8 Must-Do Hikes Near Seattle Perfect for Our New Monthly Adventure Club

If you got my recent newsletter (and if you didn’t, sign up here), you know I’m starting a monthly hiking club! I’m so excited about this new community offering and wanted to share some of the incredible trails near Seattle we might explore together.

New Community Offering! Monthly Hiking Club

I’m starting a monthly hiking group and would love to know if this resonates with you!

Here’s what I’m envisioning:

• All fitness levels welcome
• Local trails and summits
• Community, conversation, and connection

Our first hike is on Sunday, July 6th! DM me on Instagram or reply to one of my newsletters if you’re ready to adventure together.

But, First: 5 Reasons Why Hiking Is An Amazing Workout

1. ✅ Burns 400-700 calories per hour 
2. ✅ Builds functional strength through varied terrain
3. ✅ Improves mental health naturally 
4. ✅ Connects you with nature 
5. ✅ Creates lasting memories

Now, onto the recommendations!

My Top 8 Seattle-Area Hikes

Living in Seattle means we’re surrounded by some of the most incredible hiking opportunities in the country. As someone who’s passionate about combining fitness with the great outdoors (and who has been born and raised in the PNW), I’ve made it my mission to explore the best waterfall hikes and scenic trails our area has to offer. There’s something magical about earning views through movement—it’s fitness and therapy rolled into one incredible experience.

Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned hiker looking for new challenges, these eight hikes near Seattle offer something for everyone. Each trail on this list reminds me why I love a Pacific Northwest adventure.

Special thanks to Postcards to Seattle and BACKPACKER Magazine’s local scouts for their incredible hiking insights that helped inspire this comprehensive guide!

1. Snoqualmie Falls: The Perfect Starting Point

Distance from Seattle: 29 miles
Length: 1.4 miles RT
Elevation gain: 250 feet

This is hands-down one of my favorite recommendations for anyone new to hiking or looking for a family-friendly adventure. Snoqualmie Falls is not only gorgeous but also wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all fitness levels. The short distance means you can easily fit this hike into a busy schedule, and the payoff is absolutely stunning.

Pro tip: Don’t just stop at the observation deck! Take the trail down to the bottom for a completely different perspective and some incredible photo opportunities!

Photo Credit: Washington Trails Association

2. Coal Creek Falls: Your After-Work Adventure

Distance from Seattle: 13 miles
Length: 2.5 miles RT
Elevation gain: 416 feet

When you need a quick nature fix without the long drive, Coal Creek Falls is your answer. At just 13 miles from Seattle, this hike is perfect for those evening workouts or early morning adventures before the day gets started. The trail takes you through beautiful Cougar Mountain territory, and you’ll feel worlds away from the city despite being so close.

Photo Credit: Washington Trails Association

3. Twin Falls: Double the Reward

Distance from Seattle: 36 miles
Length: 2.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 500 feet

Twin Falls offers the perfect balance of challenge and accessibility. With multiple viewpoints along the trail, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch your breath and take in the scenery. The elevation gain gives you a solid workout without being overwhelming, making it ideal for building hiking confidence and endurance.

Photo Credit: Explore with Alec

4. Wallace Falls: The Photo Paradise

Distance from Seattle: 47 miles
Length: 5.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet

This is where you’ll really start to feel that burn in the best way possible! Wallace Falls features nine different waterfalls throughout the park, giving you multiple goals to work toward during your hike. The 1,300-foot elevation gain provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, and the payoff is worth every step.

Start early to beat the crowds. This popular trail fills up quickly, especially during summer months.

Photo Credit: Outdoor Project

5. Franklin Falls: Year-Round Beauty

Distance from Seattle: 51 miles
Length: 2.0 miles RT (summer) / 8 miles RT (winter)
Elevation gain: 400 feet

What I love about Franklin Falls is its versatility. In summer, it’s a quick 2-mile adventure perfect for beginners. In winter, when the road closes and you have to hike the extra distance, it becomes a more challenging 8-mile journey with the magical reward of partially frozen waterfalls. It’s like getting two completely different workouts from the same destination!

Photo Credit: Washington Trails Association

6. Mount Si: The Classic Seattle Challenge

Distance from Seattle: 40 minutes
Length: 8.0 miles RT
Elevation gain: 3,150 feet

BACKPACKER’s Jason Bickford calls this his “all-time favorite go-to day hike,” and honestly, I can see why. Mount Si offers the perfect balance of challenge and reward. You’ll get a serious workout with that 3,150-foot elevation gain, but the payoff includes stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley, Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and even glimpses of Seattle. This trail is accessible year-round and has become my go-to recommendation for anyone ready to step up their hiking game.

Photo Credit: Follow that Nerd

7. Granite Mountain: Alpine Meadow Paradise

Distance from Seattle: 50 minutes
Length: 8.6 miles RT
Elevation gain: 3,800 feet

This hike delivers everything I love about Pacific Northwest adventures: gorgeous alpine meadows, stunning white rock formations contrasting with dark green forests, and an active ranger station at the summit. The views of the Cascades and Mount Rainier from the top are breathtaking. Fair warning: this trail can have serious snow in winter, so timing is everything for a safe adventure.

Photo Credit: Washington Trails Association

8. Cascade Pass: The PNW Classic

Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
Length: 7.0 miles RT
Elevation gain: 1,700 feet

Located in North Cascades National Park, Cascade Pass is what BACKPACKER calls “quite simply, a PNW classic.” The 30-plus gentle switchbacks make this surprisingly accessible, and once you reach the pass, you have options to extend your adventure. You can explore the dreamy Sahale Arm or simply soak in the incredible mountain views. Don’t forget to stop at 5B’s Bakery in Concrete for fuel on your way home!

Mailbox Peak, Photo Credit: Moore Misadventures

Honorable Mentions & Additional Options

Bridal Veil Falls (56 miles from Seattle, 4.0 miles RT, 1,000 feet gain): Get right up next to the cascading water thanks to stairs built alongside the falls. Extend your adventure by continuing to Lake Serene.

Marymere Falls (102 miles from Seattle, 1.8 miles RT, 500 feet gain): Olympic Peninsula magic through lush rainforest to a stunning 90-foot waterfall.

Myrtle Falls (108 miles from Seattle, 0.8 miles RT, no elevation gain): One of Washington’s most photographed waterfalls with a completely flat, paved trail accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Mailbox Peak (37 miles from Seattle, 9.4 miles RT, 4,000 feet gain): Known as “the perfect workout training trail” with two route options. The old trail delivers serious elevation gain in just 2.7 miles for those ready for an intense challenge.

Mount Dickerman (71 miles from Seattle, 8 miles RT): BACKPACKER scout Anastasia Allison loves this accessible hike with “expansive summit views looking out over the Monte Cristo area and all of the Cascades.”

Cherry Creek Falls (30 miles from Seattle, 5.0 miles RT): Perfect for summer cooling off, with opportunities to dip your toes in the creek.

Teneriffe Falls (36 miles from Seattle, 5.6 miles RT): For anyone ready to tackle 22 switchbacks and earn some serious elevation gain.

Sol Duc Falls (180 miles from Seattle, 1.6 miles RT): Worth the drive for a true Olympic Peninsula waterfall adventure.

Silver Falls Loop (139 miles from Seattle, 3.0 miles RT): Less crowded Mount Rainier option with multiple waterfall viewpoints.

Essential Hiking Gear for Success

Before you hit any of these trails, make sure you’re prepared:

• Polarized sunglasses
• Water bottle or hydration pack (more than you think you need!)
• Hiking backpack
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Proper hiking footwear
• Snacks for fuel

Remember to check recent trail conditions on the Washington Trails Association (WTA) website before heading out, especially during winter months when snow might affect accessibility. But, if you join my hiking club, you’ll have me to do all that for you!

Your Next Adventure Awaits

These eight hikes represent just a fraction of the incredible outdoor fitness opportunities surrounding Seattle. Each trail offers its own combination of challenge, beauty, and reward—exactly what makes hiking such an incredible addition to any fitness routine.

Whether you’re looking to build cardiovascular endurance, strengthen your legs, or simply find a more enjoyable way to stay active, these trails deliver. Plus, there’s something incredibly empowering about conquering a challenging hike and earning those views through your own effort and determination.

Ready to explore these trails? DM me on Instagram @coachjulianicole and let me know which hike you want to tackle first!