Ready to hit the trails with your dog? No two hikes are quite alike and that’s especially the case when you add the factor of bringing your four legged friend. With many options, there are some hikes that are simply better than others for enjoying with your pup.
Here are 10 of the best dog friendly hikes you can explore near Seattle.
Discovery Park
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An oldie but a goodie, you can almost never go wrong with Discovery Park. It’s located within Seattle, is highly accessible and has a wide array of landscapes. Whether you want to explore open fields, the beach or the forests, you’ll find plenty of room to explore with your pup.
Where: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd
Distance: Varies
Coal Creek Trail
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Not only is this hike a relaxing and relatively easy walk through the woods, it’s also a way to explore the area’s coal mining history. As the name suggests, the area was once home to a coal mine and along your walk you’ll see all sorts of mining relics. To make it even better, it’s conveniently located near Bellevue.
Where: Coal Creek Natural Area
Distance: 5.2 miles
Heather Lake Trail
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Heather Laker is popular year round, a great spot for pup friendly hiking in the warmer months and snowshoeing in the colder months. The big highlight of this hike is the beautiful Heather Lake but keep in mind that you need a Northwest Forest Pass in order to visit. The pass is either $30 annually or $5 daily.
Where: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 5.4 miles
Lake Twenty Two Trail
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Like Heather Lake Trail, this hike is also known for its year round beauty. You can run, hike and snowshoe here. It’s a popular hike so expect to see others as you hike amongst the old growth forest.
Where: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 6.7 miles
Franklin Falls
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Definitely go chasing waterfalls, that’s the highlight of Franklin Falls after all. The highly accessible falls are visible at the end of a short hike and can be viewed year round. In the winter, it’s even more magical as the falls freeze and create a sight you can only see for a few months each year.
Where: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 2 miles
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Annette Lake
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Anette Lake offers hikers a gradual elevation gain as they hike through Snoqualmie Pass. You’ll find varying scenery, although in winter months expect to see snow and plenty of it. At the end you’ll find Anette Lake, which is sometimes partially frozen providing a dreamy winter backdrop for your picture taking needs.
Where: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 7.8 miles
Cherry Creek Falls
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This unique area was actually once a logging camp in the first part of the 20th century. Some of that history still remains as the access road to the hike is still privately owned. That being said there is an agreement with nearby homeowners that allows the public to use the trail as the hike is a popular spot for those looking to cool down in the warmer months. So with that in mind, you absolutely must stay on trail.
Where: Central Cascades
Distance: 5 miles
Ptarmigan Ridge Trail
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Expect great mountain views and ridge line hiking for miles at Ptarmigan Ridge Trail. Keep your eyes peeled because you may just see some wildlife like mountain goats along the trail while you’re out there. While this trail is marked as moderate, you may just end up having it to yourself during the winter months.
Where: Mount Baker National Forest
Distance: 11.6 miles
Cougar Mountain
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There are all sorts of different trails open for you to explore on Cougar Mountain. Whether you want something short and easy or longer and more rewarding, you can find it among the mountains over 70 trails. Best of all, it’s close to the city and accessible.
Where: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
Distance: Varies
Mount Erie Loop Trail
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This mountain is a beautiful hiking spot if you want to escape to the islands and catch some amazing water views. Of course it’s also a fun place to show your four legged friend as well.
Where: Mount Erie Park
Distance: 4.7 miles
There you have it! Keep in mind that some of these trails may close due to weather. It’s also worth noting that many trails have leash rules so be sure to check before hitting the trail in order to avoid disappointment and/or fines. With that, enjoy and stay safe!
