As the largest park within Seattle, Discovery Park truly has everything nature lovers crave. Tucked away on the western edge of the Magnolia Bluff, this scenic park overlooks the Puget Sound and is home to beaches, open meadows, sand dunes, dense forest groves, and the West Point Lighthouse. The park has some of the best views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, including the towering Mount Rainier. If you're looking for a quick trip to nature without traveling far, this is the trail for you

This trail through Coal Creek Natural Area is like taking a trip through a time machine. As you wander through the thick forest canopies, you will find evidence of mining operations that once took place in the area. Although situated a short distance from Bellevue, this area gives visitors a deep feeling of solitude and wilderness. For those looking to catch a glimpse of Seattle as it was in the 19th century, this trail is the perfect option to explore untouched natural beauty and local history.

On the western side of Squak Mountain lies a perfectly-maintained hiking path alongside trickling streams and moss-covered forests: Margaret’s Way. This gem of a hiking trail weaves its way through lush forests and towering trees to Debbie’s View, where you can relax and enjoy picturesque views of Mount Rainier under the comfortable shade of the surrounding canopies.

Despite its unappealing name, this lush forested trail climbs its way through an abundance of green plants and trees to a beautiful overlook. On the way to the top, the forest floor is covered in green ferns and mossy trees. Although not too strenuous of a hike overall, the final push to the top is sure to get your legs burning. If you’re lucky, your climbing efforts will be rewarded with an entertaining display of paragliders jumping off the edge of the mountain!

Looking for something the entire family can do? Point Defiance offers an abundance of beautiful, criss-crossing walking paths among a scenic forest setting. The outer loop takes visitors by the Rhododendron Garden, viewpoints of the Puget Sound and Tacoma Bridge, and the historic Fort Nisqually which features some of the oldest buildings in the entire state of Washington. If time allows, feel free to stop by the zoo and check out the wolves, polar bears, and more.

Winding upward along rocky switchbacks to the incredible viewpoint known as Dirty Harry’s Balcony, this trail is one of the best half-day adventures in the Seattle area. Views of McClellan Peak, Defiance Ridge, and East Snoqualmie Valley as a whole are unparalleled. This unique, rocky terrain is also a popular destination among rock climbers. The route to the balcony is a mere two miles, making this hike well worth the effort!

With colorful fields of wildflowers, moss-covered forests, and even a waterfall, this trail leading to a beautiful alpine lake truly has it all. Incredible views of the nearby mountain peaks, including Rainier, act as motivation as you trudge onward and upward to your destination. Once at the top, Mason Lake makes for a great spot to stop for lunch and a swim in the bone-chilling water before making your way back down.