Seattle loves its trails! Here are some favorites to hike this summer:
Alki Trail
Neighborhood: West Seattle
Distance: 7.6 miles (out and back).
Flat, paved and scenic, with postcard-quality views of the Olympic Mountains, the downtown skyline and the activity in Elliott Bay.
Construction: Construction for the Healthy Street Project was completed in Spring of 2024.
Chief Sealth Trail
Neighborhoods: Beacon Hill, Rainier Beach
Distance: 8.8 miles (out and back).
Expect hills, curves, gardens and surprising viewpoints on Lake Washington and Seattle. This trail has 800 ft elevation gain.
Construction: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) plans to build new green stormwater infrastructure at the intersection of S. Kenyon St and the Chief Sealth Trail in 2026.
Washington Park Arboretum
Neighborhood: Montlake, Madison Park, Capitol Hill
Distance: 2.3 miles for the loop trail, up to 1 mile each way for the waterfront trail.
Contemplate trees in all their variety (there are more than 50 species of maple alone), or take a boardwalk out on the lake to outlying islands. The Japanese Garden, located at the south end of the Arboretum, has an entrance fee but has family-friendly events throughout the year.
Stroller and wheelchair friendly
Closures: Check more upcoming closure updates here that may cause delays.
Discovery Park
Neighborhood: Magnolia
Distance: Biggest loop: 4.5 miles (Discovery Park and Lighthouse Loop)
You can explore meadows, find secret ponds, forest-bathe or enjoy broad beaches that grow wide at low tide. Bathroom available.
Dogs are allowed on leash, the path is partially paved.
Construction: No current projects.
Carkeek Park
Neighborhoods: Broadview, North Beach/Blue Ridge
Distance: Up to 3 miles.
The most popular walking route in this woodsy waterfront park follows the course of Piper’s Creek, a salmon-bearing stream. Carkeek Park has 220 acres of lush forest, meadows, wetlands, creeks, and beach. You can access the beach by a railroad pedestrian bridge that overlooks the train tracks, and if you’re lucky, you can watch trains pass by. Note: The Carkeek Park Visitor Center is no longer open for public use.
Construction: Winter 2024/2025, Carkeek Park Playground Renovation will be under construction and expected to be completed in Spring 2025. The play area will be closed throughout construction. Learn more about the project and updates here. In Spring 2025, there will be construction on the Carkeek Park Railroad Overpass Pedestrian Bridge, learn more here.
Union Bay Natural Area
Neighborhood: University District, Laurelhurst
Distance: 1-mile loop.
This area of cottonwoods, meadows, and wetlands next to the University of Washington is a haven for birds and those who love to watch them.
More about the trail: Take your kids on a summer nature walk in the Union Bay Natural Area.
Dogs allowed on leash, and kid-friendly.
Construction/Closures: Check for real-time road closures or delays that may impact the drive here.
Read more:
Great Seattle parks for playgrounds, beaches, views or nature
Take a family walk or bike ride across Highway 520 bridge; here’s how
