Where to hike: My Honest Reviews of Seattle-Area Hikes

I’m spending some time in Pacific NorthWest and wanted to share my honest thoughts on the hikes I’ve done so far. This list will continue to grow as I explore more trails, so feel free to check back for updates!

If you’ve done any of these great hikes or have suggestions for ones I should try next, I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment or reach out to me on Instagram.

So far, I’ve created a separate page for Olympic National Park, and I’ll be adding new pages soon for Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Parks as well.

Before we get into the hiking list, please make sure to check this page — you’ll need to get a pass for parking at the hiking trails. Without a pass, you can still park at the trailheads, but if a ranger catches you, you may get a ticket. So be sure to get your hiking passes and permits before heading out to the trails.

Whether you're a local or just visiting, I hope this page helps you discover some beautiful trails around the Seattle area!

Dirty Harry's Peak Trail

Just My Opinion: I hiked all the way to the peak of the mountain, and the mountain view at the top was absolutely breathtaking. From the summit, you get a stunning panoramic view, including a distant yet beautiful sight of Seattle.

I completed this hike in January, and the top was covered in snow with some icy patches. Because of this, I highly recommend bringing micro spikes for better traction, especially if you're hiking in winter conditions. However, if you're only planning to hike up to Dirty Harry's Balcony via Birdhouse Trail, you won’t need spikes, as that section of the trail is less affected by snow and ice.

The total distance to the mountain peak is around 8 miles (round trip), while the hike to Dirty Harry’s Balcony is approximately 4.5 miles (round trip). The trail offers a mix of steep inclines, rocky paths, and rewarding viewpoints, making it a great choice for both casual hikers and those looking for a more challenging adventure.

Make sure to check the weather conditions before heading out and bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate layers to stay warm. This trail is a must-do for anyone looking for a scenic and rewarding hike!

Trail Details:

• Length: ~8 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~3,700 feet

• Difficulty Level: Hard – steep, rocky, and physically demanding

• Time to Complete: ~5 to 7 hours (depending on pace and conditions)

Best Time to Hike:

This trail can be hiked year-round, but conditions vary significantly by season:

• Summer (June – September): Ideal conditions with dry trails and clear summit views. Expect more hikers during peak months.

• Fall (October – November): Cool temperatures and colorful foliage make for a scenic hike.

• Winter (December – February): The trail can be snowy and icy, especially at higher elevations. Bring microspikes and trekking poles for safety.

• Spring (March – May): Expect some snow at the top early in the season and muddy sections as it melts.

Barclay lake trail

Just My Opinion:  This is one of the easiest trails in the area, making it a great choice for beginners and families with kids. I especially enjoyed hiking it in the winter because the lake was completely frozen, allowing me to walk on top of it safely—a truly unique experience!

The trail is about 4.5 miles round trip with very little elevation gain, making it accessible for most hikers. It took me around 3 to 4 hours to complete at a relaxed pace, including time to enjoy the views.

I highly recommend this hike for families, especially those with young children, as it's not too strenuous but still offers beautiful scenery. However, one thing to keep in mind is the last 4 miles of the drive to the trailhead—the road is unpaved and full of potholes, which can be frustrating to drive on. If you have a low-clearance vehicle, take it slow!

Despite the rough road, this hike is definitely worth it, especially in winter when the frozen lake adds a magical touch to the landscape.

Trail Details:

• Length: ~4.5 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: Minimal

• Difficulty Level: Easy – suitable for all skill levels

• Time to Complete: ~3 to 4 hours (depending on pace)

Best Time to Hike:

This trail is great year-round, but each season offers a different experience:

• Winter (December – February): The frozen lake is a highlight, but be sure to check conditions and wear proper footwear for traction.

• Spring (March – May): Melting snow can make parts of the trail muddy, but the surrounding forest starts coming back to life.

• Summer (June – August): Warm weather makes for an easy and pleasant hike. The lake is no longer frozen, but it’s still beautiful.

• Fall (September – November): Cooler temperatures and colorful autumn leaves make this a fantastic time to visit.

Granite Creek Connector Access

Just My Opinion:  This was not an easy hike, but I really enjoyed the lake. I hiked this trail in March, so there was snow on top of the mountain when I arrived at the lake. Because of the cold and snow, I didn’t spend too much time there. However, this is one of the hikes I would love to do again in the summer. The idea of swimming in the lake on a warm day makes me want to come back and experience it in a completely different season.

Trail Details:

• Length: 10.3 miles round trip.​

• Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,439 feet.​

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging – steady ascent with some steep sections.​

• Time to Complete: Approximately 4 to 6 hours, depending on pace and conditions.​

Best Time to Hike:

• Summer (June – September): Offers the most favorable conditions with dry trails and clear views.​

• Fall (October – November): Cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage enhance the hiking experience.​

• Winter (December – February): Trails can be snowy and icy; appropriate gear such as microspikes and trekking poles is recommended.​

• Spring (March – May): Melting snow may result in muddy sections; some snow may persist at higher elevations.​

Trailhead Location:

• Granite Creek Trailhead: Accessible via SE Middle Fork Road near North Bend, Washington. A Discover Pass is required for parking.

Wallace Falls via Woody Trail

Just My Opinion: To be honest, I liked this trail, but it wouldn’t be my first choice. There are definitely other hikes in the area that I’d recommend before this one. That said, I still enjoyed it — and if you’ve already explored most of the nearby trails and are looking for something different, this is definitely a solid option.

Trail Details:

• Length: Approximately 5.6 miles round trip (to the Middle Falls and back). If you continue all the way to the Upper Falls, it’s about 8.0 miles round trip.

• Elevation Gain: Around 1,300 feet to Middle Falls; closer to 1,500 feet if you go all the way to Upper Falls.

• Trail Type: Out and back.

• Difficulty: Moderate.

Best Time to Hike

The best time to visit Wallace Falls is from late spring through early fall (May–October). During this period, the trail tends to be drier, and the weather is more stable. That said, it’s a year-round trail — just be prepared for muddy and slippery conditions in the winter or after rain. The waterfalls are actually most impressive in the spring when the snowmelt feeds the Wallace River.

Must-Know Trail Tips

• Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends, so arrive early or plan a weekday trip.

• The trail is well-maintained and marked, passing through dense forests, riverside sections, and several stunning viewpoints of the falls.

• There are three main waterfall viewpoints: Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls — with the Middle Falls offering the most dramatic view.

• Restrooms and picnic areas are available at the trailhead.

• No pets off-leash — it's a state park rule, and it’s enforced.

• Discover Pass required for parking.

I haven’t had the chance to hike the rest of the trails yet. I’ve only been here for the past couple of months, and it’s been winter — so either the roads were closed, or the trails were buried in snow (sometimes both!). I’ll definitely share my thoughts once I get to hike them. In the meantime, I’ll still post about those trails and what I know so far from hiking in Seattle. If you’ve hiked any of them, or if there’s a trail you think I should check out, let me know in the comments!

What’s Next for Hiking Seattle: Trails I Haven’t Done

Mount Pilchuck Lookout

• Distance: 5.4 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~2,300 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~1.5 hours

• Why Hike It? The fire lookout at the summit provides one of the best 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascades. The last section has some scrambling.

Bridal Veil Falls and Lunch Rock via Lake Serene Trail

• Distance: 8.2 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~2,500 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~1.5 hours

• Why Hike It? A stunning alpine lake with towering cliffs above. Bridal Veil Falls is an incredible side trip along the way!

Mailbox Peak (Old Trail or New Trail)

• Distance: 9.4 miles round trip (New Trail) or 5 miles (Old Trail)

• Elevation Gain: ~4,000 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~45 minutes

• Why Hike It? Super steep and challenging, but the famous mailbox at the summit and epic views make it a rite of passage for Seattle hikers.

Gothic Basin

• Distance: 9 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~2,800 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~2 hours

• Why Hike It? One of the most scenic alpine hikes in Washington—rocky terrain, waterfalls, and a gorgeous mountain basin at the top.

Colchuck Lake (Enchantments Entry)

• Distance: 8 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~2,300 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~3 hours

• Why Hike It? One of Washington’s most beautiful turquoise lakes. Stunning views of Dragontail and Colchuck Peak. Gets crowded, so arrive early.

Twin Falls Trail

• Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip

• Elevation Gain: ~500 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~45 minutes

• Why Hike It? Features a stunning waterfall, wooden bridges, and lush green forests—great for families and beginner hikers.

Naches Peak Loop Trail

• Distance: 3.5 miles (loop)

• Elevation Gain: ~600 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~2 hours

• Why Hike It? Naches Peak Loop is a classic Mount Rainier area trail with huge payoff for minimal effort. It offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier, wildflower-filled meadows in summer, and beautiful alpine lakes along the way. The trail is well-maintained and beginner-friendly, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a stunning half-day adventure without a brutal climb.

The Burroughs Mountain Trail

• Distance: 9.4 miles (out & back to Third Burroughs)Elevation

• Gain: ~2,600 feet

• Drive Time from Seattle: ~2.5 hours

• Why Hike It? Burroughs Mountain Trail gets you up close and personal with Mount Rainier—closer than almost any other hike. You’ll traverse alpine tundra, see glaciers up close, and feel like you’re walking on the moon. On clear days, the views are absolutely jaw-dropping. It’s more strenuous, but totally worth the effort for seasoned hikers craving a big reward.

Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear your take. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, I’m always looking for new trail recommendations and stories from the mountains. Let’s swap notes!