10 Best Hikes Near Seattle: A Local's Guide to Washington Trails (2025)

Discover the most breathtaking Seattle hiking trails from someone who's hiked them all. From beginner-friendly paths to challenging summit adventures, this guide covers the best day hikes near Seattle for every season.

Why Seattle Is a Hiker's Paradise?

Seattle's nickname as the Emerald City isn't just about its urban greenery—it's a gateway to some of Washington's most spectacular hiking trails. Seattle hiking offers unparalleled diversity: snow-capped mountains, temperate rainforests, alpine lakes, and panoramic Puget Sound views are all within an hour's drive from downtown.

Each trail featured in this guide has been personally tested in different seasons and weather conditions. Whether you're a Seattle local looking for new weekend hikes or a visitor wanting to experience Washington's natural beauty, these trails showcase the best hiking near Seattle that the region has to offer.

1. Mount Si Trail: Seattle's Iconic Day Hike

Location: North Bend, WA (35 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 8 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 3,150 feet

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Best Season: Year-round (snowshoe in winter)

Parking Pass: [Northwest Forest Pass](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/)

Mount Si stands as the quintessential Seattle-area hike and serves as the perfect training ground for bigger mountain adventures. The trail begins in old-growth forest before steadily climbing through diverse ecosystems, eventually opening to breathtaking views of the Snoqualmie Valley.

Why Hike Mount Si?

The 4-mile ascent rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, Seattle skyline, and on clear days, Mount Rainier dominating the southern horizon. For those seeking an extra challenge, the "Haystack" rock scramble at the summit provides an additional 200 feet of climbing opportunity.

Mount Si Hiking Tips

• Start early: This popular trail gets crowded by mid-morning, especially on weekends

• Training hike: Many use Mount Si to train for Mount Rainier climbs

• Weather awareness: Check [Washington Trails Association](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-si) for current conditions

• Winter hiking: Microspikes or yaktrax recommended December through February

2. Discovery Park Loop Trail: Urban Wilderness Experience

Location: Magnolia neighborhood, Seattle

Trail Type: Loop

Distance: 2.8 miles (with beach extension: 4.4 miles)

Elevation Gain: 140 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Best Season: Year-round

Parking Pass: None required

As Seattle's largest city park, Discovery Park offers an accessible wilderness experience without leaving the city limits. The loop trail traverses through meadows, forests, and dramatic bluffs with spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

What Makes Discovery Park Special?

The ecological diversity makes this Seattle trail unique—in a single hike, you'll experience second-growth forests, open meadowlands, sea cliffs, active sand dunes, and a marine beach environment. The historic West Point Lighthouse provides a picturesque destination when taking the beach trail extension.

Discovery Park Trail Highlights

Wildlife viewing: Over 270 bird species and frequent seal sightings

Photography opportunities: Sunset at the beach with Olympic Mountain backdrop

Family-friendly: Gentle terrain with interpretive signage

Four-season hiking: Different ecosystems showcase seasonal changes

Loop variations: Connect with South Beach Trail for lighthouse access

3. Rattlesnake Ledge: Perfect Seattle Day Hike for Beginners

Location: North Bend, WA (35 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,160 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: Year-round

Parking Pass: None required

Rattlesnake Ledge offers one of the best effort-to-reward ratios of any hike near Seattle. The well-maintained trail leads to a dramatic clifftop viewpoint overlooking the turquoise waters of Rattlesnake Lake, Cedar River Watershed, and surrounding Cascade peaks.

Rattlesnake Ledge Trail Experience

The trail begins at Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and steadily climbs through second-growth forest with strategically placed switchbacks. After gaining 1,160 feet over two miles, hikers emerge onto the exposed rock ledge with its signature sweeping views.

Hiking Tips for Rattlesnake Ledge

• Safety first: The ledge has sheer drop-offs—stay well back from edges

• Avoid crowds: Hike on weekdays or arrive before 8am on weekends

• Photography: Early morning light creates stunning reflections on the lake

• Trail connections: Can connect to Rattlesnake Mountain Trail for longer adventures

• Family hiking: Suitable for active children with close supervision

4. Mailbox Peak Trail: Challenging Seattle-Area Summit Hike

Location: North Bend, WA (45 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 9.4 miles round trip (new trail)

Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet

Difficulty: Challenging

Best Season: May through October

Parking Pass: [Discover Pass](https://discoverpass.wa.gov/)

Mailbox Peak has earned legendary status among Seattle hikers for its punishing elevation gain and the quirky actual mailbox that crowns its summit. The newer, gentler trail opened in 2014, providing a less brutal—though still challenging—route to the top.

The Mailbox Peak Experience

The trail climbs relentlessly through dense forest before emerging into alpine meadows with expanding views. The final ridge approach reveals the iconic mailbox at the summit, where hikers traditionally leave small trinkets and notes before taking in the spectacular 360-degree mountain panorama.

Mailbox Peak Hiking Guide

• Trail options: New trail (9.4 miles RT) or old trail (5.2 miles RT but extremely steep)

• Summit tradition: Bring a small item to leave in the mailbox

• Training value: Excellent conditioning for summer mountaineering objectives

• Seasonal considerations: Snow-free usually June through October

• Weather safety: Check [Mountain Forecast](https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mailbox-Peak/forecasts/1082) before heading out

5. Twin Falls Trail: Family-Friendly Waterfall Hike Near Seattle

Location: North Bend, WA (30 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 2.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Best Season: Year-round

Parking Pass: [Discover Pass](https://discoverpass.wa.gov/)

Twin Falls State Park delivers accessible natural beauty with moderate effort. This gem along the South Fork Snoqualmie River showcases the powerful waterfalls that define Cascade Mountain hydrology, with well-maintained trails suitable for hikers of all abilities.

Twin Falls Hiking Experience

The trail follows the river through lush forest before revealing three distinct waterfall viewpoints—the Lower Falls, a dramatic river gorge, and finally the 135-foot Upper Falls. Sturdy bridges and viewing platforms make photography easy and safe.

Best Times to Hike Twin Falls

• Spring hiking: Maximum water flow creates impressive falls

• Summer advantage: Swimming holes near trailhead for post-hike cooling

• Fall colors: Mid-October brings vibrant foliage surrounding the falls

• Accessibility: Well-maintained trail with railings at steeper sections

• Kid-friendly: Numerous stopping points for young hikers

6. Poo Poo Point via Chirico Trail: Paragliders' Paradise Hike

Location: Issaquah, WA (20 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 3.8 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,760 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: Year-round

Parking Pass: None required

Despite its amusing name (derived from the sound of logging steam whistles), Poo Poo Point offers serious hiking adventure with unique entertainment—watching colorful paragliders launch from the summit meadows of Tiger Mountain.

Poo Poo Point Hiking Details

The direct Chirico Trail gains elevation quickly through forest before emerging at the south launch meadow. Distinctive yellow landing tubes mark the paragliding launch areas, while multiple clearings provide excellent viewing spots of Lake Sammamish, Issaquah, and on clear days, Mount Rainier.

Hiking Tips for Poo Poo Point

• Trail options: Chirico Trail (steeper, shorter) or High School Trail (longer, more gradual)

• Sunset advantage: Evening hikes offer paraglider viewing in golden light

• Training benefit: Excellent cardio workout on a time-limited schedule

• Accessibility: One of the closest substantial hikes to Seattle

• Post-hike dining: Multiple options in downtown Issaquah

7. Snow Lake Trail: Alpine Lake Hiking in the Cascades

Location: Snoqualmie Pass, WA (52 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 7.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: July through October

Parking Pass: [Northwest Forest Pass](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/)

Snow Lake represents the quintessential Alpine Lakes Wilderness experience—a crystal-clear mountain lake surrounded by jagged peaks. Despite being one of the most visited lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, its pristine beauty makes the crowds worthwhile.

Snow Lake Hiking Experience

The trail begins near Alpental Ski Area, climbing steadily through forest before traversing rocky slopes with expanding views. After cresting a ridge, hikers are rewarded with the stunning sapphire waters of Snow Lake nestled in a granite basin.

Snow Lake Trail Guide

• Seasonal access: Usually snow-free mid-July through early October

• Swimming potential: Brave hikers take polar plunges even in late summer

• Extension options: Continue to Gem Lake for a 10-mile day

• Photography tips: Morning light creates best reflections on calm days

• Alpine ecology: Fragile wildflower meadows—stay on established trails

8. Wallace Falls Trail: Three-Tiered Waterfall Wonderland

   
   

Location: Gold Bar, WA (50 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 5.6 miles round trip to Upper Falls

Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: Year-round (peak flow in spring)

Parking Pass: [Discover Pass](https://discoverpass.wa.gov/)

Wallace Falls State Park showcases the dramatic power of Cascade Mountain hydrology with a series of nine spectacular waterfalls along the Wallace River. The main trail passes viewpoints for Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls, each offering distinct perspectives on these impressive cascades.

Why Hike Wallace Falls

The three-tiered Middle Falls—with a cumulative drop of 367 feet—delivers one of the most photographed waterfall scenes in Washington. The well-developed trail network allows hikers to choose their distance, making it suitable for various fitness levels.

Wallace Falls Hiking Guide

• Multiple destinations: Lower Falls (2 miles RT), Middle Falls (4 miles RT), Upper Falls (5.6 miles RT)

• Best viewing seasons: Maximum water flow March through June

• Photography highlights: Middle Falls Viewpoint for classic shots

• Trail connections: Connect to Wallace Lake for a longer adventure

• Safety note: Some viewpoints have steep drop-offs—stay on designated trails

9. Heather Lake Trail: Alpine Gem in the Mountain Loop Highway

Location: Granite Falls, WA (1 hour 15 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 4.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,034 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Best Season: June through October

Parking Pass: [Northwest Forest Pass](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/)

For hikers seeking an alpine lake experience with less elevation gain than many Cascade trails, Heather Lake delivers spectacular scenery at a moderate difficulty level. The trail winds through old-growth forest before revealing a stunning glacial cirque lake nestled beneath the sheer cliffs of Mount Pilchuck.

Heather Lake Hiking Experience

The path begins in recovering forest (logged in the early 1900s) before entering pristine old-growth with massive cedar and hemlock trees. After steady climbing with intermittent root and rock sections, the trail opens to reveal the beautiful mountain-ringed lake with its crystal-clear waters.

Hiking Tips for Heather Lake

• Seasonal highlights: July wildflowers, October fall colors, winter snowshoe options

• Photography opportunities: Morning reflections of Mount Pilchuck in calm waters

• Trail conditions: Often muddy—wear appropriate footwear

• Circuit option: A boot path circumnavigates the entire lake

• Related hikes: Good alternative when Lake 22 parking lot is full

10. Cedar Butte Trail: Hidden Gem Near Seattle

Location: North Bend, WA (30 minutes from Seattle)

Trail Type: Out and back

Distance: 3.5 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 900 feet

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Best Season: Year-round

Parking Pass: [Discover Pass](https://discoverpass.wa.gov/)

While less famous than its neighbors Mount Si and Little Si, Cedar Butte offers similar stunning views with significantly smaller crowds. This under-appreciated trail provides a perfect option for hikers seeking solitude within easy reach of Seattle.

Cedar Butte Hiking Experience

The trail begins at the Iron Horse State Park trailhead, shares a brief section with the historic railroad grade, then turns uphill through second-growth forest. The final summit push reveals rewarding views of Mount Si, Mount Washington, and the upper Snoqualmie Valley.

Cedar Butte Trail Highlights

• Solitude factor: Rarely crowded even on peak weekend days

• Historical interest: Passes remnants of 1920s logging operations

• Wildlife opportunities: Less human traffic increases bird and animal sightings

• Accessibility: Hikable year-round with minimal snow issues

• Combination potential: Pair with nearby Rattlesnake Lake for a full day outdoors

Essential Gear for Seattle-Area Hiking

Day Hiking Essentials

1. Layered clothing: The Pacific Northwest's famously changeable weather demands adaptability

2. Waterproof jacket: Even in summer, carry rain protection

3. Proper footwear: Supportive trail runners or hiking boots with good traction

4. Navigation tools: [Green Trails Maps](https://www.greentrailsmaps.com/) and offline GPS apps like [AllTrails Pro](https://www.alltrails.com/)

5. Water filtration: Many trails have water sources that require treatment

Safety Equipment for Seattle Trails

• Ten Essentials: [The Mountaineers](https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials) comprehensive safety system

• Trekking poles: Particularly helpful for steep descents common on Cascade trails

• Headlamp: Essential even for day hikes in case of unexpected delays

• Emergency shelter: Ultralight bivy or emergency blanket

• First aid kit: Customize for hiking-specific injuries

  
  

  Best Seasons for Hiking Near Seattle

  One advantage of Seattle-area hiking is the extended season compared to higher-elevation Cascade destinations:

  
  

  Year-Round Best Hikes Near Seattle

• Winter hiking: Lowland trails like Discovery Park, Cedar Butte, and Tiger Mountain usually remain snow-free

• Snowshoe season: December through April for higher elevation trails

• Waterfall season: March through June when snowmelt maximizes flow

• Wildflower prime time: July through early August in mountain meadows

• Fall colors: Mid-October for vibrant foliage displays

Seattle Hiking Trail Etiquette and Conservation

As more people discover Washington's trails, practicing responsible hiking becomes increasingly important:

Leave No Trace Principles

1. Pack it in, pack it out: Carry all trash to proper disposal points

2. Stay on established trails: Especially in fragile alpine environments

3. Respect wildlife: Observe from distance without feeding or disturbing

4. Trail yield system: Uphill hikers have right of way; everyone yields to horses

5. Noise consideration: Keep voices and music at levels that won't disturb others

Supporting Trail Conservation

Consider supporting organizations that maintain Seattle-area trails:

• [Washington Trails Association](https://www.wta.org/get-involved/join)

• [Mountains to Sound Greenway](https://mtsgreenway.org/get-involved/)

• [The Mountaineers](https://www.mountaineers.org/membership/join-the-mountaineers)

  
  

Seattle Hiking FAQs

Q: When is the best time to hike near Seattle?

A: The prime hiking season runs May through October, with July through September offering the most reliable weather. However, many lower-elevation trails remain accessible year-round.

Q: Do I need a hiking permit for trails near Seattle?

A: You don't need hiking permits, but most trailheads require either a [Northwest Forest Pass](https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r6/passes-permits/recreation/) ($30 annual) or [Washington Discover Pass](https://discoverpass.wa.gov/) ($30 annual).

Q: What about bears and other wildlife on Seattle trails?

A: Black bears inhabit Cascade forests but rarely cause problems. Making noise while hiking prevents surprise encounters. Mountain goats may be seen on higher elevation hikes.

Q: Are dogs allowed on hiking trails near Seattle?

A: Many trails allow leashed dogs, but regulations vary. Always check trail-specific rules before bringing your pet, and please clean up after them.

Q: What's the closest hiking to downtown Seattle?

A: Discovery Park is within city limits. Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain trails are about 20 minutes from downtown. Mount Si and Little Si are approximately 35 minutes away.

Conclusion: Seattle's Hiking Community

What makes Seattle unique isn't just the incredible variety of trails—it's the passionate hiking community. From [Washington Trails Association](https://www.wta.org/) work parties maintaining backcountry paths to local hiking groups welcoming newcomers, the culture of outdoor stewardship runs deep.

Whether you're tackling your first Northwest trail or seeking new challenges beyond well-worn paths, Seattle's hiking community offers resources, companionship, and shared appreciation for our region's natural treasures. The trails featured in this guide merely scratch the surface of what's available within a short drive from Seattle—each leading to discoveries that words and photographs can only hint at.

Pack your ten essentials, check the latest trail reports, and explore what makes Seattle one of America's premier hiking destinations. The mountains are calling!