A Runner's Guide to Snohomish County
If you’re a runner and you like to travel, then there’s one thing you know. When you roll into a new destination you want to get the lay of the land. Where’s a good spot to log miles? Are there any traffic-free paths nearby? Any scenic routes for trail runners?
Runners rejoice – here's your guide to running in Snohomish County. It includes both places (best spots to run) and races (for those of you who like to do destination marathons).
Please enjoy the fresh air and stunning views that the Pacific Northwest is known for. And be sure to recreate responsibly. Have fun out there!
1. Places
Centennial Trail
Imagine a twenty-mile paved path that takes you from the small, vintage-vibe riverside town of Snohomish all the way north to the small, vintage-vibe riverside town of Arlington. And beyond. Lucky you!
The Centennial Trail has earned a spot in the heart of locals for its well-maintained paved path (thanks Snohomish County Parks!) and gentle slopes. The “worst” of the hills are gentle inclines. Perfect for logging some milage.
There’s no traffic to worry about so you can lock into your pace, crank the music on your phone, and slip into a trance as you zip past farmland, woodland, lakes, rivers, and creeks.
Whitehorse Trail
This lesser-known trail runs down the valley, traveling parallel to the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River. The route is almost completely flat, allowing you to soak in the eye candy that is the foothills of the Cascades on the way to the small lumber town of Darrington.
It’s likely that Whitehorse – a newer path – will one day be filled with packs of runners. But for now this remote trail is your for the enjoying in solitude and tranquility.
Lord Hill trail network
This trail system is arguably the crown jewel of Snohomish County Parks. With miles of woven interconnected trails this place is great for off-road racing. And, with plenty of hills in varying gradations, you’re sure to get some hill repeats and calf-building exercise in.
Lord Hill Trails wind through second-growth PNW forest, including alder forest, groves of cedar and ferns, open grassy fields, intermittent marshland and, well, basically over hill and dale. It is a hot spot for deer and beaver.
Please note that you can get lost in this park, especially if you’re absorbed in the natural beauty around you. Look out for landmarks and download a GPS map for wayfinding.
2. Races
Milltown Marathon – Run by the Water
Have we hyped the Everett Waterfront enough? Run here and you’ll see why the largest marina on the west coast is drawing folks to the shores of Puget Sound for recreation.
Milltown Marathon takes you around a peninsula that juts into the Salish Sea, making a route through waterfront parks, residential areas, and a broad running path known as the Milltown Trail. If you’re looking to experience 13.1 or 26.2 miles of the Pacific Northwest coastline – this is your jam!
Interested? Sign up today for this big-deal-running-event in late March.
Glacier Peak Marathon – Run in the Mountains
If you’re a hard-core trail runner and aren’t afraid of a bit of a slog through scratchy underbrush, then this is the race for you. Deep in the Cascade Mountains lies the small lumber town of Darrington. Even further out than that is the Whitechuck River.
The Glacier Peak Marathon takes runners for a backcountry summery spin/slog through treed trails with delightful views. Is it the exertion taking your breath away or the summer-bright slopes of the mountains rising out of whitewater rapids? Yes to all of the above.
This event is usually held in August, so be sure to look for registration to open online in June. The temps can be super high in the summer, so make sure that you’re in a good place to run a half or full marathon and be sure to bring your water bottle.
