Seattle, Washington
Looking for the best hiking in Seattle? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Seattle. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Seattle
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Skykomish, Washington
Hike to Lake Deer via Lake Dorothy Trailhead
12.6 mi / 1600 ft gainStart off by traveling along Highway 2 and turning towards the Money Creek Campground. Turn off onto Forest Road 6410 and follow that to the Lake Dorothy Trailhead (about 9 miles).This first section of the hike can be pretty crowded on a nice summer day as the trail is very family friendly and it...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Lake 22
4.65.98 mi / 1434 ft gainIf you're looking for a taste of the Mountain Loop Highway area, but don't have it in you for a longer, steeper journey, look no further than Lake 22. The trail starts out as flat and well-maintained, from the parking lot, before becoming a true mountain rainforest trail. Water and dampness are f...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail
4.06.21 mi / 1978 ft gainAlong the Mountain Loop Highway, past the crowds crawling over Mt. Pilchuck, lies the muddy, unkempt Walt Bailey Trail into a verdant subalpine basin speckled with tiny tarns. The Cutthroat Lakes are a delightful location to spend the night with optional day hikes up to exposed ridgelines and cra...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Snowshoe Kendall Peak Lakes
9 mi / 2000 ft gainThis hike starts at the Gold Creek sno-park. You need the sno-park and discover pass for this. Park on the side of the road and start hiking up from there. Hike road up and up and up! It's very compact snow (at the moment, that will change fast with new snow coming in). We ended up leaving our sn...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Hike to Rainier NP's Ranger Falls
4.57 miWhen heading to the adventure, stopped at the ranger station in Carbon to get your day pass ($5.00) and then continue on to the trailhead. Park on the road next to the Carbon river around. Start the hike down an old paved road that eventually leads through some trails and then to a gravel road. T...Read more -
Coupeville, Washington
Hike Ebey's Landing
4.5Just walk straight past the restroom to find the start of the trail route. The Bluff trail heads up a set of stairs to the top of the hillside on the right. After climbing the stairs, you come right up on farmland (Ebey's Prairie), with a grassy two-track trail leading up toward the top of the bl...Read more -
Hoodsport, Washington
Staircase Rapids Loop
5.02.1 mi / 410 ft gainThis trail is great for nature trips and for birding. A national park pass or an entry fee of $25 per car (or $10 fee to walk in) is required for entry into Olympic National Park. Watch out for mud on the trail after rain.Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike Gold Creek Pond
5.01 miThe quintessential family friendly hike, Gold Creek Pond is a simple yet spectacular hike next to Snoqualmie Pass. Easily accessible from the top of the pass (4.5 miles, 12 minute drive), the Gold Creek Pond hike is a simple addition to any itinerary if you're in the area. From Hwy 90, take exit...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Snowshoe Gold Creek Pond
4 mi / 400 ft gainSince the parking lot is not plowed in the winter you have to park along the main road next to the drive way toward the hike. Once to the trial head it is smooth sailing the rest of the hike. When I went the snow was compacted so snowshoes were not necessary but they are very helpful. Once to the...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike-In and Camp at Alaska Lake
Driving Directions: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 54 (signed "Hyak"). Turn left (north) under the freeway and right on the frontage road marked "Gold Creek." After about 0.5 mile turn left (north) on Gold Creek Road (Forest Road 4832), and in another 0.5 mile reach a junction. To the le...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike to Margaret Lake
6 mi / 1800 ft gainStarting at an elevation of 3,300 feet, begin the hike on a steep gravel road for 1/4 of a mile. Take a left onto a dirt road that will lead to an area of clear cuts and windy switchbacks.As daunting as this may seem, don't be discouraged. On a clear day, the surrounding peaks of Snoqualmie Pass ...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Hike to Big Heart Lake
5.014.6 mi / 3300 ft gainThis hike takes you past 5 lakes and a few different waterfalls, so if you don't wish to push on to Big Heart, you won't be disappointed! Start at the West Fork Foss River Trailhead, about 2.6 miles past the Necklace Valley Trailhead. The first mile is relatively flat. Once you reach the bridge t...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Hike to Foss River and Lakes
4.04.2 mi / 2400 ft gainChoose from Trout Lake (1.6 miles each way with 500 feet of elevation gain), Copper Lake (4.2 miles each way with 2400 feet of elevation gain), or Big Heart Lake at 7.3 miles each way, with 3300 feet elevation gain). There are plenty of camp sites if you decide to go overnight at any of the lakes...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Tolmie Peak's Fire Lookout
4.45.73 mi / 1250 ft gainMount Rainier is spectacular to look at, but sometimes the best views aren't from on its slopes, but just a little ways away. Tucked in the seldom-visited northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, the Tolmie Peak fire lookout frames the mountain's rugged slopes with a pristine alpine lake ...Read more -
Enumclaw, Washington
Hike to Kelly Butte
3.4 mi / 1100 ft gainAfter a rough drive to the trailhead you’ll have little time to catch your breath as the trail laces up the mountain side, but with Rainier to distract you, it won’t be long until you’re at the top with a view that is more than enough reward for your efforts. Pay very close attention to the drivi...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Mowich Lake
5.01.56 mi / 92 ft gainNo need to for an entire day hike to enjoy wonderful reflections, crystal clear water, and beautiful scenery a few hundred feet from the parking lot! Park at the Mowich Lake Campground parking lot and follow signs for the Wonderland trail. You will begin your hike on the south side of the lake ...Read more