Best Hiking Trails in Seattle, Washington: A Guide to Nature’s Embrace

Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest urban park, offers an unparalleled escape into nature right within the city limits. Spanning over 534 acres on the Magnolia bluff, it boasts miles of rugged walking trails, open meadows, dramatic sea cliffs, and secluded beaches with breathtaking panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Range. Hikers can explore diverse ecosystems, from dense forest to sandy shores, and encounter abundant wildlife. The park features a historic lighthouse, West Point Lighthouse, which adds to its charm. It’s an ideal spot for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes, providing a refreshing outdoor experience close to urban conveniences.

Good for

• ✅ Children
• ✅ Dogs

The Washington Park Arboretum is a magnificent 230-acre botanical garden offering a unique blend of cultivated landscapes and natural woodlands. Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington, it provides a serene retreat with an extensive network of walking and hiking paths. Visitors can wander through diverse collections of trees and plants from around the world, including the renowned Japanese Garden. The arboretum’s trails range from paved, accessible routes suitable for all ages to more rustic, winding paths that delve deeper into the natural areas. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful walk amidst stunning flora, offering a vibrant display of colors throughout the seasons and opportunities for birdwatching.

Good for

• ✅ Children
• ✅ Dogs

Carkeek Park is a sprawling 220-acre natural park in northwest Seattle, offering a rich tapestry of landscapes including forests, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and a picturesque beach on Puget Sound. This park is a favorite among locals for its extensive network of hiking trails that meander through diverse habitats, providing stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Whidley Island. Carkeek Park is particularly famous for its annual salmon migration, where visitors can witness salmon returning to spawn in Piper’s Creek, making it an educational and scenic experience. With playgrounds for children and dog-friendly paths, it’s a versatile destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

Good for

• ✅ Children
• ✅ Dogs

Located a scenic drive east of Seattle, Wallace Falls State Park offers an exhilarating escape into the raw beauty of the Cascade foothills. This sprawling park is renowned for its spectacular 256-foot waterfall, which can be admired from several viewpoints along its well-maintained trails. The Woody Trail is a popular choice, leading hikers through lush old-growth forest alongside the Wallace River, culminating in stunning vistas of the Lower, Middle, and Upper Wallace Falls. With diverse terrain ranging from easy riverside strolls to more strenuous climbs, the park caters to various skill levels. It’s a quintessential Pacific Northwest hiking experience, perfect for a day trip from Seattle.

Good for

• ✅ Children
• ✅ Dogs

A majestic icon of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier National Park, though a bit of a drive from Seattle, is an absolute must-visit for serious hikers. Encompassing 236,000 acres around Washington’s highest peak, it offers an incredible array of trails, from gentle strolls through wildflower meadows to challenging mountaineering routes across glaciers. The park’s diverse ecosystems include ancient forests, subalpine meadows, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Popular trails like Skyline Trail at Paradise or Naches Peak Loop provide breathtaking panoramic views of the mountain, glaciers, and surrounding valleys. It’s an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in unparalleled alpine wilderness.

Good for

• ✅ Children
• ✅ Dogs

Just a short drive from Seattle, the Twin Falls Natural Area, within Olallie State Park, presents a rewarding and scenic hiking experience. This popular trail leads visitors through a lush, moss-draped forest alongside the South Fork Snoqualmie River, culminating in the impressive 135-foot Twin Falls. The well-maintained path includes a series of switchbacks and stairs, offering varying perspectives of the powerful waterfall as it cascades down two distinct drops. It’s a moderately challenging out-and-back trail, perfect for a half-day adventure. The combination of ancient trees, the soothing sound of the river, and the captivating falls makes it a truly enchanting destination for nature lovers.

Good for

• ✅ Children
• ✅ Dogs

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, located just east of Seattle in Renton, offers a vast expanse of protected natural beauty. This sprawling park is a haven for hikers, featuring over 36 miles of trails that wind through dense, mature forests, open meadows, and past remnants of old coal mines. The trails cater to a range of abilities, from easy loops suitable for families to more challenging climbs, all offering a chance to observe local wildlife and enjoy tranquil natural surroundings. With its diverse terrain and historical elements, Cougar Mountain provides an accessible yet immersive wilderness experience, making it a popular choice for a quick escape into nature.

Good for

• ✅ Children
• ✅ Dogs