9 Best Hikes in the Seattle Area (Views, Waterfalls, and Easy Trails)

Seattle is surrounded by some of the most scenic hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're in search of waterfalls, mountain views, or forest strolls, this guide covers the best hikes in the Seattle area that are worth your boots. Most are within 90 minutes of downtown and range from easy to moderate difficulty.

1. Rattlesnake Ledge

A classic with sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains. Busy, but rewarding.

📍 Snoqualmie, WA

🕒 4 miles roundtrip | 1,160 ft elevation gain

2. Twin Falls

Kid-friendly and great year-round, this trail leads to a roaring double waterfall.

📍 North Bend, WA

🕒 2.6 miles roundtrip | 500 ft elevation gain

🌐 www.wta.org

3. Franklin Falls

A short, scenic hike to a powerful 70-foot waterfall—popular for families and beginners.

📍 Snoqualmie Pass, WA

🕒 2 miles roundtrip | 400 ft elevation gain

4. Discovery Park Loop Trail

Seattle’s largest urban park offers forest paths, coastal views, and a historic lighthouse.

📍 Seattle, WA

🕒 2.8-mile loop | Easy

5. Mount Si

A tougher trail for serious hikers with panoramic summit views of the Puget Sound and Cascades.📍 North Bend, WA

🕒 8 miles roundtrip | 3,150 ft elevation gain

6. Heather Lake Trail

A forested trail that opens to a quiet alpine lake—ideal for a half-day escape.

📍 Granite Falls, WA

🕒 4.6 miles roundtrip | 1,000 ft elevation gain

7. Wallace Falls

One of Washington’s most scenic waterfall hikes with multiple falls and a well-maintained trail.

📍 Gold Bar, WA

🕒 5.6 miles roundtrip | 1,300 ft elevation gain

8. Poo Poo Point via Chirico Trail

Steep but short—hike to a paragliding launch site with huge views of Issaquah and Lake Sammamish.

📍 Issaquah, WA

🕒 3.8 miles roundtrip | 1,700 ft elevation gain

9. Snow Lake

Arguably the best alpine lake hike close to Seattle. Crystal-clear water, wildflowers in summer, and a dramatic backdrop.

📍 Snoqualmie Pass, WA

🕒 7.2 miles roundtrip | 1,800 ft elevation gain

Wrap-Up: Explore the Best Hikes in the Seattle Area Year-Round

Whether you're after waterfalls, lake views, or forest tranquility, these hikes in the Seattle area offer a wide variety of landscapes within reach of the city. From quick afternoon outings to full-day adventures, you don’t need to go far for some of Washington’s most stunning trails.