These 10 Amazing Trails Await Your Pacific Northwest Running Trip
The Pacific Northwest offers a diverse range of running experiences for all levels of runners, from the lush rainforests of Washington to the rugged mountains of Oregon. Not only does it provide a unique and economically friendly vacation option, but it also allows runners to explore the beautiful parks and trails of the Pacific Northwest.
Here are 10 popular trails in the Pacific Northwest that runners may want to consider visiting on their next running vacation:
- The Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. This 93-mile trail circles around Mount Rainier, offering challenging terrain and stunning views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness.
- The Oregon Coast Trail in Oregon. This trail takes runners along the Oregon Coast, passing through forests and along the beach, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
- The Timberline Trail in Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon. This 40-mile trail circles around Mount Hood, offering challenging terrain and stunning views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness.
- The Pacific Crest Trail in Washington, Oregon, and California. This 2,650-mile trail takes runners through the beautiful Pacific Northwest, passing through forests, deserts, and mountains.
- The Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park, Washington. This trail takes runners through the lush rainforests of Olympic National Park, passing through mossy forests and along the Hoh River.
- The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon. This scenic trail takes runners along the Columbia River Gorge, offering beautiful views of the river and the surrounding mountains.
- The Smith Rock State Park in Oregon. This trail takes runners through the rugged terrain of Smith Rock State Park, offering challenging climbs and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail in Washington and Oregon. This trail takes runners through the beautiful Pacific Northwest, passing through forests, mountains, and along the Pacific Ocean.
- The Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. This trail takes runners around the stunning Crater Lake, offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
- The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument in Washington. This trail takes runners to the base of Mount St. Helens, offering challenging terrain and stunning views of the volcano and surrounding wilderness.
A running vacation in the Pacific Northwest is a great way to explore the region, get in some much-needed exercise, and save some money. These trails offer some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country, making them the perfect destination for runners of all levels. So, pack your running shoes and hit the trails for an exciting and economically friendly vacation. For a list of more trails around the U.S., see our trail guide here.