Because sometimes you just need a little adventure in your life…
Did you know that getting outside, even for just 20 minutes, can have a massive impact on your mood and even the trajectory of your day? Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a little Nature Walk, this list is full of my favorite spots for a quick walk or hike in and around the Greater Seattle area.
And if you’ve always wanted to be a hiker, but don’t want to brave it alone? Then check out our monthly Women’s Hiking Club, called Biscuits Be Hiking, that meets on various Easy to Moderate trails throughout the Seattle area!
With COVID, we’ve unfortunately had to put our hikes on hold for 2020, however I’m hopeful late Summer or Fall of 2021 will allow us to get together again! Feel free to join my email list below and I’ll make sure to keep you in the loop on timing.
Biscuit Tip: Each individual pin is also clickable so you can grab details and get directions.
Here we go!
Weowna Park on West Lake Sammamish: This is a very hilly and very gorgeous hidden gem that’s a perfect spot for a quick hike! It’s dog friendly too, but fair warning, there are no restrooms! However you can park on the west side of the park, aka top of the hill, and walk to the Lake Hills Park restroom.
Discovery Park in Magnolia: The Loop Trail is the perfect place to get an urban hike in, and if you park in the North Parking Lot and go counter-clockwise, you will get quite a bit of elevation along the Puget Sound cliff-side! Also, don’t forget to take a detour and check out the beautiful beach and lighthouse!
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park: There are so many beautiful trails that all intertwine, so don’t feel like you absolutely have to commit to just one route! Most hikes are labeled as Easy to Moderate, so it’s super accessible for new exercisers, families and you can bring your pup too! My favorite trails are: Wilderness Creek, Red Town, Indian, Coal Creek, Primrose, Wildside, and Cave Hole. Check out AllTrails.com to create your own map and hiking experience for free, which is especially helpful for this area.
Coal Creek Natural Area: Coal Creek connects to Cougar Mountain, but is a bit closer to the Seattle-side and Bellevue area. Start at the Upper Coal Creek Trail West Trailhead for a beautiful, family friendly hike!
Wilburton Hill Park in Bellevue: This park is full of all the things! It has an expansive nature trail, botanical gardens, sports fields and a fabulous playground. There is truly something for everyone here and I’ve never seen it too busy.
Mercer Slough Nature Park in Bellevue: Although it takes a bit of a hike to get down to the water, many of the trails are boardwalks through the boggy slough. It’s absolutely gorgeous and perfect for a quiet stroll.
Pioneer Park on Mercer Island: This one is a hidden gem for sure! The park takes up three different giant blocks, so you have options as to where you want to walk and park your car. There is a Ravine Trail in the NE quadrant that is absolutely gorgeous and is a perfect urban hike for anyone looking to get outside in a hurry. It’s dog friendly too!
Greenlake in Seattle: This is truly my favorite spot for a Walk & Talk in Seattle, whether it’s for catching up with a friend, meeting with a Health Coaching Client, or taking a walk and listening to a Podcast by myself! It’s easily accessible with restrooms aplenty, the people watching can’t be beat, and then you head to Retreat after for a Sweet Potato Bowl, Kombucha on tap or a Charcoal Latte to feel extra Seattle-y! ;)
Interlaken Park in Capitol Hill: Did you even know this was even here?! Either did I until recently! This hidden gem in North Capitol Hill is perfect for a quick urban hike through some beautiful nature trails. After, walk over to Volunteer Park Cafe for a quick snack or lunch. It’ll be busy, but so worth it!
Magnolia Bluff: Views for days! Move over Kerry Park, Magnolia has views of Puget Sound, Downtown Seattle, and way fewer tourists!