Ultimate Guide to Seattle Hiking Trails

The Seattle region is famous for its towering trees and even higher mountains. Fir, red cedar, spruce, and maple are among the many trees that make Western Washington so green. Within the city, you’ll find trails that take you through old-growth forests full of interesting plants and wildlife. You’ll also discover trails just outside the city that provide fresh mountain air and jaw dropping views. The amount of hiking trails in and around Seattle is almost  endless, and this article highlights just a few of the best. Here is the ultimate guide to Seattle hiking trails:

1. Discovery Park Loop

Length: 4.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 472 feet

Route type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

Discovery Park is a wonderful area to spend a day within the city of Seattle. This trail offers a bit of everything from a beach and lighthouse to a forest and mountains. The main loop is paved, relatively flat, and leads to other various trails within the forest. The entire trail navigates around the park, which used to be the grounds of Fort Lawton. 

Your trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the North and South Beach trail and exploring the tip of Discovery Park and the West Point Lighthouse. Along this hike you’ll have incredible views of Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island, Kitsap Peninsula and, on a clear day, the craggy peaks of the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. The park also offers guided tours along the shoreline of Salmon Bay that provide insight into the conservation efforts in this area. 

2.  Seward Park Perimeter Loop

Length: 2.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 39 feet

Route type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

Seward Park is a beautiful 300-acre forested park located southeast of downtown Seattle. This area is home to a flourishing old-growth forest where you can expect to find unique native plants and several eagles’ nests. The trail is paved and great for a quick bike ride, trail running or a peaceful walk near the shoreline. As long as you are aware and heed the warnings of poison oak, you’ll have a pleasant hike in Seward Park. 

3.  Fremont Lookout Trail

Length: 5.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,118 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog friendly: No

The trail begins at Sunrise Visitor Center's ranger station, which is surrounded by green meadows brimming with wildflowers. Rocks dominate the area at the trail's end, with stunning views of Mount Rainier and other nearby mountains. As you hike along the trail, expect to see deer, marmots, mountain goats, hawks and possibly a black bear. Some of the nicest views in the entire park are found at the Mount Fremont fire lookout. 

If you want to see Mount Rainier painted in its early morning shades of purple, crimson and orange, arrive at the Sunrise parking lot before the sun rises! This is a challenging hike, but still doable for those with little hiking experience. Fremont Lookout is about 94 miles southeast of Seattle, but the drive is well worth it. 

4.  Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

Length: 5.3-miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,459 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a portion of the broader Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area, which is located just east of Tiger Mountain State Forest and about one hour from Seattle. This popular hike's trailhead is close to North Bend, and it's short, steep hike will get your heart rate up quickly. The distance to the ledge is nearly two miles. There, the views of the Cedar River Watershed are incredible. You’ll also see expansive views of Mount Si, Mount Washington and the nearby lakes on clear days. 

You have the option to extend this trip for a full day by continuing up Rattlesnake Mountain's ridge. The Rattlesnake Ridge parking area contains a number of linking trails if you’re interested in exploring the greater trail network of the park. When exiting the parking area, you will come across the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. This is a perfect trail for a simple hike or bike trip. Over 35 miles of former railroad are now a route that begins south of Rattlesnake Lake and ascends to Duval.

5.  Mailbox Peak Trail

Length: 7.8 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation gain: 4,005 feet

Route type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes

With over 4,000 feet in elevation, and countless switchbacks, this hike is no joke. If you decide to take this challenging hike, you’ll be met with some of the most breathtaking views of the glowing Mount Rainier and the expansive Middle Fork Valley. At the zenith is a mailbox that contains a trail register where you’ll be able to document your undertaking. Much of the trail will be exposed, so be prepared with proper attire and bring plenty of drinking water. 

6.  Hurricane Hill Trail

Length: 3.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 826 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog friendly: No

In Olympic National Park, the trailhead begins 1.5 miles past the Hurricane Ridge Visitor's Center. This paved path ascends to a view of Vancouver Island, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. This day trek is one of the Olympic Peninsula's most easily accessible destinations (less than an hour from Port Angeles). Even though this moderate trail is only a few miles long and gains only a few hundred feet in elevation, the results are remarkable. If you wish to get lost in nature, you will find Hurricane Hill trail the ideal spot.

7.  Skyline Divide Trail

Length: 7.2 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation gain: 2,401 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

Skyline Divide is a challenging 7.2-mile hike within Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. On average, it takes hikers 4.5 hours to complete. As you ascend over 6,000 feet into the blue sky you’ll have an amazing view of the Koma Kulshan, Mount Baker and Shuksan mountains. The Divide is renowned for its breathtaking views of wildflowers, as well. If you love flowers, mountain views, fresh air and a challenging hike, then this is the trek for you.

8.  Twin Falls Trail

Length: 2.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 636 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

The Twin Falls trail leads to a number of impressive waterfalls after a pleasant stroll through thick foliage. This trail is excellent for families due to its moderate difficulty and simplicity of access from I-90. If you wish to see the falls from The Benches hillside, you must travel 2.6 miles roundtrip and climb 1,000 feet to reach the riverbank. Although the hike can be windy and foggy, the view is worth it. The trail descends from here and leads to the river and the vicinity of the Big Tree. The trail continues until it reaches the second hill, where the Forest Service has carved out a flight of steps that lead to the river and Ben Bridge where the cascading falls are visible. Six miles of clearly marked hiking paths are available in the park, and they connect to the mountain biking tracks.

9.  Wallace Falls

Length: 4.9 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,489 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

Wallace Falls can be found 50 miles northeast of Seattle. This 265-foot waterfall, and many others, are located within a lush old-growth forest teeming with wildlife. The hike ascends more than 1,400 feet and allows for three different viewpoints of the falls. At the conclusion of the path, between the middle and upper falls, a series of switchbacks provide the majority of the height increase. If you want to avoid the hike to the upper falls, you’ll still be treated to a breathtakingly magnificent view of the lower and middle falls. 

10.  Olallie and Talapus Lakes

Length: 5.7 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,223 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

This route starts just off of I-90, on a forest road to the east of the State Park. It is a section of the Pacific Coast Trail's Alpine Lakes Wilderness which runs along the Cascade Mountains. A route with elevated bridges and boardwalks spans a marshy region for 5.7 miles on the easy journey to Talapus and Olallie lakes. Before reaching the lake, there is a short climb and signposted trails that take you to Talapus Lake and a gorgeous waterfall. Three miles down another route are Olallie Lake and other branching trails to explore. 

11.  Kendall Katwalk Trail

Length: 15 miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation gain: 3,205 feet

Route type: There and back

Dog Friendly: Yes, must be on leash

The Kendall Katwalk Trail is a hike that’s meant for those who have plenty of on-trail experience in high elevations. This is one challenging hike that offers otherworldly views, while also providing a complete workout. While hiking up a high alpine ridge through old-growth trees, the trail ascends along a catwalk with views of Mount Rainier and icy valleys. Meadows, alpine lakes and several excellent camping locations can be found near the summit. There’s little to no shade during much of this hike, so it’s wise to bring some sun protection and plenty of drinking water. The average time to complete this hike is almost 8 hours, so if you plan on doing a day hike you’ll want to start as early as possible. Or you can always make this an overnight backpacking adventure. 

12.  Ebey’s Landing Trail

Length: 5.2 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 377 feet

Route type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve is a beautiful place to explore. From Seattle, it’s an hour drive and ferry ride to Whidbey Island. This trek offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Olympic and Cascade Mountains as it passes through open fields and along cliffs. Sea lions playing in the ocean and eagles flying overhead are possible sights on this hike. You should also know that the trail will be completely exposed to the elements, so bring sufficient gear.

13.  Grand Forest Park Trail 

Length: 2.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 269 feet

Route type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

The Grand Forest Park is a family-friendly location on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry trip from Seattle. It is divided into three independent property parcels: East, West and North Grand Forest, each with its own area and path system. The famous Hilltop Trail connects the east and west districts. Within these three areas, there are around eight miles of pathways, with each one displaying lovely, large trees such as cedar, fir and maple. The Grand Forest Park trail is an easy 2.2-mile loop. The hike takes you through a vibrant forest and many areas to observe the abundant wildlife. 

14.  Green Lake Trail

Length: 2.9-miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 29 feet

Route type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

Green Lake is a fantastic location to spend a day near Seattle. This lake, along with Puget Sound and other nearby lakes, were formed by the Vashon Glacial Ice Sheet over 50,000 years ago. This is an easy 2.9-mile loop around a calm lake where you can enjoy a nice walk, bike ride, or a quick paddle on the lake. This is an ideal hike for anyone looking for an expeditious escape from city life while still being close by.

15.  Washington Park Arboretum

Length: 3.8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 216 feet

Route type: Loop

Dog friendly: Yes, must be on leash

The Arboretum is a hidden beauty on Lake Washington's shoreline. Its 230 acres, jointly administered by the University of Washington and the city of Seattle, include a diverse array of flora not found anywhere else. This hike is an easy loop that is family friendly and great for anyone. You’ll feel rejuvenated, inspired and quite content after visiting this beautiful park within the city. 

Be Prepared

Seattle is not only famous for its coffee, music scene, and food, but also for its rain. It’s a good idea to check the weather before your trip and come prepared with the proper gear that will not only keep you dry but protect your skin from the sun, as well. KÜHL has exactly what you’re looking for in a waterproof jacket. The JETSTREAM™ TRENCH is a stylish jacket built to last through any storm.

The DRIFTR™ JACKET, with its exclusive shell fabric to keep you dry in wet conditions and a breathable mesh lining to keep you cool and comfortable, is another great option. If you’re in need of sun protection, the KOLLUSION™ SUN BLADE is a must-have item that protects your face, head and neck from the sun. The  AIRKÜHL™ HOODY is another great option for superior moisture management, breathability and sun protection. 

Enjoy the Nature of Seattle

Hiking in, or near Seattle is a special opportunity that will create memories to be cherished for a lifetime. While hiking be sure to follow the maintained trails, pick up any items that don’t belong on the trail and always leave no trace. There are endless trails to be explored, so it’s time to pack your backpack and wander through scenic Seattle!

Fall Colors at Park Arboretum. Featured image by: Claudia.