Hiking near Seattle: A Complete Guide (23 Great Hikes + Map)

Given the interest in doing some hiking near Seattle, this place is ideally suited.

While we currently reside in Portland, Matt was raised in the Seattle area (in Issaquah, where a few of the closer hikes noted below are situated) and we routinely visit Seattle to see friends and family, frequently combining a hike or two during our stay.

There are very few sizable metropolises with the wide range of hiking choices within a brief driving distance that Seattle offers (Portland can be considered, if one sees it as a sizable city).

Stretching from grand, epic adventures in Mount Rainier National Park, to smaller, more localized adventures in Snoqualmie Pass and along the Mountain Loop Highway, there are a nearly unlimited number of hikes near Seattle from which to choose.

The best part is that they offer a diverse range of scenery, from views of Puget Sound to alpine lakes and snowcapped peaks, to fire lookouts and towering waterfalls. There’s truly something for everyone.

And we’re on a mission to tackle them all!

In this guide to our selections for best hikes near Seattle, here’s what we will cover:

• A few important logistics to keep in mind as you plan, like the different passes you might need and seasonal factors to be aware of before you go.
• Our most preferred hikes within Seattle limits – unlike most cities, Seattle provides decent hiking without leaving city bounds.
• Our top picks for hikes within around two hours or so of downtown Seattle, including hikes in Mount Rainier National Park and near Snoqualmie Pass.

Throughout the guide, we’ll share our preferred trails, viewpoints, waterfalls, and more based on our trips to assist you in planning your Seattle hiking adventure.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it. 

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Transportation will be necessary to access the trails near Seattle. Unless planning to utilize the Trailhead Direct bus route, which connects areas like Seattle, Bellevue and North Bend to popular eastern trailheads on certain weekends and holidays.

Trailheads can experience EXTREME busyness, especially on weekend mornings in summer. Prepare an early start and arrive at the trailhead before 9am in most cases to secure parking (even earlier required at some of the more popular hikes on this list).

Roadways close throughout winter months (and numerous trails surrounding Seattle see snow). Many routes via national parks and accessing trails within national woodlands are shut during winter. In mountainous regions, this implies after the initial snowfall, generally late October or early November. Paths tend to reopen in late spring, but won`t be entirely clear of snow until June (July or August at Mount Rainier).

Parking Passes & Permits for Hiking Trails Near Seattle

Parking permits are necessary for most hikes around Seattle, with the notable exception of the trails within city boundaries, which do not necessitate allows or permits.

There are a few permits and passes that might be needed for hikes outside city limits, and it depends on which agency owns the land the trailhead is located on.

• The primary pass needed is a Northwest Forest Pass, which allows parking at trailheads in Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest (or other national forest trailheads found in Washington OR Oregon). Costing $30 for an annual pass or $5 for a daily pass (envelopes at the trailhead are often unavailable), it can be bought in advance from REI.
• When hiking in Washington State Parks like Wallace Falls, a Discover Pass will be necessary. This annual pass costs $30 or a daily pass is $10, and it`s advisable to purchase the annual version in advance if planning to use it three or more times in the following year. Discover Passes can be found for sale at REI or any Washington State Parks.
• To explore the hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll either need to pay the $30 entrance charge at the entrance station or possess an America the Beautiful Pass. The America the Beautiful Pass costs $80, which means it provides value if you visit THREE OR MORE national parks in the 12 months after purchase. As an added benefit, it also covers all national recreation land, including national forests and national monuments, so if you decide to obtain this, you don’t need a Northwest Forest Pass. Find it here at REI.

23 Great Hikes within 2 (ish) Hours of Seattle

Now that the key logistical details have been addressed, let us delve into the particular Seattle hikes that we recommend.

Since there are so many hiking options available, we’re dividing this guide into two sections. One section will focus on trails within the city boundaries (a couple of them are closer to walks, but that’s suitable). The other section will cover hikes that are further away, up to around two hours from Seattle (one-way).

Our Favorite Hikes IN Seattle

If you’re looking for a brief taste of nature within Seattle’s city boundaries, you have quite a few good options (especially compared to most other large cities).

I’ll never forget arriving in Seattle with Alysha, who grew up in Northern California, on our first visit to meet my family and her commenting on how everything is so GREEN.

Discovery Park is just northwest of Downtown Seattle, and the proximity to the skyscrapers and Space Needle is part of its appeal here. There are even multiple buses that will get you there from places like Pike Place Market or the Seattle Center within about 30 minutes.

If arriving by vehicle, we enjoy stopping at the visitor center initially, which provides some intriguing information regarding the park, ample parking locations, and restroom services.

From there, several route options are available in terms of your path, but the ultimate destination is West Point Lighthouse, which is located at the northwestern corner of the peninsula where Downtown Seattle and North and South Beach are situated, with the latter two areas at opposite ends of that peninsula.

It is proposed that the best approach would be to complete this 4.5 mile route.

It’s not particularly difficult – there are a couple of staircases along the route that can be wet after rain. But it covers the best parts of the hike – the beaches and lighthouse, the mossy forest, and last but not least, the cliffs above the beach.

You are able to shorten the hike by converting it into a return trip from the South Parking Lot ( here on Google Maps), which brings the distance closer to three miles (with a similar elevation profile).

There are a couple hiking possibilities here – a trail encircling the perimeter of the park, and a network of trails ascending into the forest in the center of the park.

It comes down to personal preference, but we prefer the perimeter route because you get amazing views of Rainier at the southern end of the park, and Seattle at the northern end.You could ALMOST see the base of Rainier on this cloudy day.

However, the perimeter route is a flat, paved path, so those seeking immersion in nature may prefer the trails winding through the park`s interior, which feel much more secluded than their proximity to Downtown Seattle would indicate (just a 10 minute ride away).

We would suggest taking a packed lunch and sitting by the lake to unwind either before or after your walk.

Weekends and holidays are very crowded, but the park is popular all days of the week.

Matt used to reside two blocks from Green Lake, and during the summer months, this area becomes one of the popular places in the city.

Even on the infrequent sunny winter days, you’ll find Seattle residents venturing out to soak up the fleeting sunshine before returning indoors to wait for summer`s return.

It`s a paved route all around the lake, and you`ll share it with bicycles, roller blades, dogs, ducks, and your fellow humans. It`s also nearly entirely level.

Here are some worthy diversions from the paved route.

• On the eastern side of the lake, you have a few quality options for coffee, lunch, and a drink within close proximity though it requires some walking (through a very pleasant neighborhood). Begin your outing with coffee at Zoka Coffee (a highly underrated Seattle coffee shop that I only recently rediscovered and have enjoyed), next enjoy excellent tamales at Frelard Tamales on Latona, and finish with a beverage across the street at the Latona Pub, a neighborhood establishment (Matt lived in the vicinity here before moving down to San Francisco back in 2014).
• Directly to the left of Green Lake at approximately the 65th parallel (ish), you have Greenwood Avenue, which is full of establishments selling food and beverages. Herkimer Coffee, an original Seattle business, is often a good option, and the Chicken Supply a few doors up is one of our favorite places in Seattle (we regularly make a lengthy trip from Matt’s mother`s house in the suburbs to pick up this heavenly fried poultry).
• In the southwest corner of the lake is Woodland Park, where visitors will find the Woodland Park Zoo. For those interested in visiting a zoo while in Seattle, this is a great option! It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to walk through Woodland Park from the southern end of Green Lake to reach the zoo.

20 Great Hikes Near Seattle (~1-2 hours away)

If you’re looking to escape the city and venture further into nature, we have some absolutely fantastic news for you.

There may be no better place to engage in that than Seattle. There are great trails to be explored within 30-40 minutes of the city center, and we came up with a list of twenty hikes worth doing within about two hours of the city, offering a wide range of terrains, difficulty levels, and rewards from towering waterfalls to unobstructed views of Mount Rainier.

We’ve assembled a list of twenty hikes near Seattle that are possible to do in a day trip (which we’re calling about two hours in one direction from the city).

We’re going to order them by distance from Seattle, starting with a few hikes that are closer in, and then spiraling out from there to hikes to the east, north, and south of the city.

However, after traversing this route on a frosty, damp winter morning, I believe it deserves consideration for inclusion on this list due to two factors (update for 2024: we frequently trek this path now with our canine, and it offers a lovely brief excursion!).

First, one excellent aspect is that it’s a great winter option because it’s at a lower altitude than numerous of the hikes in this list, which implies it’s accessible throughout the year. Plus, the waterfall is impressive in the winter, when the flow is high.

Second, this hike is incredibly accessible from Seattle, which means you don’t have to commit to a full day outing. It’s roughly 20 minutes from your door to the starting point (closer if you’re coming from somewhere on the Eastside), which makes it the most conveniently accessible hike near Seattle on this list.

Taking the Coal Creek Falls via the main trail from the parking lot is a straightforward route, but loops are often preferable, so we suggest opting for this alternate route(it adds a very small distance to the total). The main path constitutes an out and back walk along Newcastle Golf Club Road, available here on Google Maps, but we always favor loops.

A pleasant aspect about the entire Cougar Mountain region is the seemingly endless network of paths that you can combine to extend your hike, depending on your capabilities.

This longer trail option covers more ground if you`re seeking an outdoor expedition of greater length.

This is a climb that we’ve completed multiple times, and it always delivers a quick up and down that will get your heart pumping on the short but steep ascent.

The climb up to Poo Poo Point is a moderate hike (some may deem it challenging) with stunning views over Issaquah and Lake Sammamish to the northwest.

You’ll traverse through the forest of Tiger Mountain, which is notoriously muddy following rainfall (or, just muddy generally in winter and spring). Another reason to wear water resistant hiking boots.

The ascent can be somewhat steep, and your thighs will certainly feel it the next day. On the way up to the highest point of the hike, you will likely see paragliders launching – it’s one of the best locations for paragliding in the state.

Essentially, there are two trails providing access to Poo Poo Point: the High School Trail and the Chirico Trail.

The Chirico Trail, which is the route we favor because it’s more direct and provides a better workout, starts from a parking area off of Issaquah-Hobart Road.

It essentially involves an ascent from beginning to end, and there is not much to convey regarding the trail itself. It is mossy. It is fern-filled. It is green. And it exemplifies why we adore hiking in the Pacific Northwest region.

Another option for this hike climbs the same elevation but does so over an additional two miles, making it a more moderate pace. It leaves from a trail head near Issaquah High School ( here on Google Maps).

The Twin Falls Trail (Snoqualmie Pass)

• Length: 2.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 500 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back 
• Challenge: Easy
• Pass Required? Discover Pass 
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, if leashed
• Distance from Seattle: 35 miles; 35 minutes
• Trailhead Location:Twin Falls Trailhead

• Trailhead Location: Comet Falls Trailhead

Just over half an hour drive east of Seattle in North Bend, the Twin Falls Trail transports hikers to a secluded natural realm away from urban life. The roundtrip hike to the best viewpoint of the falls is a little over 2.5 miles and starts from the parking lot.

Heads up – you will need a Discover Pass to park at the trailhead. Last time I was there, the machine to buy day passes wasn’t functioning, which presented a bit of a predicament for people who didn’t have an annual pass.

The hike begins by tagging along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River before deviating from the river`s course and gently climbing up some switchbacks through the forest.

The trail drops down briefly back to the river before starting the final climb to Twin Falls, which involves a small amount of up and down movement along the way.

The payoff is, you guessed it, Twin Falls. There are two viewpoints – one for the Lower Falls, and one for the Upper Falls.

To see the Lower Falls, veer right from the trail at the 1 mile mark and take the path down the hill.

Then, climb back up to the main trail and continue along for another 0.1 mile, which is when you’ll arrive at the vista point for the Upper Falls.

Situated off of I-90 as it heads east up to Snoqualmie Pass, there are two parking lots connecting the two for Snoqualmie Falls, and this hike essentially.

For the optimum encounter regarding each parking and the “wow” factor, we prescribe starting at the depressed falls and climbing up to the upper viewpoint, which is the additional striking of the two. This path, it’ll experience like you gained the view, rather than parking at the upper parking lot and exactly walking over to it.

Along the walk, read signs explaining the significance of the Snoqualmie River and Falls in Native American culture and explaining about local flora and fauna. Wander through ferns, fir, cedar, and maple trees that are particularly striking during fall.

The reward after the short ascent is an extraordinary vista over the powerful waterfall.

Walking along the boardwalk offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in the roar of the falls and refreshing mist, with the cascading water taking on new appearances each season. Though most powerful during spring snowmelt, a constant flow is maintained year-round unlike some others that run dry in summer months.

Now that we ascended to the viewpoint above the blue-green Rattlesnake Lake on a clear summer day, I can officially confirm it`s a magnificent vista.

This is a popular hike, partially because it is only a short distance outside of Seattle, basically in the town of Issaquah, but it feels like you’re in the wilderness.

On summer weekend mornings, many families, children, and dogs take to the trail to get exercise while enjoying the views at the top.

You`ll walk directly uphill and downhill on a well kept trail, but it can be damp and unstable if rain has happened recently. You`ll traverse through the forest on the climb up, and the sole time you get a break in the trees for a pleasant vista is when you attain the top.

Bring a strong pair of hiking boots for grip and hiking poles to save your knees on the way down.

If your schedule allows, try visiting at sunrise or sunset to appreciate the amazing perspective from Rattlesnake Ledge. Gazing across the small lake below the mountain, with views of the dense forests on the surrounding elevations, makes for a great beginning or ending to your day!

This popular route is accessed from I-90 East on Mount Si Road, where you’ll find a relatively small primary parking lot and an overflow lot a short way down the road.

It is advised that many visitors attend this famously popular trail, making it typically crowded on weekends regardless of the weather conditions. Both Little and Mount Si can be accessed throughout the year, rendering them some of the scarce hikes that can be experienced even during less busy times (excluding severely stormy weather), adding to their renown.

The hike features steep inclines at the start and end but has a more gradual elevation change in the middle. There are some forest sections abundant with ferns, and then a spectacular view from the top of the hike across the valley towards the Cascades.

Don’t be discouraged by the immediate steep increase—the trail soon levels out.

After climbing steeply near the end of the trail, you`ll emerge onto a rocky outcropping, which is the summit of Little Si.

Take in views over the valley, as well as the peaks of Mount Si and Mount Washington before turning and heading back downhill, following the trail you came up.

Additional trail facts can be found in our guide on hiking the Little Si Trail.

When examining the hike, it immediately makes sense why that is the case.

This hike is no simple endeavor. It consists of a straight ascent gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation over the four miles required to reach the summit (to be clear, then there`s another four miles back down).

Although this trail poses difficulties, roughly 100,000 individuals traverse it annually since it is conveniently accessible from Seattle and the surrounding region. North Bend, where the trailhead is located, is just a 40 minute drive from Seattle.

The trailhead located off North Bend I-90 is guaranteed filled, even poor weather days. Hiking weekends or holidays, consider shuttling with Trailhead Direct to save space and fuel.

Mount Si is a suitable challenge for both novice and experienced hikers, immersing visitors in some classic rugged Pacific Northwest beauty found in the Central Cascades. The trail is also utilized by trekkers with weighted backpacks preparing for an ascent of Mount Rainier.

As you set off on the trail, you’ll almost immediately start an incline, albeit at a gradual pace. The path levels out at approximately one-and-a-half miles in. Take your time here as you stroll among enormously large, aged trees that have endured fires and logging activities.

Mount Si was previously utilized as a mining and logging center before being safeguarded as a state conservation area. From here, the trail becomes much steeper and continues ascending through a newly developed forest. Along the way, pause and catch some glimpses when there’s a clearing in the foliage.

Near the summit, you`ll discover an excellent spot for lunch with panoramic views of the rolling green hills of the Snoqualmie Valley and the snowcapped peak of Mount Rainier on clear days.

However, do not remain there, as stone steps leading upwards and over rocks will take you to Mount Si`s true summit, overlooking the Olympics, Seattle, and Snoqualmie Valley.

That being said, the recently updated trail is more manageable than the previous trail. The number of rescues and injuries on the old trail were enough reason for a new, safer route to be constructed.

Your reward at the end? A mailbox filled with letters, of course.

Your journey starts on Middle Fork Road off of I-90, where there are two parking areas close to the trail start. Get there early to potentially find a space on busy summer weekends.

At the end of the paved road, walk around a gateway, and enter into a clearing that indicates the new trail. The lower portion of the hike includes a number of bridge and stream crossings. And then it’s time to overcome the many switchbacks.

The superior way to undertake this hike is as a repeating route, taking the Old Trail upwards, which is steeper and more direct, and then the New Trail – which essentially constitutes one lengthy series of switchbacks – on the descent.

With approximately four miles of steep climbing required to reach the summit, exhaustion in the legs is inevitable. The final push to the top poses an even greater test. The iconic mailbox marking the summit is hopefully offset by the memorable scenic vistas melting away the memory of the grueling ascent.

Take a break for a while along the ridgeline as you gaze into the peak of Rainier and down over the fertile valley unfolding in a panoramic view in front of you before you tackle the descent, which is arguably equally challenging and is almost certain to result in wobbly legs.

The initial section of the hike necessitates traversing along the road leading to the Fire Training Academy. Directly upon crossing the bridge over the Snoqualmie River, pursue the track veering to the right side.

The trail begins ascending quite steeply, following switchbacks uphill for most of the trek. Notice the climbing route protections and the enormous boulders securing the trail.

Take a breather on a cliff as you admire the views. Keep in mind this isn’t the ultimate balcony—you still have about a mile to go before you reach Dirty Harry’s Balcony, where valley and mountain views await.

As we entered Wallace Falls State Park and started up the trail, we were right at the edge of the fog bank. It remained unclear if a blanket of fog would obscure the waterfall from view.

About halfway to the waterfall, the fog lifted and suddenly it went from dreary and gray to bright and blue!

There are a couple of routes that you can take to reach the falls – the Woody Trail follows a more direct route along the Skykomish River, and the Railroad Grade trail follows the forest road that is more even and more accessible for people with mobility issues.

We took the Woody Trail, and would strongly recommend it. You can make it a loop, but the railroad grade adds an extra mile or so to the distance AND it’s less scenic.

This hike presented unexpected challenges. We saw the distance was five miles and thought “how difficult can it be?”

However, the post-holiday weight gain and winter inactivity led to a much more strenuous hike than we were anticipating. Climbing 1,500 feet over two miles or so is no easy task, and there are a number of switchbacks to tackle before reaching the falls.

There are a couple different viewpoints along this trail, and a vista that should absolutely not be missed is the Middle Falls Overlook, which is the spectacular view of the two-tiered waterfall. It`s 2.1 miles into the trail.

If conditions permit clear viewing, we think ascending further past that overlook to the Valley Overlook is worthwhile, where you gain a panoramic vista of both the Skykomish Valley and the Olympic Mountains.

We were able to climb up above the fog when we did this hike in January, and were treated with a spectacular view of the fog-covered valley with the Olympics in the distance.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is among the best state parks in Colorado. It features mountain biking and hiking trails passing through the foothills. There’s also fishing, horseback riding, and hunting in the park, and it’s one of the best places for camping near Denver. The scenery within the park is breathtaking, particularly in fall when the aspens change to a vibrant yellow.

We are quite fond of this trail route, and you can find more details about hiking the Wallace Falls Trail in our guide at wheatlesswanderlust.com/wallace-falls-trail.

Snow Lake and Gem Lake (Snoqualmie Pass)

• Length: 7.2 miles / 10.0 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet/ 2,200 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Pass Required? Northwest Forest Access Pass
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, dogs on leashes are allowed.
• Distance from Seattle: Around 52 miles; also a 1 hour drive
• Starting point of the trail: Gorge Powerhouse

If you’re at all familiar with hiking around Seattle, you probably know Snow Lake.

When considering all the fantastic hiking accessible in the state, this trail is one of the most popular in the Seattle area because it gives you a taste of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the country) without the effort of backpacking in and spending the night or driving three hours to arrive at Colchuck Lake.

We are quite fond of this hike, thinking it strikes a good balance between effort expended and rewards received, proximity to Seattle (about an hour roundtrip), and the sheer natural beauty of one of western Washington’s finest alpine lakes (though there are decidedly many excellent options).

The beautiful mountain lake lending its name to this hike is one of the most visited in the area, attracting many willing to endure the brief trek upwards. However, it is worthwhile braving the crowds to see this lake from near.

Your journey will begin from Alpental Ski Region situated proximate to Snoqualmie Pass Ski Resort, and your climb will commence immediately from the trailhead. You’ll wind through the woodland prior to emerging into a clearing, where the switchbacks initiate. Ascend up the rocky switchbacks, and when you gain the hilltop you’ll obtain your initial perspectives of Snow Lake.

From here, you’ll begin descending into the basin, eventually arriving at the lakeside.

Don’t stop yet! Continue alongside the lake`s right shore, tracking the trail to the waterbody`s farthest point. Your perseverance will be rewarded with spectacular vistas across the crystal-clear lake, with craggy peaks towering above the lake to the southwest.

If you’re up for more, you should continue on to prominent Gem Lake, which is far less crowded than Snow Lake, and equally appealing. It’s closer to 18 kilometers round trip, but most of the elevation gain occurs in those switchbacks at the outset.

The remainder of the hike is relatively mild, and a few wooden bridges are traversed that provide some enjoyment along the route. Only two other people (and an adorable puppy) were at Gem Lake during our visit, while likely 100 individuals were at Snow Lake at the same time.

If hikers are feeling up for it, they can continue onto Wildcat Lakes, extending the outing by another 3 miles for a 14 mile day.

If embarking on this, bring PLENTY of water and snacks. It could make a fantastic overnight trip done in a single night.

Franklin Falls (Snoqualmie Pass)

• Length: 2.0 miles
• Elevation Gain: 400 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back 
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Pass Required? Northwest Forest Access Pass
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, dogs on leashes are permitted.
• Distance from Seattle: 80 kilometers; 1 hour
• Trailhead Location: starting point of the Franklin Falls trail

Franklin Falls, situated close to Snoqualmie Pass just off Interstate 90, provides an opportunity to spend time outdoors and stay active while also having the benefit of admiring one of Washington’s finest waterfalls.

Franklin Falls is a quintessential Washington state waterfall experience that leads you to cascading falls and a sizeable plunge pool among shady woodland.

The trailhead sits near Snoqualmie Pass, about half a mile past Denny Creek Campground. A lot fitting around 30 vehicles marks the start. If full, continue half a mile where a larger area with space for approximately 60 cars provides parking. Arriving early maximizes chances of a spot for this popular route.

The trail is accessible for most skill levels, with a gentle incline over the one-mile trek to reach the falls. Bridges, steps, and walls have been added to assist in making the more tedious parts of the trail safe for all hikers.

Stroll along a shaded path through leafy coniferous trees until reaching tree-sheltered boulders.

Although there are three sections to the waterfall, only the last set of falls can be seen from the trail, which are most vibrant between April and July as the winter’s snow melts and feeds the flow. Franklin Falls remain active year-round.

During winter, you can access the falls from a different exit that necessitates a longer hike—but take care of avalanche warnings during the winter months.

Heybrook Lookout (Mountain Loop Highway)

• Length: 2.6 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 850 feet 
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pass Required? None
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, dogs on leashes are permitted.
• Distance from Seattle: Approximately 55 miles, taking 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Trailhead Location:Heybrook Lookout Trailhead

This brief hike in Gold Bar offers a perfect short excursion outside Seattle, as it is one of the most accessible fire lookouts in Washington State.

Just after entering Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, you’ll discover a small gravel parking area containing an information kiosk and trailhead.

While you initially start off walking parallel to the highway, you’ll quickly turn left and head into the woods. Take your time along this short, well-maintained trail, enjoying the sounds of birds singing and sights of the ferns and moss.

Just before arriving at the outlook tower, you’ll be met with mountain perspectives.

Continue upwards as the perspectives from the top of Heybrook Lookout are much more remarkable. Climb the 89 steps to the viewing region and savor the sight of the surrounding valleys.

On a clear day you should also be able to spot Mount Persis and Mount Baring—and maybe even Bridal Veil Falls cascading down Mount Index across the valley to the south.

Lake 22 (Mountain Loop Highway)

• Length: 5.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Pass Required? Northwest Forest Access Pass
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, if leashed
• Distance from Seattle: Roughly 56 miles, taking 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Trail Access Location: Lake 22 Trailhead

Lake 22 makes for a satisfactory trek for those seeking a moderate adventure amid a classic Pacific Northwest fern-filled woodland scenery.

Vehicles can access the trailhead area just past Granite Falls in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, where parking is available for approximately 50 cars.

This scenic rainforest trail is well-tended and reinforced to ensure a sustainable and steady surface underfoot. Appreciate your stroll across the damp forest floor, abundant in ferns and mosses rendering an almost fantastical land reminiscent of The Neverending Story or Lord of the Rings.

The first two miles of this hike involve a steady climb, with a few switchbacks, several waterfalls, and a couple of nice viewpoints along the way. At almost exactly two miles in, the trail levels out and brings you to Lake 22’s northern shore.

The lake is nestled up under the ridgeline where you’ll find Mount Pilchuck, and there’s a level path around the lake that is worth traversing to see it from different angles and, more significantly, escape the crowds that tend to congregate where the trail first reaches the lake.

Heather Lake (Mountain Loop Highway)

• Length: 4.6 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 1,034 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back 
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Pass Required? Northwest Forest Access Pass
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, on a leash
• Distance from Seattle: Around 57 miles, taking 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Trail Access: Heather Lake Trailhead

Heather Lake is another excellent lake hike on this short stretch of road in the central Cascades. It’s a relatively simple hike, so it’s a good hike for kids and experienced hikers alike.

You`ll find the trailhead located past Granite Falls with a sizable parking area as well as overflow spaces. Heather Lake becomes rather busy on weekends, so opting for a mid-week excursion if your schedule allows is advised. Otherwise, prepare to arrive early on summer weekends to secure a spot.

A few miles before the trailhead is Verlot Ranger Station, where passes for the Northwest Forest if needed can be obtained.

Once you head out on the trail, you’ll immediately climb a few switchbacks up through old growth forest. Along the way, you’ll follow an old logging road and woods with small waterfalls. Admire the varied vegetation from giant, old-growth trees to red berries and ferns.

After a short, steady ascent, you’ll reach the shores of Heather Lake. There is a flat path that circles the lake, which we’d suggest. The far side of the lake has some of the best rocks to enjoy lunch (or a snack and some water) from. You can even continue past the marshy area and come across a small pond with views of Mount Pilchuck.

This hike is as pleasant during the summer as it is during autumn—visiting in both seasons allows one to experience the differing plant life. It also makes for a good winter outing, though the proper equipment would be needed to ensure safety.

Mount Pilchuck (Mountain Loop Highway)

• Length: 5.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back 
• Difficulty: Difficult 
• Pass Required? Northwest Forest Access Pass
• Dog-Friendly? Yes, if leashed
• Distance from Seattle: Roughly 60 miles, taking 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Beginning Point of the Trail: Mount Pilchuck Trailhead

After the Heybrook Lookout (mentioned above), Mount Pilchuck is probably the second most accessible fire lookout in Western Washington in terms of both distance from Seattle and effort needed to arrive (though we want to note that IT IS NOT AN EASY HIKE – climbing 2,300 feet over a couple of miles is no mean feat).

Situated along the Mountain Loop Highway in the Central Cascades, the trailhead is located outside of Granite Falls. Note that part of the road to reach the trailhead is along relatively rough gravel, but it’s possible to drive in a passenger vehicle if you’re willing to go slowly.

After starting on the trail, you’ll come to a fork—veer right as the left trail is a false path. Much of the time you’ll be ascending through forest, sometimes up precarious rocks requiring a bit of attention. There are a few deceptive summits.

To pinpoint the accurate location, you should observe a lookout tower for fires as well as a brown sign planted on a tree at the peak specifying “Parking Area”.

Upon reaching the summit, which involves an arduous climb up sizable rocks to the fire lookout tower, you`ll quickly forget the journey. From the top, take in the panoramic 360 views spanning Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and the Olympic Mountains from the shelter while refueling with a midday meal.

Although Mount Pilchuck attracts crowds during peak season, the challenge of this well-liked hike shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s no simple walk.

The Naches Peak Loop (Mount Rainier National Park – Sunrise)

• Length: 3.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 600 feet
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate
• Pass Required? America the Beautiful Pass
• Dog-Friendly? No
• Distance from Seattle: Around 88 miles, taking 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Starting point: Tipsoo Lake Comfort Station

The Naches Peak Loop might just provide the best value for effort hike in the whole state.

It has to be on any list of the best gentle trails in Washington, given it’s only 3.4 miles long with a easy climb up to the top, where you’ll be greeted with some of the most spectacular views of Mount Rainier in the park.

The optimal place to park is at the comfort station located at Tipsoo Lake, which is on the southwestern side of Tipsoo Lake and has restrooms (important after a two hour drive). You can find it here on Google Maps.

From the starting point, follow the trail clockwise. You’ll begin with a gentle climb, passing next to the lake and through a field of wildflowers in early summer before crossing a bridge intersecting the Pacific Crest Trail.

Continue the journey, which winds its way through the forest and past a couple of pretty small lakes (the proper term for ponds) before arriving at the summit around halfway through the hike.

At that point, you’ll be trekking directly towards Rainier – which is why we propose doing it in this instruction – and there’s a half mile stretch of trail where it’s just nonstop spectacular sights of the Mountain.

It’s also very worthwhile visiting here at sunrise, when the rising sun illuminates Rainier’s glaciated peak in a gorgeous pink hue.

The ideal place to catch the sunrise is here, up on the road on the eastern side of Tipsoo.

The Burroughs Mountain Trail (Mount Rainier National Park – Sunrise)

• Length: 9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Hard
• Pass Required? America the Beautiful Pass
• Dog-Friendly? No
• Distance from Seattle: Roughly 95 miles, taking 2 hours and 20 minutes

End your day at the charming La Serre dei Giardini, a renovated greenhouse situated within Giardini Margherita, Bologna’s largest and most loved park on the southern end of the city.

This is some of the best hiking in the state, at least if you enjoy a challenge. The Burroughs Mountain Trail offers some insane sights of Mount Rainier, but makes you work hard for them.

The Burroughs are, lacking a better word, three lumps at the base of Mount Rainier’s northeastern face, and by the third one you’re basically face to face with the most spectacular natural splendor that Washington State has to offer.

Panoramic views across the entire park, including of Rainier itself, are present throughout the entire hike, keeping your interest piqued. When you reach the summit, Mount Rainier appears almost close enough to touch.

We were intrigued by the spiraling cloud shaping above Mount Rainier and seems to develop as the day passes.

Even in midsummer portions of the trail may be covered in snow, so it is crucial to head out in the middle of summer once the snow has had an opportunity to melt. Aside from that, the trail is popular enough that it is generally in very good condition.

One thing we noticed is that the park map has the trail ending at the second of the three boroughs.

If you’re up for adventure, you should definitely explore the third hike, which is closest to the majestic face of Mount Rainier, but be aware that it’s described as “unmaintained.”

You may come across mountain goats along the route, and likely more than a few marmots as well.

The Skyline Loop Trail (Mount Rainier National Park – Paradise)

• Length: 5.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
• Pass Required? America the Beautiful Pass
• Dog-Friendly? No
• Distance from Seattle: 107 miles; 2 hours 40 minutes
• Trailhead Location:Henry M Jackson Visitor Center

In my opinion, the Skyline Trail is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Washington because it provides one of the most spectacular views of Mount Rainier that you can find. We`ve done it multiple times over the years, and it remains fascinating.

Additionally, it guides through fields of wildflowers Paradise is famed for, ideal if undertaken in early summer. It`s a hike worth boasting about.

At the high point of the trail, you’re going to feel like you can literally reach out and touch the mountain, and the views are not something you’ll soon forget.

The hike begins at the trailhead behind the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center area in the Paradise parking lot. We`ve navigated this route multiple times, noting the massive parking area nearly filled by around 7:30 am on summer weekends.

Palazzo Alfeo Aparthotel – spacious apartments with private kitchens and beautiful oceanic perspectives. One of the apartments even includes a hot tub on its terrace.

Hiking it in a clockwise motion means a steeper but shorter ascent with incredible views of Rainier during your climb. However, you’ll also be confronting crowds on the ascent.

Travelling in a counterclockwise direction, you`ll have a more gradual and milder incline on a less busy trail. The downside is a steep descent, which can be difficult on the knees. You will also share the path with crowds ascending uphill.

We completed the loop in both directions, and slightly favored the hike heading clockwise (especially if you can get an early beginning). If you head out on the hike going clockwise, the trail initially involves a fairly steep climb that eventually becomes more gentle, but for the bulk of the hike, you’ll be nearly face-to-face with Mount Rainier.

When you arrive at Panorama Point, you’ll be presented with views of Paradise Valley, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams extending out to the south.

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Panorama Point does not represent the maximum elevation, as continuing on a brief, rocky ascent allows reaching the southern slopes of Rainier at their closest vantage point.

We love hiking this trail loop in Mount Rainier National Park, and have an entire guide to hiking the Skyline Trail with far more detail than provided here.

Seattle’s Best Hikes: A Handy Map

As promised, here is a helpful map of all the trailheads for the hikes we’ve mentioned in this guide so that you can visualize where they all are.

To view a full size version of the map, click on the “expand” icon in the top right.

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