What Are the Best Hiking Trails Near Seattle for All Skill Levels?

Seattle has a diverse culture, amazing coffee, and is considered one of the biggest tech hubs. However, one of the most positive aspects people can mention about the Emerald City is nature viewing and interaction. In one hour’s drive, one can move from the urbanized central business districts to forest land, water falls and the magnificent mountain view.

There are tons of amazing hiking trails around the Seattle area and something for everyone here regardless of hiking experience. Therefore if you are not very experienced and all you need is a nice walk through nature or you are an experienced hiker and you want something more intense, there are trails for everyone. Here are some of the best hikes near Seattle for every type of adventurer:

Easy Hikes

Discovery Park Loop Trail

• Length: 2.8 miles

• Elevation Gain: 140 ft

The Discovery Park is one of the largest parks in Seattle with an area of 534 acres that is covered with forests, beaches and meadows. The Discovery Park Loop Trail is a relatively flat and short trail which entire family will find interesting due to the variety of terrain it covers. It runs through the greenery of the forest, past the beauty of Coastal Bluffs, with glimpses of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. You can also take a short drive to visit the beautiful West Point Lighthouse. After the hike it is time to relax, let Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy help you make your home gleaming clean in an environmental friendly way.

Washington Park Arboretum

• Length: Varies

• Elevation Gain: Minimal

The Washington Park Arboretum is a 230-acre natural urban reserve with regional and exotic flora. Walk the flat and easy trails for the gorgeous flowers, large trees, and excellent small ponds. The Arboretum remains so beautiful any time of the year, but I specifically like it during the autumn because of the red and gold colors of the leaves. If the visitor wants to take a brief stroll, there is the Lookout Loop Trail which is about one mile long.

Moderate Hikes

Twin Falls

• Length: 2.6 miles

• Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Twin Falls Trail is a famous trail for hiking located near North Bend, 30 miles from Seattle. The trail follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River through mossy forest, dead ends at a viewpoint of the tumultuous Twin Falls. Carry on a little way further and you will get to an impressive bridge where you will get a good view of the falls but in front of the waterfalls there will be mist. Although it is not long it is very rocky and full of roots and a few hilly areas so should wear suitable shoes.

Rattlesnake Ledge

• Length: 4 miles

• Elevation Gain: 1160 ft

Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the most visited trails near Seattle and rightfully so since it has many perks. There are only about 3.5 more miles up the trail that further takes you through the forest with world-class views from a steep cliff, featuring Rattlesnake Lake and nearby topographic points. Although it is not a long hike, it incorporates the steep hills, and therefore, an excellent workout. It is best to go early so as to avoid large crowds especially come Saturdays and Sundays.

Challenging Hikes

Mount Si

• Length: 8 miles

• Elevation Gain: 3150 ft

Mount Si is near Seattle and is a common choice for a hard single day hike. It rises steeply through the woods for the full distance of almost 6.5 km, with more than 300 vertical meters. At the top you are privileged to get good view of the Snoqualmie Valley and on the rainy day Mount Rainier. It's a tough hike, but the rewarding vistas are well worth the effort.

Mailbox Peak

• Length: 9.4 miles

• Elevation Gain: 4000 ft

Mailbox peak is one of the toughest hikes, and people trek to this place to train themselves for mountaineering. It rises almost 1000 feet per mile for most of the distance and offers little rest from the steep terrain. However, if you are hungry for it you will surely be proud of the accomplishment as well as the sight from the top. On the summit of Mailbox Peak, you will get a mailbox where you are supposed to write your success story.

If you want to just take a leisurely stroll in the forest or if you are in the mood for an intense hike in the mountains, Seattle has it all. There is just such a vast selection of amazing trails and with all of them within an easy drive from the urban centre, you are bound to find your outdoor nirvana. Well then, strap on your hiking boots, grab a snack or two, and off to the trails you go!