Few places rival Seattle for access to beautiful, diverse hiking trails without a lengthy drive or complicated preparation. Whether you prefer forested ravines, dramatic coastal overlooks, or calm urban paths, the city offers outings that blend natural beauty with excellent amenities.
Let’s get to it.
Discovery Park
Discovery Park delivers serene forest paths alongside sweeping views of the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains. The main Loop Trail covers about three miles and stays mostly easy, with a handful of short climbs to keep it engaging. Surfaces shift from soft dirt to gravel and rocky bluffs, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. Hiking poles aren’t required unless you want extra support.
For a mix of beach and woods, use the North and South Beach trails. They lead to pebbly tidepools and, on a lucky day, harbor seals or migratory birds sunning themselves. West Point Lighthouse draws photographers, though weekends can be busy. Early morning visits tend to feel quieter.
Amenities are well spaced. You’ll find benches and picnic tables for snack stops, plus restrooms near both beaches. Dogs are welcome on leash. Spring wildflowers and late-summer meadows add seasonal flair, but trails can get muddy in wetter months. Even so, maintenance crews keep paths clear and signage easy to follow. If you want an accessible Seattle nature escape without a lengthy drive, Discovery Park checks all the boxes.
Washington Park Arboretum
If you’re seeking a calm stroll without leaving the city, Washington Park Arboretum fits the bill. Paved main routes and gentle dirt stretches bring you through flowering gardens, wetlands, and open lawns. Choose the full 3.6-mile Arboretum Loop or hop on Azalea Way for a shorter outing.
Spring highlights include cherry blossoms and rhododendrons. In summer, the dense canopy provides welcome shade. Come fall, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and colorful leaves. ADA-friendly features such as curb cuts, restrooms, water fountains, and bike racks make the park easy to navigate. Benches and picnic tables dot the grounds for rest breaks.
Leashed dogs are welcome on all paths. Restroom facilities are clean and conveniently placed. To avoid the busiest bloom-season weekends, consider an early weekday visit. Whether you’re after exercise, photography, or fresh-air time, Washington Park Arboretum offers a smooth, scenic experience right inside Seattle.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park in West Seattle stands out for its mix of old-growth forest, Puget Sound views, and accessible trails. The main Outer Loop stretches 3.6 miles without backtracking, while shorter connector paths and a waterfront promenade let you tailor the distance to your mood.
Along the forested routes, you’ll pass Douglas-fir and madrone trees, plus seasonal wildflower patches in spring. Beach sections reveal tide pools and driftwood clusters. The paved promenade is wheelchair and stroller friendly, while inner trails feature roots and a few muddy spots in winter.
Free parking is plentiful and benches and restrooms appear at regular intervals. Weekends and sunny afternoons bring more visitors, but mornings and weekdays stay calm. Dogs on leash can join you nearly everywhere, and there’s a dedicated off-leash area for furry play. For a local outing with varied terrain and scenic rewards, Lincoln Park delivers a balanced outdoor adventure.
Seward Park
Just south of downtown Seattle, Seward Park offers a 2.4-mile paved loop that appeals to walkers, joggers, and stroller-pushers alike. The wide, smooth path hugs Lake Washington’s shoreline, providing constant water views and clear lines of sight to Mount Rainier. Benches and fishing piers dot the route, giving plenty of pause points.
Venture off the loop to explore interior forest trails under towering firs and maples. These dirt paths feature tree roots and some rocky patches but remain gentle enough for casual hikers. Birdwatchers often spot herons, bald eagles, and a variety of songbirds, especially during spring and summer.
Restrooms, water fountains, playgrounds, and nearby art studios add convenience. Year-round maintenance keeps the outer loop clean and accessible. Parking is easy, and park staff regularly monitor facilities. With its shoreline scenery, old-growth forest, and well-maintained amenities, Seward Park makes a reliable choice for a stress-free outdoor escape.
Carkeek Park
Carkeek Park provides a varied trail network within city limits, offering around six miles of paths. The Piper’s Creek Loop gives a moderate workout under towering trees, while the level Piper’s Creek Trail stays flat and easy. Trail surfaces include packed dirt and gravel, with roots and brief climbs that make sturdy footwear worthwhile.
ADA-friendly segments and a thoughtfully designed playground reflect the local watershed theme. If you need parking, a small lot at Eddie McAbee fills up fast, but street spots on NW 100th Place usually remain available. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, and picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout.
On sunny weekends, crowds gather near the apple orchard and beach. Weekday mornings and quieter afternoons offer more solitude. Boardwalks lead to tide pools, and salmon runs sometimes occur in season. Whether you linger by wetlands or explore forested inclines, Carkeek Park’s mix of amenities and natural highlights makes for a flexible, enjoyable visit.
Myrtle Edwards Park
For a waterfront stroll close to downtown, Myrtle Edwards Park delivers easy terrain and wide-open views of Elliott Bay. The paved, flat path stretches for nearly a mile, making it ideal for walkers, joggers, strollers, and wheelchair users. Public art installations dot the way, and you’ll often spot herons or bald eagles patrolling the rocky shoreline.
Benches and picnic tables invite you to pause. On clearer days, the Olympic Mountains appear on the horizon and you might linger with your camera. Restrooms and accessible parking are available near the entrance, and the park links seamlessly to Olympic Sculpture Park if you feel like extending your outing.
Leashed dogs are welcome and water bowls appear along the route. While sunny afternoons draw a crowd, the wide path never feels overwhelming. Whether you’re on a morning exercise mission or seeking a relaxed break from city life, Myrtle Edwards Park offers a straightforward, refreshing dose of Seattle’s waterfront charm.
Schmitz Preserve Park
Situated in West Seattle, Schmitz Preserve Park offers a snapshot of old-growth forest just minutes from the city. The shaded trails wind beneath towering Douglas-fir and redcedar, with a mix of exposed roots and gentle steps that add interest without wearing you out.
Choose a quick 0.7-mile loop or stretch your legs on the 1.7-mile out-and-back route. Along the way, you’ll hear songbirds and spot wildflowers peeking through mossy logs. Schmitz Creek bubbles under wooden footbridges, and benches at creek overlooks invite a brief rest.
The rustic single-track gives way to dirt and roots after the paved entrance, so sturdy footwear is a must. Strollers won’t work here, but leashed dogs are welcome. Free street parking is easy to find, though there are no restrooms or snack stands on site. If you want a peaceful, dog-friendly walk in a mature forest without heading out of town, Schmitz Preserve Park delivers.
Llandover Woods Greenspace
In North Seattle, Llandover Woods Greenspace offers a dense canopy and fern-carpeted ground just a few minutes from residential streets. The less-than-one-mile loop features gentle inclines, with a short rise near the end that rewards you with glimpses of the Olympic Range and Puget Sound.
Birdsong fills the air and Douglas squirrels dart across the path. Benches are absent, so bring a travel seat or plan for a standing pause amid the ferns. Limited street parking sits at the trailhead, and crowds are rare even on weekends. There’s no restroom or water source, and the trail’s dirt-and-root surface rules out wheelchairs and strollers.
Local volunteers keep the path well maintained, and leashed dogs can explore alongside you. For a quick, low-key forest break without leaving the city, Llandover Woods Greenspace feels thoroughly wild despite its urban setting.
Interlaken Park
At the heart of Seattle, Interlaken Park blends paved boulevards and natural forest trails for a fully customizable outing. Wide, stroller-friendly sidewalks run alongside quiet streets lined with towering oaks. From there, narrower dirt paths lead into dense woodland and gentle hills.
The overall elevation gain remains mild, but the climb up to Louisa Boren Overlook feels rewarding. In spring, wildflowers dot the undergrowth, and you may spot rabbits or the occasional coyote. Benches appear along both paved and unpaved loops, offering spots to catch your breath or enjoy a snack.
There are no restrooms or water faucets, so plan accordingly. Free on-street parking makes arrival simple and midday visits tend to be surprisingly quiet. Leashed dogs and casual picnics fit right in, especially in hidden clearings off the main trails. For a low-key woodland escape without leaving city limits, Interlaken Park strikes the perfect balance.
Fauntleroy Park
Fauntleroy Park hides a ravine forest south of downtown Seattle, complete with rustic boardwalks and wooden bridges crossing a lively creek. The 1.5-mile network of dirt and gravel trails meanders through maples, alders, and evergreens, creating a lush setting that stays vibrant even after rain.
Most sections are easy walking, though a few steep inclines and natural stairs add a touch of adventure. Spring brings an array of wildflowers and elevated birdsong. Benches are scarce, so pack light but include sturdy shoes for the uneven ground.
Street parking in nearby neighborhoods rarely fills up, and leashed dogs are welcome. There are no restrooms or picnic tables on site, but the park’s new digital trail maps make navigation simple. If you want a quiet, woodsy stroll that feels removed from crowded city parks, Fauntleroy Park offers a genuine, down-to-earth escape.
Lakeridge Park
Lakeridge Park offers a calm escape without leaving the city. The main trail is just a mile round-trip, moving through a shaded ravine where tall maples and alders stand overhead. A creek runs alongside the path, and sturdy wooden bridges keep your feet dry as you cross Taylor Creek. At the canyon’s end you can spot remnants of an 1880s sawmill. The forest floor is dotted with ferns and moss, adding to the sense of being in a quiet natural setting.
Facilities are minimal, so plan accordingly. There are no restrooms or picnic tables. Parking space is very limited; consider riding Metro bus 7 or 106 to the trailhead. The path is uneven in spots, so wear sensible shoes. It’s not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Dogs are welcome, provided they stay leashed and out of the creek. Expect light to moderate crowds, especially in late spring or early fall when the trail is drier. Overall, this route provides a refreshing, low-traffic alternative to busier city hikes.
həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat
At həʔapus Village Park & Shoreline Habitat, easy river walks combine with wildlife viewing opportunities. Tucked along the Duwamish River, this seven-acre park offers paved and gravel loops under a mile in total. Interpretive signs explain the shoreline habitat and highlight native plants. The trail opens onto three river viewpoints, each equipped with benches to pause and watch the water. From these spots you can see the last original curve of the Duwamish and the tree-covered Kellogg Island.
Bring binoculars for herons, bald eagles, and jumping salmon. The park includes a dedicated parking lot, gravel access routes, and four shoreline seating areas. Two hand-carry boat launches allow kayakers to put in directly from the bank. All trails are wheelchair and stroller friendly. Dogs are allowed on leash and must stay on the path. There are no restrooms, so plan ahead. The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round and weekday visits tend to draw the smallest crowds. həʔapus delivers a straightforward, tranquil escape not far from downtown Seattle.
