15 Best Hiking Areas in Seattle

Snoqualmie Lower Falls provides a quieter perspective on one of the region’s most striking waterfalls. From the lower parking area, a short walk follows the river toward a dedicated viewing point, where forest, moving water, large boulders, and the falls create a more intimate setting than the upper overlook.

Rattlesnake Ledge is a popular Seattle-area hiking destination known for a forested climb, steady switchbacks, and a broad overlook above Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains. The route provides shade for much of the ascent before opening onto expansive views, making the payoff especially rewarding on clear days.

Twin Falls Natural Area is a family-friendly park centered on a short forest hike beside the Snoqualmie River and a trio of waterfalls. The route includes bridges, interpretive signs, observation points, and several places to pause, so visitors can enjoy the scenery without completing the entire trail.

Poo Poo Point delivers a sustained uphill hike near Issaquah with rewarding viewpoints over the surrounding landscape. The trail is well maintained and generally straightforward to follow, but its continuous incline makes it a genuine workout rather than a casual stroll. Families with older children and regular walkers can find it manageable, while newer hikers should allow time for the climb.

Poo Poo Point Trailhead opens onto a steep, incline-heavy route through forest toward broad views of Mount Rainier, Issaquah, Bellevue, and the surrounding hills. The trail is relatively short in distance but demanding in elevation gain, so it rewards hikers who want a concentrated workout rather than a relaxed walk.

Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area brings together a scenic lake, picnic spaces, trails, and access to longer routes through the surrounding landscape. Mountain views frame the water, while clear signage and well-kept paths make the area approachable for both casual walkers and hikers seeking more elevation.

Tiger Mountain State Forest offers an extensive network of wooded routes for hiking, cycling, and longer outdoor adventures. Its trails range from gentle family-friendly paths to demanding mountain climbs, with scenic forest settings, occasional snow, and varied terrain across a large working state forest.

Mount Teneriffe Trailhead leads into a forested hiking area with a waterfall, mountain scenery, and a demanding route toward the summit. The lower section offers a more approachable outing to Teneriffe Falls, while the upper trail adds serious elevation gain and a rocky final approach without requiring technical climbing skills.

Marine View Park follows the wooded slopes down toward Puget Sound, combining a paved route, primitive trails, stairs, rest areas, and a small beach. The descent reveals changing views through the trees before reaching a waterfront deck and shoreline, while the return climb provides a compact workout.

Evans Creek Preserve is a broad nature area with forest, open fields, boardwalks, bridges, creeks, and trails covering a range of difficulty. Maps along the routes make it easier to plan a shorter walk or extend the outing, while the varied landscapes keep the preserve engaging across the seasons.

Harvey Manning Trailhead opens into the wider Cougar Mountain trail system, where mossy forest, ravines, historic mining features, and varied route options create a rewarding escape from the city. The paths are well marked and generally gentle, with one more noticeable hill and viewpoints toward Lake Sammamish.

Coal Creek Natural Area pairs lush woodland trails with the visible history of Bellevue’s former coal-mining landscape. Routes follow a creek through forest, bridges, and rolling terrain, with enough ups and downs to keep a short walk engaging while still offering gentler sections suitable for families and strollers.

High Point Trailhead provides access to wooded routes at the base of Tiger Mountain, ranging from an easy walk around Tradition Lake to steeper climbs toward the mountain’s higher trails. The main paths are well maintained and clearly marked, while side routes create options for extending the outing.

Dirty Harry’s Balcony Trailhead leads into a steadily climbing forest route with rocky sections, moss-covered boulders, roots, and wide-open views from the balcony overlook. The round trip is a focused, moderately challenging outing, with enough elevation gain to feel rewarding without requiring technical climbing. Clear trail markings and informative signs help with navigation through the changing terrain.

Cable Line Trailhead is built around a steep, demanding ascent toward West Tiger 3. The route gains elevation quickly over a short distance, with loose gravel, mud, and slippery sections that make the climb a serious workout. Hikers can follow the historic cable line and connect with several Tiger Mountain trails for longer loops or varied return routes.