Home › Washington › Newcastle › Coal Creek Natural Area
Coal Creek Natural Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 830 Google reviews · Running trail in Newcastle, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Coal Creek Natural Area'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.
Heavily wooded protected area of second growth forest with signs of the area's early coal industry.
What runners say about Coal Creek Natural Area
“The paths were well maintained and signs up to keep you safe.”
“So beautiful with green lush forrest area and the sounds pf the creek water rustling and birds chirping is amazing.”
Great place for a hike! Lots of trail options. Water, trees, wildlife, and, if you're lucky, sunshine. Many places to park at different access points. Just enough elevation change to make this a good workout.
Excellent nature walk, following a small creek, with a pathway kept clear and maintained even enough that I've seen people with strollers on it for the first 1/4 mile or so. After that it begins to turn into gradually steeper inclines, providing a good variety of intensity the further you go.
Another gem hidden away in a pretty accessible part of town. We did the red town trail and took the primrose trail loop on the way back. Lots of ups and downs to keep you engaged and perfect balance of lush forest vibes and the water flowing down the creeks. Signage talking about the history was cool too.
Wonderful area in Bellevue for a good length natural walk. The creeks and bridges with lots of forks make it interesting every time. The parking is very limited but one can park at forest drive entry (.3 miles more).
Trail conditions & character
“So beautiful with green lush forrest area and the sounds pf the creek water rustling and birds chirping is amazing.”
“Trail is nice you can do a round trip and get back to the parking lot multiple ways.”
“Pet friendly, but bring a leash because there were several dogs on the trail when I walked it.”
“The incline of the trail was gradual with a few steep slopes but overall a very decent rocky trail for all skill levels.”
“The only restroom is the honey bucket at the parking lot and that's it.”
“The incline of the trail was gradual with a few steep slopes but overall a very decent rocky trail for all skill levels.”
“Excellent nature walk, following a small creek, with a pathway kept clear and maintained even enough that I've seen people with strollers on it for the first 1/4 mile or so.”
“We did the red town trail and took the primrose trail loop on the way back.”
Plan your run at Coal Creek Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- 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.
- Websitebellevuewa.gov
- Phone(425) 452-6885
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
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