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North Creek Forest
4.2 ★★★★☆ 109 Google reviews · Running trail in Bothell, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from North Creek Forest'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.
This 64-acre forest with wetlands & streams features a variety of plant & animal life.
What runners say about North Creek Forest
“Beautiful forest with walking trails that take you all over the hillside.”
Very rugged and several steep trails. A true nature park without a lot of wide and cut back trails, but they are well established and easy to see. Plenty to see, many creeks, ravines and miles of trails.
If you feel like a little walk through a forest for a nice change to the neighborhoods, this is the place for you. In certain areas the paths are steep and there are some streams to cross as well, so make sure that you are agile enough! Also, in rainy seasons it is best to wear boots because of the muddy ground.
Get ready for a great outdoor muddy experience! Drainage is pretty poor up on the hills (especially right after heavy snowfall that just melted) and the water tends to drain down some of the paths. The paths are there, they're just muddy (in the winter). Short and fun. Just right for a smaller kids.
Beautiful little urban sanctuary. In April, the bird life is abundant - chickadees, great horned owls hooting, brown creepers creeping along tree trunks, several types of woodpeckers and nuthatches. I agree, it's tricky to find the entryway, but once in the forest, the unmarked social trails lead to many delights!
Trail conditions & character
“Drainage is pretty poor up on the hills (especially right after heavy snowfall that just melted) and the water tends to drain down some of the paths.”
“Beautiful forest with walking trails that take you all over the hillside.”
“Also, in rainy seasons it is best to wear boots because of the muddy ground.”
“There are no bathrooms at the park itself, so I would go before you start walking.”
Plan your run at North Creek Forest
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.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefriendsnorthcreekforest.org
- Phone(425) 806-6760
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Bothell
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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