Blake Island Race Tour: Tides and Trails Adventure
Shared Trip
Combo of Land & Sea
Exclusive 25runner limit island race with 10K or half marathon optionsPremium package includes custom gear, boat transport, and seafood lunchScenic Blake Island trail running experience starting at $225
Picture this: you're standing on the deck of a classic Northwest Uniflite sportfisher, salt spray on your face as Blake Island comes into view. This isn't just another race—it's a guided tour experience that combines the best of Puget Sound's maritime culture with trail running adventure. Limited to just 25 participants, our Tides and Trails Island Race tour gives you exclusive access to Blake Island's pristine trails, plus all the premium touches that make KYS Outdoor Adventures a customer favorite in the Pacific Northwest.
Blake Island sits like a hidden gem in the middle of Puget Sound, and getting there is half the adventure. Your tour begins the moment you step aboard our iconic Uniflite sportfisher—these boats are legends in Northwest waters, known for their smooth ride and classic styling. As we cruise across the sound, you'll get the full tour guide treatment with stories about the island's history, from Coast Salish fishing camps to its role as a state park. The 10K and half marathon routes wind through old-growth forest trails that most visitors never see, giving you access to parts of the island that feel completely wild. Fall timing means cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and that crisp Pacific air that makes every breath feel clean. This top-rated combo experience lets you tackle challenging terrain while soaking up the maritime culture that defines this region.
Blake Island's trail system is what makes this tour so special for runners. The 10K route follows mostly single-track paths through dense forest, with some technical sections over roots and rocks that'll test your footing. Elevation changes aren't extreme, but you'll definitely feel the rolling hills as you wind through Douglas fir and madrone groves. The half marathon extends the experience with additional loops that take you closer to the shoreline, where you can catch glimpses of the sound through the trees. Trail surfaces vary from packed dirt to more challenging root systems—think typical Pacific Northwest terrain that rewards sure-footed runners. Weather in fall can shift quickly out here, so we always brief participants on what to expect based on current conditions. The beauty of a guided tour approach is that we handle all the logistics while you focus on the running experience. GPS tracking keeps everyone safe, and our support crew knows these trails like the back of their hand.
Even though this is primarily a land-based tour, Blake Island's position in Puget Sound means you're surrounded by some of the region's best marine habitat. Harbor seals are year-round residents here, and you'll often spot them hauled out on the rocky shores during trail sections that hug the coastline. Fall brings migrating salmon runs through nearby waters—Chinook and coho salmon use these channels as highways to their spawning grounds, creating feeding opportunities that draw marine mammals closer to shore. Orcas from the Southern Resident population occasionally hunt in these waters, though sightings during the tour aren't guaranteed. What you will see are the massive kelp beds that fringe the island's underwater slopes, visible from elevated trail sections as dark patches in the clear water. Great blue herons work the shallows year-round, and bald eagles nest in the tall firs that line your running route. The combination of old-growth forest meeting saltwater creates habitat diversity that supports everything from river otters to Steller sea lions, making this tour a wildlife experience as much as an athletic challenge.
This world-class tour experience sells out every season, and with only 25 spots available, early booking is essential. The combination of exclusive island access, premium boat transport, and that post-race seafood lunch from Evergreen Seafoods creates value that goes way beyond a typical running event. Early bird pricing at $225 makes this tour an outstanding deal when you consider everything included—custom race gear, round-trip boat charter, guided island experience, and a meal featuring some of the best seafood in the Pacific Northwest. Fall 2025 dates will be announced soon, and these spots historically fill within days of release. Whether you're tackling the 10K or pushing for the half marathon distance, this trending Blake Island tour gives you bragging rights and memories that last long after you cross the finish line. Contact KYS Outdoor Adventures today to secure your spot on what many consider the best combo land-and-sea experience in Puget Sound.
Washington