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Panther Lake Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 186 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 Panther Lake 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.
Gravel lake trail with views of nature, for strolling and running with dogs.
What runners say about Panther Lake Trail
“The trail system is clearly designed with runners and cyclists in mind: long, straight stretches, minimal elevation change, and wide, well-maintained surfaces.”
“These areas break up the industrial feel of the powerline corridor with more greenery, water views, and a slightly more scenic atmosphere.”
“There is also very limited shade, so on sunny days the exposure can be uncomfortable, and there aren’t many benches or rest spots along the main corridor.”
This is a nice .87 mile loop trail around Panther Lake. It is mostly gravel and packed clay with a few wooden bridges and a short paved section of trail. There is a large parking area and a little outhouse.
This is a nice trail, usually well kept and friendly people on it. Only downside recently has been the questionable safety in the parking areas near the trail. There have been a significant number of issues with people breaking into or damaging vehicles there. But if you can walk to it, it’s lovely.
This was such a beautifulllllllll trail. The flowers were in bloom. The butterflies and dragonflies were all around us. You could hear the birds chirping and the water falling. I'm a photographer and I took this beautiful ladies 30th birthday photos. Everything was perfect in this location.
Amazing and easy walk with the kids. It's about .85 miles, extremely clean. We saw a thatcher ant hill, tons of Woolybear caterpillars, heard lots of frogs.
Trail conditions & character
“The lake itself is very secluded, even from the trail, but amazing lake views exist in little pockets that offer serenity and privacy to enjoy the beauty and majesty of nature.”
“You find yourself hidden from the world of concrete and asphalt in a few steps, especially if you start from the Aquatic Center Parking Lot and head westward around the lake.”
“One practical option is to head out on the paved path and return on the parallel gravel trail, which adds variety and is easier on the joints if you’re running longer distances.”
“I'm no ADA expert but I feel like most, if not all, of the trail could be ADA accessible.”
“One practical option is to head out on the paved path and return on the parallel gravel trail, which adds variety and is easier on the joints if you’re running longer distances.”
“The girlfriend and I have been walking this trail with our dog for the last year.”
“There is also very limited shade, so on sunny days the exposure can be uncomfortable, and there aren’t many benches or rest spots along the main corridor.”
“The trail system is clearly designed with runners and cyclists in mind: long, straight stretches, minimal elevation change, and wide, well-maintained surfaces.”
“If you include the West Campus segment near Panther Lake, the full out-and-back can reach roughly 10 miles, making this a solid route for long training runs or endurance walks.”
Plan your run at Panther Lake Trail
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 — 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.
- Websitefederalwaywa.gov
- Phone(253) 835-6960
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
