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Madrona Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Federal Way, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 9 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Madrona 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.
What runners say about Madrona Park
The BPA Trail north trailhead near Madrona Park in Federal Way functions as a practical neighborhood access point to a paved, multi-use trail built within a Bonneville Power Administration powerline corridor, prioritizing connectivity over scenery or historical significance.
It runs along the BPA trail. Is parking along a lot of the trail areas the madrona Park only has room for two maybe three cars but it's a really cute playground and it has one of those little library boxes in a lot of area where you could play and a nice trail to walk on. No bathroom. And it's usually not too busy.
This is the trail ending from Celebration Park. Great turn around point. Have many trails after this with a mountain bike.
One of our favorite destinations for a great afternoon of swinging and sliding. The park is located at the end of the BPA trail that links Federal Way and NE Tacoma so there’s plenty of biking and walking adventures if the playground is to crowded.
Trail conditions & character
“There is enough parking for 2-3 cars at the park or if you park at the trailhead which is a short 1/8 mile walk away you’ll find plenty of open spots.”
“I've done all these with my dog and it's a great out of the way area with lots of directions to go.”
“The setting is open and exposed, with wide sightlines, limited shade, and nearby road presence.”
“You can also walk south down the dirt path and into Fife Heights a ways.”
“There is enough parking for 2-3 cars at the park or if you park at the trailhead which is a short 1/8 mile walk away you’ll find plenty of open spots.”
Plan your run at Madrona Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance9 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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.
- Websitecityoffederalway.com
- Phone+1 253-835-6901
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–7 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–7 pm |
Running trails near Federal Way
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Panther Lake Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
Gravel lake trail with views of nature, for strolling and running with dogs.
Interurban South Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 88 reviews
Paved trail, mostly flat and 5-mile round-trip, for biking and walking through neighborhoods.
