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Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,334 Google reviews · Running trail in Renton, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park'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.
Vast protected park featuring forested areas, hiking trails, scenic vistas & wildlife.
What runners say about Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
“Everything was clean and beautiful, and we never would have known the race had taken place if the bus driver hadn't let us know.”
“Everything was clean and beautiful, and we never would have known the race had taken place if the bus driver hadn't let us know.”
“While the trail intersections are clearly marked, go prepared with a map or cell phone unless you have a photographic memory as to where the trails will lead.”
This was a fun hike for being so close to town. I took the Sky Country Trail, which was a bit hilly in places, but the trail is well maintained and clearly marked. That’s not to say that you couldn’t get lost, because there are a lot of trails in the area, but as long as you have some sort of a map you’ll be fine.
This area offers a peaceful space to wander and wasn't too heavily trafficked when I visited in March and May. Soft, richly aromatic Earth and lots of tree cover. Even on a cool day a light jacket was sufficient. Be aware of small animals as well as large. Lots of small beings in the trails, so watch your step.
We did the Sky Country-Harvey Manning Trail when we visited. It's moderately difficult but still fun. We saw a hawk! Too bad I couldn't get a picture. The end of the trail was a Million Dollar View of Lake Sammamish. There is parking here, so don't worry.
There are many hiking trails at Cougar Mountain. We started at Indian Trail and fork up to Shy Bear Trail this time. We stopped at Cougar Mountain Lookout to peak Bellevue/Issaquah. We wanted to see the fall but there was no water (no fall) during this summer.
Trail conditions & character
“Went there without having some specific trails in head and followed the signs for Million Dollar View, Shangrila trail and Water tank trailhead.”
“Went there without having some specific trails in head and followed the signs for Million Dollar View, Shangrila trail and Water tank trailhead.”
“There is the Sky Country TH with parking lot and restrooms.”
“We started at the Licorice Fern crossing and hiked to Indian Trail, Marshall's Hill Tail, Ford Slope Mine, followed Rainbow Town Trail around to connect to Red Town Trail.”
“Redtown TH with a gravel lot and restroom facilities.”
“Not particularly friendly for wheels (strollers/wheelchairs), but there were several families out with their kids.”
Plan your run at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitekingcounty.gov
- Phone(425) 643-5306
- Social Facebook
Running trails near Renton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Coal Creek Falls
4.6 ★★★★★ 418 reviews
Waterfall in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlife Park reached via a walking/hiking trail.
Sky Country Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 201 reviews
Popular area, accessible to novice hikers, offering trails passing waterfalls and a dam.
Wilderness Peak
4.5 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Nature-filled area for hiking and running trails, plus scenic points and streams.
Harvey Manning Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 226 reviews
Hiking area featuring a handful of different loops plus views of Lake Washington and Mount Baker.