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Cougar Creek Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Vancouver, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 0.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cougar Creek 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.
Natural area with a path along Cougar Creek and tables for picnicking.
What runners say about Cougar Creek Trail
“Bugs weren't too bad and the trails are easy and nicely maintained.”
“The path is covered with beautiful trees so even if it’s raining, you kind of can get covered from the elements.”
“Great, fairly quiet, scenic little connector trail to the larger Salmon Creek trail.”
I really enjoyed my time here today!! It is a blessing to live in such a beautiful place as the Pacific Northwest. The Cougar Creek Trail is so peaceful, and so green! It veres into the Salmon Creek Trail, as I discovered the longer I kept hiking. This place is safe and serene.
I LOVE this trail! From 119th Street, the gravel path heads north for half a mile to connect with the paved Salmon Creek Trail at its midpoint. Along the way, Cougar Creek is your constant companion and provides a nice respite from the summer heat. Most of the trail is also shaded thanks to the many tall trees.
What a great trail. It went right down to Salmon Creek open area. So fun and beautiful. Easy enough for just about anyone. Hard if you are in a wheelchair or have a stroller.
Absolutely stunning. Salmonberries are starting to be nice and ripe so they were a good snack during our walk! There are many places kinda off the beaten trail that were super fun to discover. Definitely going for a walk here again
Trail conditions & character
“Near the end of the trail, Cougar Creek flows through a deeply carved canyon and you can scramble down to check out its cute little waterfalls.”
“Great, fairly quiet, scenic little connector trail to the larger Salmon Creek trail.”
“From 119th Street, the gravel path heads north for half a mile to connect with the paved Salmon Creek Trail at its midpoint.”
“the trail itself is pretty flat and easy, and there's plenty of cool stuff you can see.”
“This is a very popular area so be prepared to share the trails with bikers and dogs.”
“Hard if you are in a wheelchair or have a stroller.”
“From 119th Street, the gravel path heads north for half a mile to connect with the paved Salmon Creek Trail at its midpoint.”
Plan your run at Cougar Creek Trail
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
- Distance0.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
- Websiteclark.wa.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–9:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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