The start of spring is just days away, so why not celebrate it with some classic PNW hikes near Seattle? You’ll be able to still see a little bit of snow and also enjoy the outdoors before it gets way too hot. Don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up our top picks!
Here are 15 amazing spring hikes to take near Seattle.
Mount Si
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This beloved mountain has many hikes scattered across it and its neighboring mountain Little Si. It’s a great spot because it offers varying levels of difficulty. Plus it’s relatively close to Seattle and if you’re a fan of Twin Peaks you can stop in North Bend to enjoy Twede’s Cafe aka The RR Diner.
Where: North Bend, WA
Bridal Veil Falls
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As you may have guessed by the name, this scenic waterfall is reminiscent of a bride’s veil. It cascades down a 100 ft cliff so we can almost guarantee you’ll be pretty dang blown away. Plus the 4-mile hike is pretty nice as well.
Where: Mt Index River Rd
Dog Mountain
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If you want to head South you can check out the beautiful Dog Mountain which is known to have some pretty spectacular spring blooms and views. Keep in mind, this hike is on the harder side and requires a permit on the weekend. However, if you’re in shape and down to get a permit, it’s an excellent hike.
Where: Columbia River Gorge, WA
Discovery Park
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You might be tired of hearing about this local park but the walking trails are great for those of us who can’t get out of the city. You can go for a walk on the beach, through the forest and if you know where to look you might even find some sand dunes. It’s easy to get to and who knows what you’ll see.
Where: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd, Seattle, WA 98199
Mount Pilchuck
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If you’ve seen pictures of local fire lookouts all over your Instagram, chances are that at least one of them was Mount Pilchuck. This lookout is quite well known and is one of the only lookouts accessible in the spring. We absolutely recommend checking this one out but just be aware that if you plan to spend the night you need to pack in your own gear.
Where: Mount Pilchuck
Old Robe Canyon
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This hike is not only beautiful but also historically significant. You might not be able to tell but over 100 years ago, a crew of workers attempted to build a railroad. However, due to the nature of the nearby river, the project had to be abandoned. Luckily for us, 100 years later, and with the help of some Boy Scouts, we now get to enjoy this beautiful hike.
Where: Mountain Loop Hwy, Granite Falls, WA
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Lake 22
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You’ve probably heard of this hike as it has to be one of the most popular hikes in the state. That’s for a good reason, the Lake 22 hike is pretty easy all things considered, and has amazing views at the end. During the hike, you can enjoy old-growth trees and subalpine rainforests.
Where: Verlot, WA
Turtleback Mountain Preserve
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We are extremely lucky to have the beautiful islands that surround our state. If you find that you’ll be spending some time on Orcas Island, we highly recommend checking out Turtleback Mountain Preserve. While hiking through the preserve you can enjoy some of the best views in the San Juan Islands.
Where: Orcas Island, WA
Tommy Thompson Trail
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This one is pretty unique because it’s not really a hike. But it is worth checking out due to its main feature, a unique bridge path that extends out over the shores of Fidalgo Bay. If you’re looking for more of a road trip and a nice walk after sitting in the car, this is definitely for you.
Where: Anacortes, WA
Mailbox Peak
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As you might have guessed by the hike’s name, there’s a mailbox at the summit of this peak. The trail has been updated and maintained throughout the years making it more accessible but still challenging. So you can enjoy an unforgettable spring hike and maybe leave a letter or two in the box at the top.
Where: North Bend, WA
Kalaloch
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Olympic National Park is worth visiting year-round and while the park is huge, we like the Kalaloch area. You can explore the coastline and see all kinds of ocean wildlife. However, make sure you bring a tide table because you definitely don’t want to get stranded.
Where: Olympic National Park
Interlaken
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Yep, Interlaken in Seattle. It may seem simple but it’s a great spot to walk, cycle, or run, especially if you can’t really get out of the city. The dense tree coverage and foliage make you forget that you’re in the heart of Seattle. And if you’re lucky, you might just see some wildlife.
Where: Interlaken Park, Seattle
Franklin Falls
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Franklin Falls is popular for plenty of reasons. It’s located just an hour outside of Seattle, is easily accessible, and is impressive in scale, coming in at 70 ft tall. It’s also one of the best spots for getting relatively up close and personal with waterfalls. In the spring you can watch it come back to life after being frozen all winter.
Where: Franklin Falls
Echo Mountain & Spring Lake
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Echo Mountain provides you with trails, as well as both mountain, and lake views. It doesn’t get much better than that if you ask us. Not to mention, it’s on the easier side so you don’t have to worry about being sore for days afterward.
Where: Near Renton, WA
Dash Point State Park
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This shoreside state park has 11 miles of hiking trails as well as bike trails. You can walk through the forests, comb the beaches and do some bird watching if that’s your thing. There’s truly something for everyone here.
Where: Dash Point State Park
Those are some of our favorite spring hikes to take near Seattle. We hope that you get out there and check at least a few out. If you do go, just remember to be extra prepared. With that, enjoy and stay safe!
