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East Sunset Way Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 167 Google reviews · Running trail in Issaquah, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from East Sunset Way Trailhead'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.
Popular area for hiking featuring many loops and trails that connect to Poo Poo Point, plus a shooting range.
What runners say about East Sunset Way Trailhead
“Lush forest, towering evergreens, moss everywhere, and peaceful switchbacks that make you feel completely immersed in nature.”
Gravel parking lot with some sizeable potholes and huge, deep mud puddles. Room for roughly 20 cars, wasn't crowded on a weekday morning. No bathroom. The moderately steep climb from the parking lot through the woods to the actual power line trail is more interesting than the power line trail itself.
Part of, and great access to, the extensive Tiger Mountain trail system. I have use this trailhead to reach the Tradition Plateau, Poo Poo Point, and West Tiger Summits 2 and 3. You can get to the trailhead via the Metro stop, or the Sound Transit bus from Seattle stops a few blocks away.
This trail was recently improved. It's less steep and many large trees and other obstacles removed making it a very pleasant hike.
This lot provides easy, convenient, and free parking with access to great hiking on Tiger Mountain. The trail starts with a steep 10 minute climb, but after that it plateaus and offers an easy walk along the powerline gravel path that ultimately connects to all the other Tiger Mountain trails.
Trail conditions & character
“The moderately steep climb from the parking lot through the woods to the actual power line trail is more interesting than the power line trail itself.”
“Free parking to a nice hike up on the Plateau with interesting Trees, Plants, Woodpeckered Snags, 2 small Lakes etc.”
“The views overlooking the valley are stunning, especially on a misty day.”
“-🧗♀️Incline: starts out flat, then an incline for a bit.”
“We've found the trails to be in great condition, and kid + dog friendly.”
“Gravel parking lot with some sizeable potholes and huge, deep mud puddles.”
“Lush forest, towering evergreens, moss everywhere, and peaceful switchbacks that make you feel completely immersed in nature.”
Plan your run at East Sunset Way Trailhead
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Issaquah
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rainier Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 108 reviews
Wide, paved, dog-friendly trail that meanders through various areas, featuring a wooden-sculptured troll.
Issaquah Preston Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
The Rainier Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
Hiking-friendly trails, some paved, that offer views of Seattle and Bellevue.
Tradition Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 143 reviews
Peaceful scenic space at the base of Tiger Mountain, featuring a lake and hiking trails.
Issaquah Highlands Lake Loop
4.8 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
Small hiking area featuring a pond, a water feature, and a walking trail.
Salmon Run Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
A 2.31-acre natural, grassy park known for its creek & salmon conservation.