The best running trails around Washington

The running routes featured in this guide, particularly around the Bennington and Flanagan Lake areas, are generally flat with minimal elevation changes. They often feature scenic loops around bodies of water and through parklands, providing a tranquil environment for outdoor activity. However, Washington State as a whole offers incredibly diverse terrain, from rugged mountain trails in areas like Mount Rainier and the North Cascades to lush rainforest paths in Olympic National Park, and even coastal runs along the Pacific beaches.

Yes, there are options for various fitness levels. For an easy run, consider the Flanagan Lake loop from Anchor Pointe, which is approximately 5.0 km (3.1 miles) long and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The routes in this guide are primarily around lake areas and local parks, offering accessible paths.

Yes, several routes offer a good distance for a longer run. The Flanagan Lake Park – Flanagan Lake loop from Bennington is a moderate 9.0 km (5.6 miles) path, and the Prairie View Lake loop from Bennington Lake Basin 2 Dam covers 8.8 km (5.4 miles), both providing excellent options for extended jogs.

All the running routes highlighted in this guide are circular loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the popular Running loop from Bennington and the Flanagan Lake – Flanagan Lake Park loop from Anchor Pointe.

While the routes in this guide focus on lake and park areas like Flanagan Lake, offering tranquil water views, Washington State is rich in diverse natural features. You can find spectacular waterfalls like Snoqualmie Falls and Palouse Falls, dramatic basalt cliffs in the Columbia River Gorge, and iconic mountains such as Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. Olympic National Park also offers unique rainforests and pristine coastlines.

Washington's diverse climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. While the temperate rainforests offer lush scenery, the state also has desert plains. Generally, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for jogging. Summer is ideal for higher elevation trails, and even winter can be suitable for lower-elevation or urban routes, though some mountain areas may require snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

The routes in this guide, characterized by their generally flat terrain and scenic lake loops, are suitable for families looking for an enjoyable outdoor activity. The easy difficulty of some paths, like the Flanagan Lake loop from Anchor Pointe, makes them accessible for various ages and fitness levels.

Many parks and trails in Washington State are dog-friendly, though specific regulations can vary by location (e.g., leash laws, waste disposal). For the routes around Bennington and Flanagan Lake, it's generally advisable to check local park rules regarding pets. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and you carry waste bags.

Runners using komoot often praise the tranquil environment of the lake loops and park trails in the Washington area. The relatively flat paths and scenic views around bodies of water are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the jogging experience.

This guide features several jogging routes around Washington, with a total of 6 distinct paths. These include a mix of easy and moderate options, all designed as scenic loops around lake areas and local parks.

While the routes in this guide offer pleasant views of lakes and parklands, Washington State is renowned for its spectacular viewpoints. Areas like Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, Paradise and Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park, and Chuckanut Drive offer panoramic vistas that can be incorporated into more challenging trail runs.