Discussion: Running in Seattle / Olympic

So I'm away from cold, dreich Edinburgh on the w/e February 12-14. In Seattle (!?). Does anyone have any suggestions for good trail running, maybe in Olympic Park?

Willing to consider anything within (or outwith) reason: last two times I tried this line (in SF) Vladimir dragged me for a four hour run until I begged for the bus home, and next time entered me in a trail marathon.

(either post or email me: gjackland@ed.ac.uk)

Regardless of the running, Seattle has the best beer in North America as far as I my research went.

Unfortunately, you'll be here between orienteering weekends.

As far as trail running goes, there are lots of options, depending on what you're looking for. The Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges will have snow, so I'd recommend something a bit closer to the city and Puget Sounds lowlands, like the Issaquah Alps (Tiger, Squak and Cougar mountains). I'll probably be around and wanting to do a long trail run, so we should get together.

"Long" for me is usually less than 4 hours. 2-3 is plenty.

Some links to trail running sources in the Greater Seattle Area

http://www.seattlerunningcompany.com/
http://www.nwtrailruns.com/

Note that if you expect to use public transit, plan ahead. Below is a link to King County Metro (Seattle)
http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/

The mountains (Olympic National Park) will have snow, low lands <2000' may be your best bet, however I have had 'all season' trails covered in snow as late as March - all depends on the weather.

As far as urban trails go in the Seattle area, my favorite are Bridle Trails State Park in Kirkland/Redmond (5 mile outer loop w/ numerous interior trails) and St Edward State Park in Kenmore (intricate network of trails with lots of hills and a permanent orienteering course). Of course I'm biased to parks near where I live than downtown.

Trail Map of Bridle Trails
http://www.bridletrails.org/B&W_Trails_Map_012006....

Permanent course map of St Edward available at the Ranger Station. I may have an online location for the permanent course but I'm not sure if that is public information.

Thanks for all that. Shame there's no orienteering on, I'll just have to bring the family over for the North Americans!

There looked like some great coastal trails in Olympic (at least, they look great in the Summer photos!) - are they also not sensible in February?

I understand your excitment and desire to head out to one of our most beautiful parks, however, it will be winter and you should exercise caution.

Online Trail Conditions from Olympic National Park. Use this to assess if the trail, or the road to the trail, you are intereseted in running, is open and safe for travel. Trails are not maintained in the winter, downed trees, landslides and other hazards may close or limit access. Check this out before heading out to the penninsula. Also, lodging is limited, and ferry routes are on winter schedule. I strongly advise going on line and reseraching your idea. I love a good adventure, and have attempted a "plan free" trip to this area in the spring, we ended up doing way more driving than planned.

_____FROM THE WEBSITE________

http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-t...

~ Road Information: Fall/Winter storms can cause road closures! Always call (360) 565-3131 for the latest Park road conditions.

~The Deer Park Road is CLOSED at the Park boundary for the season.
~The Obstruction Point Road is CLOSED for the season.
~The Staircase Road is CLOSED to vehicles for the season, 1.25 miles from the trailhead.