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Waterfront Renaissance Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 675 Google reviews · Running trail in Vancouver, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Waterfront Renaissance 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.
This 5-mi. trail for pedestrians & cyclists has picturesque views, stores & eateries along the way.
What runners say about Waterfront Renaissance Trail
“Maintenance well kept up, and great view of the river.”
“If you want to extend the run then take the road across the Marriott then join the newly developed Vancouver waterfront which is another beautiful place.”
Any trail, park, or historic site along the Columbia River, in my opinion, is absolutely stunning year-round! There is seriously no bad time to go. The Waterfront Renaissance Trail is off the north bank of the Columbia River and is truly picturesque!
Nice trail along the Columbia River to run or walk on. Along the river the trail is wide, paved road and there is a beautiful waterfront park near the bridge. This short segment along the river is definitely the most enjoyable.
Enjoy a beautiful walk along the Columbia River on this wide concrete path. You can see all sorts of water fowl including a huge Osprey nest, and occasionally you'll find a pack of seals baking and enjoying the water.
Nice trail that goes along the river and has access to a few small, and beaches along the Columbia River. There are great views of the river and the bridge. There are also restaurants at either end of the trail. It's beautiful in the spring and summer. It can be pretty chilly but still nice in the winter.
Trail conditions & character
“If you want to extend the run then take the road across the Marriott then join the newly developed Vancouver waterfront which is another beautiful place.”
“Along the river the trail is wide, paved road and there is a beautiful waterfront park near the bridge.”
“Parked in one of the free small parking lots in the "older" part of park along the river.”
“It is a 5 mile one way paved trail, so it is excellent for walking, jogging, biking, and so much more!”
Plan your run at Waterfront Renaissance Trail
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
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Phone+1 360-487-8311
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Vancouver
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Leverich Park
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Burnt Bridge Creek Trail
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Wintler Community Park
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12.5-acre riverfront park providing beach access, benches, picnic tables & scenic mountain views.