Home › Washington › Issaquah › The Rainier Trail
The Rainier Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 47 Google reviews · Running trail in Issaquah, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from The Rainier 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.
Hiking-friendly trails, some paved, that offer views of Seattle and Bellevue.
What runners say about The Rainier Trail
“Nice, diverse and easy trail for all ages and pets.”
This is rated at a difficulty level of hard, so its not for beginners. The view is amazing as you see Seattle and Bellevue from the top. At about 7 miles round trip from the right parking lot it is highly suggested to have hiking shoes/boots, plenty of water and maybe even hiking poles.
Did a 6.6 miles round trip to Poo Poo Point from this trailhead. 1.5 hours up and 1 hour down. The elevation here is more gradual than the other trailhead to Poo Poo Point.
The canopy of trees on the Rainier trail is exquisite. The walkway is over six feet wide, to allow for distancing. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there is a dog park nearby. Some people use this walkway to pick up groceries, or as a thoroughfare; others use it for contemplative walks with friends or solo.
We did a small group hike. It's cool if you know a little bit of the history of the trail. Stop and read some of the boards. We did the coal Creek falls ands Primrose loop.
Trail conditions & character
“The view is amazing as you see Seattle and Bellevue from the top.”
“At about 7 miles round trip from the right parking lot it is highly suggested to have hiking shoes/boots, plenty of water and maybe even hiking poles.”
“The path is paved so it is perfect for strollers or wheelchairs .”
“This is an excellent concrete trail that links the Issaquah Community Center to the high school trail at Tiger Mountain Park Point entrance.”
“This is rated at a difficulty level of hard, so its not for beginners.”
“The elevation here is more gradual than the other trailhead to Poo Poo Point.”
“Dogs are welcome on leash, and there is a dog park nearby.”
“Lost 1 star due to close proximity of shooting range near Marker 13.”
Plan your run at The Rainier Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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 trailheadparking — 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.
- Websitednr.wa.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Issaquah
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rainier Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 108 reviews
Wide, paved, dog-friendly trail that meanders through various areas, featuring a wooden-sculptured troll.
East Sunset Way Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 167 reviews
Popular area for hiking featuring many loops and trails that connect to Poo Poo Point, plus a shooting range.
Squak Mtn- Bullitt Fireplace Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
Forest, fern and tree-filled landscape, traversed by an array of trails for hiking and walking.
Tradition Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 143 reviews
Peaceful scenic space at the base of Tiger Mountain, featuring a lake and hiking trails.
Poo Poo Point Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,933 reviews
Scenic mound & gateway to the Chirico Trail, popular for paragliding & vistas of wooded peaks.
Issaquah Preston Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews