13 Best Hikes Near Seattle

When I first moved to Washington, I was utterly blown away by the number of hikes near Seattle. Living in Texas my whole life where hikes were few and far in between, I felt very overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to start, where any of the hikes were and which ones were worth my time. After exploring Washington hikes for months every weekend, I have come up with a great list of my absolute favorite hikes in the area. This list is filled with waterfalls, lakes, lookouts, sunset spots, stunning mountain views, and so much more! If you are up for exploring some amazing scenery then keep reading on 🙂

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Hiking Near Seattle Map

You can download the google map shown above on your phone. I have also created a map (shown below) with the different hiking areas of Washington. Please note that this is just a general area map. I created this as a visual representation of the area. So if you want the actual area boundaries, check out the National Geographic maps of Washington.

I also wanted to note that I use two apps for finding out information on trails. I use the Washington Trails Association app/website to read trip reports, mainly for information on snow conditions. I use the pro version of Alltrails for trail maps.

What To Pack For Seattle Hiking Trails

1. REI Lightweight Chair: I started bringing this super lightweight chair on all my adventures. It only weighs 1 lb!!! It is nice to get to the viewpoint and to be able to sit comfortably while eating.>Buy My New FAV Hiking Equipment
2. Sunscreen: If you get burned quickly like my husband, this is needed. >Buy Sunscreen
3. Hiking Boots/Shoes: If you use tennis shoes you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me I have done it so many times). >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
4. Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
5. Refillable water bottle: I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before. >Check Prices Now
6. Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
7. Sunglasses: It can get sunny, so make sure to pack some sunglasses. >Check Out These Sunglasses
8. Snacks: The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars, and extra food. Cliff Bars are great for hiking.
9. Camera: The camera I have linked was one of the first cameras I started using on my travels. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.  >Buy Sony Camera Here
10. First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable. >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
11. Day Pack to carry all your things: The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
12. Leggings or Hiking Pants: I love wearing leggings while hiking because I love how comfy they are but don’t forget that the PNW is known for being rainy. I still try to wear leggings as much as I can and only wear them in Olympic NP if I know it won’t rain that day. Either way, here are my excellent hiking pants that are super durable. >Click For My Favorite Hiking Pants
13. Breathable sweat-wicking shirts
14. Sports Bra: For women.
15. Jacket: It can get pretty chilly all year long. Bring a Jacket! >Buy My Favorite Jacket
16. Light Jacket: The PNW weather can be unpredictable. That is why I always bring three jackets with me. A puffy jacket, a light jacket, and a rain jacket. >Buy The Jacket I Wear on the trails
17. Rain Jacket: When hiking in Washington, you need this in case it starts pouring on you, which is always a possibility in the PNW. >Buy A Great Rain Jacket Here
18. Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
19. Fire Starter and Matches: This is just in case of an emergency.
20. Compass: I always carry this with me just in case. >Click Here To Buy
21. Knife: You never know if you will need it. >Buy My Knife Here
22. Headlamp: A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get lost, or you take longer then you thought you would to complete a hike. Trust me, it happens even to me. >Buy A Headlamp Now
23. Map: A map is essential, so you don’t get lost. I usually bring with me a pro trails map on my phone, and I have many of the Washington area maps.
24. Crampons: If you are hiking outside of the summer months I highly recommend always having this in your backpack. >Buy My Handy Dandy Crampons 
25. Bear Spray: I always carry bear spray with me just in case. >Buy Bear Spray Here

Best Times To Hike Near Seattle

The perfect time to hike near Seattle is from mid-July through Mid October. I was able to walk some trails outside of this time frame, but I was always wary about the snow and avalanche conditions. You can find out more information on avalanches in Washington here. I also always carried crampons.

Passes For Hiking Trails Near Seattle

To hike at most of the trails near Seattle you either need a Discover Pass, Northwest Forest Pass or an America The Beautiful Pass. If you are like me and are obsessed with national parks, then I highly recommend getting the Discover Pass and the America The Beautiful Pass. America The Beautiful Pass covers the Northwest Forest Pass AND all national parks in the USA.

Best Day Hikes Near Seattle

Mount Rainier National Park

Fremont Lookout

• Distance: 5.6 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Pass: National Park Pass or America The Beautiful
• Drive From Seattle: 2 hours and 15 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: No

This trail was my first experience at Mount Rainier National Park, and it was magical. I am always a fan of trails that has views throughout the hike, and this one did not disappoint. Yes, you heard that right, you get stunning views of Mount Rainier pretty much the whole hike. Fremont Lookout is also known as a great sunset spot. The trail isn’t too long or challenging to hike back in the dark.

Olympic Peninsula

Mount Ellinor Loop Trail

• Distance: 3.2 or 6.2 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 2,332 feet or 3,300 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Drive From Seattle: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

If you want the ultimate workout, then you need to hike up Mount Ellinor. This trail is challenging even though it is only a few miles long. The views of the Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains at the viewpoint are extraordinary. Please note that there are two trailheads, the upper trailhead, and the lower trailhead. I ended up completing the upper trailhead. The upper trailhead is still a difficult hike with less mileage.

Mount Storm King

• Distance: 4 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 2,065 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Pass: None
• Drive From Seattle: 3 hours
• Are Dogs Allowed: No

This trail is tough and can become quickly dangerous if there is bad weather. At 1.3 miles is when the trail becomes interesting. The trail becomes extremely steep, and there are ropes to help pull you up. Do not attempt this climb if you are uncomfortable. There are other viewpoints of Lake Cresent before the 1.3-mile sketchy climb.

If you can get past the rope section, the views at Mount Storm King are incredible. Below this viewpoint is the blue Lake Cresent and in the distance the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

If you have time make sure to check out Marymere Falls before or after the hike. The waterfall trail is nearby.

Rialto Beach Hole In The Wall Hike

• Distance: 4 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: none
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pass: National Park Pass or America The Beautiful
• Drive From Seattle: 4 hours and 15 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: No

If you want a pleasant beach stroll with some stunning views, then this hike is just for you. Rialto Beach was my first look at Washington State beaches, and it did not disappoint. At the end of the trail, there are views of two sea stacks and an area called the hole in the wall. You can attempt to take pictures of the sea stacks through an opening called “The Hole In The Wall”. Getting to the “Hole In The Wall” can only be done if there is low tide which you can check here.

READ MORE ABOUT RIALTO BEACH HERE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO RIALTO BEACH

Hurricane Hill

• Distance: 3.2 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 650 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pass: National Park Pass or America The Beautiful
• Drive From Seattle: 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: No

This hike is perfect if you want views of the Olympic Mountains. I enjoyed this hike even though it was a breeze to complete. The views are outstanding throughout the whole trail and at the viewpoint. There are views of the town of Port Angeles, Vancouver Island, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This should be one of your first hikes in the Olympic Peninsula.

READ MORE ABOUT HURRICANE HILL HERE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HURRICANE RIDGE

North Cascades Mountain Loop Highway

Lake 22

• Distance: 5.4 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1,350 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Drive From Seattle: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

Lake 22 was my first Washington hike when I first moved to Seattle. I was captivated by the grand size of the mountain views. Located near the northern shoulder of Mount Pilchuck, this hike is a great combination of mountain views and lakes.

Heather Lake

• Distance: 4.6 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1,034 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Drive From Seattle: 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

This trail reminded me of an easier version of Lake 22. There were times while on this hike that I thought I was redoing Lake 22 as they are so similar. I did this trail when I first arrived in Seattle, and it was a perfect trail to get into hiking shape. This is a great trail for families that are looking for something more difficult with stunning views.

Mount Pilchuck

• Distance: 5.4 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Drive From Seattle: 1 hour and 32 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

I enjoyed this hike! You get 360 views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, and the Olympics! You can even hang out or camp inside the lookout. This trail is extremely popular, so you will most likely experience the crowds. Don’t let the popularity fool you, this trail is tough. The elevation gain is pretty intense for only being 2.7 miles going up. Also, every year, several hikers attempt the hike, and they get lost and need to get rescued. Be prepared and bring a map, compass, food, and water.

Please note that driving to the trailhead is bumpy and filled with potholes. Make sure your car is capable of getting through a sketchy dirt road.

Central Cascades – Stevens Pass

Mount McCausland

• Distance: 7 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1800 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Pass: None
• Drive From Seattle: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

Ok, I know this isn’t on many people’s bucket list of hikes to do, but hear me out. The views are incredible, and the crowds are nonexistent. If that doesn’t convince you, then I don’t know what will! I will warn you that we got attacked by mosquitos to the max so bring bug spray! Also, the elevation gain at the end of the hike is pretty intense, so be prepared. You can also stop at Lake Valhalla afterward and relax.

Beckler Peak

• Distance: 7.6 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 2240 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Pass: None
• Drive From Seattle: 1 hour and 50 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

Hiking up Beckler peak provides you with summit views of Glacier Peak, Baring, Index, the Monte Cristo Range, and Evergreen Mountain. I felt like this hike was easy to moderate. It is excellent if you are a beginner hiker that wants to do something harder than Rattlesnake Ledge. I will say that getting to the trailhead was such a pain. There were so many potholes on the dirt road. Also, the summit area is small, so it might feel crowded on weekends. Taking pictures at the peak was difficult with the number of people.

Lake Serene

• Distance: 8.2 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Drive From Seattle: 1 hour and 10 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

This has so far been my favorite hike I have done in Washington. The lake was crystal clear, and the mountain face was just extraordinary. Plus you also get a waterfall halfway through the hike: Bridal Veil Falls. I also loved seeing the views of the surrounding valley filled with mountains.

Snoqualmie Region – North Bend Area

Rattlesnake Ledge

• Distance: 4.0 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1160 Feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pass: None
• Drive From Seattle: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

Rattlesnake Ledge is the most popular hikes outside of Seattle. It is known to be one of the easiest hikes near Seattle. I decided to give it a try this summer, and it was just how I expected it to be: crowded. You are probably thinking why I added this hike to the list? Well, the truth is I liked how close and easy this trail was. I loved being able to zip in and out and still feel like I was outdoors. It is an excellent hike if you are a beginner hiker or if you have a limited amount of time. I suggest getting there bright and early because half of Seattle is usually hiking this trail.

Mount Si

• Distance: 8.0 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 3150 Feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Pass: Discover Pass
• Drive From Seattle: 40 minutes
• Are Dogs Allowed: Yes

Oh, Mount Si. The amount of anxiety this trail caused me was insane. So let me explain my experience with this trail. I have heard so much of Mount Si that I decided to solo hike up the mountain without doing much research. 99% of the hike was doable for me alone and didn’t cause any trouble. But, what did cause me the pain was the last section of the trail… The Haystack.

You have to scramble up some rocks to get to the top to the peak. Which for someone afraid of heights (yes I used to be a rock climber that was deathly afraid of heights), this didn’t go over so well. I decided to wait on some hikers to make sure I got up and down the scramble safe. Even with the anxiety, this trail was fun for me. I always love a challenge.

Bottom line, if you are afraid of heights, be aware of the scramble, and going down is much harder then going up. Also, you don’t have to do the rock scramble. You can stay in the lunch spot area where most of the people end their hike. There are still beautiful views at the Lunch Area.

Final Thoughts On Best Hikes Near Seattle

Moving to Seattle and hiking these nearby trails has been an absolute dream! Seattle has so many breathtaking sceneries nearby that it feels almost overwhelming. I hope this has helped you narrow down some great places to explore. If you have any questions, please comment below. Also, check out other posts on hikes in the Washington area:

• Best Hikes In Olympic National Park
• Best Hikes In Mount Rainier National Park
• 30 Best Gifts For Hikers
• Best Hikes In Washington State

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