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Tradition Lake
4.5 ★★★★★ 143 Google reviews · Running trail in Issaquah, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Tradition Lake'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.
Peaceful scenic space at the base of Tiger Mountain, featuring a lake and hiking trails.
What runners say about Tradition Lake
“The trails all link up well and were well maintained while we were there, though some people left their plastic dog deposits trailside.”
“The old bus is pretty neat, and the trees are beautiful.”
“It was incredibly peaceful and serene, despite the trail being quite popular.”
This is a great area to walk, hike, and jog. I went as far as Round Lake before taking a connector to Traditional Lake. It's tranquil and quiet. I'll have to come here again, but it's 20+ miles from my apartment. The trail is well maintained. There are benches to sit and rest and salmon and thimble berries to munch on.
Absolutely stunning hike! The scenery was breathtaking with views of birds, moss-covered trees, mountains, and even an old school bus. It was incredibly peaceful and serene, despite the trail being quite popular. Perfect for kids and dogs, with easy paths to explore! Decently sized parking lot too! Highly recommend!
Well kept the loop trail. Our group got a little turned around during the hike but luckily enough we had cell service so we were able to Google map it and use that as a guide out. The trail we took was fairly easy and level would recommend for a light walk.
Such an amazing surprise that ended up being a detour. Wanted to do the West tyger Mountain Trails through oak Grove wilderness. Up for some incredible viewpoints, but got totally sidetracked in the first hundred yards by all of the new mushroom and fungi growth.
Trail conditions & character
“The old bus is pretty neat, and the trees are beautiful.”
“Very flat, short trail easy to get around and there is an old bus you can stop by and check out in the woods.”
“It was incredibly peaceful and serene, despite the trail being quite popular.”
“Plenty of street parking as well as designated parking spaces.”
“The trails all link up well and were well maintained while we were there, though some people left their plastic dog deposits trailside.”
Plan your run at Tradition Lake
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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, 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.
- Websitewta.org
- Phone+1 206-625-1367
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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.
High Point Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 514 reviews
Starting point for several scenic, wooded trails on Tiger Mountain, including one around a lake.
Issaquah Preston Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Cable Line Trailhead
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Trail for workouts with elevation gain in a location that doesn't require a pass.
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.
Issaquah Highlands Lake Loop
4.8 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
Small hiking area featuring a pond, a water feature, and a walking trail.
