Back to the Basics: Intro Hikes for New or Returning Hikers
Trying to find short hikes near Seattle can be a challenge. You might’ve heard of some fantastic hikes like Snow Lake or Mailbox Peak, but sometimes these hikes are a bit intense if you are just getting into hiking, or are returning after an injury. Here are a few of my favorite options for easy hikes in the area to help start your hiking journey this summer.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Your Hike
Depending on your current level of fitness, or your PT recommendations, here are a few variables to consider when choosing your hike:
Elevation gain: For new hikers I recommend no more than 1000 ft gain over 3 miles (6 miles round-trip). 1200 ft over 3 miles may be reasonable depending on your fitness level.
Length of hike: Easy distances are generally less than 5 miles roundtrip. Up to 10 miles might be feasible if there’s little to no elevation gain.
Exposure: If you are heat sensitive, you’ll want to check how much tree coverage there is. Sun exposure can increase exhaustion and risk of sunburn. If there’s not a lot of tree coverage, plan ahead by wearing light colored UV blocking clothing, bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Trail conditions: A rockier trail or a scramble might be challenging for a beginner, or someone coming back from an ankle injury. Aim for well maintained trails if possible.
I always recommend using a source like wta.org or alltrails.com to check out your hike before heading out. This site can inform you on parking pass requirements, directions, road closures and trail conditions.
Start Close to Home: Discovery Park, Seward Park and Rattlesnake Ledge
1. Discovery Park Loop Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles (or 4.4 miles if going to the lighthouse)
Elevation Gain: 140 ft (or 469ft if going to the lighthouse)
Trail Conditions: Mix of road, easy dirt paths and stairs. An even mix of exposure and well-shaded areas.
Drive time: ~10-20 minutes
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/discovery-park-loop-trail
2. Seward Park Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal to none
Trail Conditions: Paved trail. Mostly shaded.
Drive time: ~10-20 minutes
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/seward-park
3. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1160 ft
Trail Conditions: Mostly dirt path, with some rockier areas. Mostly shaded, but the ledge itself is fully exposed.
Drive time: ~ 30-40 minutes
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/rattlesnake-ledge
Into the Wilderness: Heather Lake, Talapus and Ollalie Lakes, Cashmere Canyons
1. Heather Lake
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1034 ft
Trail Conditions: Dirt paths with some rockier sections. Mostly shaded by tree cover.
Drive time: ~1-1.5 hours
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/heather-lake-1
2. Talapus and Ollalie Lakes
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1220ft
Trail Conditions: Mostly dirt trail, some rocky terrain. Mostly shaded by tree cover.
Drive time: ~1 hour
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/talapus-and-olallie-lakes
3. Cashmere Canyons
Distance: Choose your own adventure. Anywhere from 4 miles to 12 miles if you take all of the trails.
Elevation Gain: Minimum of 1200ft to reach the crossroads for the branching trails.
Trail Conditions: Mostly dirt paths with occasional rocky areas. Lots of exposure; there is very little tree cover.
Drive time: ~ 2.5 hours (This hike is east of Leavenworth. Make a day out of it and spend some time in town!)
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cashmere-canyon-preserve
Take it Up a Notch: Poo Poo Point, Lake 22 and Margaret Lake
1. Poo Poo Point
Distance: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1748 ft
Trail Conditions: Dirt paths with some rockier sections. Mostly shaded by tree cover.
Drive time: ~30-40 minutes
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/poo-poo-point
2. Lake 22
Distance: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1350ft
Trail Conditions: Mostly dirt trail, some rocky terrain. Mostly shaded by tree cover.
Drive time: ~1-1.5 hours
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-22-lake-twenty-two
3. Margaret Lake
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1800ft
Trail Conditions: Mostly dirt paths with occasional rocky areas. Mostly shaded by tree cover.
Drive time: ~ 1hr
WTA Link: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/margaret-lake
Final Thoughts
Do your research and always pack plenty of snacks and water. Also make sure to always tell someone where you are going so they can call for help if needed. If you’re returning to hiking after an injury, check with your PT to make sure that the terrain, distance and elevation is reasonable. Have fun!