Field guide
Running routes in Seattle for visitors and local hikers
A practical guide to running routes in Seattle. Find information on Green Lake's loop, the Burke-Gilman Trail, and hiking in Discovery Park.
Seattle offers several types of running experiences. For paved, predictable paths, Green Lake Park has a dedicated loop, and the Burke-Gilman Trail provides a long, multi-neighborhood route. Seward Park and Myrtle Edwards Park also offer shorter paved paths along the water.
For runs and hikes on natural surfaces, Discovery Park contains a large trail system within the city. Seward Park also has miles of forest hiking trails. For extensive mountain hiking outside the city, Mount Rainier National Park has over 260 miles of maintained trails.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Lake Park | 2.8 miles | Not listed | Paved |
| Discovery Park | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Burke-Gilman Trail | 20.0 miles | Not listed | Paved with soft surface shoulder (Seattle and King County) |
| Myrtle Edwards Park | Not listed | Not listed | Renovated and repaved bike trail |
| Seward Park | 2.4 miles | Not listed | Not listed |
| Mount Rainier National Park | 0.7 mi/1.1 km loop trail | Not listed | Not listed |
Green Lake Park
This park features a 2.8-mile paved, car-free recreational trail around the lake. The path is divided into lanes. Pedestrians must use the inside lane, while wheeled users must use the outside lane and travel one way only. Note that no motorized devices are allowed on the trail. The park has drinking fountains and restrooms.
- Type of place
- Beloved park
- Location context
- Center of a dense urban neighborhood
- Inner loop path length
- 2.8 miles
- Inner loop path surface
- Paved
- Restrooms
- Available
- Drinking water
- Drinking fountains
- Dog leash rule
- Leashed, max. 5 feet
- Inner loop path type
- Car-free recreational trail
Source: Green Lake Park (seattle.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The Green Lake trail for runners in Seattle
Discovery Park
Seattle's largest park is a 534-acre natural area with views of Puget Sound and the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges. It offers a more rugged, trail-based experience for running and hiking. The park has three general use parking lots and is served by two King County Metro bus lines. A shuttle operates on a limited schedule.
- Park type and size
- Seattle's largest park, a 560-acre natural area
- Park size
- 534 acre natural area park
- Location
- Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound
- General parking lots
- 3 general-use parking lots (North Lot, East Lot, South Lot)
- ADA parking
- Beach Lot (ADA placard required)
- Shuttle operating days/hours
- Thursdays through Sundays through November 1 from 11 AM – 5 PM
- Bus access
- King County Metro operates two bus lines (Route #24 and #33)
- Restrooms
- Available
Sources: Discovery Park (seattle.gov), Seattle Municipal Archives Digital Collections (archives.seattle.gov), Discovery Park Summer Camps (seattle.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The Discovery Park trail system for runners and hikers
Burke-Gilman Trail
This 20.0-mile paved regional trail follows a historic railroad route from Shilshole Bay to Bothell. It is a popular and important route for nonmotorized travel, so expect to share the path with many cyclists and commuters. The trail is ADA accessible and passes through several parks, including Gas Works Park and Matthews Beach Park, which serve as access points.
- Type of trail
- King County's best-known regional trail
- Historic route type
- Follows a historic railroad route
- Start and end points
- From Shilshole Bay in the City of Seattle to the City of Bothell
- Crosses through
- Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, University District, View Ridge (Seattle), Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, Bothell
- Total length
- 20.0 miles
- Surface type
- Paved with soft surface shoulder (Seattle and King County)
- Accessibility
- ADA accessible
- Disability access points
- Gasworks Park and Log Boom Park
Source: Burke-Gilman Trail (kingcounty.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Myrtle Edwards Park
Located along Elliott Bay, this park has a pedestrian path and a separate, renovated bike trail with lighting. The route provides views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The park also contains two beach coves, seating areas, and wayfinding maps to help with navigation.
- Park type
- Park with pedestrian path, bike trail, and two beach coves
- Location
- Along Elliott Bay
- Children's area location
- Near the beach coves and the W Thomas St Pedestrian and Bicycle Overpass entrance
- Bike trail surface
- Renovated and repaved bike trail
- Bike trail lighting
- Lighting on bike trail
- Views
- Fantastic views of the Olympics Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sound
- Landscape features
- Two expanded beach coves, abundant native plantings, reseeded lawns, pollinator meadows, coastal trees
- Amenities for rest and learning
- Seating and interpretive signage
Source: Myrtle Edwards Park (seattle.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Seward Park
This 300-acre park includes a 2.4-mile paved path for walking and biking, as well as miles of separate hiking trails through an old growth forest. The park is located within the city limits and provides access to shoreline and beaches. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available.
- Type of place
- 300 acres of beautiful forest land
- Location
- Within the Seattle city limits
- Bike and walking path length
- 2.4 miles
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Drinking fountains available
- Bikes sharing path
- Bikes share a 2.4 mile path with walkers
- Hiking trails
- Miles of hiking trails
- Natural features
- Eagles' nests, old growth forest
Source: Seward Park (seattle.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Running and hiking the Seward Park trail loop
Mount Rainier National Park
This national park offers over 260 miles of maintained trails for serious hiking. Rules are strictly enforced. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on any park trails. Hikers must stay on designated trails in meadow areas, and groups are limited to 12 people. Always check current trail and road conditions with a ranger before starting a hike. Note the Carbon River and Mowich Lake Area has no public access from SR 165.
- Park description
- National Park with over 260 miles of maintained trails
- Mailing Address
- 55210 238th Avenue East Ashford, WA 98304
- Trail of the Shadows length
- 0.7 mi/1.1 km loop trail
- Nisqually Vista Trail suitability
- Suitable for families with strollers
- Wilderness permit requirement
- Required for all overnight camping
- Overflow parking
- Not permitted
- Dog rules on park trails
- NOT permitted on any park trails
- Dog rules on Pacific Crest Trail
- Permitted on a leash no longer than 6 feet
Sources: Day Hiking at Mount Rainier (nps.gov), Trails of Mount Rainier (nps.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: A Mount Rainier hike and trail running guide
Before you go
- Be aware of path rules. Green Lake Park has separate lanes for pedestrians and wheels, while the Burke-Gilman Trail is a popular commuter route.
- Check dog rules before you go. Dogs are not permitted on any trails in Mount Rainier National Park and must be on a leash in Green Lake Park.
- Most city parks listed have drinking fountains, but it is always good practice to carry your own water, especially for longer routes or hikes.
- Parking can be limited. Discovery Park has three lots and Mount Rainier National Park does not permit overflow parking. Consider public transit where available.
- Always check for current conditions and closures. The Carbon River and Mowich Lake area of Mount Rainier is currently inaccessible from SR 165.
- The Discovery Park shuttle runs on a limited schedule, Thursdays through Sundays, and does not allow pets or bulky items.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.