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Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 191 Google reviews · Running trail in Renton, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak 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.
Hike area with bridges, benches and parking for runners and hikers.
What runners say about Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead
“The trail is well maintained and has several wooden footbridges, making it very attractive.”
“Once you're at the top, expect to find a nice big bench to sit on in lieu of a scenic view.”
“The Whittaker peak doesn’t have a view but it’s very peaceful and has a bench to sit on and a visitors book to sign.”
Nice hike. Parking is small but there is plenty parking on roadside and if you don’t mind 2 min walk Margaret’s way trailhead has plenty of parking available. Wilderness peak has a new trail now. Trail is well maintained. 10 minutes in and the traffic noise fades into serene waterfall sound. It’s calming.
This was my first hike on this trail. The trail is well maintained and has several wooden footbridges, making it very attractive. Walking on it was not easy, as most of the time you go uphill. There are many picturesque places to stop and enjoy nature.
It's steep. hike nothing short about it. 1500 ft incline. have a map. I used GPS . was very tired. but am old. Still fun
This is a great uphill hike. A little over 4 miles for the loop and 1,200 ft elev gain. The Whittaker peak doesn’t have a view but it’s very peaceful and has a bench to sit on and a visitors book to sign. Trail is well taken care of.
Trail conditions & character
“The Whittaker peak doesn’t have a view but it’s very peaceful and has a bench to sit on and a visitors book to sign.”
“Parking is small but there is plenty parking on roadside and if you don’t mind 2 min walk Margaret’s way trailhead has plenty of parking available.”
“Update: I have loved the waterfall so much that I have found some loops that can get you to about 4 waterfalls and back in about 9mile and 3K ft of elevation.”
“Then you have to go back down the way you came then turn left to continue the hike around if you are only doing the loop.”
“The Whittaker peak doesn’t have a view but it’s very peaceful and has a bench to sit on and a visitors book to sign.”
“Trails are in good shape and beautiful wooded setting.”
“We found the trail to be medium level since this our first hike since the sun's come back.”
“There is also a portable bathroom at the trailhead.”
“Lots of trees and a nice little stream, couple bridges / boardwalk.”
Plan your run at Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(360) 891-5000
- Social Instagram · 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.
Margaret's Way Trailhead
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Wilderness Peak
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Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
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Squak Mtn- Bullitt Fireplace Trailhead
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Coal Creek Falls
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