Top 14 'Volcano-Venturing' Trail Running Routes to explore Across Dormant Peaks in the Pacific Northwest Outdoors
There’s a certain magic to running on a volcano. It's not just the leg-burning climbs or the lung-searing altitude; it's the profound sense of running on a sleeping giant. The Pacific Northwest, strung together by the magnificent Cascade Range, is a trail runner's paradise, a landscape sculpted by fire and ice. These dormant peaks, from Washington's colossal Mount Rainier to Oregon's shattered Crater Lake, offer some of the most dramatic, challenging, and rewarding running experiences on the planet.
Here, the trails are more than just dirt paths. They are journeys through otherworldly landscapes of pumice fields, ancient lava flows, wildflower-strewn meadows, and sprawling glaciers. Each footstep is a reminder of the immense geological power slumbering just beneath the surface. This isn't your average weekend jog in the park; this is an adventure that tests your limits, rewards you with unparalleled vistas, and connects you to the raw, untamed heart of the wild.
Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner looking for your next epic circumnavigation or a weekend warrior seeking a breathtaking view without a multi-day commitment, there's a volcanic trail here for you. So, lace up your shoes, pack your layers, and get ready to explore. Here are 14 of the absolute best volcano-venturing trail running routes across the majestic peaks of the Pacific Northwest.
1. The Skyline Trail Loop, Mount Rainier National Park, WA
The Skyline Trail is arguably the most famous trail on Mount Rainier, and for good reason. Starting from the Paradise visitor center, this 5.5-mile loop is a sensory overload in the best way possible. It throws everything at you: jaw-dropping, in-your-face views of the Nisqually Glacier, sprawling meadows bursting with wildflowers in mid-summer, and the constant, humbling presence of the 14,411-foot volcano looming above.
While it's a popular and well-maintained trail, don't underestimate its challenge. The loop packs in about 1,700 feet of climbing, all at a starting elevation of 5,400 feet. The ascent to Panorama Point is a steady grind, but every glance over your shoulder reveals a widening vista of the Tatoosh Range. I remember my first time on this trail, feeling completely dwarfed by the scale of Rainier – it’s an experience that, as Goh Ling Yong often says, "recalibrates your perspective."
- Pro-Tip: Go clockwise for a more gradual ascent and to keep the best views of the mountain in front of you. Arrive at Paradise extremely early (before 8 AM on a summer weekend) to secure parking. Be prepared for snowfields well into July.
2. Burroughs Mountain Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, WA
If Skyline is the floral postcard, Burroughs Mountain is the raw, alpine moonscape. This trail offers what might be the most intimate, non-technical view of the massive Winthrop and Emmons glaciers. The route takes you across a series of three "burroughs"—ancient lava beds scraped bare by ice—each one getting you progressively closer to the face of Rainier.
Starting from the Sunrise visitor center, the run to the Second Burroughs and back is about 7 miles with 1,200 feet of gain. Pushing to the Third Burroughs adds another 2 miles and 800 feet, but the reward is a feeling of being right on top of the mountain. The terrain is rocky and exposed, so be ready for sun and wind. This is where you go to feel the sheer, overwhelming power of the volcano.
- Pro-Tip: This is prime mountain goat territory. Keep your distance and have your camera ready. The Sunrise area opens later in the season than Paradise (typically late June or early July), so plan accordingly.
3. Loowit Trail, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA
For the truly adventurous, the Loowit Trail is a bucket-list epic. This 32-mile loop circumnavigates Mount St. Helens, traversing the starkly beautiful and geologically fascinating blast zone. This is not a manicured path; it's a rugged, demanding, and remote trail that requires route-finding skills, self-sufficiency, and a healthy respect for the wild.
You'll run through pumice plains, cross boulder-choked gullies that can be raging rivers in the spring, and navigate regenerating forests. The experience is a powerful lesson in destruction and rebirth. The northern section, through the blast zone, is particularly haunting and unforgettable. Most runners tackle it in a single, massive day, but it also makes for a fantastic fastpacking trip over two days.
- Pro-Tip: Water is the biggest challenge. Sources are infrequent and can be silty, especially later in the summer. Plan your water strategy meticulously and carry a reliable filter. The trail is often impassable due to snow until mid-July.
4. Harry's Ridge Trail, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA
If a 32-mile sufferfest isn't your idea of fun, Harry's Ridge offers the best reward-to-effort ratio at Mount St. Helens. At 8 miles round trip with 1,600 feet of gain, this trail provides absolutely stunning, panoramic views directly into the volcano's crater, the growing lava dome, and the shimmering Spirit Lake below.
The trail starts at the Johnston Ridge Observatory and is named for Harry R. Truman, the cantankerous lodge owner who refused to evacuate before the 1980 eruption. The sense of history is palpable as you run along the ridge, imagining the cataclysm that reshaped this entire landscape. It's an exposed and often windy run, but the views are simply non-stop.
- Pro-Tip: The observatory parking lot can get busy. Go on a weekday if possible. Bring a windbreaker, even on a sunny day, as the ridge is notoriously breezy.
5. Ptarmigan Ridge, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
This is a personal favorite and a true Pacific Northwest gem. The Ptarmigan Ridge trail delivers some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the state, with constant, dramatic views of Mount Baker's glaciated north face and the iconic, jagged peak of Mount Shuksan. The trail itself is a joy, a gently undulating singletrack that skirts the edge of the ridge.
Starting from the Artist Point parking lot (which sits at a lofty 5,100 feet), the run is an out-and-back of up to 12 miles with about 1,800 feet of gain. The path cuts through fields of heather and past small alpine tarns, all set against a backdrop of deep blue ice and volcanic rock. The unique reddish hue of the terrain makes you feel like you're running on Mars.
- Pro-Tip: Artist Point has a very short snow-free season, often from early August to early October. Check the road status before you go. This is a fantastic place for a sunset run, but be sure to pack a headlamp for the return trip.
6. Round the Mountain Trail (South Side), Mount Adams, WA
Mount Adams is Rainier's less-visited, bulkier southern neighbor, and its trails offer a much wilder, more solitary experience. While a full circumnavigation is a major undertaking, the south side trails provide a perfect taste of the mountain's beauty. A great run is from the South Climb trailhead to the aptly named "Lunch Counter," a high alpine plateau.
This route takes you through the burn scar of a recent fire before emerging into glorious wildflower meadows and crossing several glacial streams. The trail gets rockier and more primitive as you ascend. A run up to the Round the Mountain/High Camp junction and back is about 8 miles with 2,500 feet of gain. The views south to Mount Hood on a clear day are breathtaking.
- Pro-Tip: The roads to the trailheads on Adams are notoriously rough. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended. The wildflowers in this area, particularly the lupine, are legendary in late July and August.
7. Timberline Trail, Mount Hood, OR
The Timberline Trail is to Oregon what the Wonderland Trail is to Washington: the classic, grand-tour circumnavigation. This ~40-mile loop around Mount Hood is a world-class trail running objective, featuring massive elevation swings, sketchy glacial river crossings, lush old-growth forests, and barren volcanic scree fields.
Running the full loop in a day is a rite of passage for many PNW ultrarunners, but it can also be broken into more manageable sections. Highlights include the vibrant meadows of Paradise Park, the moon-like expanse of the Eliot Glacier crossing, and the dramatic, waterfall-laced canyons on the west side. No matter how you tackle it, the Timberline Trail is an unforgettable adventure.
- Pro-Tip: The river crossings are the crux of the trail. They are most dangerous in the afternoon on hot, sunny days when glacial melt is at its peak. Start early, be prepared to get your feet wet, and never attempt to cross a river that looks too powerful.
8. McNeil Point, Mount Hood, OR
For a shorter but brutally steep taste of Mount Hood's alpine zone, the trail to McNeil Point is hard to beat. This 9.6-mile out-and-back climbs over 2,200 feet to a rustic stone shelter perched on a ridge with phenomenal, up-close views of the Sandy and Glisan Glaciers.
The final push to the shelter involves some light scrambling up a rocky ridge, which adds to the sense of adventure. The reward is a feeling of being truly out there, with the mountain's icy face filling your entire field of view. It’s a tough, quad-burning run that delivers a massive payoff.
- Pro-Tip: There are a few different routes to the point. The path from the Top Spur trailhead is the most direct. Be mindful of the exposure on the final ridge section if you are afraid of heights.
9. South Sister Climber's Trail, Three Sisters Wilderness, OR
Want to run to the top of a 10,358-foot volcano? South Sister is Oregon's highest "walk-up" peak and a phenomenally popular objective. The 12-mile round trip route gains nearly 5,000 feet, making it a serious physical challenge, but it requires no technical climbing skills.
The trail starts in a forest before opening up to a long, sandy slog up the mountain's southern ridge. The final push across the rocky summit plateau to the true summit rewards you with a view into the Teardrop Pool (often frozen) in the summit crater and a panoramic vista that includes Middle and North Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor. Bagging this peak is a quintessential Central Oregon experience.
- Pro-Tip: Start at sunrise to avoid the afternoon heat and crowds. The loose scree can be miserable to climb but makes for a fun, fast, and bouncy descent. Trekking poles are your best friend on both the ascent and descent. A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is now required.
10. Green Lakes Trail, Three Sisters Wilderness, OR
If a 5,000-foot climb isn't on the agenda, the Green Lakes Trail offers a gentler but no less stunning alternative. This 9-mile out-and-back follows Fall Creek up a beautiful valley nestled between South Sister and Broken Top, culminating at a series of pristine alpine lakes.
The trail has a moderate grade, making it highly runnable. You'll pass several waterfalls before the landscape opens up, revealing the emerald-green lakes sitting at the base of the two volcanoes. It’s an idyllic spot and a perfect run for a hot summer day when you can take a (very) cold dip in one of the lakes before heading back down.
- Pro-Tip: This is one of the most popular trails in Central Oregon. Start early. Due to permit restrictions, you may have better luck securing a pass for this trailhead than for some others.
11. Tam McArthur Rim Trail, Three Sisters Wilderness, OR
For the best panoramic views of the Three Sisters and Broken Top, head to the Tam McArthur Rim Trail. This trail is a bit of a hidden gem compared to its more famous neighbors, offering a different perspective from the east side of the wilderness.
The 5-mile out-and-back climbs about 1,300 feet to a dramatic cliff edge overlooking a string of small lakes, with the entire volcanic skyline laid out before you. The trail continues beyond the main viewpoint for those looking to add more mileage. It's a fantastic spot to escape the biggest crowds while still getting five-star volcanic views.
- Pro-Tip: The trail is exposed and can be very hot in the summer. Carry plenty of water. The road to the trailhead can be quite washboarded, so take it slow.
12. Broken Top Crater Trail, OR
This is the trail you’ve seen all over Instagram, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. The run to the glacial lake (often called No Name Lake) inside the shattered crater of Broken Top is one of the most visually stunning runs in the entire Pacific Northwest. The turquoise water of the lake, backed by the jagged, multi-colored walls of the caldera, is a sight to behold.
The most common route starts from the Tam McArthur Rim Trailhead or near Three Creek Lake and is about 6 miles round trip. The final approach involves a short, unofficial scramble up a moraine to the lake basin. The combination of the otherworldly lake, the Bend Glacier, and the crumbling volcanic peaks creates a truly unforgettable scene.
- Pro-Tip: A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required to reach the closest trailheads, significantly shortening the run. Without one, you're looking at a much longer day. The lake typically thaws out in late July.
13. Garfield Peak Trail, Crater Lake National Park, OR
Crater Lake is the result of the cataclysmic collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago, and running here feels like visiting another world. While long runs are limited, the Garfield Peak Trail is a must-do. It’s a short but steep 3.4-mile out-and-back that climbs 1,000 feet from the Rim Village.
From the summit, you are rewarded with what is arguably the best panoramic view of the entire lake. The impossibly deep blue of the water, the perfect cone of Wizard Island, and the sheer caldera walls are laid out beneath you. It's the perfect way to stretch your legs and grasp the immense scale of this natural wonder.
- Pro-Tip: This is a fantastic sunrise or sunset run. The light on the caldera walls is magical during the golden hours. Be aware that the park's elevation is high (the rim is at 7,000 feet), so you may feel the altitude.
14. Paulina Peak, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, OR
For a different kind of volcanic experience, head to Newberry Volcano, a massive shield volcano just south of Bend. The run or gut-busting hike to the top of Paulina Peak (7,984 feet) offers a unique perspective. From the summit, you can see the entire caldera, including Paulina Lake, East Lake, and the Big Obsidian Flow.
A great running loop is the 6.5-mile circuit that incorporates the Paulina Lake Loop trail and the steeper trail up to the peak, gaining about 1,600 feet. On a clear day, the view from the top is one of the most expansive in all of Oregon, stretching from the Three Sisters to the distant ranges of California.
- Pro-Tip: You can also drive to the summit, making this a great spot for a one-way, downhill-focused run. Don't miss the Big Obsidian Flow trail at the base of the peak—a 1-mile loop through a field of glassy black volcanic rock.
Start Your Volcanic Adventure
Running in the Pacific Northwest is about more than just logging miles; it's about immersing yourself in one of the most dynamic and beautiful landscapes on Earth. These volcanic trails offer a unique blend of challenge, beauty, and a humbling connection to the powerful forces that shaped this land. They remind us of our small place in a very big, very wild world.
Remember to always be prepared. The weather on these peaks can change in an instant. Carry the ten essentials, tell someone your plan, and practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these incredible places for generations to come.
Now it's your turn. What's your favorite volcanic trail in the PNW? Did a hidden gem miss the list? Share your experiences, tips, and dream runs in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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