17 Best Hikes Near Seattle

Add hiking to your itinerary if you visit Seattle as a result of it’s one of the best issues you can do in Washington state! Hike in metropolis parks, to stunning alpine lakes, as a lot as waterfalls, and through rainforests.

I know it could be overwhelming to decide on one hike, so I’ve narrowed it down to a couple of the most effective tried and true day hikes near Seattle for people of every skill level. Grab your boots and prepare to go hiking near Seattle!

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Rattlesnake Ledge
North Bend

Rattlesnake Ledge is amongst the most popular hikes near Seattle. It’s a simple drive from the town, a decent trek for advanced novices and novice hikers, and has great views of the Cascade Mountains and Rattlesnake Lake at the high.

Rattlesnake Ledge is an especially well-maintained trail, making this a good introductory hike for anyone new to Washington hiking. But its recognition also means it’s almost all the time crowded, so don’t anticipate full solitude on this hike.

👉 Make A Day Of It: It’s super straightforward to show this hike into a Seattle day trip! After you full the hike, head over to North Bend for burgers and pie at Twede’s Cafe. Explore the small town, and take a stroll over to Snoqualmie Falls in case you have the energy.

Discovery Park
Seattle

Tucked on the western finish of Seattle within the Magnolia neighborhood, Discovery Park is the biggest city park in Seattle, making it probably the greatest places to get away from town without truly leaving it.

The park boasts quite a few trails that wind through forests. Follow them to the cliffs and benefit from the view there, or head right down to the seaside to see the historic West Point Lighthouse. The park is great for dates, jogging, and birding. You might even see bald eagles, herons, or cooper’s hawks in your go to.

❗ Know Before You Go: Washington Trails Association (or WTA) is a gem of a useful resource for anyone going on a hike wherever within the state. Look up recent journey stories from other hikers to see present trail conditions and closures, obtain a map, find extra Seattle hikes, and extra. You can also study the basics if you’re new to hiking and have questions on getting started. Absolutely check out this resource earlier than you hit the trails!

Fremont Lookout
Ashford

The Fremont lookout hike is ideal for the particular person who wants a semi-challenging hike with an amazing payoff. This well-liked hike will take you along the NE facet of Mount Rainier and up to an old fire lookout the place you’ll have unbelievable views of Mount Rainier National Park. You would possibly even spot mountain goats or black bears from the top!

👉 Pro Tip: Washington is house to three national parks that are all value visiting. However, because of its relative proximity in comparability with the opposite two, I suggest hikes around Mt Rainier National Park over the Olympic National Park or North Cascades National Park when planning day hikes from Seattle. The latter two are a much longer drive away.

Poo Poo Point
Issaquah

Go forward and giggle on the admittedly foolish name, but the Poo Poo Point hike is particularly worth taking up a clear day. The name is a reference to the sound of steam whistles heard from tigers in earlier years when logging was a primary exercise in the space.

Poo Poo Point will take you alongside the west side of Tiger Mountain by way of a well-shaded old-growth forest with plenty of little streams and creeks to cross by way of. The hike ends in a large clearing with city, lake, and mountain views. Stop to picnic on the prime and, if your timing is true, you just would possibly get to look at paragliders take off.

📚 Related Reading:Interested in hiking up Poo Poo Point and paragliding down? Check out my article about Things To Do in Bellevue to be taught simply how you are capable of do this!

Snow Lake
North Bend

Snow Lake is an excellent hike for those fascinated in the alpine lakes wilderness. Not removed from the Snoqualmie Pass, this hike will take you thru an attractive northwest forest and alongside a rocky trail to a gorgeous alpine lake with mountain, tree, and open sky views.

The popular trail can get crowded, particularly throughout summer. And while it may be tempting to do this one outside of peak season, it’s at avalanche risk in the course of the winter so be certain to examine trail situations before setting out.

Summerland
Ashford

While any hike around Mount Rainier is a delight, the Summerland hike is among the many greatest. You’ll journey by way of a forest, across streams, and as much as an expansive alpine meadow. You have an opportunity of recognizing chipmunks, marmots, hummingbirds, and probably a fox or bear.

I like to finish the hike with lunch within the meadow, however you can also proceed up the Panhandle Gap for extra mountain vistas. For intermediate hikers, Summerland is simply long and diversified enough to be an thrilling outdoor adventure.

👉 Pro Tip: Interested in additional hiking round Mt Rainier? I highly recommend trying out the Skyline Trail or Spray Park. Both are equally as breathtaking!

Lincoln Park
Seattle

Make your way down to West Seattle to discover the lovely Lincoln Park. This metropolis park is on the southwest end of the peninsula, and you have the option of staying among the many timber or strolling alongside the water where enchanting views of Vashon Island and the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains will maintain you company.

At low tide and you might catch a glimpse of herons fishing. This is a family-friendly hike and the park has a playground within it, as well as a wading pool and heated outside saltwater pool open in the summertime.

Franklin Falls
North Bend

Beginner hikers or households with young youngsters who want to transition from metropolis park hiking will adore this short hike. This easy hike has a fantastic payoff within the form of the attractive Franklin Falls.

The move is finest from April to July, and because there’s plenty of shade along the trail it’s not too miserable to do during hotter days. Washington Trails Association works hard to keep the trail maintained for even the littlest humans so you can relaxation assured that this will be a safe hiking trip.

👉 Spending More Time in Seattle? Don’t miss all my free Seattle journey guides.

Kendall Katwalk
North Bend

Up for a challenge? Kendall Katwalk should deliver! This steep alpine ridge hike takes you up by way of old-growth forests and along a catwalk with views of Rainier and snowy valleys. At the top, there are meadows, alpine lakes, and some great spots to camp.

If you’re doing a day hike, remember to deliver loads of water as a result of there’s very little shade alongside the trail. Both day hikers and backpackers ought to watch out for bugs by the lakes in the summertime – they could be a pain!

👉 My Favorite Gear: I wish to struggle off annoying mosquitoes and other bugs with Ranger Ready Repellent. This spray lasts for up to eight hours, so you’ll be protected all through your whole hike.

Seward Park
Seattle

Seward Park is yet one more metropolis park that may make you forget that you’re in a busy city. Located southeast of downtown, the park has a 2.5-mile strolling loop with barely more durable trails via non-paved, forest-y terrain. Heed the warnings for poison oak in sure places and you’ll have a nice, gratifying hike.

This is a superb park for operating, biking, dog-walking, and nature recognizing. Step outdoors the tree cover and stroll alongside Lake Washington and go for a swim during warmer climate.

Lake 22
Granite Falls

Nestled on the foot of Mount Pilchuck, the hike to Lake 22 will take you on a gentle climb through alpine wetlands, old-growth forests, and rainforests. The trail is extremely wet which implies you’ll catch sight of loads of ferns, mossy timber, and little waterfalls along the best way, but you’ll want to prepare for any muddy paths by bringing the best gear.

👉 My Favorite Gear: If you’re hiking within the Pacific Northwest, you’re going to run into some wet and muddy trails. I highly suggest these Salomon Quest hiking boots. They’ll hold your toes heat and dry in all sorts of weather.

Mount Si & Little Si
North Bend

Most Seattleites know of Mount Si as one of the most well-liked hikes near Seattle. It’s near town, good for intermediate and skilled hikers, and nice for anyone looking for a exercise. The trail is well-maintained, however as a outcome of it’s so steep I recommend poles for anyone who desires to spare their knees.

Little Si is like Mount Si’s youthful sibling. This hike isn’t fairly as intense, but you’ll nonetheless get a decent exercise as you wander through a forest, previous a bouldering area, after which make a steep climb to the highest. Take a peek at Mount Si if it’s a transparent day if you reach the top (and possibly plan to hike that one subsequent time!).

👉 Pro Tip: Mount Si and Little Si are both serviced by Trailhead Direct, a bus service that can take you from Seattle to the trailhead so that you don’t have to fret about driving. The service typically operates from early June to late September, and you can use the online maps to plan your trip.

Mailbox Peak
North Bend

You’ll be rewarded on your onerous work on this hike with this unbelievable view

Expect an intense hike when you choose the Mailbox Peak trail. This one is for extra conditioned hikers and while the climb, particularly the last half mile, is brutal, the panoramic views on the high make it price it.

On a clear day, you’ll see Middle Fork Valley, and snow-capped Mount Rainier. And if the fog decides to obscure your view? Well, a minimum of you’ll have made it to the mailbox at the prime where you just may discover goodies left behind by one other hiker.

Gold Creek Pond
Snoqualmie Pass

Gold Creek Pond is an accessible, well-maintained loop trail not removed from the Snoqualmie Pass. The trail is paved all along the loop, making it great for folks in wheelchairs, people pushing strollers, and youthful youngsters.

You’ll end up down by the water where there are numerous picnic areas and spots to relax amongst views of the lovely alpine lake. This is a surprising area for photographs so be positive to soak it in and capture as many photos as you can.

Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls
Gold Bar

Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls are two remarkable hikes that you can do individually or in conjunction with each other. You’ll actually be challenged, and you may run into crowds alongside these in style trails however they’re worth it.

If you do each, take a look at the Falls first. You’ll climb plenty of steps and be rewarded with a waterfall you could stand by as you let the spray cool you down from an exhausting first half of your trip. You’ll see why it made my record of the most effective Washington waterfalls!

Afterward, observe the trail again to the breathtaking Lake Serene. Both trails can get wet and slippery so be certain to watch your step.

Wallace Falls State Park
Gold Bar

Wallace Falls State Park is sort of a choose your own journey kind of hike. Follow the Woody Trail to see the outstanding Wallace Falls.

You have a alternative for three totally different viewings of the falls, each a bit more durable of a hike than the following. Those with children and newbie hikers can take a nice hike to the lower falls. If you continue further to the center falls, you’ll discover arguably the best of all of the views. Continue to the higher falls if you need to extend your hike and see the falls from yet another vantage level.

👉 Read Next: fifty one Best Things to Do in Seattle (By a Local)

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve
Coupeville

The mountains aren’t your sole possibility for hikes near Seattle. Travel an hour north and take the Mukilteo ferry to Whidbey Island, one of the best places to visit in Washington state.

The Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve hike takes you thru open fields and alongside the bluffs with breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Mountains. You would possibly even see sea lions enjoying within the water or eagles hovering overhead. This is a good scenic hike to take year-round. Just know that the trail can get slim and you’ll in all probability need to bring a jacket with you – you’re utterly exposed to the weather.

🛏️ Read Next: The Best Places to Stay in Seattle, Washington

Seattle Area Hiking FAQs
Is there good hiking near Seattle?
There is plenty of good hiking near Seattle, Washington. There are many choices for every level of hiker inside an hour of Seattle.

How many hiking trails are in Seattle?
There are approximately 73 hiking trails within the Seattle metropolis limits.

How close is Seattle to the mountains?
Seattle is close to many different mountains. Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain are about half-hour from Seattle. Mount Si is forty five minutes away. Mt Rainier is about 2 hours away from Seattle.

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👉 Read Next: The Best Activities to Explore in Washington State

This is just a shortlist of nice hikes within the Seattle space. When visiting the Pacific Northwest, hiking is a must, so don’t be afraid to get on the trails!

What are some of your favorite hikes within the area? Scroll down and go away a comment! And make positive to try our other hiking guides:

Happy hiking!

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17 Best Hikes Near Seattle

Tagged on: hikes seattle