Hiking in Seattle is like a dream come true for outside sweethearts. Seattle is the city’s area of staggering hiking trails. Road-trip-worthy attractions and natural spaces encompass all sides of the Emerald City, including Washington’s biggest regular fascination, the 14,410-foot Mount Rainier.
Other remarkable highlights incorporate coastline beacons, hurrying cascades, and fabulous backwoods brimming with variety.
The absolute best hiking trails in Seattle, similar to the journey on Discovery Loop, are inside city limits. Others encompass the city and require a short to direct drive.
Regardless, it assists with preparing, as each climbing trail wanders into a wild Pacific Northwest area, at times with a decent portion of groups. Making a beeline for the trailhead early in the morning is the most ideal way to keep away from swarms on hiking in Seattle.
The size and extent of experience available in Seattle are practically overpowering. Attach that to the considerable rundown of activities in Seattle, and its no big surprise a huge number of individuals visit the city every year.
Yet, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the genuine experience of visiting Seattle reminds me of climbing for the encompassing wild.
1. Hiking Near Seattle
The Paradise area for a day and easy hike from Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park, is appropriately named, because of the expansive glades that offer views up to the 14,410-foot volcano.
Though a whole network of trails, some paved, cover the area, the Skyline Trail is among one of the most popular trails, there are lots of best hiking near Seattle, Washington.
There are many popular hike options available for every level of hiker from easy hikes to advanced hikes near Seattle.
2. 10 Best Hiking Trails in Seattle
Here are the 10 best options for you, if you are planning a hike in Seattle.
2.1. Kendall Katwalk
For anybody who cherishes the experience of hiking in Seattle, Snoqualmie Pass is a much-visited choice.
That is on the grounds that simply under an hour from Seattle off Interstate 90, and in each season, this shocking mountain pass offers probably the best state park in the country.
This all-year status remembers climbing for the late spring and the absolute best skiing in Washington come winter.
An extraordinary illustration of the late spring fun at Snoqualmie Pass is the Kendall Katwalk trail that travels north from the pass and into the exemplification of the Pacific Northwest landscape, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The path is essential for the cross-country Pacific Crest Trail and is for the most part handled as a 10-to 14-mile out-and-back climbing trip. The best hikes near Seattle are not for novice day explorers.
The path includes enormous rise gains, a tight way among steep bluff sides, and the full openness of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the many elements it’s named after. This hiking trail is for the expert hiker who wants to have an adventure during their hiking in Seattle.
Start off bright and early on this climbing trail, be that as it may, and some experience under your feet, and it’s amazing to see the regular habitats in plain view so near Seattle.
- Locale: The Central Cascades
- Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Height: 9415 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
2.2. Mount Rainier National Park
The Crystal Lakes Trail is situated in Mount Rainier National Park, so one will require a National Parks Pass to climb it. This is well-known out-and-back hiking in Seattle that follows the PCT to the delightful Lower and Upper Crystal Lakes.
As one will climb up to this couple of dazzling snow-capped peaks and lakes, one will see explorers, day climbers, and most likely some PCT through explorers. Make certain to take the side path to Lower Crystal Lake since one can’t see it from the PCT.
The lower lake is encircled by woody trail blog and pine trees and ignored by transcending rough or snow-capped peaks. As one goes past the lower lake, the path opens up, and this is where the huge perspectives start on hiking in Seattle.
Upper Crystal Lake is a lot greater than the lower lake and sits in a bowl encompassed by rough pinnacles. From here, make certain to climb the whole way to Sourdough Gap for the most incredible perspectives on the focal Cascades.
There are camping areas at both of the Lakes, and on the off chance that one goes past Sourdough Gap, one can likewise camp close to Sheep Lake, which ought to be somewhat less swarmed.
- Length: 7.4 miles.
- Elevation: 2910 feet
- Type: Out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
2.3. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades national park hikes near Seattle, travel 23 miles down a free rock street to get to this national park, so make certain to bring a high-leeway vehicle!
From the trailhead, one will climb consistently through a woody trail for the initial not many miles. At the top, one will end up in completely open knolls with astounding perspectives on the spiked pinnacles of the North Cascades.
From here hiking in Seattle path gets less steep as one heads towards Cascade Pass, which is around 4 miles in. Things just get better from here on. One will begin climbing in the future from the pass on more extreme and rockier ground.
As one go, watch out for mountain goats, marmots, and bald eagles! At the main, 4,000 feet of height gain later, one will be compensated for hiking in Seattle endeavors with lavish perspectives on the Sahale Glacier and the encompassing pinnacles.
- Length: 12 miles
- Elevation: 4,000 ft
- Type: Out and back
- Difficulty: Strenuous
2.4. Rattlesnake Ledge
Rattlesnake Ledge is perhaps of the most well-known and well-maintained trail hikes near Seattle. It’s a simple drive from the city, a respectable journey for cutting-edge fledglings and beginner climbers, and has extraordinary perspectives on the Cascade Mountains and Rattlesnake Lake at the top.
Rattlesnake Ledge is very much kept up with the trail system, making this a decent early-on climb for anybody new to Washington climbing. Yet, its fame additionally implies it’s quite often swarmed, so don’t expect total isolation on this hiking in Seattle.
Just east of Tiger Mountain State Park, and around a short way from Seattle, the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is essential for the bigger Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area.
The trailhead for this popular hike is close to the city of North Bend, from the rattlesnake lake hiking in Seattle started.
It’s two miles and more than 1,100 feet of rising gain to the edge. There, the perspectives sitting above the Cedar River Watershed are sufficiently large to impart to the groups that will more often than not accumulate.
On crisp mornings, explorers are additionally presented with all-encompassing perspectives on Mount Si, Mount Washington, and the encompassing pools of the area. The Rattlesnake Ledge trail sees numerous clients at the ends of the week and over time.
The way up is plainly characterized thanks to the steady pedestrian activity and heavenly path support. Try not to misjudge this bold little climb brimming with curves. Bring a lot of water and get a previous beginning on a hot day on this hiking in Seattle adventure.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Hours: 37-minute drive from Seattle
- Cost: Free
2.5. Discovery Park
Local people love investigating the greatest park inside Seattle’s city cutoff points, and it can get pretty bustling at end of the week. In any case, Discovery Park is effectively quite possibly of the best hikes in Seattle.
On the off chance that one on hiking in Seattle goes at calmer times, it’s moderately considered normal to detect some natural life-like bald eagles!
The fundamental climbing trail is a 2.8-mile circle, however, there are various paths that breeze all through the 524 sections of land of old-growth forests, and one can without much of a stretch pick an entire hike more drawn out or more short hike contingent upon the time one has.
Discovery park is likewise one of the best hiking trails in Seattle on the off chance that one won’t have a vehicle because of its nearness to the city. It’s only west of the neighborhoods of Queen Anne or Ballard.
It’s additionally very much associated with the city through the metro. Revelation Park Loop Trail. Anything that one winds up picking, certainly try to climb out toward the West Point Lighthouse, which is on the Pacific Ocean.
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 140 ft
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead Location
- Pass Required: None
2.6. Discovery Park Loop Trail
The Discovery Park Loop is perhaps the most effective available path for hiking in Seattle. It’s in Discovery Park, on the northwest coastline of the Magnolia area, around five miles north of downtown.
It’s Seattle’s biggest city park, incorporating in excess of 500 sections of land. A 2.8-mile circle trail explores the whole park on what used to be the dynamic grounds of Fort Lawton.
Along this moderately level way, guests experience the previous engineering of the stronghold scattered by lush fields. This Main Loop Trail is picturesque all alone, however, no visit is finished without travelling the North Beach and South Beach trail.
These two ocean-side paths investigate the tip of Discovery Park and join upon the West Point Lighthouse. This sandy territory and beacon have come to represent experience in the city.
On a sunny morning, guests see across the shimmering waters of Puget Sound to the rugged pinnacles of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains.
2.7. Snow Lake
Snow Lake a hike near Seattle is great hiking in Washington, this trail system is one of the most popular trails in the Seattle area because it gives a taste of the gorgeous Alpine Lake Wilderness (one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the country) without the effort of backpacking.
The gorgeous Alpine Lake Wilderness is the most visited lake in the area, attracting plenty of visitors who don’t mind the short hike up. The alpine lake is great for the wonderful experience of hiking in Seattle.
The trailhead for this trek is at Alpental Ski Area, close to Snoqualmie Pass Ski Resort, and it quickly climbs. A clearing where the steep switchbacks start can be reached after winding through old-growth trees.
One will receive their first glimpses of Snow Lake as they ascend the inclining switchbacks to Upper Falls and crest the hill. One can begin to descend into the basin from here and finally reach the lakefront.
Follow the trail to the lake’s end along the right side of the lake. The guest will enjoy stunning views of the granite peaks towering above the lake to the southwest from across the crystal-clear lake.
Continue on to Gem Lake, which is far less crowded than Snow Lake and equally gorgeous for hiking in Seattle adventure. It’s 11 miles round trip, but most of the elevation gain happens in those steep switchbacks at the beginning.
The last portion of the trip is rather simple, and there are a couple of amusing wood bridges to cross along the way. Continue on to Wildcat Lakes, which adds 3 more miles, bringing the total for the day to 14 miles. The best hiking in Seattle may be done on a fantastic overnight backpacking trip that could possibly be completed in one night.
- Length: 7.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Drive Time from Seattle: 50 minutes
- Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
2.8. Bluff Trail
This is another great choice for those seeking hiking in Seattle. Bluff Trail is among the best hikes near Seattle and is ideal for a nature trip with the whole family.
This quick hike can be done in one of two ways, either from the parking lot at Seaside or the trailhead at Prairie Overlook. Start your hike from the Seaside parking lot with a little stroll down the shore.
Starting at the Prairie Overlook trailhead is the best place to go hiking in Seattle if you want something a little more difficult. Regardless, keep in mind that some of this passes across private property, so be careful of property lines.
These paths are open all year long and lead through coastal woodland to a picturesque bluff walk with views of Puget Sound.
When guests are done rambling for the day, can go and check out Coupeville, a small seaport town nearby.
- Length: 1.2 miles
- Elevation: 59 feet
- Type: Out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
2.9. Washington Park Arboretum
For hiking in Seattle within city limits, head to the Washington Park Arboretum. The city of Seattle and the University of Washington jointly manage this 230-acre natural space on the shores of Union Bay and Lake Washington.
What’s more, close to a different assortment of local and non-local plants, the Arboretum has a twisting organization of climbing trails.
Meandering the Arboretum absent a lot of intention is entertaining. The fundamental circle trail circles the recreation area for roughly two miles.
This cleared path has a few fanning soil trails that cross the inside of the recreation area. A couple of remarkable animal varieties spotted on any course incorporate Japanese maples, rhododendrons, and imaginative maples.
While visiting, look at the guide to track down Azalea Way at the focal point of the recreation area.
A large part of the Arboretum was initially worked around this under a-mile level way, and today, it’s as yet a wonderful way for hiking in Seattle, with delightful sprouting bushes and trees.
2.10. Cherry Creek Falls
Cherry Creek falls is the most beautiful fall for hiking in Seattle with stunning waterfalls. Guests have to wear waterproof hiking boots to hike in, Take a hike along an old logging road through pine forest to Cherry Creek Falls.
The elevation gain is insignificant and the street is not difficult to walk. One has to make some turns on unsigned roads to reach the stunning waterfalls.
Trees and plants coated in thick moss and an intense green colour along the roads. Without the remains of previous vehicle accidents, an old street wouldn’t be complete, and there are more than a few of those here.
Most are almost entirely covered in ferns as well, making them less of a curse than a normal (and unusually pleasant) component of the scene. For a simple day trek in Seattle, check out Cheery Creek Hiking in Seattle.
- Length: 5.1 miles
- Elevation: 636 feet
- Type: Out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
3. More About Hiking Trails in Seattle
The easy access to Little Si and Mount Si makes them two of the most highly-trafficked day hikes in the Seattle region. Little Sithat will allow one to spend more time on the trail than in the car.
It is among the best hikes near Seattle, which is a 5-mile roundtrip excursion with around 1,200 feet in elevation gain. There are approximately 73 best hiking trails within the Seattle city limits. To have experience from easy to hard hikes one must go hiking in Seattle.
4. Essential Things for Hiking
The exact items from each system that one takes can be tailored to the trip one is hiking in Seattle. For example, on a short day hike that’s easy to navigate, one might choose to take a map, compass, and PLB, but can leave GPS and altimeter behind.
On longer, more complex, hiking in Seattle, one might decide to take all those tools to help one to find the way. When deciding what to bring, consider factors like weather, difficulty, duration, and distance from help.
- Map, compass, altimeter, GPS, personal locator beacon (PLB), or satellite messenger are all examples of navigation tools that you need to carry along.
- For the wet area, use waterproof hiking boots or sneakers. They are super-good to keep your feet dry and protected—which is a nice opportunity to click feet pics while hiking.
- A headlamp and additional batteries.
- Sun protection includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
- Foot care and insect repellent are included in first aid (as needed).
- A knife and a kit for mending gear.
- Light a match, a lighter, some tinder, or a stove.
- Carry a shelter at all times (can be a light emergency bivy).
- Extra food over and above the bare requirement.
- Extra water in excess of what is necessary.
- Extra clothing Above and above the basic requirement.
- A Trekking bag to carry things easily.
- An attire suitable for the climate (think moisture-wicking and layers).
5. How Far Is Seattle to The Mountains?
It’s under 60 miles from downtown Seattle to the culmination of mount Rainier national park straight from one point to the other yet it requires around two hours to head to the well-known southwest Nisqually Entrance of the recreation area from the city.
Driving an individual vehicle to the recreation area is the most well-known method for getting to Mount Rainier National Park.
Seattle is near various mountains with an easy hike too. West Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain are a short way from Seattle individuals can enjoy day hikes near Seattle.
Seattle is lined by two mountain ranges – the Cascades toward the east, and the Olympics to the west Seattle – and off in the distance to the south, Mount Rainier,
Mount Si is 45 minutes away. Mt Rainier is about 2 hours away from Seattle. This is just a short list of the well-maintained trail for hiking in Seattle. When visiting the Pacific Northwest, hiking in Seattle is a must, so don’t be afraid to get on the trails!
6. What Is the Best Month for Hiking in Seattle?
Summer marks the city’s high season, significant room rates rise and availability drops, while cold winter weather conditions can deflect even the most devoted tourists.
If guests are comfortable with cooler temperatures the best time to visit Seattle is from September to October.
Summer is the finest season for hiking in Seattle because of the sunshine, driest paths, and greenest scenery. In Seattle, the well-liked trails are reachable in July and August.
Other defining locations for summer adventure in Seattle include Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park, West Tiger Mountain, and lovely alpine lakes.
Final Words
It’s time to go hiking in Seattle! Have fun near the pacific northwest and enjoy the best hikes near Seattle. The Pacific Northwest allows day hikes to challenging hikes.
Wear good hiking boots, pack a backpack with essentials, and from woody trail runners to the main hiking trail explore the mountain loop highway and experience adventures hiking in Seattle.
