Seattle is called the Emerald City, and for good reason. There is no shortage of lush greenery and epic trails to explore both in and around the city! No visit to Seattle is complete without experiencing the abundant forests that surround the city, from alpine lakes to waterfalls and ice caves, you won’t believe the incredible trails located within 90 minutes of such a massive city! With thousands of gorgeous trails to choose from, it can be hard to settle on one hike, so we’ve narrowed it down to the best 17 hikes near Seattle. Grab your hiking boots and prepare to be awestruck by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest!
Snoqualmie Falls
Location: 6501 Railroad Ave, Snoqualmie, WA 98065 (47.5437, -121.8370) | Distance: 1.4-miles out and back (lower falls) | Elevation Gain: 509 feet
Snoqualmie Falls is a breathtaking 270-foot waterfall that crashes over a sharp cliff face into the vibrantly blue, Snoqualmie River. There are two ways to view this impressive falls, the upper falls viewpoint and the lower falls viewpoint. The upper falls viewpoint is handicap accessible and is just a short walk from the parking lot. The lower falls viewpoint is accessed via a short, 1.4-mile heavily trafficked out and back trail. The trail winds its way through dense old growth forests and native vegetation, making you feel like you stepped into a whimsical fairy land.
Tip: You have to pay to park in the lower parking lot, but if you cross the street, the upper lot is free and has a bridge that crosses over to the falls viewing deck.
Mount Si
Location: North Bend, WA, 98945 (47.4896, -121.7235) | Distance: 8-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 3,150 feet
Mount Si is one of Seattle’s bucket-list worthy hikes! Crowds flock to the Mount Si trail to test their endurance as they climb a little over 3,000 feet in four steep miles (8-miles roundtrip). The trail itself consists of gruelling switchbacks all the way to the top! But fret not, the panoramic views of Mount Rainier and numerous Cascade peaks provide the gratification needed after such a hike! To avoid the crowds, I recommend arriving early or opting for a weekday hike.
Note: A discover pass is required for this trail.
Franklin Falls
Location: Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, North Bend, WA (47.4130967858, -121.442543428) | Distance: 2-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 400 feet
At just 2-miles roundtrip, and only 400 feet of elevation gain, Franklin Falls makes the perfect easy and beautiful hike. Visit between April and July to see the falls flowing at its strongest!
Note: You need a Northwest Forest Pass to hike/park here!
Poo Poo Point
Location: Issaquah Alps, Issaquah, WA (47.499441, -122.008509) | Distance: 7.4-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet
Despite what the name may imply, the popular, Poo Poo Point trail is stunning with views of Lake Sammamish, Mount Rainier and the surrounding areas. The challenging, 7.4-mile round trip hike to the summit has an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet, but hikers who make the trek are rewarded with stellar views! If you’re lucky, you may even see paragliders in action as they launch off the mountain-top.
Note: A discover pass is required for this trail.
Lake 22
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Granite Falls, WA (48.0770, -121.7457) | Distance: 5.4-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
Lake 22 is a moderately difficult, 5.4-miles roundtrip hike. The trail weaves through mountain rainforests, serene old-growth forests, crosses streams, opens to views of mountain peaks, and finishes at an alpine lake. As if the views along the way weren’t reason enough for the hike, the turquoise blue waters of Lake 22 are surrounded by Mount Pilchuck‘s enormously steep wall makes it easy to see why this trail is so popular!
The parking lot can fill quickly for this popular trail, so plan to arrive early!
Note: You are required to have a Northwest Forest Pass when hiking this trail!
Mailbox Peak
Location: North Bend, WA (47.4675, -121.6748) | Distance: 5.4-miles round trip (Old Trail) or 9.4-miles round trip (New Trail) | Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
Mailbox Peak is a difficult hike that rewards hikers with spectacular views, including views of Mount Rainier on a clear day. There are two routes to reach Mailbox Peak, the “old trail” that climbs 4000 feet in about 3-miles and the new trail that makes that same climb in 6-miles. Once making it to the top of the peak, record your name on the register inside the mailbox and enjoy the satisfaction of conquering this challenging peak!
Note: A discover pass is required to park at the trailhead.
Grand Forest
Location: 9752 Miller Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA | Distance: Varies | Elevation Gain: Varies
Located on Bainbridge Island, just a short ferry ride away from Seattle, the Grand Forest offers eight miles of trails. Hop on any trail within Grand Forest for an easy stroll through vibrant green forests of cedars, firs, and maples. A walk through the Grand Forest makes you feel worlds away, but is right near the quaint main street of Bainbridge!
Wallace Falls
Location: 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, Washington | Distance: 5.6-miles out and back | Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Wallace Falls itself is a 265-foot waterfall, with a series of three separate falls. The Wallace Falls trails follows along the Wallace River through moss-covered, old-growth forests to each of the three sections of the falls. The trail is 5.6-miles out and back in total to view all three vantage points of the falls. You will reach the lower falls after 2-miles, then continue another half mile to reach the middle falls. If you’re up for a challenge, then continue on up the steep switchbacks to the upper falls.
Note: A discover pass is required for this trail.
Rattlesnake Ledge
Location: North Bend, WA (47.4347, -121.7687) | Distance: 4.0-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,160 feet
Rattlesnake Ledge is an extremely popular 4.0-miles round trip hike leading to a large, craggy outcropping offering magnificent views of Mount Washington, Mount Si, two lakes, and the Cedar River. Right when you arrive in the parking lot, as you gaze across Rattlesnake Lake, you can see the sheer rock face in the distance that is, Rattlesnake Ledge. After passing dense patches of blackberry bushes and Rattlesnake Lake on your left, you begin the short and moderately steep climb up to the top of this impressive peak. Once you conquer the trail, cool off with a swim in the lake below as you gaze up at the peak you once stood on!
Heybrook Lookout
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Gold Bar, WA (47.8084, -121.5352) | Distance: 2.6-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 860 feet
Heybrook Lookout is one of the closest lookout towers to Seattle. The hike is 2.6-miles roundtrip, but the short length shouldn’t be underestimated, parts of the hike can be quite steep. After hiking through the moss and fern covered forest, you reach the lookout where you can climb the stairs to the top of the tower. Sitting 67 feet above the ridgeline, the lookout provides spectacular views of Mt Index and the surrounding glacial peaks.
Between the months of May and October, you can reserve the lookout tower for $75 a night.
Snow Lake and Gem Lake
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Pass, WA (47.4454, -121.4230) | Distance: 6.4-miles round trip (Snow Lake) / 10.0-miles round trip (Gem Lake) | Elevation Gain: 1,860 feet (Snow Lake) / 2,200 feet (Gem Lake)
Snow Lake is the most visited lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and it’s easy to see why! Its’ sparkling, aquamarine waters glow against the mountain peak backdrop. The 6.4-mile roundtrip hike takes you on a gradual climb through thick coniferous forests and past numerous waterfalls before arriving at the serene, Snow Lake. Once reaching Snow Lake, cool off with a swim, or sit and marvel at its’ sparkling waters while eating some huckleberries found on the trail. If you have energy left, continue another 2-miles along the trail to reach Gem Lake.
Note: You are required to have a Northwest Forest Pass when hiking this trail!
Mount Pilchuck
Location: 33515 Mountain Loop Highway Granite Falls, WA 98252 (48.069786, -121.81512) | Distance: 5.4-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
The challenging, yet rewarding Mount Pilchuck trail ascends 2,300 feet in a relatively short, 2.7-miles, making the entire hike 5.4-miles roundtrip. Climb through beautiful old-growth forest and boulder fields to the rocky summit lookout tower offering 360-degree views of the Puget Sound, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains.
Mount Pilchuck is best enjoyed from July to early-October when the snow has melted from the trail. In the winter months, the road often closes due to snow, so be sure to check the road conditions if you plan to go during that time.
Note: You will need a Northwest Forest Pass to hike/park here!
Gold Creek Pond
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Pass, WA (47.4094, -121.3677) | Distance: 1-mile loop | Elevation Gain: 10 feet
Gold Creek Pond is a short, ADA-accessible 1-mile loop around a picturesque mountain-top pond and the surrounding lush forest. The trail’s close proximity to Seattle and ease of the hike, make this a popular spot for family portraits and engagement sessions!
Note: You are required to have a Northwest Forest Pass when hiking this trail!
Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop
Location: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199 | Distance: 4.5-mile loop | Elevation Gain: 485 feet
Located within Seattle city limits, Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop is one of the most easily accessible trails from downtown. The 4.5-mile loop trail winds through Discovery Park’s forests and grasslands perched above the Puget Sound. Hike down to the picturesque, West Point Lighthouse to take in views of the Olympic Mountains across the sparkling waters of the Puget Sound, and on a clear day, Mount Rainier in the distance. This is also a great place to spot sea lions and seals frolicking in the waves off the shore.
Big Four Ice Caves
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Granite Falls, WA (48.0659, -121.5107) | Distance: 2.2-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 220 feet
The trail to the Big Four Ice Caves is just 2.2-miles roundtrip, and has little elevation change. This hike takes you through fir forests to the side of Big Four Mountain where you can view naturally occuring ice caves. The ice caves are caused by avalanches falling off the mountain throughout the winter and spring, the fallen snow then melts turning into waterfalls that melt snow at the base of the mountain, creating the caves. Though you can physically enter the caves, it is recommended that you just view them from outside as entering the caves is dangerous and can be deadly.
Since the caves are weather dependent, there is a limited window of time where the caves are visible. The caves are usually accessible from August until about mid-October. Then, new snowfall covers the caves back up again until the following year. Keep an eye on the weather, as early snowfall could close the ice caves up sooner.
Note: You are required to have a Northwest Forest Pass when hiking this trail!
Heather Lake Trail
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Granite Falls, WA (48.0829, -121.7740) | Distance: 4.6-miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,035 feet
This hike has you climbing through lush green forests, with moss-covered trees and ferns lining your path, up to a beautiful mountain lake. In the summer you can expect to see wildflowers and berry bushes dotting the trail. The hike to Heather Lake is a short, but steep 4.6-miles roundtrip. Once making it to the lake, hike the half mile loop around the lake to take in the views! It is recommended that you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to get to this trailhead.
Note: You are required to have a Northwest Forest Pass when hiking this trail!
Deception Pass
Location: Deception Pass State Park: 41229 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 | Distance: Varies | Elevation Gain: Varies
Located on the north side of Whidbey Island, Deception Pass State Park has numerous impressive trail options! Some of the most popular trails include Lighthouse Point Loop which is 2.6-miles roundtrip and Hoypus Point Loop which is 5.1-miles roundtrip. While in Deception Pass, be sure to stop at the Deception Pass Bridge for some stunning views and the chance to spot sea lions and seals in the water below.
Note: A discover pass is required when visiting the park.
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Note: We only included trails that are within a 90-minute drive from downtown Seattle. If you have more time to explore and are willing to drive a bit farther you should definitely check out The Enchantments and the stunning hiking trails in Mount Rainier National Park!
