Rave Runs in Seattle Suburbs {Run It}

This month’s Run It Round Up features our rave runs: where to run in Seattle suburbs, New Hampshire Sea Coast, Brooklyn, and Vermont’s finest trails.

Seattle and the surrounding suburbs spanning from Everett to Tacoma are a runner’s paradise. Sure, rain drizzles down against a backdrop of grey skies for 8 months out of the year, but if you don’t mind a little rain or if you happen to visit during the gloriously sunny summer months, you’ll be reward with miles upon miles of rave runs. 

If you are in Seattle proper, you have multiple options for running: the Burke Gilman, Greek Lake, Lake Union, and dozens of hills worthy of a session of lung-busting hill repeats. On the other side of Lake Washington, the terrain is a little bit flatter (although you can still run up many hills) and the scenery is, at least in my opinion, a little bit more Instagram-worthy. 

The best rave run in the Seattle suburbs spans from up north in Bothell, near Lake Washington, all the way down to the prelude of the mountains in the Issaquah Alps. You can marathon long runs without departing from the trail or you could select your favorite segment for miles upon miles of waterfront running.

Sammamish River Trail

The Sammamish River Trail is a gem, but certainly not a hidden one: on weekends, you’ll find runners, walkers, cyclists, off-season skiers, and even equestrians descending upon this 11-mile paved trail. The trail follows the Sammamish River, which provides a scenic backdrop of the Woodinville Wine Valley. You can smell the brewing from local breweries and you’ll see deer, ducks, geese, herons, and eagles.

A few caveats: in winter, the trail transforms into a wind tunnel in both directions. Some cyclists are not polite about sharing the trail, so leave the headphones behind especially if you are running during the morning or evening rush hour. I’ve also been chased by a rogue rooster from one of the farms along this trail. 

I highly recommend finishing a long run at Sumerian Brewing, Redhook Forecaster’s Pub, or one of the other breweries or wineries along the trail. 

East Lake Sammamish Trail

Once you arrive in Redmond, home of Microsoft and bicycles, you will venture into Marymoor Park and connect to the Lake Sammamish Trail. This is where my favorite half marathon is run each March. The trail is mostly paved, although a few segments are gravel. The trail spans for 11 miles along Lake Sammamish. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Rainier and the Cascades in the distance. The trail will take you all the way down to Issaquah, which itself is a trail runner’s mecca. 

You can also finish your run at Marymoor Dog Park, a 60+ acre dog park that is actually the happiest place on Earth. 

Both the Sammamish River and Lake Sammamish trails are owned and maintained by King County. Be courteous of our public lands and pack out any and all trash or use the trash cans along the trail. 

Not in the Seattle area? Check out one of these rave runs!

Happy Fit Mama takes you along the New Hampshire Seacoast:

Brooklyn Active Mama shares her favorite route in Brooklyn:

Fine Fit Day guides you through the best trails in Vermont: 

You can find past posts from the Run It Round Up here:
Surviving Summer Running
Summer Hydration Tips 
Treating Common Running Injuries
Best & Worst Racing Advice 
Staying Sane on the  Treadmill
Winter Running Gear

Linking up for Coaches’ Corner and Wild Workout Wednesday! 

Where’s one of your favorite places to run?