Trail through old-growth forest at Discovery Park in Seattle

Seattle — Things to Do

Hiking
in Seattle

City park trails and nearby day trips — from Discovery Park to Twin Falls.

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Overview

Seattle has two kinds of hiking. The first is right inside the city — trail systems at Discovery Park, Seward Park, Green Lake, and the Arboretum that feel like genuine wilderness hikes without leaving city limits. All are in the Seattle Parks system and completely free.

The second kind is an hour away. The Cascades start close, and trails like Twin Falls on the South Fork Snoqualmie River or Saint Edward State Park on Lake Washington are easy day trips that deliver waterfalls, old-growth forest, and views without a long drive.

City park trails

Day trips within 60 min

All free

City hikes

132 ft

Twin Falls drop

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Seattle Hiking Guides

park

Best Hikes in Seattle

Eight free city park trails — Discovery Park Loop, Seward Park Shore Loop, Green Lake, Arboretum Waterfront, and more. No pass needed.

Best Hikes in Seattle →

landscape

Easy Hikes Near Seattle

Five day-trip trails within an hour of the city — Twin Falls, Cougar Mountain, Saint Edward State Park, Franklin Falls, and Shoreview/Boeing Creek.

Easy Hikes Near Seattle →

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Seattle Hiking Tips

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All city park trails are free — no Discover Pass needed. Some nearby day trips (Twin Falls, Saint Edward) require a Discover Pass or day-use fee for parking.

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Seattle trails are hikeable year-round. Expect mud and wet conditions October through April; most trails are paved or have good drainage.

schedule

Waterfall hikes near Seattle are best in spring and early summer (April–June) when flow is highest. Late summer flow can drop significantly.

local_parking

Twin Falls and Saint Edward fill up early on weekends. Arrive before 9am or go on a weekday for easy parking.

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Discovery Park Loop is the most rewarding city hike — 534 acres, views of Puget Sound, and trails that feel like actual wilderness.

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