Great Day Hikes Close to Urban Living


Dainen N. Penta


Summer is upon us and one of the great joys of living in the greater Puget Sound region is the wide variety of outdoor recreation. Whether you are a biker, paddler, or a walker, or just enjoy happy hour on a patio, the Pacific Northwest offers something outdoors for everyone. I like to say hiking is really just walking in scenic places while wearing sporty-looking gear. This article lists just a few of the hundreds of great hikes that provide a getaway and respite from our urban lives.


The internet is chock-full of hiking information. I recommend talking to a friend who is an experienced hiker for “tips and tricks.” These “quick and easy” hikes and strolls will get your heart rate up but have you back home in time for a late lunch. Be sure to double check directions and review recent trip reports to get an idea of conditions. Recent social media posts are useful to get the lay of the land.


Rattlesnake Ledge


Also known as Rattlesnake Ridge, this 4-mile (round trip) hike near North Bend is one of the most popular hikes close to Seattle. Whatever you choose to call it, I have never actually seen a rattlesnake while hiking Rattlesnake. I have, however, seen unprepared hikers wearing jeans, flip-flops, and who don’t have any water. Hundreds of people hike Rattlesnake each week for the stunning views of Mount Si, the valley, and the lakes and mountains. For many Puget Sound dwellers, Rattlesnake is a rite of passage – and is close enough to the city for a morning hike followed by a well-deserved brunch. The trail is a bit rocky and rooty, although most get by fine in tennis shoes. Try catching a beautiful sunrise here or go in the fall when the weather is turning crisp. Wintertime offers a whole new experience when the trail is covered in snow. The parking lot is next to Rattlesnake Lake, a lovely place to paddle, kayak, or swim after your hike.


Heybrook Lookout


Sitting at 1,700 feet, there has been a lookout on Heybrook Ridge since 1925, getting a little taller each time it was rebuilt. Climb the 89 steps to the viewing area – if you look carefully, you can see the popular Bridal Veil Falls far below. West of Stevens Pass, this trail is varied, with steep, rocky, and rooty sections, and wide and flat ones. Most of the trail is well-maintained and provides a peaceful walk through the woods, but the payoff for your sweat equity is high. This is a great beginner hike, but the views will please even seasoned hikers.


24 Community Associations Journal | September 2018


From a nice easy stroll, to heart-pounding vertical ascents that will leave you wondering if you’ve lost your mind, we have it all here in the Northwest.


Gold Creek Pond


During the summer, Gold Creek Pond in Snoqualmie Pass is a beautiful, clear lake you can stroll around without much effort. The pond is just a short walk from the parking lot, and the loop trail around the pond is a nice easy stroll. Just an hour from downtown Seattle, this is a great place to take visitors who aren’t excited by tourist attractions. The Cascade Mountains are all around, reminding you what a special place the Northwest really is. Try this one for a great beginner snowshoe in the winter, especially when the pond is frozen over.


Nisqually Wildlife Refuge


This one’s for the birds – or rather, for the birdwatchers and wildlife lovers among us! The Nisqually Basin is a wonderful place to take a deep breath and slow down. Viewing platforms, observation towers, and wildlife viewing blinds allow visitors of varying abilities to enjoy over 3,000 acres of salt and freshwater marshes, grasslands, and forest. The trails and boardwalks are almost entirely flat, and some are paved so strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility devices can enjoy the flora and fauna that have flocked to the Nisqually Basin for generations.


Whatever your style of opting outside, our region offers a lifetime of hikes and outdoor adventures. From a nice easy stroll, to heart-pounding vertical ascents that will leave you wondering if you’ve lost your mind, we have it all here in the Northwest. And finally, don’t forget to be respectful of other hikers, and follow “Leave No Trace” principles. Above all, enjoy our beautiful summer with family and friends in the great outdoors.


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