Seattle’s Great Outdoors

John
Seattle’s Great Outdoors

PNW Hiking 101

Here are a few of my most recommended hikes for visitors to the area. If you want to experience all of the alpine beauty our area has to offer, these are some great options for people of all experience levels.
Only 90 minutes from Ballard, Heather Lake is an excellent introduction to Northwest hiking. A gentle 1064 feet of elevation gain over a 4.6 mile round trip, this is perfect for families and beginners. Making your way upwards through old growth forests, you will eventually find yourself at a beautiful and serene alpine lake at the foot of Mount Pilchuck. This hike can be done in sneakers, but I always recommend wearing trail runners or boots to avoid ankle injuries. Always, always, always, bring a water bottle. Bringing a nice packed lunch is always a great option for the lake as well. Pro-tip: This hike gets very crowded on the weekend. To avoid the crowds (and the heat), I recommend visiting in the early morning hours. Detailed trail information + driving directions can be found here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/heather-lake-1
Heather Lake Trail
Heather Lake Trail
Only 90 minutes from Ballard, Heather Lake is an excellent introduction to Northwest hiking. A gentle 1064 feet of elevation gain over a 4.6 mile round trip, this is perfect for families and beginners. Making your way upwards through old growth forests, you will eventually find yourself at a beautiful and serene alpine lake at the foot of Mount Pilchuck. This hike can be done in sneakers, but I always recommend wearing trail runners or boots to avoid ankle injuries. Always, always, always, bring a water bottle. Bringing a nice packed lunch is always a great option for the lake as well. Pro-tip: This hike gets very crowded on the weekend. To avoid the crowds (and the heat), I recommend visiting in the early morning hours. Detailed trail information + driving directions can be found here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/heather-lake-1
This is a great moderate hike to an aptly named alpine Lake Serene, gaining 2000 ft over 8.2 miles round-trip, with a pleasant detour to to Bridal Veil Falls not far off the main trail. Take your take and enjoy your path through dense forest and bountiful patches of wildflowers and berries before reaching your final destination via switchback. This would be a great opportunity for a picnic while you relax under the shadow of Mount Index. Please, do not forget to pack a water bottle. Detailed trail information can be found here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-serene
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Lake Serene Trailhead
Mount Index River Road
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This is a great moderate hike to an aptly named alpine Lake Serene, gaining 2000 ft over 8.2 miles round-trip, with a pleasant detour to to Bridal Veil Falls not far off the main trail. Take your take and enjoy your path through dense forest and bountiful patches of wildflowers and berries before reaching your final destination via switchback. This would be a great opportunity for a picnic while you relax under the shadow of Mount Index. Please, do not forget to pack a water bottle. Detailed trail information can be found here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-serene
One of the most popular hikes in the area, and for good reason. Gaining 1350 feet over 4.5 miles round-trip, hikers gently make their way up the hillside, enjoying sweeping views of Liberty Mountain across the valley to the North, eventually making their way to a blissful lake with abundant locations to relax, take a break, and listen to the sounds of nature. Please, do not forget to pack a water bottle. Trail details can be found here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-22-lake-twenty-two
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Lake 22
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One of the most popular hikes in the area, and for good reason. Gaining 1350 feet over 4.5 miles round-trip, hikers gently make their way up the hillside, enjoying sweeping views of Liberty Mountain across the valley to the North, eventually making their way to a blissful lake with abundant locations to relax, take a break, and listen to the sounds of nature. Please, do not forget to pack a water bottle. Trail details can be found here: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-22-lake-twenty-two
Grand, sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, all without having to hike. Easily one of the most beautiful and accessible mountain views in the area, and you get to take the ferry to get here!
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Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center
3002 Mt Angeles Rd
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Grand, sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, all without having to hike. Easily one of the most beautiful and accessible mountain views in the area, and you get to take the ferry to get here!
North Cascades National Park is considered the most rugged park in the lower 48. This viewpoint is probably the only easily accessible portion of the park that does not require cross-country skill, but the view is incredible. Worth the (very) scenic drive.
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Diablo Lake Vista Point
State Route 20
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North Cascades National Park is considered the most rugged park in the lower 48. This viewpoint is probably the only easily accessible portion of the park that does not require cross-country skill, but the view is incredible. Worth the (very) scenic drive.
Only gaining 1,800 feet over 7.2 miles round-trip, Snow Lake is a beautiful mountain destination relatively close to Seattle off of I-90. Trail details: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snow-lake-1
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Snow Lake Trailhead
Alpental Access Road
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Only gaining 1,800 feet over 7.2 miles round-trip, Snow Lake is a beautiful mountain destination relatively close to Seattle off of I-90. Trail details: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snow-lake-1

Tipps für Reisende

Always bring water

Never, never, NEVER, go into the wilderness without a water supply. For the hikes listed here, one water bottle per person should suffice.

Save your ankles, wear the right shoes

I often see far too many hikers only wearing sneakers. I also see far too many hikers in sneakers get ankle injuries rolling their feet on a rock. A cheap pair of trail runners or boots can save a lot of pain.

Know your animal calls

If you hear a squeek, those are Pikas! If you hear a whistle, those are Marmots!

Get the right pass

Many of our area's popular mountain hikes require the purchase of a NW Forest Pass. These can be found online for $5, and sometimes can be purchased at the trailhead with cash deposited in a paper slip.