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Seattle, Washington

Looking for the best photography 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 Photography Spots in and near Seattle

  • North Bend, Washington

    Hike Mount Washington

    4.3
    2.89 mi / 3058 ft gain
    You start out at an elevation of about 1200 feet and you gradually make your way up to the top at 4450 feet. You are hiking through forest land the whole time with peaks of a beautiful view to the north every so often. Along the way there are many rock walls which you can climb at, however on our...
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  • Brinnon, Washington

    Camp at the Dose Forks

    15 mi / 1200 ft gain
    The Dose Forks Campground is an overlooked campsite deep within the Olympic National Park, making it a perfect weekend camping destination. A mild, 7.5 mile (one-way) trail delivers you to this enchanting area and is a must for those who love photographing forests. There are no reservation requir...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Hike Pratt Balcony

    2.2 mi
    This one can be a bit tricky to find. The trailhead is unmarked and is a bit hidden around a curve of Middle Fork Road so it is easy to miss. At about 9.80 miles from the junction of 468th St. and Middle Fork Road, look for two signs on the right warning of upcoming gravel patches (probably will ...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    McClellan Butte

    5.0
    10.61 mi / 3629 ft gain
    Starting at the McClellan's Butte Trailhead, right off of I-90 exit 47, head out on the main (only) trail at the trailhad. The first half mile of the trail is quite easy as it meanders through the forest, but don't be fooled or worried, it will get harder. This first half mile has a crossing of a...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Summit Mt. Defiance

    5.0
    11 mi / 3300 ft gain
    This hike offers some of the best views one can see in the area. On a clear day, you'll get amazing views of Mt. Rainier. The best part is that as you start heading uphill in the first half mile, you'll get great views of McClellan Butte. Once you reach the summit of Defiance at 5584 feet, you'll...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Bandera Mountain

    4.4
    7.8 mi / 3176 ft gain
    This hike has unreal views of Mount Rainier. On a great clear spring day, the mountain is out. It's right in your face. It's incredible. If you tackle this hike in the spring the bear grass and wildflowers are alive and blooming towards the top and it makes for some fantastic picture-taking. Once...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Wallace Falls

    4.6
    5.01 mi / 1404 ft gain
    The trailhead is located at the far end of the parking lot, next to the info kiosk and bathrooms. It starts out in a wide-open area that shortly leads to stunning views of Mt. Index and Baring Mountain. The trail turns to the left and you're greeted by a beautiful Wordsworth quote carved into a t...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Hike to Wallace Lake via Greg Ball Trail

    4.5
    8.2 mi / 1500 ft gain
    An alluring State Park for its massive waterfall display, Wallace Falls is a high traffic destination along Highway 2, but don't overlook Wallace Lake as the falls steal the limelight. Head East on Highway 2, once you enter the town of Gold Bar keep on the lookout for the State Park signs and tu...
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  • Quilcene, Washington

    Buckhorn Mountain

    12.26 mi / 4429 ft gain
    The climb to Buckhorn Mountain above Marmot Pass is a must see for every PNW adventurer with the endurance to tackle nearly 14 miles and 4,400 feet of gain.  Listen to the rushing waters of the Big Quilcene River as the trail gently traverses up 5.5 miles to Marmot Pass.  Be sure to filter water ...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail

    27.57 mi / 3609 ft gain
    This beautiful tucked-away trail offers runners, hikers, and backpackers a new view of their favorite neighboring peaks - like Mailbox Peak and Mt. Si - from one of the most scenic river trails in the Seattle area. Often overlooked in favor of more rigorous hikes, the Middle Fork is a gently gra...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Rainy Lake Trail

    4.0
    9 mi / 3205 ft gain
    This is an abandoned trail that heads south along Rainy Creek, off of the downstream section of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail, and up to Rainy Lake. The lake is popular among fisherman, since it is home to lots of trout, but be warned -- route-finding skills are a must on this trip. I do my be...
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  • Mason County, Washington

    Upper Lena Lake

    5.0
    12.61 mi / 4239 ft gain
    The hike to Upper Lena Lake is a beautiful one. It first takes you past Lena Lake, which is a very popular weekend destination for families. Luckily you're pushing on to Upper Lena Lake that sits in a peaceful alpine meadow with Mt. Lena and Mt. Bretherton towering above. The first part of the t...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

    4.8
    7.74 mi / 2569 ft gain
    Consider this a must-do if you are in Seattle and feel like knocking out two amazing hikes AND getting to see a hidden lake all along US 2. The trail starts out on an old road with the typical amazing forest surrounding you. After roughly 2 miles the road will end and you can go right (signage i...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Sunset Falls

    1.0
    Note: Please be careful when exploring the falls. We recommend not walking on the surfaces directly next to the falls as the water is moving very quickly and can pick you up quickly. The falls are home to several very sad losses.  Sunset Falls is the largest and the final of the three major wate...
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  • Hoodsport, Washington

    Climb Mt. Washington

    3.5
    Follow the driving directions, pass the upper Mt Eleanor parking area and continue until the road dead-ends due to a landslide. Try to leave room for cars to turn around when you park.Follow the trail which starts just near the lake boulder near the parking area. The trail through the lower slope...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Heybrook Lookout

    4.7
    2.47 mi / 984 ft gain
    To the trailhead, drive east on highway 2 from Everett. Just past milepost 37 you will see a gravel parking area on the left side of the highway. Wander through a mossy forest that reminds me of Olympic National Park and traverse up 1.3 miles of switch backs to ascend heybrook lookout! Dogs ar...
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