The best running trails around Fort Lewis

The Fort Lewis area offers a wide variety of running routes, with over 30 different options available. These routes cater to various fitness levels, from easy strolls to more challenging runs.

The terrain around Fort Lewis is quite diverse. In the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) area, you'll find Puget lowland prairies, Oregon white oak woodlands, upland conifer forests, and wetlands. Near Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, routes feature mountainous terrain with views of the La Plata Mountains, natural campus areas, and trails along the Animas River.

Yes, there are several easy running routes suitable for beginners. For example, the Sequalitchew Creek Trailhead – Garry Oaks Park loop from DuPont is a moderate 3.2-mile trail that is often completed in about 30 minutes, offering varied natural landscapes without significant elevation gain. Overall, there are 4 easy routes available.

For those seeking a challenge, Fort Lewis offers routes with more significant elevation changes and longer distances. The Grant Lake – Bender Woods loop from DuPont is a difficult 12.2-mile (19.6 km) route with notable elevation gain, perfect for endurance training. There are 2 difficult routes in total.

Runners can enjoy a variety of natural features. Near JBLM, you might encounter diverse ecosystems like prairies and forests, and scenic spots like Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park or American Lake Park. In Durango, Colorado, routes offer stunning mountain views, access to the Animas River, and natural campus areas. The Sequalitchew Creek Trailhead itself is a notable starting point for exploring the local environment.

Yes, several routes offer beautiful lake views. Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park is a popular spot, and American Lake Park, situated on the county's largest natural body of water, also provides scenic vistas perfect for a run.

Parking is generally available at the trailheads for most public running routes around Fort Lewis. For routes within Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), specific parking regulations and access points may apply, and it's advisable to check local guidelines.

Yes, access to certain lands within Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) for recreation, including running, typically requires permits. These permits are necessary to ensure compliance with military mission activities. It's recommended to check official JBLM resources for current permit requirements before planning your run.

Many running routes around Fort Lewis are suitable for families, especially the easier and moderate trails with less elevation gain. The Sequalitchew Creek Trailhead – Garry Oaks Park loop from DuPont is a good example of a family-friendly option, offering varied natural landscapes.

Many outdoor areas around Fort Lewis are dog-friendly, though specific regulations may vary by park or trail. It's always best to check local signage or park websites for leash requirements and any restrictions before bringing your dog along for a run.

Yes, many of the running routes around Fort Lewis are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to start and end your run at the same point. Examples include the Bender Woods loop from DuPont and the Running loop from Gray Army Airfield.

The best time to go jogging depends on the specific location within Fort Lewis. In Washington, spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. In the mountainous Colorado region, late spring through early fall provides ideal conditions before winter snows. Always check local weather and trail conditions, especially during extreme seasons.

The running routes in Fort Lewis are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 5.0 stars from 2 reviews. Over 390 runners have explored the varied terrain, often praising the diverse ecosystems, from open prairies to dense forests, and the well-maintained paths.