's a family-friendly destination, rich in natural beauty and historical significance as a former homestead.

The Temple Pond Running Loop offers a delightful escape into the "dark cool woods" of Lord Hill Regional Park, providing a serene jogging experience. You'll navigate a primarily singletrack path through attractive mature forest, with minimal elevation changes that make it feel like a near-level journey. The route brushes against the northern edge of Temple Pond, a marshy expanse known for its bird and amphibian life, adding a touch of natural wonder to your run.

This moderate 4.3-mile (6.9 km) loop, with just 354 feet (108 metres) of elevation gain, is typically completed in about 47 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick, invigorating workout. While the Temple Pond Running Loop terrain is generally easy, be mindful that sections can be muddy or covered in slippery wet leaves, particularly during damp weather. Dogs are welcome to join you, provided they remain on a leash.

Lord Hill Regional Park, a 1,463-acre expanse, is known for its forested slopes and lush ravines, and the Temple Pond area is a highlight for its accessible natural beauty. The park has a rich history, once serving as a dairy farm in the late 1800s, and offers a network of over eleven miles of trails for further exploration. This loop is a fantastic introduction to the park's charm, especially for those seeking beginner jogging routes.