4 Easy + Pretty Hikes Near Seattle in the Spring
Looking for some manageable hikes near Seattle that are beautiful in the spring? I had to answer this same question when I went on a friends’ trip to the city in March. Since many of the Washington trails are still covered in snow in the spring, and a lot of the prettiest views are a couple hours away, we were juggling a lot of factors that you may be considering as well.
Here are the hikes we ended up doing, plus a couple others from my research as an avid hiker and travel blogger. These trails are all within an hour of Seattle and include waterfalls, fire lookouts, and alpine lakes!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission on any purchases through these links, at no extra cost to you. Your support is much appreciated!
Seattle Hiking Tips for Springtime
If this is your first time in Seattle or the PNW, here are a few tips that will ensure you’re ready for your hike.
1. Be prepared for snow
Because of the higher elevations, many trails are still covered in snow in the springtime. By late March, the two hikes that we did (Heybrook Lookout and Twin Falls) were actually pretty much clear; there were only traces of snow/ice on the ground at that point.
That said, the weather can vary year-to-year and trail-to-trail, so be sure to check conditions based on recent Alltrails reviews before you go.
2. Expect to rent a car
Most of the nicer hikes require a drive outside the city. If you don’t want to rent a car, there are still some walks you can do in parks around the city, but they won’t be in the mountains.
There is one hike on this list that is serviced by the Trailhead Direct Shuttle (Little Si), but that operates seasonally beginning mid-May.
For more info on hiking around Seattle without a car, check out my full guide.
3. Make sure you have the right parking pass
For most trailheads in Washington, you need a parking pass. I’ve listed the pass you need for each trail, and you can buy a day pass before you go. You must display the pass on your windshield to avoid getting fines.
And with that, let’s get into the fun stuff—the hikes!
Easy Day Hikes Near Seattle in Spring
These hikes are all within an hour of Seattle and under 4 miles. You’ll be able to get a hike in and return just in time for brunch in the city :)
1. Heybrook Lookout
Distance: 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 879 feet
Time: 1h30
Trail Pass: N/A
Trail map
Heybrook Lookout Trail gives you panoramic mountain views without too much of an effort. While the hike is a good amount of climbing, the short distance keeps it manageable.
Most of the hike winds through the forest, and you’ll eventually reach a clearing where the fire lookout is (and some primitive bathrooms). From there, you’ll need to climb up several flights of stairs to the viewing platform of the lookout. (By the way, if you want to stay overnight in the lookout, you can for $75/night—but make sure to reserve your spot several months in advance).
The view of the surrounding mountain ranges is well worth the climb. We spent a good 20 minutes at the top just taking it all in.
On the way back to Seattle, consider stopping by Espresso Chalet, a bigfoot-themed cafe with an outdoor patio looking out at the mountains.
2. Twin Falls
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 616 feet
Time: 1h20 minutes
Trail Pass: Discover Pass
Trail map
Twin Falls is named after the two waterfalls you’ll pass on the trail. Like Heybrook Lookout, it’s extremely popular, and parking may be difficult to find on the weekends unless you go earlier in the morning.
The hike goes along the river for a bit before reaching the forest. One nice thing about this hike is that it isn’t straight up and down; there are sections that climb and then descend along the way.
One of my favorite parts were the old growth trees that felt so majestic simply because of their scale.
When you reach a viewing platform, you’ll see the first of the two falls, which is more impressive. Make sure to hold onto your belongings as the drop on this platform is steep (I almost lost my poles when I set them aside).
Shortly after the platform, there’s a the second waterfall which is viewable along a bridge.
While this hike is lovely, you don’t see any mountain views—it’s really just the woods and waterfalls—so keep that in mind as you plan your trip (can you tell I’m biased towards mountains haha?).
3. Little Si
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,151 feet
Time: 2h15 minutes
Trail Pass: Discover Pass
Trail map
Little Si is the younger sibling to Mount Si, a larger peak right next to it. This hike takes you through the forest the majority of the way. You may spot lots of dogs and rock climbers, as reviewers have noted.
The train can get pretty muddy, so be sure to bring good shoes and poles. Once you reach the top, you get a close-up view of Mount Si and the valley.
This hike is accessible by the Trailhead Direct Shuttle, which leaves from Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle, but the shuttle only runs seasonally beginning mid-May.
4. Gold Creek Pond Loop
Distance: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 45 feet
Time: 20 minutes
Trail Pass: Snopark Permit
Trail map
This hike is more of a walk, as it takes you around an alpine lake surrounded by evergreens. Because of its elevation, it’s the most likely hike on this list to still be snow-covered in the spring. Take warm shoes and traction just in case.
The road to trailhead may still be closed, so be prepared to add on about an extra half mile to the trailhead if that’s the case. Lots of reviewers have mentioned getting fined $100, so be extra sure to purchase a parking pass before you go.
Hiking Gear I Recommend
Here is the gear that I used on my hikes in Seattle:
Hiking boots—While you could do these hikes in regular athletic shoes (my friends did), I recommend bringing hiking boots if you can since it makes stepping over the rocky and root-y trails more comfortable (and you never know if it will be muddy or snowy). If you want something lightweight, I recommend these Keen boots.
Hiking poles—You don’t need poles on this hike, but they can be useful if you aren’t used to climbing. Even though I’m very athletic (I do marathons), I brought my hiking poles and appreciated them. I linked the foldable hiking poles I use that are super light and convenient (do not put them in your carry on though!).
Hydration vest—If you want to travel light without a bigger backpack and heavy bottle, hydration packs are the answer. Some of the packs can even double as a small backpack where you can stash snacks and light layers.
Rain jacket—The weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so you want something that can protect you from the elements.
Let us know how you enjoy the hikes if you go, and if there’s anything else you think we should add to the list!
You may also enjoy these posts:
Guide to Hiking Near Seattle Without a Car
Why You Should Visit Chihuly Garden and Glass at Night
