Day Hikes & Trips from Seattle
One of my favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest is that there are so many day hikes just a short drive from the city! Day hikes are one of my favorite ways to de-stress and unplug. Getting out into nature is the perfect way to hit the reset button! It can be challenging to prioritize getting out to the mountains during wedding season, but I am always so glad when I do. I compiled a list of some of my favorite day hikes & trips from Seattle and want to encourage you to get out and explore! Or come visit, because let’s be real, Seattle is pretty awesome.
All of these trips are manageable in just a day and are located less than two hours away! I’ve been doing my best to get out and enjoy the beauty of the PNW this summer!
Walks
There are plenty of stunning views you can take in just a short walk from the parking lot! Some of my favorites are: Deception Pass, Discovery Park (pictured above – right in the city!), Fort Ebey, Snoqualmie Falls, and Gold Creek Pond (pictured below).
Easy Hikes
Looking for a mile or two, low incline hike? Franklin Falls, Wallace Falls, Paradise at Mount Rainier, Talapus & Ollalie Lakes are some of the best bang for your buck! Paradise at Mount Rainier (pictured bellow) is one of the most quintessential spots in the Pacific Northwest!
Medium Hikes
Ready to kick it up a notch? Rattlesnake Ledge, Lake 22, Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls, Snow Lake are all moderate hikes (2-4 miles one way) located within two hours of Seattle. Rattlesnake Ledge (pictured below) is one of the most popular and can get pretty crowded on the weekends! My tip is to go early – or on a weekday if you can!
Challenging Hikes
Mailbox Peak has been on my bucket list for a while – I’m hoping to get out there in the next year! Other great options are Mount Si (1 hour from the city), Tolmie Peak Lookout (about 2.5 hours from the city) and Cascade Pass (a little further out – about 3 hours from the city).
Ferry Adventures
Ferries are always a fun way to get out of the city too! There are a couple that leave from downtown, Mukilteo and Fauntleroy that are only 30 minutes one way. Check out routes to: Bainbridge Island, Vashon Island or Langley on Whidbey Island! You may even see a pod of Orcas on your trip!
Food, Drink & More
Want to explore some towns, too? Check out Woodinville Wine Country, Leavenworth or Bellingham for some great sips & eats!
Above: Lauren & Rob at Franklin Falls. Pro-tip: There’s an entrance to the trail about 2 minutes to the falls that makes it really easy!
Above: View of Mount Si at Kim & Chas’s Engagement Session. Below: Kat & Paul marveling at the North Cascades
Above: Ferry ride to Vashon Island. Below: Discovery Park
Have these images inspired you to do your own adventure session with me?! I’d love to capture you out in the wild of the beautiful Pacific Northwest!! Let’s chat! xoxo
