Hiking is one of my favorite ways to explore Washington State, and after years of doing it with my family, I’ve put together my list of the best easy hikes in Washington across the state. Whether you’re new to hiking, traveling with young kids, or just looking for a low-effort day in nature, the easy hikes in Washington below all deliver real Pacific Northwest beauty without a serious workout.
This guide covers easy hikes in Washington state across every region: Seattle, the Snoqualmie corridor, the Olympic Peninsula, Mt. Rainier, the Mountain Loop, and even Eastern Washington. Each one is under 5 miles round-trip with manageable elevation gain. I’ve done all 15 personally and included tips on parking, what to expect, and which ones are best for kids and dogs.
For more Washington hiking inspiration, also check out my guides on waterfall hikes near Seattle and winter hikes in Washington when you’re ready to expand beyond easy trails.
Planning Tips for Easy Washington Hikes
Even on the easiest hikes in Washington, a little preparation goes a long way. Before you head out, here are the basics I always check:
- Pull up the trail report on the Washington Trails Association website for recent closures, conditions, or trail damage
- Download or print a map (cell service is unreliable on most trails)
- Check the weather and dress in layers, even in summer
- Bring water, snacks, and a mini first-aid kit
- Wear comfortable shoes (real hiking shoes preferred, but solid sneakers work for most of these)
- Pack a sun hat and sunscreen for exposed trails
- Check whether the trail requires a Discover Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or National Park Pass
For families, consider going early in the morning to avoid both crowds and midday heat. Most of the trails below have small parking lots that fill fast on weekends.
15 Best Easy Hikes in Washington State
Here are some of the best beginner hikes in Washington to put on your list.
1. Gold Creek Pond
Location: Snoqualmie Region
Distance: 1 mile, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 10 feet
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Gold Creek Pond is one of my go-to easy hikes near Seattle when I want a low-effort outdoor day with the kids. The paved loop trail circles a beautiful mountain pond at the top of Snoqualmie Pass, and the flat terrain makes it perfect for young children, parents pushing strollers, and anyone with mobility considerations.
I’ve taken my kids here multiple times. They love splashing around at the pond’s edge in summer and looking for fish in the clear water. There are several picnic tables surrounded by mountain views, which makes this a great family lunch spot before or after another easy trail in the area.
In winter, Gold Creek Pond becomes a popular snowshoeing destination for beginners. The parking lot is closed during winter, so you’ll have to park on the street and walk in. If you want to explore more challenging options as you build up, my list of the best hikes in Washington covers everything from beginner trails to bucket-list summits.
2. Meadowdale Park
Location: Lynnwood (Puget Sound)
Distance: 2.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 425 feet
Pass Required: None
Meadowdale Park is an under-the-radar gem in the north Seattle area with beach access at the end. The trail starts at the parking lot in Lynnwood and descends through a wooded ravine with a bubbling creek, native ferns, and big leaf maple trees.
About a mile in, you’ll reach a bridge over Lunds Gulch Creek where you can sometimes spot salmon, cutthroat trout, or steelhead in the water. The trail ends at a grassy field with picnic areas and a tunnel that leads to a quiet beach with views of Puget Sound. I always bring a big blanket and food for a picnic to take a break here.
The trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome on a leash. The 425 feet of elevation gain is on the return uphill, so save energy for the walk back.
3. Discovery Park
Location: Magnolia, Seattle
Distance: Multiple trails available (Loop Trail is 2.8 miles)
Elevation Gain: Up to 140 feet
Pass Required: None
Discovery Park is one of the most beautiful easy hikes in Washington that you can do without leaving Seattle. The 534-acre park sits on the shores of Puget Sound and offers nearly 12 miles of trails through forest, meadows, sea cliffs, and beach. It’s where I take out-of-town visitors who want a quick taste of Pacific Northwest nature without committing to a real hike.
The 2.8-mile Loop Trail is the most popular route and gives you a great mix of forest, meadow, and ocean views. For something shorter, the Lighthouse Loop heads down to the beach and the West Point Lighthouse. The park is open year-round, and dogs are welcome on leash on most trails.
Plan ahead for parking, which fills up on weekends, especially in summer.
4. Snoqualmie Falls
Location: Snoqualmie (just east of Seattle)
Distance: 1.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Pass Required: None
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most iconic landmarks, and the trail to the lower viewpoint is an easy walk that delivers a payoff: a stunning waterfall. The falls drop 268 feet, which is taller than Niagara, and the lower viewpoint puts you close enough to feel the spray.
I love bringing visitors here because the falls are accessible without a long hike. You can park at the upper lot for the easy upper viewpoint, then walk the trail down to the lower viewpoint. The trail has some stairs and a slight incline on the way back up, but it’s totally doable for kids and most fitness levels.
The Salish Lodge sits right next to the falls if you want to grab a meal or a drink with a view after your hike. Snoqualmie Falls also shows up on my list of the best rainy day hikes near Seattle since the lower viewpoint is mostly forested and the falls are dramatic in any weather.
5. Wallace Falls
Location: Gold Bar (about 1 hour from Seattle)
Distance: 5.6 miles to Upper Falls roundtrip (4.2 miles to Middle Falls)
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Pass Required: Discover Pass
Wallace Falls is one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Seattle for good reason: you get three separate waterfalls on a single trail, each one bigger than the last. The full hike to the Upper Falls is 5.6 miles round-trip with 1,300 feet of gain, which is on the upper end of “easy.”
Most hikers stop at the Middle Falls viewpoint (4.2 miles round-trip), which I think is honestly the most rewarding spot. The Middle Falls is the biggest of the three, and the viewpoint platform gets you close to the spray. If you have the stamina, take a break here and then head to the top.
The parking lot fills by 8 AM on summer weekends because Wallace Falls is very popular. I always recommend going early or visiting in spring when the falls are at their fullest.
6. Franklin Falls
Location: Snoqualmie Region
Distance: 2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Franklin Falls is one of the most family-friendly easy hikes in Washington and one of the most consistently scenic short trails I’ve done. Located near Snoqualmie Pass, the trail features rock steps, walls, and bridges that make the path easy for little hikers to follow.
The star is the 135-foot waterfall at the end, which features three drops. The trail is accessible year-round, and the waterfall area is impressive in any season, though summer and fall are the easiest times to hike with kids. In winter, the trail becomes an excellent snowshoe destination, but it adds more miles because the main parking lot is closed.
A heads-up: Franklin Falls is popular, so arrive early for parking. If the main parking area is full, there’s overflow about half a mile past the bridge.
7. Twin Falls
Location: Snoqualmie Region, North Bend
Distance: 2.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Pass Required: Discover Pass
Twin Falls is one of my favorite easy waterfall hikes in Washington because it’s accessible year-round and feels more remote than its actual distance from Seattle. The trail winds through a lush green forest along the Iron Horse Trail before joining the Twin Falls Trail that leads to the 230-foot waterfall.
I like this hike during warmer seasons when the forest is at its lushest. In spring, you’ll see plenty of skunk cabbage, and in summer, the salmonberries are out. The trail is well-maintained and works for kids and leashed dogs.
The main viewpoint platform gets you close to the falls, but you can continue further up the trail for additional viewpoints. Discover Pass required.
8. Barclay Lake
Location: Central Cascades
Distance: 4.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Barclay Lake is a peaceful, family-friendly trail with minimal elevation gain and a payoff that feels much more remote than the hike actually is. Most of the trail winds along Barclay Creek, which you’ll cross on a log bridge about 1.2 miles in.
As you approach Barclay Lake, the view of Baring Mountain rising up across the water is what makes this hike memorable. There are plenty of spots to sit on the lake banks and just take it in, which is exactly what we did when I brought my family here. It’s one of the rare easy hikes in Washington that gives you a real alpine lake experience without serious effort.
The parking lot is small, so arrive early on weekends to grab a spot closer to the trailhead. It’s also an ideal easy backpacking spot, but it is first-come, first-served, so you might want to have a backup plan if it’s full.
9. Hall of Mosses
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Distance: 0.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Pass Required: National Park Pass
Hall of Mosses is one of the most iconic easy hikes in western Washington and one of those experiences that puts the Pacific Northwest in a different category from anywhere else. The 0.8-mile loop begins at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center in Olympic National Park and winds through one of the largest temperate rainforests in the country.
I’ve been here twice, and the moss-covered trees, ferns, and rainforest atmosphere never get old. I’ve seen everything from banana slugs on the forest floor to Roosevelt elk grazing through the meadows (my first time seeing elk in the wild). I recommend taking time to read the educational signs throughout the trail that explain the rainforest ecosystem.
The drive to the Hoh Rainforest is long, so plan a full day for the visit and pair this with other stops on the Olympic Peninsula. For a full multi-day route, see my guide on the Olympic Peninsula road trip for the best stops, drives, and places to break up your itinerary. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
10. Marymere Falls
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Distance: 1.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Pass Required: National Park Pass
Marymere Falls is one of my favorite easy waterfall hikes near Joyce in the Olympic Peninsula. The trail starts at the Storm King Ranger Station or Lake Crescent Lodge and winds through towering old-growth forest before reaching the 90-foot waterfall.
The trail is pretty flat for all of it except for the end, so it’s right for almost any skill level and pairs well with a stop at Lake Crescent. The viewpoints near the falls are reached by a short staircase that’s manageable for most kids. I love how this hike feels deeply remote even though it’s a short distance from the parking lot.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail since it’s part of the national park. If you’re planning a multi-day Olympic Peninsula visit, my guide on where to stay in Olympic National Park covers the best lodges, cabins, and base areas for exploring this region.
11. Sol Duc Falls
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Distance: 1.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Pass Required: National Park Pass
Sol Duc Falls is hands-down one of the most beautiful easy hikes in Washington and one of the easiest ways to experience a major Olympic National Park waterfall without committing to a long hike. The trail is a wide, well-maintained path through old-growth forest that ends at a viewing platform above the falls.
The waterfall itself drops over a rocky ledge into a deep, narrow gorge, and the spray reaches the viewing platform on most days. I’ve stopped here on multiple Olympic Peninsula road trips, and the falls always feel like one of the most photogenic in the state. The hardest part is that it’s about 30 minutes off the main highway, with not much to see along the way, but you’ll be glad you went.
The trail is accessible year-round, though winter conditions can be challenging due to ice. Pair this hike with a soak at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort nearby. If you only have a single day to explore the park, my guide on one day at Olympic National Park covers the best route to hit the highlights.
12. Big Four Ice Caves
Location: Mountain Loop Highway (near Granite Falls)
Distance: 2.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Big Four Ice Caves is one of the most unique easy hikes in Washington because of what waits at the end. The flat, well-maintained trail leads through forest and across boardwalks to a viewing area beneath the Big Four Mountain, where snow and avalanche debris create ice caves throughout the summer.
Important safety note: Do not approach or enter the ice caves. They’ve been the site of multiple fatal accidents over the years from collapsing ice. There’s a wide field you can see them from once you get off the trail, so stay there for the safety of everyone.
If you have time, I recommend doing the full Mountain Loop Highway (although this is closed during the winter). The 50-mile loop drive from Granite Falls through Verlot to Darrington has multiple short hikes, scenic pullouts, and small towns worth stopping at, making it one of my favorite full-day Pacific Northwest road trips.
13. Naches Peak Loop
Location: Mt. Rainier Area
Distance: 3.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Pass Required: National Park Pass
Naches Peak Loop is one of the most beautiful easy hikes in Washington, especially during summer when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The trail starts at Tipsoo Lake and offers some of the best Mt. Rainier views you can get from a beginner-friendly hike.
I always hike this clockwise for the best Mt. Rainier views as you finish the loop. The trail crosses the Pacific Crest Trail and the Naches Peak Trail, with alpine meadows and small ponds along the way. It’s also a favorite for fall huckleberry-leaf color in late September.
Only certain parts of the trail are dog-friendly since it crosses in and out of Mt. Rainier National Park boundaries. Check the trail map before bringing dogs. For more on this specific trail, my guide on hiking Naches Peak Loop covers every detail. If you’re squeezing it into a single trip, my full day trip to Mt. Rainier post is a great way to plan the rest of your day.
14. Dege Peak
Location: Mt. Rainier Area, Sunrise
Distance: 4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Pass Required: National Park Pass
Dege Peak is in the Sunrise area of Mt. Rainier National Park and offers one of the best mountain-view payoffs for the effort on this list. The trail starts off Sunrise Road, which is typically open from early July through early fall. Summer is the best time to visit for wildflower blooms.
From the summit, you’ll see Mt. Rainier dominating the view to the south, plus Mt. St. Helens, Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Adams on a clear day. On the way back, the trail looks out over the meadows of Yakima Park.
A heads-up: Always check the road status before heading out. If you’re staying in the area, my guide on the best Mt. Rainier cabins covers the best places to stay near the park.
15. Tieton Nature Trail
Location: Yakima (Eastern Washington)
Distance: 4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Pass Required: None
Tieton Nature Trail is the Eastern Washington pick on this list and a great option for travelers wanting a completely different landscape from the typical Western Washington forest hike. I did this with my kids in June, and the dry, open scenery felt like a real change from the cedars and ferns of Seattle-area hikes.
The trail is mostly flat and follows the Tieton River through sagebrush, basalt rock formations, and open desert terrain. My kids enjoyed the variety, though we hit the trail midday and the heat was intense with zero shade.
About halfway in, several hikers returning warned us about rattlesnakes on the trail. Since I was solo hiking with a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old, I decided to turn back rather than push our luck.
If you go, plan for early morning or late afternoon hiking to avoid the heat, wear sturdy shoes, and stay alert for snakes. There’s a small parking lot just across the trailhead.
FAQ: Easy Hikes in Washington
What is the easiest hike in Washington State?
The easiest hike on this list is Gold Creek Pond, a 1-mile paved loop with only 10 feet of elevation gain. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it ideal for young children, beginners, and anyone with mobility considerations. Other very easy options include Hall of Mosses (0.8 miles) and Sol Duc Falls (1.6 miles).
Where can I find easy hikes near Seattle?
Some of the best easy hikes near Seattle include Discovery Park (right in the city), Wallace Falls in Gold Bar, Snoqualmie Falls, Twin Falls, and Franklin Falls. The Snoqualmie corridor along I-90 has the highest concentration of easy beginner-friendly trails within an hour of downtown Seattle.
Are easy hikes in Washington kid-friendly?
Most of the easy hikes in Washington on this list are excellent for families with young kids. Gold Creek Pond, Hall of Mosses, Sol Duc Falls, Snoqualmie Falls, and Franklin Falls all work well for toddlers and young children. Always bring snacks, water, and plan to stop frequently for breaks.
Do you need a pass for easy hikes in Washington?
It depends on the trail. Hikes in Olympic National Park and Mt. Rainier National Park (Hall of Mosses, Marymere Falls, Sol Duc Falls, Naches Peak Loop, Dege Peak) require a National Park Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. Hikes on US Forest Service land like Franklin Falls, Big Four Ice Caves, and Barclay Lake require a Northwest Forest Pass. Wallace Falls and Twin Falls require a Discover Pass. Some trails like Discovery Park, Snoqualmie Falls, and the Tieton Nature Trail are free.
What are the best easy winter hikes in Washington?
Most easy hikes in Washington are accessible year-round, but Gold Creek Pond and Franklin Falls become especially popular as snowshoeing destinations in winter. Snoqualmie Falls is open all winter and looks dramatic with frozen mist on the rocks. Twin Falls and Wallace Falls are also accessible most of the year, though icy conditions can make them tricky in deep winter.
Can you bring dogs on easy hikes in Washington?
Dog policies vary by trail. Trails in national parks like Hall of Mosses, Marymere Falls, Sol Duc Falls, and Dege Peak do not allow dogs. Trails on US Forest Service or state land typically allow leashed dogs, including Wallace Falls, Franklin Falls, Twin Falls, Gold Creek Pond, and Meadowdale Park. Always check the trailhead signs before bringing your pup.
These 15 easy hikes in Washington are spread across every region of the state, from urban Seattle parks to remote Eastern Washington trails. Each one is beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and a great way to experience Pacific Northwest beauty without serious training. Whichever you start with, pack water, check trail conditions, and remember that the best easy hikes in Washington are the ones you actually do.
