Today I am sharing some of the best hikes near Seattle as well as great places to eat, and other helpful information when planning your trip to the PNW.
One of my favorite places to visit in the summer is Seattle, Washington. It’s always cooler than Utah, it’s beautiful, and there’s so much to do outside. I actually have a brother who lives just outside the city so we love to visit him and his family as well.
Seattle is one of those places where you could spend a week or even a full month there, going on many different hikes and visiting different lakes and you would still only scratch the surface. There is so much to do and if you’re willing to drive an extra hour or two, you can feel like you’re in a whole new climate.
In this post I have put together some quick information about when to visit Seattle, the best hikes near Seattle as well as how to leave them in pristine condition, fun places to eat, and some tidbits about the many nearby National Parks.
Leave a comment with any of your favorite places to explore when you visit Seattle!
I shared a quick recap video on my Instagram if you want to see some more of these best hikes near Seattle!
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Best Time to Visit Seattle
The best time to visit Seattle is during the summer months of July to September. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures typically ranging from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and sightseeing. This is it’s tourist season and popular locations can get busy, so it’s good to plan ahead for that.
Pros and Cons of Each Season
Spring: Seattle bursts into color with blooming flowers and mild temperatures, making it perfect for exploring the city’s parks and gardens. However, frequent rain showers can dampen outdoor plans and bring a chill to the air.
Summer: With warm, sunny days and long daylight hours, summer is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and attending festivals. The city’s popularity peaks, leading to crowded attractions and higher accommodation costs.
Fall: Cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage make Seattle’s natural beauty shine, with fewer tourists crowding the city. On the downside, rain becomes more common, and shorter days limit the time available for outdoor adventures.
Winter: Seattle’s winter offers a quieter, more peaceful experience with festive holiday events and the possibility of snow-dusted scenery. However, the season is marked by cold, wet, and often overcast weather, which can dampen outdoor activities and make the days feel short and dreary.
National Parks Near Seattle, Washington
There are several National Parks near Seattle and all of them are worth a visit. They all show the incredible diversity of the Pacific Northwest.
Mount Rainier National Park
Located about 2 hours southeast of Seattle, this park is home to the iconic Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano and the highest peak in Washington State. The park features stunning alpine meadows, ancient forests, and numerous hiking trails. It’s a popular destination for mountaineering, wildflower viewing in the summer, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Olympic National Park
About 2.5 hours west of Seattle, Olympic National Park is a diverse landscape that includes temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and the glaciated peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The park offers a wide range of activities, from beachcombing and tidepooling to hiking and wildlife watching. It’s known for its remote beauty and diverse ecosystems.
North Cascades National Park
Located about 2 hours northeast of Seattle, North Cascades National Park is often called the “American Alps” due to its rugged mountain terrain, steep cliffs, and deep glacial valleys. The park is less developed than others, offering a more remote and wilderness-focused experience. It’s a haven for hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers looking for solitude and breathtaking scenery.
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Located on San Juan Island, about a 2-hour drive and ferry ride from Seattle, this park preserves sites of the Pig War, a border dispute between the U.S. and Britain in the 1850s. The park offers a mix of historical sites, scenic landscapes, and opportunities to spot wildlife such as orcas, eagles, and seals.
Leave No Trace
If you are going to vistit some of the best hikes near Seattle, it’s important to leave them as good as or better than you found them. Following the 7 Leave No Trace Principles will hlep make sure the trails will remain in good condition and future hikers can enjoy them for generations.
Don’t Pick the Wildflowers
The PNW trails have some of the most incredible wildflowers I have ever seen. Remember to not pick them so they can continue to grow for years to come and other hikers can enjoy them. Be sure to not walk, sit, or trample them just for a pretty picture.
Pack Out Your Trash
This is of course common sense, but there is still always trash found on hiking trails. Make sure to pick up and pack out any wrappers, food scraps, toilet paper, or anything you bring on the trail. Be a good fellow hiker and pack out any trash you come across, even if it’s not yours!
Going to the Bathroom on the Trail
If you have to go to bathroom and there are no facilities around, make sure to find an area 200 ft away from the trail and any water source to do your business. Bring a bag to pack out your toilet paper as it doesn’t break down well in the desert soil. Or better yet, you can use a Kula Cloth or bandana to wipe.
If you need to poop, use your trowel to dig a 6 inch hole to bury it.
Respect the Wildlife
Respecting wildlife in Washington is crucial for preserving natural ecosystems and ensuring safety. If you come across any wildlife when you are out hiking or camping camping, always observe the animals from a distance. Avoid feeding them, and stay on designated trails. This helps prevent harmful human-wildlife interactions and protects the area’s diverse species.
Best Hikes Near Seattle, Washington
Bridal Veil Falls
This hike makes you feel like you’re in the jungle. The trees have moss and other greenery just hanging from it and feels very whimsical. The waterfall at the end is stunning and we even got in the pool it forms.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.0 miles out and back.
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Trailhead Facilities: The trailhead has a parking area, and there are bathrooms
- Water Access: The hike leads to Bridal Veil Falls, where you can enjoy views of the cascading waterfall. There is water access along the way, particularly near the falls, but it is not recommended to drink the water without proper filtration.
Gold Creek Pond
This is more of a walking path than a hike but it is one of our favorites. Our kids rode their bikes around the whole thing and we had a great time throwing rocks in the water and eating our lunch.
The trail is a combination of paved, dirt, and boardwalk. It is stroller-friendly and (I would say even though I have not seen anyone use one) wheelchair-friendly. There is just one short, “steep” section if you do the trail clockwise that might be difficult without some assistance. My 4 year old was able to bike up it.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 1.0 mile loop
- Elevation Gain: Minimal, around 10 feet
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash.
- Trailhead Facilities: The trailhead has parking, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- Water Access: The trail loops around Gold Creek Pond, providing easy access to the water for views and relaxation. The pond is a popular spot for picnics and enjoying the scenery, but swimming is not allowed.
EastSide Trail to Stafford Falls
This trail is barely inside Mt. Rainier National park, but you don’t actually have to pay to enter or do the trail (as of 2024). You just park on the side of the road, cross the street, and descend down the trail. We picked berries along the way and loved walking along side the river and seeing other waterfalls.
Stafford Falls is not marked but is an off shoot trail on the left hand side. It appears untouched so please remember to pack out your trash and leave it better than you found it. Let’s keep this one of the best hikes near Seattle.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 3.85 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 614 ft
- Pet Friendly: No dogs allowed.
- Trailhead Facilities: Parking is on the side of the road with now restrooms or facilities
- Water Access: The trail runs alongside several creeks and rivers, providing multiple points of water access. These include river crossings and views of waterfalls, but it’s recommended to filter any water before drinking.
Naches Peak Loop Trail
Naches Peak Loop Trail is barely inside Mount Rainier National Park, but you don’t have to pay a park fee to do the trail (as of 2024). We did the loop counter clock wise (we started on the other side of the street from Tipsoo lake) and I definitely think that was the way to do it. We were mostly in the shade for the uphill portion and had incredible views of Mount Rainier on our way up. Once we hit the top where it has an open view of the Rainier and surrounding mountains, we took a little break before descending down.
There is a little stream and a couple small waterfalls Logan and our son enjoyed dunking their heads in to cool off a bit. This trail had beautiful wildflowers along the whole way and even more incredible views.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: 3.5 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 600 feet
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a leash, but only on the Pacific Crest Trail section (eastern half) of the loop. Pets are not allowed on the western half within Mount Rainier National Park.
- Trailhead Facilities: The trailhead at Tipsoo Lake has parking and restrooms available.
- Water Access: The trail offers views of several small lakes, including Tipsoo Lake, and you can enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery. There was a small creek in the summer and we passed a small pond you could get water from. Just be sure it is filtered.
Places to Eat
Zeke’s Drive-In:
Zeke’s Drive-In is located in Gold Bar, Washington, about an hour northeast of Seattle and just a few minutes from the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead. It’s also a popular spot for travelers heading to and from the nearby hiking trails in the Cascade Mountains. Zeke’s serves up a variety of burgers, fries, milkshakes, and other comfort foods.
Ivar’s Fish N Chips
Ivar’s is a Seattle institution since 1938 and is famous for its delicious seafood and iconic waterfront locations. There are several locations around the city, including the popular spot on the Seattle waterfront near Pier 54. Ivar’s offers crispy, golden fish and chips made with fresh Pacific Northwest seafood and is also known for their clam chowder.
Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya
If you want something quick and delicious, Kizuki Raman and Izakaya is a popular ramen chain in Seattle known for its authentic Japanese flavors. Located in several neighborhoods around the city, Kizuki serves up rich, flavorful ramen bowls with perfectly cooked noodles and a variety of traditional toppings.
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