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Waughop Lake Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 141 Google reviews · Running trail in Lakewood, Washington · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Waughop Lake Trailhead'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.
Quiet area featuring a paved walkway around a serene lake and an off-leash area for dogs.
What runners say about Waughop Lake Trailhead
“The trail itself in really nice, flat and clean.”
“This is a beautiful place however there have been trees cut an depths widened.”
This trail around the lake has something that I wish all parks had- an info stand with mini facts under each animal you may see. Super fun. The trail itself in really nice, flat and clean. It is about 1 mile long, fully paved.
Haven't been here in a minute but I used to love taking my kids here. It's nice and quiet. Definitely a very dog friendly place and the people are okay too. I would say it's a great place for walking, running, and even cycling if that's your thing.
Always a clean and well maintained park. I feel safe walking around the lake on my own. Lots of walkers, many with dogs. There is a separate dog park on the park property. The children's playground is on the same property but is not at the same place as the lake.
Great trail close to home! Parking is really easy and the trail feels far away from the busy streets and parking lots. Great to unplug without traveling too far.
Trail conditions & character
“Do be careful of women ages 40-60 as they seem to be the biggest law breaks of dogs must be on a leash law.”
“This is a beautiful place however there have been trees cut an depths widened.”
“The main path is paved, flat, and wide but there are trails that go all over.”
“Parking is really easy and the trail feels far away from the busy streets and parking lots.”
“The main path is paved, flat, and wide but there are trails that go all over.”
Plan your run at Waughop Lake Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
Running trails near Lakewood
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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Sunnyside Beach Park
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Farrell's Marsh North Trailhead
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Picnic-friendly, scenic park set on the water, offering views of both islands and bridges.