Seattle, Washington
Best Hikes
in Seattle
Eight city park trails — all free, all within Seattle.
All Seattle Things to Do →beExploring / Seattle
Overview
While the Cascades and nearby national parks grab most of the attention for hiking, Seattle has a large number of trails within the city itself. Some are situated within large parks that give a genuine sense of wilderness, while others embrace the city with mountain and water views. None require an entry fee.
All eight hikes on this page are found in the Seattle Parks system. Whether you want a quiet forest walk, a waterfront loop, or a lakeshore stroll, the options below cover the full range of what the city's parks have to offer.
Seward Park Shore Loop Road
Why Go
What's not to like about a paved waterfront trail that loops around an old-growth forest? Shore Loop Road circumnavigates the Bailey Peninsula jutting out into Lake Washington, providing stunning water views the whole way. Benches and shelters are spaced along the path — bring a snack and take in those lake views. Dirt trails cut through the park interior if you want to get into the forest. Parking lots at the southeast end provide easy access.
Statistics
- Length: 2.5 mi loop
- Elevation Gain: 50 ft
Pipers Creek Trail
Why Go
Pipers Creek Trail criss-crosses its namesake creek via small wooden bridges, passing through one of the oldest orchards in Seattle and a wetlands area before terminating at the western edge of Carkeek Park. Walk the pedestrian bridge across the train tracks to the beach, where the creek flows into Puget Sound. Typically started from the South Access off 6th Avenue — limited trailhead parking, but street parking is available across the road.
Statistics
- Length: 2.0 mi round trip
- Elevation Gain: 150 ft
Arboretum Waterfront Trail
Why Go
Raised wooden platforms between Marsh Island and Foster Island carry you past Lake Washington's birds and waterfowl, with views of Husky Stadium and Union Bay. One of the best waterfront hikes in Seattle. Much of the trail is on bark path — expect wet and muddy conditions in the rainy season, and the trail can occasionally close due to high water. For more mileage, continue on Foster Point Trail into the Washington Park Arboretum.
Statistics
- Length: 1.5 mi round trip
- Elevation Gain: 20 ft
Green Lake Trail
Why Go
A developed trail that circles Green Lake — the only trail in the park and a genuine Seattle institution. Expect company: walkers, roller bladers, bikers, and fishermen all share the loop. Ducks and Canada Geese on the water year-round, blue herons a common sight. Multiple docks, dozens of benches, and several parking options around the loop make this an easy choice for any level.
Statistics
- Length: 2.8 mi loop
- Elevation Gain: 30 ft
Washington Park Arboretum Loop Trail
Why Go
A 230-acre park with an exceptional collection of plants and trees from the Northwest and around the world. The Loop Trail takes you through all sections while leaving room to venture onto the many other paths. In autumn the Japanese Maples are a main draw — one of the largest collections in North America. The University of Washington publishes seasonal tour maps highlighting what's worth seeing each month.
Statistics
- Length: 3.5 mi loop
- Elevation Gain: 150 ft
Discovery Park Loop Trail
Why Go
534 acres in the Magnolia neighborhood, with the Loop Trail traversing forest and open fields and delivering views of Puget Sound. Numerous side trails cross the Loop, but signage keeps you oriented. Extend the hike onto the North or South Beach Trail for more time along the water. The East Parking Lot at the Visitor Center is the most common starting point.
Statistics
- Length: 2.8 mi loop
- Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Frink Park
Why Go
A small park in Leschi with short trails that piece together for a surprisingly engaging hike on a steep hillside. Beautiful forest and a small stream, with plenty of elevation gain for the park's size — don't let the small footprint fool you. No trail signage, and the paths criss-cross freely. Consider extending down through Leschi Park and along the water toward Madrona Park.
Statistics
- Length: 1.5 mi loop
- Elevation Gain: 250 ft
Cheasty Greenspace — Mt View
Why Go
A compact park with recently completed trails offering genuine solitude in a beautiful forest setting. The main Hazelnut Loop can be accessed from any of the trailhead entrances off the street. Construction continues on a larger section north of South Columbian Way that will eventually provide more mileage. No defined parking spots at trailheads, but street parking is easy to find.
Statistics
- Length: 0.8 mi loop
- Elevation Gain: 200 ft
beExploring / Seattle
Planning Tips
Discovery Park and Green Lake get crowded on weekend afternoons. Both are much more enjoyable on weekday mornings or before 9am on weekends.
All eight hikes on this page are in the Seattle Parks system — no entry fee or parking pass required.
The Arboretum Waterfront Trail can flood during high water on Lake Washington. Check conditions before heading out in winter or after heavy rain.
Frink Park has no trail signs. Just pick a path and explore — the park is small enough that getting lost isn't really possible.
beExploring / Seattle
More Seattle Guides
Explore more of what Seattle has to offer.
beExploring / Seattle
