Seattle is sandwiched between two of the nation’s most beautiful national parks: Mount Rainier and Olympic. Closer to downtown, city parks, county parks, state parks, and national forests offer tons of hiking trails. Here are 10 of the best!
LessThe climb to the summit of Mount Si is ultra-popular with local hikers, but that doesn’t make it easy! The 8-mile round-trip hike requires 3,500 feet of vertical gain up a strenuous trail. But that doesn’t keep the crowds away: according to local guidebook author Craig Romano, Mount Si attracts over 100,000 hikers per year!
If you’re looking for a mellow hike, it doesn’t get much easier than this! This quick loop through Ebey’s Landing State Park traverses the top of a bluff overlooking the water and then returns directly along the shore. With just 207 feet of elevation gain over the course of 3.6 miles, the entire family can enjoy this beautiful adventure on Whidbey Island.
"Easily one of the most rewarding hikes in the area, [Mount Pilchuck’s] relatively short 2.7 mile, 2,300 feet ascent gifts you 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics from its shelter lookout, which sits nestled on a summit that tops out around 5,300 feet,” writes Conor Dempsey on WTA.org. Adding to Mount Pilchuck’s popularity is the ease of access: the trailhead is less than two hours from Seattle.
The Squak Mountain trail system provides numerous hiking opportunities, including Margaret’s Way to Debbie's View, or simply summiting Squak Mountain West Peak. But if you’re looking for something a little extra, try connecting all three of the Squak Mountain peaks into one big linkup hike!
The hike to Granite Lakes is a great way to escape the press of the crowds found on most of the other trails in the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River Valley. “The hike to Granite Lakes follows a crashing creek to two small lakes set in a talus-strewn cirque and home to several rare amphibians,” according to local guidebook author Craig Romano.
"If you can only do one summer full-day hike in Washington, the hike to Summerland in [Mount] Rainier National Park is your best bet,” writes SwitchbackTravel.com. “Summerland,” the destination of your hike, is a beautiful alpine meadow filled with stunning wildflowers. Named by famous climber and explorer E. S. Ingraham, Summerland serves as a basecamp for climbers ascending Mount Rainier via its southern slopes.
This short hike runs through a beautiful, mossy forest and ends at an incredible vista at the Heybrook Overlook. From the top of the ridge, you'll enjoy an expansive view of the peaks all around you that provides a sweet reward for the steep hiking you just did!