9 Fun Hikes Near Seattle WA To Try

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Introduction: Hikes Near Seattle

Some of the best hikes near Seattle WA are the ones that are located in the mountains. Many of these offer views of the city and its surroundings, as well as beautiful scenery.

Seattle is a city in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Seattle is located on an isthmus (land with sea on both sides) between Puget Sound and Lake Washington.

It is about 100 miles south of the Canada and United States border. The city has an estimated 737,015 residents as of 2020. The metro area has 4.02 million people making it the 15th largest city in the United States.

Seattle was inhabited for 4,000 years before the first Euro settlers arrived. The city was named after Chief Si’ahl. Today, the city has a very diverse population.

Early industry included timber, the gold rush, and ship building. After World War II, aircraft and software became important. Many large companies have their headquarters in Seattle.

Seattle has dry cooler summers with longer, mild, often wet winters. Wet, but not always pouring rain so still okay for the many outdoor activities and hikes there. Seattle has a lot to offer in the performing arts too.

Seattle has many GREAT hikes. Enjoy one of these top hikes near Seattle. For more detailed hiking information, use an app like AllTrails.

Alki Point Trail: Description

The “Alki Point Trail” starts at Alki Point Lighthouse which is located in West Seattle. This is a popular trail for other outdooor activities including hiking. Be prepared to see others on the trail.

9 Fun Hikes Near Seattle WA To Try — **Alki Point Trail Lighthouse**
(Public Domain)

Things To Know

Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Out & back
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 101 feet
Dogs: On Leash

Coal Creek Trail: Description

With the trail’s popularity, be ready to see others on the trail. Many people use the trail for running and walking in addition to hiking.

Hiking poles will help keep you from slipping on the gravel along the trail.

Things To Know

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail type: Out & back
Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 564 feet
Dogs: On Leash

Discovery Park And Lighthouse Loop Trail: Description – Hikes Near Seattle

Discovery Park is a 425 acre green space located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood and is open to the public every day of the year. The park has more than 30 miles of trails, most of which are dirt or gravel.

The park contains a variety of natural habitats. The habitats range from wetlands and streams to forested areas. About 50 different species of birds call Discovery Park home.

Things To Know

Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 472 feet
Dogs: On Leash

Fauntleroy Trail: Description

You can easily lose your sense of direction since the trail needs signs. The trail is often overgrown. The AllTrails app will help you find your way if you get lost.

Things To Know

Difficulty: Moderate
Trail type: Out & back
Distance: 0.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 147 feet
Dogs: No

Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades: Description

Are you ready for a hard hike and great views? Take this hike then. This hike has it all. You will see many well known mountains and thrill to breathtaking views.

Things To Know

Difficulty: Hard
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,191 feet
Dogs: On Leash

Mount Si: Description – Hikes Near Seatle

One of the best hikes near Seattle is located in the Cascade Mountains. Mount Si is a beautiful, difficult hike that you access from Snoqualmie Pass.

The trail has a steep elevation which makes it one of the most popular hikes in the area. The Mount Si trail is also one of the most scenic hiking trails near Seattle.

You have great views and can also see some of Seattle during this hike. The city views make the Mount Si trail even more fun to hike!

**Mount Si**
Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Things To Know

Difficulty: Hard
Trail type: Out & back
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,336 feet
Dogs: On Leash

Skyline Trail, Mount Ranier: Description

Enjoy the views when you hike this trail. Start your hike early since this very popular trail gets crowded later in the day. Consider an America Is Beautiful Pass since the park service charges for entry.

The Skyline Trail has views of huge glaciers and tumbling waterfalls. Also, appreciate the subalpine meadows’ wildflowers that include lilies, heather, and violets among other flowers.

This hike has a LOT of stunning scenery!

Things To Know

Difficulty: Hard
Trail type: Loop
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,788 feet
Dogs: No

Summerland Trail, Mt. Ranier: Description

Enjoy the beautiful scenic variety this trail gives you. Enjoy creeks, waterfalls, meadows with wildflowers, and shady forest. Best of all look for the magnificent view of Mount Ranier.

Things To Know

Difficulty: Hard
Trail Type: Out & back
Distance: 8.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,125 feet
Dogs: No

The Washington Park Arboretum: Description – Hikes Near Seattle

For a quick hike in the city of Seattle, try the Washington Park Arboretum. The park has a lot to offer.

This park has many different plants year round. Among many beautiful plants and trees in the park, you will see camelia, rhododendron, azaleas, Japanese maples, oaks, hollies, and more.

Things To Know

Difficulty: Easy
Type: Loop
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 147 feet
Dogs: On Leash

Conclusion: Best Hikes Near Seattle

Best Hiking Trails Seattle is a great place for people who love to hike. It has a lot of trails to choose from, which makes it easier for people with different levels of experience.

Seattle has great hikes in and very close to the city. Some of the best hikes near Seattle have stunning views like Mount Ranier.

Since the Seattle area often has rain drizzle you might want to consider some of this hiking rain gear from Amazon.

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