HomeWashingtonRidgefield › Whipple Creek Regional Park

Whipple Creek Regional Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 750 Google reviews · Running trail in Ridgefield, Washington · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
4.3 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Whipple Creek Regional Park'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.

Natural surface4.3 miScenicDog-friendlyStroller / ADAHillyTrailhead parkingMile markersQuiet

Park offering a network of woodland trails, featuring dog walking and equestrian use.

What runners say about Whipple Creek Regional Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (750 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 7 mentions

“Beautiful park, well marked trails, watch where you step trails are also used for horses and some don't clean up after them, relaxing.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“Beautiful park, well marked trails, watch where you step trails are also used for horses and some don't clean up after them, relaxing.”

🪧 well-marked 3 mentions

“Beautiful park, well marked trails, watch where you step trails are also used for horses and some don't clean up after them, relaxing.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“It was not crowded at all, considering it was a sunny Sunday afternoon, making for a peaceful and pleasant experience.”

🐕 dog-walking favorite 5 mentions

“Probably the best nearby park to Vancouver for dog walking or running”

Update (9/7/23): I had to go back here today and venture out further. I hiked many new awesome unspoiled trails of exceptional beauty, but still have more to go. With it starting to get dark sooner, I had to head back to the parking lot, even though I wanted to keep going.

★★★★★ — Cynthia , Sep 2023

Whipple Creek is a beautifully maintained trail. It's conveniently located 5-10 minutes west of the I5, but is so secluded by hills and towering trees you wouldn't be able to tell! This trail is accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, leashed dogs, and hourse riders- watch out for poop on the trail.

★★★★★ — Mason , Jun 2023

What a great park! Open trails for walkers, runners, bikes and horses. I just wish the horses picked up the horse poop. The foliage is lush and green and the trails are clean and wide. In the spring they weren’t too wet and seemed to drain well. There are good signs for trails and maps all around.

★★★★★ — Lori , Oct 2024

Super pretty moderate hike. There are some areas that get pretty steep but for the most part is manageable! The trail did have some horse poop in random spots but other than that was pretty well maintained.

★★★★☆ — Kelsey , Aug 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 750 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🐕 Dog-friendly 15 mentions

“This trail is accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, leashed dogs, and hourse riders- watch out for poop on the trail.”

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🏞️ Scenic views 12 mentions

“Beautiful park, well marked trails, watch where you step trails are also used for horses and some don't clean up after them, relaxing.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 5 mentions

“Got there a little after 9 am on a Saturday and the parking was great but when I was leaving around 10:45 it was full!”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 4 mentions

“It's conveniently located 5-10 minutes west of the I5, but is so secluded by hills and towering trees you wouldn't be able to tell!”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“It was not crowded at all, considering it was a sunny Sunday afternoon, making for a peaceful and pleasant experience.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 3 mentions

“It can be pretty muddy here in January which makes the path pretty slick so be careful.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“This trail is accessible to hikers, mountain bikers, leashed dogs, and hourse riders- watch out for poop on the trail.”

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📏 Mile markers 2 mentions

“Beautiful park, well marked trails, watch where you step trails are also used for horses and some don't clean up after them, relaxing.”

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Plan your run at Whipple Creek Regional Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • Distance4.3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • 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.
  • Websiteclark.wa.gov
  • Phone+1 360-397-2285
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 7 am–8 pm
Tuesday 7 am–8 pm
Wednesday 7 am–8 pm
Thursday 7 am–8 pm
Friday 7 am–8 pm
Saturday 7 am–8 pm
Sunday 7 am–8 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Whipple Creek Regional Park

17202 NW 21st Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Get directions

Running trails near Ridgefield

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Salmon Creek Greenway Trail

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Popular family-friendly 6-mile path for cycling and nature walks, with forest views.

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Cougar Creek Trail

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Natural area with a path along Cougar Creek and tables for picnicking.

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Salmon Creek Greenway Trail

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Paved route featuring creeks and ponds that are home to wildlife, including beaver dams and turtles.

2.8 miles away

Cougar Trails Loop

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Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway - Stewart Glen to Leverich Park

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Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,375 reviews

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Guided hikes & wildlife observation are popular at this sprawling refuge with a variety of habitats.

4.9 miles away

All running trails in Ridgefield, WA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.