5 best places for trail running in Seattle’s backyard

May 6, 5:13 PMSeattle Endurance Sports ExaminerLynne Butler

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   Photo by Tossaporn Santad

The Seattle area is great for trail running. The options are many, diverse and challenging. Running on trails is an excellent way to increase your level of fitness and have fun while doing it. In fact, your friends will notice the new you and want to join in. It feels like an obstacle course, sliding in mud, over rocks and roots and maneuvering uneven paths up and down steep elevation. It's also a refreshing escape from the hubbub of the noisy city and the everyday stresses of life and work. It's a group sport, enjoyed even more in the company of friends and good humor.
 
The main difference between city running and trail running is the abundance of hills. Most training runs build endurance and stamina to sustain exercise for a period of time or distance. Hill training is an anaerobic exercise and builds power and strength in a short time period. It builds strength in quads and glutes which over time, conserves energy and increases running efficiency. Increased strength prevents injuries, but if you haven't been running hills, it's best to begin slowly and pace yourself to avoid stress on knees and achilles tendons.

Another great reason to run on trails is to give your body a rest from the repeated impact on hard surfaces. Trails are easier on your knees and feet and you may be less tired or sore after running longer distances. 

No need to venture very far out of the city to find outdoor fun. An endless supply of trees, water, mountain wilderness and diverse wildlife is just a stone’s throw from Seattle. With its year round mild climate, it’s the ideal place for any outdoor enthusiast. 
  
1. DISCOVERY PARK, SEATTLE
        
Located within the city, Discovery Park is a series of wooded trails bordering on the Magnolia neighborhood and overlooking Puget Sound. A bird-watchers paradise, it is home to more than 250 species of rare and colorful birds. Spotting an eagle is common.
 
2. WATERSHED PRESERVE, REDMOND

Not far from Bellevue, Watershed has well groomed trails and a nice mix of rolling hills and meadows. It's a great experience for beginner and intermediate runners.

3. COUGAR MOUNTAIN, ISSAQUAH 

With its low elevation and minimal snow accumulation, Cougar Mountain offers awesome trail running year around. It is part of “Issaquah Alps” which includes Tiger and Squak. A map available on entry is all you need to navigate miles of trails bordering trickling streams and lush ferns.

4. TIGER MOUNTAIN, ISSAQUAH

The 13,500 acre densely forested Tiger Mountain is Seattle’s most popular outdoor destination for trail running. For a sweeping view of Seattle, travel to the summit of West Tiger 3, a 5.2 mile loop with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet.
  
5. METHOW VALLEY, WINTHROP

Warm temperatures, expansive views, rolling hills, steep elevation gain and wildflower meadows are the highlight of running the Methow. The Methow Valley Sports Trail Association in Winthrop hosts a trail run series that includes events ranging from a 10K to the amazing 21.7 mile Sunflower Iron and relay event.