The best running trails around Renton

The Cedar River Trail loop from Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area offers a delightful escape into nature, tracing a historic railroad right-of-way through a varied landscape. You'll jog past extensive riparian zones, through peaceful upland forests, and into open meadows, all while enjoying continuous views of the Cedar River. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like Red-tailed hawks and beavers, and if you visit in the fall, you might even spot salmon migrating upstream.

This moderate 5.3-mile (8.6 km) jogging route, with a minimal 157 feet (48 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 53 minutes, making it a great option for a quick, refreshing run. While the adjacent Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area is currently closed for restoration, the trail itself remains fully accessible. The gentle grade makes it an ideal choice for beginner jogging routes or anyone seeking a relaxed, scenic workout.

The trail's historical roots as a railroad path contribute to its easy-going profile, providing a smooth surface for much of its length. Its ecological significance is high, supporting diverse wildlife and offering access to the Cedar River, a vital habitat for salmon. This route is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the Renton area without a challenging climb.

The Green River Trail – Van Doren's Landing Park loop from Tukwila is a fantastic option for a long, steady jog on a completely paved surface. You'll follow the Green River, transitioning from more suburban stretches to scenic river views and passing through parks like Fort Dent Park and the Green River Natural Resources Area, where you might even spot osprey nests. This 12.6-mile (20.3 km) route, with only 54 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, is rated difficult due to its length, offering a solid workout in about 2 hours and 6 minutes.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is accessible year-round and generally not crowded. Van Doren's Landing Park serves as a convenient starting point, offering parking and direct access to the trail. Its flat, paved nature makes it suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers, making it a great family-friendly jogging route.

This section of the Green River Trail is part of a larger regional network, providing excellent connectivity. Near Fort Dent Park, you can link up with the Interurban Trail, opening possibilities for creating even longer or more varied routes. Van Doren's Landing Park itself has seen recent improvements, including a playground and enhanced safety for trail users, making it a pleasant spot to begin or end your run.

If you're looking for a quick, scenic jog in King County, the Cedar River Trail offers a great option, even though the specific Cedar River loop from Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area is currently inaccessible. This moderate route, covering 5.0 miles (8.0 km) with just 113 feet (35 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 49 minutes. You'll enjoy varied scenery, from dense forests of Douglas fir and western red cedar to open views of the Cedar River, with sections of both paved and soft, packed gravel underfoot.

Planning your visit requires a slight adjustment, as the Cavanaugh Pond Natural Area itself is closed for restoration. However, you can access the broader Cedar River Trail from numerous points, particularly the paved sections starting from Renton. Fall is a particularly rewarding time to visit, offering the chance to witness thousands of sockeye salmon migrating upstream, a truly unique natural spectacle.

This trail follows the historic route of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad, adding a layer of history to your outing. Beyond the salmon, the natural areas along the river are home to diverse wildlife, including waterfowl, bald eagles, beavers, and deer, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing. It's an excellent choice for those seeking an accessible, family-friendly jogging trail with rich natural and historical context.

The Cedar River Trail at Renton loop offers a delightful urban jogging experience, winding alongside the Cedar River through a mix of forested sections and open fields. You'll enjoy scenic views of Lake Washington and downtown Renton, with the added bonus of spotting waterfowl at Cavanaugh Pond. The trail's mostly paved surface, with some packed gravel, makes for a smooth and enjoyable run.

This moderate 3.1-mile (5.0 km) route has a minimal 23 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 31 minutes to complete, making it an excellent choice for a quick, accessible workout. Numerous access points and parking areas are available along the trail, though it's wise to check for any current closures, such as the segment between Cedar River Dog Park and Riverview Park.

Historically following an old railroad corridor, the trail provides a flat and consistent grade, perfect for those seeking a steady pace. If you visit in the fall, you might witness the spectacular sockeye salmon migration in the river, adding a unique natural highlight to your jog.