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South Beach Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 34 Google reviews · Running trail in Seattle, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from South Beach 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.
What runners say about South Beach Trail
“There were some beautiful stairs and bridges but if you aren't careful, it is easy to trip and fall.”
This is a fun hiking trail, but I can not give a full 5 stars because it is not well-maintained. There were some beautiful stairs and bridges but if you aren't careful, it is easy to trip and fall. The views are stunning, but I only recommend going on a dry day as any sort of rain could be hazardous.
Beautiful coastline views. Varied terrain to explore (flat and hilly). Miles of trails. Multiple free parking options.
Steep trail off the Loop trail to get down the bluff to the beach and lighthouse. It's a challenging section with some flights of steps and the trail conditions may worsen depending on the weather.
You'll need to make your way part way down the Loop Trail to get here, and there's good signage to point out which fork to take. The trail has some stairs and steeper sections, but overall it's still easy to moderate. It follows the beach for a short ways before ending at the lighthouse.
Trail conditions & character
“It affords excellent views by way of an observational platform and a clearing as well as breaks in the trees of Puget Sound , coastlines, mountains and the beaches below.”
“You'll need to make your way part way down the Loop Trail to get here, and there's good signage to point out which fork to take.”
“Steep trail off the Loop trail to get down the bluff to the beach and lighthouse.”
Plan your run at South Beach Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- Phone+1 206-684-4075
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–4:30 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.
Discovery Park Beach
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Elliott Bay Park
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Centennial Park
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Scenic green space along the water with biking & walking paths, a fishing pier & picnic tables.