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Lake Sylvia State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,364 Google reviews · Running trail in Montesano, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Lake Sylvia State 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.
Former logging site is now a lakeside park to camp, fish & hike in wooded surrounds, open all year.
What runners say about Lake Sylvia State Park
“Campsites are clean, well-maintained, and the intricate trail system guarantees you’ll never take the same trail twice.”
“This lake is gorgeous, and what is nice about it is that you can fish, kayak, and camp there.”
“Large lake, so lots of places to enjoy peace and quiet as well.”
Discover pass required!!! The swimming area is really small n quickly goes deep. The camp site seems narrow but some spots are good water access. Passing playground n follow the path, you will see a dam. You can across n go other side n thete is a trail.
Great little kayak lake, with fishing too. Really liked the shower bathrooms and how much room there was in each with locking doors. I had a group campsite for just me and my son. Nice "hiking" trail around the lake.
Beautiful lake that you can swim, float, paddle board, snorkel, or fish in. Lots of picnic areas, pavilions, and a kitchen you can reserve. Hiking and biking trails. Playground. Spacious bathrooms with showers. Camping areas. Requires a Discover Pass. $10 for a day pass or $30 for a year (good at any WA state park).
This park is pretty nice, the only reason I gave 4 stars is because the sites dont offer much privacy. There is a really nice hiking trail attached to the campgrounds that has a lovely stream running alongside it and many mushrooms! The bathroom is nice and clean.
Trail conditions & character
“This lake is gorgeous, and what is nice about it is that you can fish, kayak, and camp there.”
“There was a playground for the kids, the bathrooms were huge, the trail was beautiful, and the lake was fun!”
“Large lake, so lots of places to enjoy peace and quiet as well.”
“There's only one rest room for the 36 camp spots in the main loop.”
Plan your run at Lake Sylvia State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — 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.
- Websiteparks.state.wa.us
- Phone+1 360-249-3621
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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