Field guide
The Green Lake trail for runners in Seattle
Plan your run on the Green Lake trail. Find official information on the 2.8-mile paved loop, trail rules for pedestrians, and available facilities.
Green Lake Park is a well-known park located in the center of a dense urban neighborhood in Seattle. It features a popular car-free recreational trail around the lake.
This page provides a summary of official information for runners and hikers using the park's main path, including trail specifications, rules, and available facilities.
Official facts at a glance
- 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
- Pedestrian lane rule
- Use the inside lane only (closer to the lake)
- Wheeled users lane rule
- Use the outside lane only (farther from the lake)
- Wheeled users direction rule
- Travel one way only in the direction of the arrows
- Wheeled users speed limit
- 10 miles per hour
- Motorized devices rule
- No motorized devices allowed (gas or electric-powered) except for motorized wheelchairs
- Swimming areas
- Two lifeguarded swimming areas
Source: Green Lake Park (seattle.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The inner loop trail
The main path at Green Lake is a paved inner loop that is 2.8 miles long. As a car-free recreational trail, it is designed for pedestrians and other non-motorized use. The paved surface provides a consistent and hard running surface.
Trail rules and etiquette
The trail is divided into two lanes to separate user types. Pedestrians, including runners and walkers, must use the inside lane, which is the one closer to the lake.
Wheeled users must use the outside lane. They are required to travel one way only, following the direction of the arrows on the path. The speed limit for all wheeled users is 10 miles per hour.
Park access and regulations
Motorized devices, both gas and electric-powered, are not permitted on the trail. The only exception is for motorized wheelchairs.
Dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash. The maximum leash length permitted is 5 feet.
Facilities at the park
The park provides several amenities for visitors. Drinking fountains and restrooms are available for public use. There are also two lifeguarded swimming areas along the lake.
Before you go
- The paved inner loop trail is 2.8 miles long.
- Runners and walkers must stay in the inside lane, closer to the lake.
- Be aware of wheeled users in the outer lane, who have a speed limit of 10 miles per hour.
- Dogs are allowed if on a leash no longer than 5 feet.
- Motorized devices like electric scooters or skateboards are not permitted.
- Drinking fountains and restrooms are available.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Seattle. All cities: City running and hiking guides.