One of the closest national parks to a major metro area, the 1 million acre Olympic National Park has an incredible diversity of terrain, featuring snow-covered mountains, lush rain forests, and dramatic coastal terrain. Port Angeles, located 82 miles west of Seattle, is the gateway to the Park. For our guide to running in Olympic National Park, we focus on the most runnable roads and easier trails, featuring a cross section of the park’s dramatic scenery. PARK MAP
Olympic Discovery Trail
130 mile paved multi-use trail from Port Townsend to Port Angeles & west. Info
The best off-road running opportunity in Olympic NP. This site has fantastic information on the trail, with detailed maps that divide the trail into four sections. The far eastern section is 27 miles between Port Townsend and Blyn (7 miles on trail, 20 on road), features scenery of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay. The ‘river and prairie’ section is between Blyn and Port Angeles (26 miles). After a gap in the trail just west of Port Angeles, the trail picks up again with 5 miles along Lake Crescent, and then a more forested 18 mile section west to Sappho. There are plans to extend the trail west to the coast in La Push. TRAIL MAPS
Olympic Hot Springs Rd.
Full out and back is 20 miles, Elevation Gain 2,300 feet (first 4 miles is flat). ROUTE MAP
Your reward after running 10 miles. Courtesy Aurélie Vilmer.
A good opportunity for a trail run on a trail that doesn’t have challenging footing is Olympic Hot Springs Rd. The paved road is closed due a washed out bridge. The road starts in Elwha, just of the Olympic Highway (101). From the Elwha River Observation Area, follow Olympic Hot Springs Rd. south, up to 10 miles. It’s fairly flat for the first 4 miles, then begins a serious climb at mile 5 (1,500 feet over 3.5 miles, grades of 8-12%). If you do the full 10 miles, you’ll be rewarded by a soak in the hot springs (our thanks to Aurélie Vilmer for the suggestion. She did the full out and back in 4:30…impressive!). At the 4-mile mark you also have an option to take Whiskey Bend Rd., which goes for another 4 miles and is less steep than Olympic Hot Springs Rd. Note: As of Fall 2020, the bridge is washed out — there are good signs for a bypass trail.
Lake Crescent
8 miles one-way along northern side of Lake Crescent. 1200 foot gain. ROUTE MAP
A section of the Discovery Trail, which overlaps with the Spruce Railroad/Crescent Lake Trail runs along the northern side of Lake Crescent for nearly 8 miles. Mix of terrain, from dirt to gravel to paved. Some sections are more open lake views, others more forested with glimpses of the lake. A highlight is the view at Devil’s Punchbowl. For the flattest section, focus on the 4-mile Spruce Railroad Trail, which follows a former rail bed Highway 101 runs along the southern end of the lake, but has no shoulder. Note: Sections very hilly, with a couple of long, steep climbs.
La Push Area
Miles of beach running options
Huge area of protected coastline, with miles of rugged beach. It’s possible to run along the beaches, but the sand can be soft, depending on season/tides. Best to follow the tide line. Good sections include: Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall and further north; and Second Beach, 1.5 miles with great views of sea stacks. There is also some more rugged trail running here, notably the South Coast Trail from Third Beach to Oil City (up to 17 miles). Use tide tables and caution.
Hoh Rain Forest Area
Hall of Mosses Trail is 0.8 miles; First 12-13 miles of Hoh River Trail is fairly flat. Access from Hoh Visitor Center
The best bet for a rainforest run in Olympic National Park is the Hoh River Trail, a popular path lined with giant cedars, firs and maples. The first 12-13 miles are which is fairly wide and flat, with good footing (Run to Five Mile Island for a 10 mile out and back!). After the ~12 mile mark, the trail becomes more rugged and steep, as it starts ascending Mount Olympus. Another, option in the area is Hall of Mosses Trail (1.6 miles out and back). It’s also possible to run on the Upper Hoh Valley Road, west of the Visitor Center. Note:the trails are popular and can get crowded. If you want to run it, go early or during off-peak times!
Dosewallips Area
Can run for up to 7 miles along Dosewallips Rd. Start at the ranger station/campground
For a long, fairly flat run, we recommend Dosewallips Rd. in the eastern section of the park. This is an old road (not accessible to cars), so it’s wider with fairly good footing. From the Ranger Station/Campground, one can run for up to 7 miles along Dosewallips Rd. alongside the Dosewallips River. Sites along the way include Dosewallips Falls and Dose Forks Bridge. Note: Some sections of the road might be washed out.
Sol Duc Area
Sol Duc Rd. is ~14 miles between Highway 101 and the Sol Duc Campground. Hilly! Lovers Lane Trail is a 6-mile loop.
The Sol Duc area is in the interior of the park, ~15 miles from the western end of Lake Crescent. There’s some decent running, in mainly forested terrain. Road running options include Sol Duc Rd., which has no shoulder but relatively little traffic. It’s a hilly road, climbing uphill into the park from Highway 101 or downhill from the Sol Duc area heading northwest. Another attractive running option is the Lovers Lane Trail, a 6-mile loop. Lovely, canopied forest. Best to go early as the trail can be popular.
One of the closest national parks to a major metro area, the 1 million acre Olympic National Park has an incredible diversity of terrain, featuring snow-covered mountains, lush rain forests, and dramatic coastal terrain. Port Angeles, located 82 miles west of Seattle, is the gateway to the Park. For our guide to running in Olympic National Park, we focus on the most runnable roads and easier trails, featuring a cross section of the park’s dramatic scenery. PARK MAP
Olympic Discovery Trail
130 mile paved multi-use trail from Port Townsend to Port Angeles & west. Info
The best off-road running opportunity in Olympic NP. This site has fantastic information on the trail, with detailed maps that divide the trail into four sections. The far eastern section is 27 miles between Port Townsend and Blyn (7 miles on trail, 20 on road), features scenery of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay. The ‘river and prairie’ section is between Blyn and Port Angeles (26 miles). After a gap in the trail just west of Port Angeles, the trail picks up again with 5 miles along Lake Crescent, and then a more forested 18 mile section west to Sappho. There are plans to extend the trail west to the coast in La Push. TRAIL MAPS
Olympic Hot Springs Rd.
Full out and back is 20 miles, Elevation Gain 2,300 feet (first 4 miles is flat). ROUTE MAP
Your reward after running 10 miles. Courtesy Aurélie Vilmer.
A good opportunity for a trail run on a trail that doesn’t have challenging footing is Olympic Hot Springs Rd. The paved road is closed due a washed out bridge. The road starts in Elwha, just of the Olympic Highway (101). From the Elwha River Observation Area, follow Olympic Hot Springs Rd. south, up to 10 miles. It’s fairly flat for the first 4 miles, then begins a serious climb at mile 5 (1,500 feet over 3.5 miles, grades of 8-12%). If you do the full 10 miles, you’ll be rewarded by a soak in the hot springs (our thanks to Aurélie Vilmer for the suggestion. She did the full out and back in 4:30…impressive!). At the 4-mile mark you also have an option to take Whiskey Bend Rd., which goes for another 4 miles and is less steep than Olympic Hot Springs Rd. Note: As of Fall 2020, the bridge is washed out — there are good signs for a bypass trail.
Lake Crescent
8 miles one-way along northern side of Lake Crescent. 1200 foot gain. ROUTE MAP
A section of the Discovery Trail, which overlaps with the Spruce Railroad/Crescent Lake Trail runs along the northern side of Lake Crescent for nearly 8 miles. Mix of terrain, from dirt to gravel to paved. Some sections are more open lake views, others more forested with glimpses of the lake. A highlight is the view at Devil’s Punchbowl. For the flattest section, focus on the 4-mile Spruce Railroad Trail, which follows a former rail bed Highway 101 runs along the southern end of the lake, but has no shoulder. Note: Sections very hilly, with a couple of long, steep climbs.
La Push Area
Miles of beach running options
Huge area of protected coastline, with miles of rugged beach. It’s possible to run along the beaches, but the sand can be soft, depending on season/tides. Best to follow the tide line. Good sections include: Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall and further north; and Second Beach, 1.5 miles with great views of sea stacks. There is also some more rugged trail running here, notably the South Coast Trail from Third Beach to Oil City (up to 17 miles). Use tide tables and caution.
Hoh Rain Forest Area
Hall of Mosses Trail is 0.8 miles; First 12-13 miles of Hoh River Trail is fairly flat. Access from Hoh Visitor Center
The best bet for a rainforest run in Olympic National Park is the Hoh River Trail, a popular path lined with giant cedars, firs and maples. The first 12-13 miles are which is fairly wide and flat, with good footing (Run to Five Mile Island for a 10 mile out and back!). After the ~12 mile mark, the trail becomes more rugged and steep, as it starts ascending Mount Olympus. Another, option in the area is Hall of Mosses Trail (1.6 miles out and back). It’s also possible to run on the Upper Hoh Valley Road, west of the Visitor Center. Note:the trails are popular and can get crowded. If you want to run it, go early or during off-peak times!
Dosewallips Area
Can run for up to 7 miles along Dosewallips Rd. Start at the ranger station/campground
For a long, fairly flat run, we recommend Dosewallips Rd. in the eastern section of the park. This is an old road (not accessible to cars), so it’s wider with fairly good footing. From the Ranger Station/Campground, one can run for up to 7 miles along Dosewallips Rd. alongside the Dosewallips River. Sites along the way include Dosewallips Falls and Dose Forks Bridge. Note: Some sections of the road might be washed out.
Sol Duc Area
Sol Duc Rd. is ~14 miles between Highway 101 and the Sol Duc Campground. Hilly! Lovers Lane Trail is a 6-mile loop.
The Sol Duc area is in the interior of the park, ~15 miles from the western end of Lake Crescent. There’s some decent running, in mainly forested terrain. Road running options include Sol Duc Rd., which has no shoulder but relatively little traffic. It’s a hilly road, climbing uphill into the park from Highway 101 or downhill from the Sol Duc area heading northwest. Another attractive running option is the Lovers Lane Trail, a 6-mile loop. Lovely, canopied forest. Best to go early as the trail can be popular.
Our selection of the 1-2 'must do' runs in the major U.S. national parks. The focus is on the most scenic, safe, and accessible spots for a run, geared toward the everyday runner.
The Park Loop Road is great for running, especially the 5 mile section between Seal Beach and Little Hunters Beach. The Carriage Roads are special for running, with many options. And for a true challenge, run up Cadillac Mountain!
75 miles from Washington, D.C., featuring the famed 105 mile Skyline Drive. Wonderful drive touring and hiking opportunities. Good running options along some of the gentler trails and fire roads. Trail runners will find lots of options here too!
469-mile scenic road features stunning vistas, rugged mountains, and pastoral landscapes. With no shoulder, the Parkway and isn't great for running. We've researched the more runnable hiking trails and also recommend the carriage roads of Moses Cone Park.
America's most visited National Park. A great option for runners is the Cades Cove Loop Road, which runs 11 miles one-way. Also good running in the Greenbrier Cove area. Famous for wildflowers!
Huge park southwest of Miami with 1.5 million acres of wetland. Some of the best spots for running are the Shark Valley Bike Trail, Pinelands trails, the Old Ingraham Highway Trail and the Flamingo area trails.
Located only an hour from Chicago, Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its spectacular dunes, wetlands, forests, and beaches. We've researched the best running options among the 50 miles of hiking trails and 37 miles of bike trails.
Water-based National Park with a series of interconnected waterways. Some scenic trails for running near the three Visitor Centers, featuring forests, marshes, wetlands, and lakes. Spectacular for running in winter, with trails and "ice roads"!
Dramatic landscapes spanning layered rock formations, steep canyons and towering spires. Best spots for running are along the Badlands Loop Scenic Highway, Sage Creek Rim Road, Castle Trail, and Sheep Mountain Table Rd.
Wonderful park within 90 minutes of Denver. Majestic mountain views, mountain lakes, wooded forests, mountain tundra. Best running options are trails around Cub Lake, Lily Lake,Upper Beaver Meadow, and Emerald Lake.
Park in southwestern Colorado is a glimpse into communities that the Pueblo people built on the mesas and in the cliffs. 30 miles of hiking trails around mesas, and into rugged canyons. Best for running is the 5-mile Long House Loop.
North America's tallest dunes, and terrain that also alpine peaks, forest, grasslands, and wetlands. Running the dunes is a singular experience but also very challenging. Best bet for running in the park are the miles of grasslands trails.
A remote and isolated park, featuring gorgeous mountains, desert, and 120 miles along the Rio Grande River. Best running spots are some of the gentler mountain trails, in the desert, along the river, and some of the park's scenic roads.
Along with Canyonlands NP, located in the outdoor recreational mecca around Moab, UT. For Arches, we recommend running the Landscape Arch, a nice 2-mile route starting at Devils Garden Trailhead. Arches Scenic Dr. is also runnable.
This area, near Moab, is a mecca for biking, hiking, climbing and other adventuring activities. Great running options in Canyonlands are Colorado River Overlook trail, Neck Springs, and a trail along Murphy Point Overlook.
The two best options for running are the Pa’rus Trail, which is a 1.7 mile, flat path skirting the Virgin River in the flat, lower section of Zion Canyon, and the 6.2 miles Scenic Drive from the Visitor Center to Temple of Sinawava.
Bryce is marked by the salmon and orange-colored limestone that create a maze of spires, pinnacles and fins. Best running options are the new shared use bike path connecting Bryce and Red Canyon; and the 5.5 mile Rim Trail.
The best running options are in the South Rim section of massive Grand Canyon. Great running along the Rim Trail, the network of Greenways throughout the Village and surrounding communities, and the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Pristine forests, alpine meadows, glacier-carved peaks, spectacular lakes, wildflowers! Fantastic trail running. We've included some gentler trail running options, plus some multi-use paths just outside the park in Kalispell & Hungry Horse.
Showcasing the major peaks of the 40-mile-long Teton Range. Best for running in summer. Good options are the Grand Teton multi-use path, Taggart Lake Trail, and 6-mile loop around Two Ocean Lake.
240,000 acre park, 2-hour drive from Seattle. Wonderful running opportunities, around valleys, waterfalls, subalpine meadows, old-growth forest and glaciers. Best routes are along some of the less traveled side roads and gentler hiking trails.
A stunning and diverse alpine landscape, less than three hours from Seattle. Generally it's more challenging trail running. Best running options are in Stekehin, accessed only by ferry. The MUST DO run is the first 6 miles of Stekehin Valley Road.
133,000-acre park located near the California-Oregon border features some of the tallest trees on earth, as well as vast prairies, oak woodlands, riverways, and 40 miles of rugged coastline. Our recommendations on the best trails, roads, and beaches for running.
The world’s first national park, showcasing colorful hot springs, mudpots, and geysers, in addition to its dramatic mountains, forests, lakes and wildlife. Several good running options -- read our caution note about wildlife. Video excerpt!
Waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area in this 1,200 square mile park. Two good running options are the Yosemite Village Multi-Use Path, and Tuolumne Meadows.
Not one of the better national parks for running, given the rugged, often sandy terrain, and summer heat. Best options are the backcountry roads, some of the easier hiking trails, and quiet residential streets in Yucca Valley & Desert Hot Springs.
One of the more unique parks in terms of terrain, geography, and extreme weather. Fantastic opportunities for trail running -- though easy to get lost! Some good running options along park roads - sunrise/sunset are best.
Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees in these side-by-side parks. Recommended running: Roaring Rivers to Zumwalt Meadows Loop in Kings and Crescent Meadow Trail and Road.
A one-of-a-kind run on a barren volcano, with incredible ocean views. Very challenging 10-mile run to the 10,000-foot summit is 3,000 foot gain. Or, have a partner drop you part way or go up for sunrise and run down.
A one-of-a kind place. Hike or run the rim of an active crater, or run on trails or roads to enjoy terrain that includes deserts and rain forests, past craters and rift zones. We outline several good options. Note trail closures and air quality warnings!
Virgin Islands National Park comprises 60% of the land mass of the St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Numerous trails in the park are good for running, notably the Francis Bay Trail to Leinster Point, the Johnny Horn Trail, and Lind Point Trail.
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