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West Lake Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 292 Google reviews · Running trail in Portage, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from West Lake Nature Preserve'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.
Lakefront acreage with a wetland bog habitat, wooded trail & a dock promenade with scenic views.
What runners say about West Lake Nature Preserve
“The kids section has equipment that looks well maintained and safe, and the public bathrooms were astonishingly clean.”
“Gorgeous micro ecosystems including pitcher plants and black squirrels small but gorgeous”
“Quiet, peaceful, hardly anyone there, loved walking out to the benches on the water of west lake.”
This, is a beautiful park. Out, on the nature trails, you forget that you're in Portage. Found some wild blueberries and some fungus along the way.
Good spot that hadn't come across. It was pretty dead there too, might be why. Not a bad thing though. Our kid had the play structure all to herself. Small structure but good for our young 4 yr old. Had some different climbing feathers she really had fun with. Pretty good walking trails.
Beautiful area for birthdays or just a fun day out with the family. The kids section has equipment that looks well maintained and safe, and the public bathrooms were astonishingly clean. There are lots of cool paths that lead to neat areas to see animals in their natural habitat.
Great park with beautiful trails and floating walkways into a wetland. The playground is really good and is appropriate for ages 2-12. There are stuck structures all around the woods here that animals use, and so do the children.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous micro ecosystems including pitcher plants and black squirrels small but gorgeous”
“It's a great park, although they could have better signs on how to get to the trails that connect to the rest of the trails/bike ways in Portage.”
“Trails vary from paved parts to not, but are relatively well maintained and jogging stroller friendly.”
“Fun playground and nice trails in the trees so plenty of shade no matter what time of day you decide to go for a walk!”
“Quiet, peaceful, hardly anyone there, loved walking out to the benches on the water of west lake.”
“Didn't do the full thing but what we did was all wood chipped, so even with the recent rain, it wasn't muddy.”
Plan your run at West Lake Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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.
- Websiteportagemi.gov
- Phone+1 269-329-4522
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Portage
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bishop's Bog Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Park featuring a trail for walking and admiring nature.
Eliason Nature Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 138 reviews
Paved trail through the woods featuring a boardwalk over a bog.
Central Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
Compact, kid-friendly park featuring a playground, picnic tables, and an amphitheater.
Schrier Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 262 reviews
Relaxed, wooded park, with picnic tables, featuring trails, benches, and a playground.
