Easy & Scenic Day Hikes Near Seattle for Families and Beginners

Last Updated: August 2025 | Reading Time: 38 minutes

Looking to escape the city and introduce your kids—or yourself—to the trails? These 27 day hikes near Seattle are not only beautiful, but easy enough for beginners and kid-friendly enough for families. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, strolling around lakes, or soaking in valley views, each hike offers a rewarding experience without too much effort. This post goes through my 27 favorite easy and scenic day hikes near Seattle!

Looking for overnight adventures? Check out our post on the 9 Best Easy Backpacking Trips with Kids in Washington.

Want mountain views and alpine lakes? Here’s our 3-Day Itinerary for the North Cascades.

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🌟 Quick Reference by Experience Type

🎟️ Which Pass Do I Need?

✅ Discover Pass – $30 annual / $10 day → Required for most state parks (Wallace Falls, Little Si, Poo Poo Point). Buy on Amazon or official site.

✅ Northwest Forest Pass – $30 annual / $5 day → Required for National Forest trailheads (Franklin Falls, Lake 22, Snow Lake). Buy here.

✅ America the Beautiful Pass – $80 annual → Covers all national parks & federal lands (great if you’re also doing Rainier, Olympic, or North Cascades). Buy at REI.

Waterfall Hikes

Snoqualmie Falls

Why We Love It: You can view the iconic falls from above with almost no walking—or take the trail down to the base for a bit more adventure. Easy access, great for visiting family or first-timers. The viewing platform at the top offers a breathtaking panorama of the 268-foot cascade, with informative signs to teach kids about the falls’ history and geology. For a closer look, the 0.5-mile trail down to the base is well-maintained with some stairs, leading to a platform right at the waterfall’s base. On a sunny day, the mist creates a natural rainbow—perfect for that quintessential Pacific Northwest photo op. And with restrooms and a snack bar at the top, it’s an easy outing for families.

Franklin Falls

Why We Love It: If your kids need a reason to hike, this trail delivers—a thundering 70-foot waterfall at the end, with just enough rocks, roots, and little bridges to make it feel like an adventure. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for little ones (just hold hands near the falls—things can get slippery in spring!). We’ve done this one in every season, and when it’s snowy, it doubles as a magical family snowshoe. Since it’s often muddy, we usually let our kids wear Keen Newport H2 Water Shoes so they can splash around freely, and we keep a pack of Wilderness Wipes handy for quick cleanup before the car ride home.

Twin Falls

Why We Love It: This one is just enough of a workout to feel accomplished. You’ll walk through lush forest, alongside a rushing river, and arrive at two beautiful waterfalls. There are some stairs, but it’s still totally doable for kids who love to explore. The trail winds alongside the river, offering plenty of opportunities for kids to balance on logs, skip rocks, and explore the banks. At the 0.5-mile mark, you’ll reach a great viewpoint with a fallen log perfect for snapping family photos. The final push to the falls is worth it – the viewing platform gives you an up-close look at the thundering cascades. Parking can fill up early, but there’s usually space in the overflow lot a bit further down the road.

Cherry Creek Falls

Why We Love It: This short, sweet trail is perfect when you want waterfall payoff without much effort. The path meanders through lush forest before opening up to a beautiful cascade tumbling over mossy rocks. It’s especially gorgeous in late spring when the water flow is at its peak. The trail can be a bit muddy after rain, but it’s totally manageable for little ones who love splashing through puddles! At the 0.5 mile mark, families can take in a stunning overlook of the falls from a viewing platform. Kids can explore the creek below, hopping across stepping stones or balancing on fallen logs. With easy parking and no crowds, this hike is a hidden gem that’s great for little adventurers any time of year.

Little Mashel Falls

Why We Love It: Three waterfalls in one hike! Upper, Middle, and Lower Mashel Falls each have their own character. The Middle Falls plunges more than 90 feet. The trail can be muddy, but that’s part of the adventure. Kids can hop across the creek on fallen logs and explore the rocky outcroppings near the base of the falls. Families will love the easy accessibility and reliable water features – perfect for a picnic lunch at the viewing platform. In the fall, the trail bursts with vibrant colors, and spring brings a lush green canopy and blooming wildflowers. With free parking and well-marked trails, this hike is a great option for an easy day outdoors near Seattle.

Family Tip: Go in spring when the water is roaring. Bring a change of clothes — kids will get damp from the spray and muddy from the trail. Pack wilderness wipes for quick cleanup of muddy hands.

Denny Creek Falls + Keekwulee Falls

Why We Love It: You pass a natural rock water slide, hop creeks, and end at a stunning waterfall. A longer hike, but super engaging for school-age kids. Bring water shoes! The trail is especially fun in the spring when wildflowers bloom along the banks, and in the fall when the changing leaves add a pop of color. Kids can balance on fallen logs, explore the creek, and discover hidden viewpoints of the waterfalls. The parking lot fills up early, but the first half-mile offers a great viewpoint of the valley. With plenty of places to rest and refuel, this hike is a fantastic family-friendly option for a day outdoors.

Bridal Veil Falls

Why We Love It: Steep but short, this hike rewards you with one of Washington’s most dramatic waterfalls cascading down granite slabs. Mist fills the air at the viewpoint, making it a sensory experience. The waterfall is especially spectacular in late spring and early summer when snowmelt feeds the flow. Kids can have fun hopping across the creek at the trailhead, and the 0.5-mile hike leads to a great viewpoint perfect for snacking while watching the water thunder down the rocky cliffs. The viewing platform provides an up-close look at the falls, with the spray creating a refreshing natural air conditioning on hot days. Parking can fill up early, so arrive before 10am to secure a spot and avoid crowds.

Family Tip: Families with extra energy can connect to Lake Serene (a harder trail) — Bridal Veil is a perfect “halfway goal.” The viewpoint can get misty, so bring rain jackets even on sunny days.

Wallace Falls (Lower + Upper Falls)

Why We Love It: You don’t have to hike all the way to the top! The Lower Falls is very doable for families and gives you all the waterfall payoff with less elevation. Kids love scrambling on logs and peeking into the creek along the way, and the big viewing platform makes for the perfect snack stop. But don’t underestimate the mist—our crew has been completely soaked more than once! These days, we always throw lightweight XeroCloud Rain Jackets into our daypacks so everyone stays comfortable. And because this trail is a bit longer, a CamelBak Mini M.U.L.E. Hydration Pack keeps kids sipping without constant “water break” stops.

Lake Destinations

Rattlesnake Lake Trail

Why We Love It: This one’s a rite of passage for Seattle hikers. The steady climb can feel tough for beginners, but the sweeping summit views are absolutely worth it. The parking lot fills fast, so we aim for an early start—and a trail mix bribe at the top doesn’t hurt either! Because it’s a more strenuous climb, we’ve found our kids do much better when they carry their own REI Tarn 18 Day Pack with water and snacks. For adults, we always pack a Hydrapak Stow Bottle—it collapses when empty, saving precious space in a crowded summit pack.

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

Why We Love It: We bring binoculars every time. This is a peaceful, stroller-friendly trail system on boardwalks and gravel paths where you can spot herons, eagles, and even otters. Best on a dry day! The Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is a true gem, with over 5 miles of trails winding through lush wetlands and tidal marshes. Kids can explore the shallow tide pools and balance along fallen logs at the water’s edge. Don’t miss the viewing platform at the halfway point – it’s the perfect spot to scan for migrating birds or spot a river otter gliding by. With free parking and clean restrooms, this hike works great for families, especially in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

Keechelus Lake via Palouse to Cascades Trail

Why We Love It: Flat, wide, and full of lake views. This is a stroller-friendly rail trail that’s quiet and scenic. Most of the time, we also just go on Keechelus Lake when its really low. Its so fun to play around on the logs and run with gorgeous views all over the place! The trail follows an old railroad bed, so it’s an easy, level hike great for little legs. Kids can explore the shoreline and clamber over the fallen logs that dot the lakebed when the water is low. In spring, the trail bursts with wildflowers, and in fall, the foliage puts on a stunning show. There’s a nice viewing platform at the 1-mile mark, perfect for snapping photos of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Barclay Lake

Why We Love It: This trail checks all the boxes—gentle incline, mossy forest, log bridges, and a breathtaking alpine lake at the end. Great for elementary-age kids and up. We always bring extra snacks to enjoy by the water. The well-marked path winds through towering cedars and hemlocks, with opportunities for kids to hop across the bubbling creek on strategically placed stones. At 0.5 miles, a fallen log offers the perfect chance for little ones to test their balance. Once you reach the lake, the clear, blue water and mountain backdrop make for an unbeatable picnic spot. Parking can be tricky, so arrive early to snag a spot and beat the crowds.

Baker Lake Trail

Why We Love It: A flat lakeshore trail with bridges, campsites, and a suspension bridge. Families can do a short out-and-back or go further for a full day. Mount Baker views on clear days are spectacular. The trail is especially great for little hikers, with a wide, well-maintained path and multiple creek crossings to navigate. At 0.5 miles, a fallen log makes a perfect balance beam, and the lake access point at 1 mile is a beautiful spot for a snack break. Crowds tend to be lighter in the mornings, so an early start is best for enjoying the peaceful forest and wildlife sightings.

Family Tip: Late summer = exposed logs and beaches at low water — a kid paradise for exploring and playing.

Talapus Lake

Why We Love It: This trail is a gem—steady but manageable incline through forest leading to a peaceful alpine lake. We love it as a starter hike for families who want an alpine feeling lake. (we even brought a paddle board with us one time!) The trail winds alongside a bubbling creek, offering plenty of opportunities for kids to hop across rocks and balance on fallen logs. At 0.5 miles, you’ll reach a small waterfall viewpoint, a great spot for a snack break. Once you reach the lake, the clear waters and mountain backdrop make for a picturesque picnic setting. While the trailhead can fill up early, the uncrowded path and reliable features make this an excellent choice for families looking to experience the beauty of the Cascades.

Olallie Lake

Why We Love It: Continue past Talapus to reach a quieter alpine lake with equally stunning views. The extra mile pays off with more solitude and a beautiful basin setting. The trail to Olallie Lake winds through a dense forest, offering a nice mix of shade and open views. At the 1-mile mark, you’ll reach a footbridge crossing a tumbling creek – perfect for kids to test their balance. The last half-mile climbs gently to the lake, where you’ll find a great spot for a snack break with a view of the surrounding peaks. In the fall, the larches along the shore turn a brilliant golden hue. Olallie is a fantastic option for families looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful alpine setting.

Family Tip: Great option if Talapus feels too crowded — the extra mile pays off with more solitude. Both lakes offer good swimming in late summer.

Heather Lake

Why We Love It: Boardwalks, mossy forest, and a steady climb bring you to a dramatic cirque lake beneath Mount Pilchuck’s cliffs. Stunning year-round, this trail offers classic PNW scenery. At 0.5 miles, a fallen log makes a perfect spot for kids to practice their balance. As you continue up the trail, you’ll pass a cascading waterfall with a viewing platform – a great spot to rest and refuel. Reach the turquoise waters of Heather Lake and soak in the views of the surrounding peaks. With no swimming allowed, this lake is all about taking in the peaceful alpine atmosphere. Wildflowers dot the lakeshore in summer, while fall brings vibrant colors to the mountainsides. An excellent choice for families seeking an easy, scenic hike with varied terrain to explore.

Family Tip: Trail is often muddy — waterproof boots make it easier with kids. The lake is a perfect lunch spot with dramatic mountain views.

Lake 22

Why We Love It: This one’s best for older kids or families ready for a bigger challenge. The lake at the top is stunning and worth the climb. Plus: bridges, boardwalks, waterfalls, and mountain reflections. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of trail. The trailhead is easy to find, with a large parking lot that fills up by mid-morning on weekends. Kids can hop across the creek at the start and look for banana slugs and salamanders along the way. At 0.5 miles, there’s a great viewpoint overlooking the valley below. The trail winds through old-growth forest, with chances to spot deer, elk, and black bears if you’re lucky. The final push to the lake is steep, but the payoff is stunning – you’ll find a viewing platform perfect for snacks and photos.

Goat Lake

Why We Love It: A long day but with gentle grades. The trail follows old roads and forest paths before opening to a huge alpine lake fed by waterfalls. This is a true mountain experience. The trailhead is easy to find, with ample parking that fills up by mid-morning on busy weekends. As you hike, keep an eye out for the old-growth cedars and firs that tower overhead. At the 0.5-mile mark, a fallen log makes a perfect spot for kids to balance and explore. The final stretch to the lake rewards hikers with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and the thundering waterfall that tumbles into the aquamarine waters. This is a great hike for spotting mountain goats, marmots, and maybe even a black bear in the distance.

Family Tip: Plan a full day. This is a great “goal hike” for adventurous families ready for longer distances.

Snow Lake

Why We Love It: Seattle’s most popular hike for good reason. Switchbacks lead to a turquoise alpine lake ringed by jagged peaks. Busy, but unforgettable. The trail follows a rushing creek for the first mile, offering plenty of chances for kids to hop across stepping stones and balance on fallen logs. At 0.5 miles, a small waterfall spills over a rocky outcrop, creating a perfect spot for snacks with a view. Once you reach the sparkling, mirror-like Snow Lake, the effort of the climb is rewarded with a jaw-dropping panorama of the surrounding Snoqualmie peaks. This is a classic Cascades hike that’s accessible for most families, though the parking lot fills up early – aim to start your adventure by 9am to avoid the crowds.

Family Tip: Weekdays are best to avoid crowds. Even partial mileage offers great mountain views if the full hike feels too long.

Best Views

Discovery Park Loop

Why We Love It: It’s hard to believe this loop is in the middle of the city. You’ll pass through forest, open meadow, and eventually reach a beach with mountain views. Great for a mini urban adventure and ideal for a nature scavenger hunt with kids. The trail winds along the shore of Puget Sound, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. Kids can explore the tide pools and search for crabs, starfish, and other marine life along the rocky beach. At 0.5 miles, a fallen log makes a perfect balance beam challenge before reaching the historic West Point Lighthouse at the trail’s end.

Big Four Ice Caves

Why We Love It: This is a crowd favorite for good reason—flat gravel trail, mountain views, and the otherworldly ice caves at the end. Do not enter the caves—but standing a safe distance back is still magical. The trail is well-marked and easy to navigate, making it a great option for families with young kids. At 0.5 miles, you’ll reach a viewing platform with a stunning waterfall, and the ice caves themselves are just 1 mile in. In spring, the trail is lined with wildflowers, while fall brings vibrant colors. The parking lot can fill up early, but it’s worth the trip to witness the incredible natural ice formations up close.

Garfield Ledges

Why We Love It: A quick, forested hike with a rewarding view over the valley. We usually pair it with river play nearby. The climb is steady but short, and the overlook is a great spot for a snack break. The trailhead is easy to access, with a small parking lot that fills up by mid-morning on weekends. Kids can have fun crossing the creek on stepping stones at the start of the hike. At 0.5 miles, you’ll reach a fallen log that’s perfect for balancing. The viewpoint at 1 mile offers a panoramic look at the valley and surrounding peaks – a great spot to take in the scenery before heading back down.

Rattlesnake Ledge

Why We Love It: This one’s a rite of passage for Seattle-area hikers. It’s a steady climb, but the sweeping views at the top are absolutely worth it. Great for motivated beginners and school-aged kids who like a challenge. The trailhead is just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, making it an easy day trip. Kids can explore the creek crossings and balance on fallen logs along the way, then refuel at the picnic tables near the parking lot. In the fall, the trail is ablaze with vibrant colors, and springtime brings a carpet of wildflowers. The final push to the viewpoint at 2.2 miles is steep but rewarded with a panoramic vista of Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascades beyond.

Explore more trails in this area with our guide to the Best Hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway.

Heybrook Lookout

Why We Love It: A fun climb through the trees leads to a fire lookout tower. If your kids like stairs and big views, this is a great payoff for a short hike. The trail winds up through a lush forest, with the occasional glimpse of the valley below. At the top, the historic fire lookout tower offers 360-degree views stretching out over the Skykomish River and the surrounding peaks. Kids can explore the tower and take in the panoramic scenery. Plus, the trailhead is just an hour from Seattle, making it an easy day trip option. Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the benches near the tower – it’s the perfect spot to refuel before heading back down.

Little Si

Why We Love It: Mount Si’s “little sibling” — challenging but family-manageable. The rocky summit gives kids a real sense of achievement with views of the Snoqualmie Valley. The trail winds through lush forest, with opportunities to balance across fallen logs and spot wildlife like deer and chipmunks. At 0.5 miles, a viewpoint overlooks a serene creek, perfect for skipping rocks. Further up, kids can explore a small waterfall and splash in the cool pools. The final push to the summit rewards with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks. With well-marked trail and facilities at the trailhead, Little Si is a fantastic option for families seeking an achievable taste of Pacific Northwest hiking.

Family Tip: Bring gloves if scrambling in cooler months — the rocks can get slick. The summit scramble is optional if it feels too exposed.

Poo Poo Point

Why We Love It: A close-to-Seattle favorite. The grassy launch point is where paragliders leap off the hillside — a built-in spectacle for kids. The name alone makes kids giggle! But there’s so much more to explore. At 0.5 miles, a fallen log makes for a perfect balancing challenge, and the viewpoint offers a panoramic look at the Issaquah Alps. Further up, keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife in the forest. The real highlight comes at the 2-mile mark, where a wooden platform offers an up-close view of the 300-foot Poo Poo Point waterfall. Bring a picnic and let the kids play in the creek before heading back down. This family-friendly trail is accessible year-round, with colorful wildflowers in spring and vibrant fall foliage.

Family Tip: Hike midday or afternoon when paragliders are active for the biggest “wow” factor. Bring a picnic to enjoy while watching the action — a packable cushion makes the grassy launch area more comfortable for extended viewing.

Mount Pilchuck Lookout

Why We Love It: A true goal hike for families. Rocky trail, steady climbing, but the payoff is unbeatable: a historic fire lookout with 360° views of the Cascades, Olympics, and Puget Sound on clear days. The trailhead is just an hour from Seattle, making it an easy day trip for city dwellers. Kids can keep an eye out for the old train trestle at 1 mile, and the last stretch features a fun rock scramble to the lookout. Bring snacks to enjoy at the top – the views are even more impressive with a full belly! On a clear day, you can see all the way to Canada. This hike is best in summer and fall when the trail is snow-free, but it’s also stunning in winter when the peaks are dusted with white.

Family Tip: This is the hardest hike on the list — best for older kids or very adventurous families. Start early and bring lots of snacks. The lookout at the top makes it all worth it!

Curious about lookouts? Don’t miss my roundup of the Best Fire Tower Hikes in Washington.

Trail Safety Must-Haves

Before hitting any trail with kids, these safety essentials keep our family prepared for the unexpected:

• Navigation: Download offline maps on your phone or bring a physical map—cell service is spotty on most trails
• First Aid: Basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medications
• Emergency Whistle: Attached to each kid’s pack—three sharp blasts means “help”
• Ten Essentials: Even on easy day hikes—weather changes quickly in the mountains

Essential Hiking Gear for Families

🔗 These are affiliate links – I earn a small commission if you purchase, but it doesn’t cost you extra. I only recommend gear that’s survived our chaotic family adventures!

Essential Tips for Hiking with Kids

Before hitting the trails, consider these essential tips to ensure a fun and safe experience for the whole family:

Start Smart: Begin early to avoid crowds and heat, and choose shorter trails that match your child’s energy levels. Match the trail to your kid’s energy, not your ambitions.

Make it Fun: Incorporate trail games, scavenger hunts, or nature bingo to engage their curiosity. Let them help pack snacks or choose the trail to boost their excitement.

Pack Right: Bring snacks, layers, plenty of water, and hiking essentials. A successful 1-mile hike beats a miserable 3-mile slog.

Set the Right Pace: Allow time for breaks and exploration. Let kids lead when possible—it builds confidence and keeps them engaged.

Stay Positive: Celebrate small milestones to keep morale high. Focus on the adventure, not the destination.

Teach Leave No Trace: Teaching kids to love the outdoors starts with protecting it. Bring a trash bag for snack wrappers, stay on trail (no shortcuts!), and gently explain why we leave pinecones and flowers where we found them. Even toddlers can learn to be stewards—tiny actions, big impact.

Hike Smarter Year-Round

• 17 Easy Winter Hikes in Washington – great for families!
• Washington’s Backcountry Permit System Explained – what to know before you go.

No matter your hiking level, these trails prove that Washington’s natural beauty is accessible to everyone—even tiny feet. Happy hiking!

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