Best Easy Day Hikes from Seattle
Here are a few of my favorite easy day hikes from Seattle that are great for any age and hiking experience! Also check out my post on go-to hiking resources.
1. Twin Falls
Roughly 45 minutes down I-90 from Seattle in North Bend, this is a great little hike. As the name suggests, this trail brings you to two waterfalls. I love bringing my less-outdoor-inclined out of town visitors on this hike so they can experience everything I love about hiking in Washington! Old growth forests, waterfalls, and lots and lots of moss and ferns 🙂
2. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, located off I-5 just before Olympia, is really unique. The refuge is on a river delta, where the Nisqually River and McAllister Creek meet the ocean. There are over a mile of boardwalks that take you from “land” out into the brackish water where the ocean and river water meet and mix. As the tides come and go, so does the wildlife.
3. Cherry Creek Falls
Less than an hour away, in Duvall, is a perfect hike for an overcast day. 5 miles round trip to the falls, and about 500 ft of elevation gain. Spotted: a few slugs and hundreds of mossy trees
4. Robe Canyon Historic Trail
North on I-5 and off of the Mountain Loop Highway, is this gem. At 2.5 miles and about 300 ft of elevation gain, this hike takes you down into a river canyon, with no shortage of mossy trees.
5. Barclay Lake Trail
Off Highway 2, this trail takes you to a beautiful alpine lake. Just over 4 miles and 400 ft elevation gain had big pay off with some great mountain views. The trail is accessible from May through October