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Foster Point Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 127 Google reviews · Running trail in Seattle, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Foster Point 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 featuring a walking trail with views.
What runners say about Foster Point Trail
“On a good day, it's a beautiful trail hike/jog with unique views of Union Bay thanks to the special "from-inside" vantage point.”
Actually, I wanted to visit the Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens to take a walk and pictures. However, it has not special view or something. It was just a park for a walk. So, I decided to stop walking through it and to go to the north of the Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic gardens.
Foster Point Trail meanders through Foster Island and Marsh Island and connects Washington Arboretum with East Montlake Park. It's easy to notice the trailhead at the north end of the Washington Arboretum loop.
Beautiful park! Located conveniently next to Washington Park Arboretum/The Japanese Garden, you could easily spend a few hours walking around both parks. The bridge leading through the water from Foster Island to Marsh Island is pretty cool, there are tons of lily pads surrounding the bridge.
The Arboretum as a whole is such an amazing and wonderful park to find in the middle of a metropolitan. We're incredibly lucky to have this in Seattle. The Foster Point Trail is one of my favorites in the park. Any time of year is going to be an excellent time to visit.
Trail conditions & character
“On a good day, it's a beautiful trail hike/jog with unique views of Union Bay thanks to the special "from-inside" vantage point.”
“on occasion, i've seen some parts of the trail submerged, but, more often, they're just a bit muddy.”
Plan your run at Foster Point Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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.
Arboretum Waterfront Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 51 reviews
Trail traversing dense woods and a marsh, with islands and weathered bridges.
Interlaken Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 370 reviews
51.7-acre city park featuring paths & trails for bikers, hikers & joggers in a densely wooded area.
Frink Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 125 reviews
Serene community park offering a network of recreational trails among woodland environs.