Home › Washington › Seattle › Arboretum Waterfront Trail
Arboretum Waterfront Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Seattle, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Arboretum Waterfront Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trail traversing dense woods and a marsh, with islands and weathered bridges.
What runners say about Arboretum Waterfront Trail
“It connects north of the Arboretum to Montlake, and as the name would imply, provides many gorgeous water views.”
I’m not sure if this is hidden, but it’s certainly a gem. It feels like a menagerie of parts—bending walkways that get submerged in the water, floating pieces positioned at odd angles, muddy paths. This all contributes to a dynamic and fun trail.
a trail offering sweeping views of union bay toward husky stadium and laurelhurst with boats occasionally cutting across. characterized by its trail traversing dense woods never far from the water’s edge, twisting, weathered wooden bridges, and a pocket of (relatively) undisturbed marsh habitat.
Fantastic walk!! Parts of the trail was bit muddy so wear appropriate shoes.
This is my favorite spot to be in nature. It has unique islands you can walk to. It's has beautiful views on lakes Washington and Union. Located in the beautiful Montlane neighborhood. This is what it's like to live in Seattle.
Trail conditions & character
“a trail offering sweeping views of union bay toward husky stadium and laurelhurst with boats occasionally cutting across.”
“It feels like a menagerie of parts—bending walkways that get submerged in the water, floating pieces positioned at odd angles, muddy paths.”
“Nice trail along the water with several floating boardwalk sections.”
“most visitors are leisurely walking and i didn’t see too many dogs out here today.”
Plan your run at Arboretum Waterfront Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteseattle.gov
- Phone(206) 684-4075
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Seattle
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Foster Point Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Natural area featuring a walking trail with views.
Interlaken Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 370 reviews
51.7-acre city park featuring paths & trails for bikers, hikers & joggers in a densely wooded area.
Warren G. Magnuson Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,074 reviews
Leafy city park along the shores of Lake Washington, with historic art deco homes, wetlands & art.