Seattle’s Best Kept Outdoor Secrets: Trails, Parks, Waterfalls

Ready to explore the natural beauty around Seattle? Here are the top 21 spots for the best outdoor adventures in the city.

1. Discovery Park: Seattle’s Largest

At 534 acres, Discovery Park offers everything from forest trails to sea cliffs and sandy beaches. It’s a perfect escape without leaving the city.

2. Washington Park Arboretum: A Botanical Journey

This 230-acre park features a rich collection of trees and plants. Wander through the Japanese Garden or paddle around the wetlands.

3. Green Lake Park: Popular and Bustling

Circle the lake on a 2.8-mile path buzzing with joggers and families. It’s a social hub with water activities and plenty of green space.

4. Alki Beach Trail: Views of the Sound

Enjoy stunning views of Puget Sound as you walk, bike, or rollerblade along this scenic beachfront trail.

5. Burke-Gilman Trail: Urban Exploration

Follow this trail as it winds through neighborhoods, parks, and along Lake Washington. It’s ideal for a leisurely bike ride or a long run.

6. Mount Si Trail: A Challenging Climb

A popular hike among locals, Mount Si offers a strenuous 8-mile round trip with rewarding views of the Snoqualmie Valley.

7. Rattlesnake Ledge: Scenic Vistas

For breathtaking views without a full-day commitment, hike the 4-mile round trip to Rattlesnake Ledge. The panorama of the Cascades is unforgettable.

8. Seward Park: Forest and Shoreline

Explore old-growth forest and three miles of lakefront in this urban oasis. It’s a quieter spot ideal for family picnics and leisurely walks.

9. Tiger Mountain State Forest: Diverse Trails

Choose from a range of trails in this extensive forest area. Whether it’s a gentle walk or a rigorous hike, Tiger Mountain has it all.

10. Carkeek Park: Beach and Trails

With its beaches, creeks, and trails, Carkeek is a great spot for both tide pooling and trail running.

11. Schmitz Preserve Park: Old Growth Forest

Walk among some of Seattle’s oldest trees in Schmitz Preserve. It’s a peaceful, lesser-known park perfect for a quiet hike.

12. Golden Gardens Park: Sunset Beach Walks

Catch stunning sunsets over the Olympic Mountains from this beautiful beach park, known for its sandy stretches and balmy evenings.

13. Lincoln Park: West Seattle Gem

Enjoy miles of walking paths, a heated saltwater pool, and a beach along Puget Sound in one of West Seattle’s largest parks.

14. Mercer Slough Nature Park: Wetland Wonders

Canoe through the sloughs or walk the trails in this wetland park. It’s a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, right in the city’s heart.

15. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park: Extensive Trail Network

Explore over 35 miles of trails in this park that offers everything from waterfalls to sweeping views of Lake Sammamish.

16. Elliott Bay Trail: Waterfront Riding

Perfect for cyclists, this trail offers spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and a smooth ride along the waterfront.

17. Hoh River Trail: Into the Rainforest

Though a bit of a drive, this trail in the Olympic National Park is worth it for its stunning rainforest scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

18. Snoqualmie Falls: Iconic Views

Not just for viewing the famous falls, the area around Snoqualmie Falls offers several walking paths and spectacular photo opportunities.

19. Interlaken Park: Hidden Trails

Nestled in one of the quieter neighborhoods, Interlaken Park is a great place for a serene walk on its mossy, wooded trails.

20. Twin Falls Trail: Family-Friendly Hike

This easy hike is great for families, offering scenic views of waterfalls and a not-too-challenging path.

21. Myrtle Edwards Park: City Skyline Views

With its prime location along Elliott Bay, this park is perfect for a relaxing walk with views of the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline.

Natural Delights

Seattle’s outdoors offers more than you can imagine, from serene forest walks to challenging mountain hikes. Grab your gear and start exploring these natural treasures!

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Adam Colick.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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