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Seward Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,170 Google reviews · Running trail in Seattle, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 2.8 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Seward 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.
Wooded refuge boasting a 300-acre forest with hiking trails, walking paths, beaches & a playground.
What runners say about Seward Park
“*My original review was deleted* Seward Park is absolutely stunning—trees, trails, water views, and a whole vibe if you need to clear your head or just take in some nature.”
“It is great for a walk, a run, or an easy afternoon when you want to be outside without leaving Seattle.”
“Seward Park is a peaceful gem in southeast Seattle, with lush old-growth forests, lake views, and a scenic 2.”
I had an amazing walk this morning at this park. Didn't expect how beautiful the scenery all away around. There is so many places you could sit and wade to the water or lay in the ground and relax. Parking lot can be busy. Also, a nice playground for kids.
*My original review was deleted* Seward Park is absolutely stunning—trees, trails, water views, and a whole vibe if you need to clear your head or just take in some nature. Great for walks, picnics, or zoning out by the lake. That said, I’m taking off one star for safety concerns.
One of my favorite places to go running. The loop around the park is a little over two miles and very wide, mostly flat, so there's plenty of room for walking and running. On a clear day, there's a great view of Mount Rainier.
Seward Park is a peaceful gem in southeast Seattle, with lush old-growth forests, lake views, and a scenic 2.4-mile loop trail. It's perfect for walking, biking, or just soaking in nature. Free parking and lake access make it a great spot for a relaxed day out. On a sunny day, we can see mt. Rainier
Trail conditions & character
“*My original review was deleted* Seward Park is absolutely stunning—trees, trails, water views, and a whole vibe if you need to clear your head or just take in some nature.”
“The loop around the park is a little over two miles and very wide, mostly flat, so there's plenty of room for walking and running.”
“Lots of parking, can get busy, however, usually able to find a spot within five minutes if you just wait for someone else to leave.”
“The loop around the park is a little over two miles and very wide, mostly flat, so there's plenty of room for walking and running.”
“The walk trail around the park is flat and very accessible.”
“There aren't many chairs in the middle, so my legs hurt a little, but it was a quiet park with a really pretty sunset.”
Plan your run at Seward Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance2.8 mi back to where you parked
- 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.
- Websiteseattle.gov
- Phone(206) 684-4396
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Seattle
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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