Northwest Trail Running Guide

Written by
Sarah Crouch
The Northwest United States offers plenty of scenic runs through pines and mountains. Take a look at our top picks.
Interurban Trail, Arroyo Park, Washington
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Washington is a state rich in natural beauty, saturated in the deep green of pines and bursting at the seams with opportunity for outdoor adventure. Known for producing high-caliber runners, the state of Washington boasts some of the most stunning trail running venues in the country. Bellingham, an outdoorsy college town just south of the Canadian border, is home to the Interurban Trail that runs through Arroyo Park.
Arroyo Park, Washington
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Nestled within Arroyo Park is a narrow, winding outlet that leads to a spider web of trails covering the Chuckanut Foothills: a hilly, muddy haven for runners who seek solitude and good, steep climbs. The trails of the Chuckanut Foothills spread far and wide, expansive enough for a full ultra-marathon (like the Chuckanut 50k in March 2016), but also accommodating to shorter distance racers with a beautiful 7-mile course below the mountains on the Interurban trail. (Check out the Chuckanut Footrace ). Enjoy the deep, savory scent of the pines and ferns as you keep an eye out for deer, bears and other elusive mountain runners.
Forest Park, Oregon
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Forest Park is a scenic jewel in the heart of urban Portland, Oregon. The park's 5,157 acres are packed with more than 80 miles of gorgeous, single-track, soft-surface trails and are frequented by some of the nation's best elite runners. The narrow trails wind through dense northwest greenery, rising and falling with the land. The mild temperatures of the Pacific Northwest make Forest Park accessible to runners year-round, though the famous Oregon rainfall can lead to a slippery, muddy adventure run, so checking the forecast before hitting the trails is always a good idea.
Forest Park, Oregon
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The wildwood trail in Forest Park covers 30.2 miles of breathtaking trail in a loop designed to highlight many of the park's most stunning features, including the Vietnam Memorial, the Hoyt Arboretum and Pittock Mansion, a 16,000-square-foot home built at the turn of the century that offers daily tours. Take a short detour to Firelane 13 for a view overlooking Northwest Portland, where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers spill together in their path toward the Pacific Ocean. Rain or shine, Forest Park offers a true northwest running experience without ever having to leave the city.
Ashton-Tetonia Trail, Idaho
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Traveling from the town of Ashton toward Tetonia is preferable on the trail so that runners can catch glimpses of the Grand Teton Mountains. Relatively flat (800-foot gain over 30 miles), the Ashton-Tetonia Trail provides an experience for runners who crave a true Idaho experience off the beaten path.
Ashton-Tetonia Trail, Idaho
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Traveling from the town of Ashton toward Tetonia is preferable on the trail so that runners can catch glimpses of the Grand Teton Mountains. Relatively flat (800-foot gain over 30 miles), the Ashton-Tetonia Trail provides an experience for runners who crave a true Idaho experience off the beaten path.
Tahoe Rim Trail, California
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South Lake Tahoe is more than just a ski town. During the spring and summer, the snow recedes up the mountains, revealing a network of trails for runners to explore. The Tahoe Rim Trail is perfect for the advanced runner looking for a technical trail that provides a challenge at altitude. For the beginning runner, there are a plethora of options. A 5-mile, gently rolling bike path begins at Eloise Avenue in South Lake Tahoe and weaves between towering ponderosa pines. This path offers several side trails that lead right to the shore of Lake Tahoe and goes through historical Pope Beach with the ruins of an old prohibition casino.
Tahoe Rim Trail, California
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Running at 6,200 feet can be daunting for those with no experience at altitude, so remember to slow way down at Lake Tahoe and take in the natural beauty of the golden, sandy trails and crystal-clear water. While in town, drive east around the lake until you hit Emerald Bay. The Rubicon Trail travels around the bay and offers superb views of the lake's stunning azure depths and several rock formations.
Jewel Basin Trail, Montana
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Runners of all skill levels will enjoy the Jewel Basin trail network near Kalispell, Montana. Sparkling topaz pools greet runners around every corner of the Jewel Basin, as there are 27 lakes along 35 miles of trail. Runners will need to keep in mind the seasonal limitations of trails in Montana. Heavy winter snowfall keeps runners off the trail through most of the fall, winter and spring months. Late July through early October is the best time of year to explore this runner's wonderland.
Grand Teton Multi-Use Pathway, Wyoming
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The Grand Teton multi-use pathway provides the perfect opportunity for runners to experience the grandeur of the Grand Teton Mountains and learn about the geology and history of the famed national park. At the north end of the trail, a visitor center offers videos and exhibits about the ecology and geology of the rugged mountains in northwestern Wyoming. While the 20 miles of the pathway are paved, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the jewels of the park that are a little farther from the beaten path. Connect from the pathway to the Jenny Lake Trail to explore the shoreline of the pristine mountain lake, and enjoy the wilderness and wildlife of one of the nation's most beautiful states.
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