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The Ultimate Guide to Hikes around Seattle, Washington

Seattle is surrounded by a plethora of stunning hiking destinations that offer diverse landscapes and experiences.

Here’s a guide to some of the best places to hike near Seattle, including Discovery Park, North Bend, Tiger Mountain, Cougar Mountain, Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Olympic National Park.

1. Discovery Park

  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Highlights: Urban park, coastal views, forests, and meadows.
  • Description: Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest green space, offers an urban escape with over 500 acres of trails. The Discovery Park Loop Trail is a popular 2.8-mile hike that provides stunning views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, as well as access to the historic West Point Lighthouse.

2. North Bend

  • Location: 30 miles east of Seattle, WA
  • Highlights: Iconic hikes, mountain views, waterfalls.
  • Popular Trails:
    • Rattlesnake Ledge: A 4-mile round trip hike offering panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake and surrounding mountains.
    • Mount Si: An 8-mile round trip hike with a challenging ascent and rewarding views of the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond.
    • Twin Falls: A 3.6-mile hike through lush forests leading to two stunning waterfalls.

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3. Tiger Mountain

  • Location: Issaquah, WA
  • Highlights: Forested trails, varied difficulty levels, paragliding launch points.
  • Popular Trails:
    • West Tiger 3: A 5-mile round trip hike that is a local favorite, offering a steady climb and great views at the summit.
    • Poo Poo Point: A 7.2-mile round trip hike popular for its views and as a launch site for paragliders. The trail offers sweeping views of Issaquah and Lake Sammamish.

4. Cougar Mountain

  • Location: Issaquah, WA
  • Highlights: Dense forests, wildlife, historic mining sites.
  • Popular Trails:
    • De Leo Wall Trail: A 3.6-mile loop offering views of the surrounding forest and occasional glimpses of Mount Rainier.
    • Cougar Mountain Loop: A longer 11-mile loop that explores various trails within the park, providing a comprehensive experience of the area’s natural beauty.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

  • Location: 60 miles southeast of Seattle, WA
  • Highlights: Iconic volcano, alpine meadows, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems.
  • Popular Trails:
    • Paradise Area: Trails like the Skyline Trail Loop (5.5 miles) offer incredible views of Mount Rainier, wildflower meadows, and the chance to see marmots and other wildlife.
    • Sunrise Area: The Burroughs Mountain Trail (up to 9 miles round trip) provides close-up views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier.

6. North Cascades National Park

  • Location: About 110 miles northeast of Seattle, WA
  • Highlights: Rugged mountains, alpine lakes, dense forests, and abundant wildlife.
  • Popular Trails:
    • Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm: An 12-mile round trip hike offering breathtaking views of peaks, glaciers, and valleys.
    • Maple Pass Loop: A 7.2-mile loop that features stunning alpine scenery, wildflowers, and views of Rainy Lake and Lake Ann.

7. Olympic National Park

  • Location: About 100 miles west of Seattle, WA
  • Highlights: Diverse ecosystems including temperate rainforests, rugged coastline, and alpine peaks.
  • Popular Trails:
    • Hoh River Trail: This trail can be hiked for varying distances, with a popular 5-mile round trip to Five Mile Island. It traverses through the lush Hoh Rainforest with moss-draped trees and ferns.
    • Hurricane Ridge: Various trails, such as the Hurricane Hill Trail (3.2 miles round trip), offer stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

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Tips for Hiking These Destinations

  1. Weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out. Mountain weather can change quickly.
  2. Permits and Fees: Some parks require entrance fees or permits, especially for backcountry camping. Check ahead and obtain necessary permits.
  3. Preparation: Bring appropriate gear, including sturdy footwear, layers, a map, and plenty of water and snacks.
  4. Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine.
  5. Safety: Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Carry a first aid kit, and be aware of wildlife.

Seattle’s proximity to these incredible hiking destinations makes it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. From urban parks to national parks, the variety of trails offers something for every hiker. Enjoy exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest!

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