Hikes Near Seattle
These are my favorite hikes that I’ve done near Seattle! You may have to pay to get into some of these. If you are going to multiple National Parks within a year it’s worth it to get the America The Beautiful annual pass for $80. If you are only doing a day at a National park then getting a day pass will be cheaper. Some hikes that aren’t in National Parks require passes as well through the Washington Trails Association. I would also recommend looking at the Washington Trails Association Trip Reports for trail updates/conditions versus AllTrails. There’s more information and a lot of times from local people who give details that non-locals might not give on AllTrails!
#1 – Suntop Trail
This was a fairly quick hike to get some incredible views of Mt Rainier! You’re able to drive almost to the top so it’s a very short hike. If you want something more challenging, Doe Falls will take you on a 10.6 mile hike.
Level: Moderate
Trail length: 1.0 mile Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 446 feet
#2 – Bandera mountain Summit
This is a hike I’ll need to try again because the weather wasn’t the greatest and started to snow as we reached the top so we didn’t quite make it to the summit but if you go on a nice day, you’ll be able to see McClellan Butte and Mt Rainier!
Photo from YogiMtnMama from wta.org
Level: Hard
Distance: 8 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet
#3 – Twin Falls
These waterfalls are some of my favorites I’ve seen in Washington. I did expect the trail to be easier than it was and came across a lot of people that seemed to feel the same because there were many people taking breaks. But seeing all the waterfalls made it worth it! The best view is from the stairs you have to take down of the Lower Falls. There are about 104 steps so heads up on that!
Tip: About 0.6 miles into the trail, you can veer off it towards the river and there’s a gorgeous area that’s perfect for a quick swim. It’s more of a swimming hole and the water is super clear with a blue/green hue!
Level: Moderate
Distance: 2.4 miles Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 940 feet
#4 – Franklin Falls
The hike to Franklin Falls is super easy and you might be able to find a parking spot on Denny Creek Road closer than the trailhead and cut onto the trail so it’s not as long of a hike. I’ve done the hike once an parked closer to the Falls as well. If you don’t have a ton of time then I’d try to get a parking spot closer to the Falls and skip doing the full trail!
Level: Easy
Distance: 2.0 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
#5 – Snoqualmie Falls
Of all the waterfalls on this list, Snoqualmie was the least impressive although it’s the biggest. This is mostly based on the fact that it’s not really a trail, more of a quick walking path, and it’s filled with tourists (which I know I’m one too). Depending on when you go, you also might get stuck in a long line of traffic getting in/out of the parking lot. Worth it if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to see these Falls.
Level: Easy
Distance: 1.4 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
#6 – Melakwa Lake
I haven not personally done Melakwa Lake but my Seattle friends highly recommend this hike! More info here.
Photo from Ken Giesbers via WTA.org
Level: Hard
Distance: 9.5 Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 2,749 feet
#7 – blanca Lake
Blanca Lake is on my bucket list for the next time I visit Washington! It’s another lake hike but the pictures of that vibrant blue color make me want to see it in person someday!
Photo from Phoebe Ngo via AllTrails
Level: Hard
Distance: 7.5 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
#8 – Mount Rainier National park
Just driving through the National Park is completely worth it but I’d suggest hiking some of the trails as well. The park is filled with so many so I’d suggest looking at this list of favorites and picking from there depending on what Level/Distance/Elevation you’re looking for!
Hikes Closer to Leavenworth!
If you are willing to drive a bit or are staying in Leavenworth at some point on your trip, I have a list of hikes that are closer to Leavenworth on my Leavenworth Travel Guide, including the famous Colchuck Lake (picture)!
