35 Easy Hikes in Washington (Under 1 Mile) — Perfect for Kids, Visitors, and All Ability Levels
In this post: Easy hikes in Washington that are all under one mile with incredible views, including drivable viewpoints, wheelchair-accessible routes, and short walks perfect for kids and all ability levels!
Published July 19, 2021
There is no shortage of beauty to be enjoyed in Washington state, and we are very fortunate that there are a number of great options to experience the incredible views in an accessible way. If you’re looking for very beginner-friendly, easy hikes in Washington — this list is for you! All of these short hikes are under one mile. Some require a quick walk on an easy trail, others you can drive right to the viewpoint! Many are even wheelchair accessible. And because they’re so short, you may even want to combine a few within an area to make a full-day adventure.
We believe that the outdoors are for everyone, and we hope this list of easy hikes in Washington will help you to get out and experience nature, or share it with a friend or family member. We promise you’ll be blown away by the views and remember the experience for years to come!
Tip: Even though these are short and easy hikes, it’s always necessary to do your research and be prepared. Make sure you understand the road and weather conditions and pack plenty of food and water (depending on where you go, you’re likely pretty far from the nearest store or restaurant and things close early in small towns!). It’s always advised to carry the 10 Essentials — you never know how your day could take a turn, and it’s wise to be prepared for any situation you may encounter.
Puget Sound and Islands
Mount Constitution – Orcas Island
Stats: Drive to the top, or hike 6.7 miles with 1,500’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours, 23 minutes (must take a ferry to Orcas Island — make a weekend of it!)
Time of Year: The road to Mount Constitution is open year-round, barring heavy snowfall
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Drive or hike to the tallest point in the San Juan Islands, with incredible views of the surrounding water and islands, plus views of Mount Baker and the North Cascades on a clear day. There’s also a stone tower at the top you can climb. More info.
Mount Erie – Anacortes
Stats: Drive to the top (or hike 5 miles roundtrip with 1,000′ elevation gain)
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Drive or hike to the highest point on Fidalgo Island. You’ll have a few different options for viewpoints from which to take in the beautiful sights, requiring a very short walk. More info.
Little Mountain – Mount Vernon
Stats: 1.5-mile drive on a paved road
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Drive on the 1.5-mile paved road to the top of Little Mountain, gaining 934 feet of elevation along the way! You’ll find a North and South Viewpoint at the top with incredible views out across the Skagit Valley, San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and the tulip fields (check out our tips for visiting the daffodil and tulip fields here). There’s also a 1/4-mile-long interpretive nature trail that’s wheelchair and stroller accessible. Note that Little Mountain Park Road is open daily from 10 a.m. to Dusk. More info.
Semiahoo Spit – Bellingham
Stats: Up to 1.6 miles roundtrip, paved
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? Yes
There is .8 miles of paved trail on the east side of the spit and great views of Mt. Baker, Twin Sisters, and other surrounding peaks. Activities include beachcombing, birdwatching, and picnicking. Great for birdwatching! More info.
Washington Park – Anacortes
Stats: 2.2-mile paved road – scenic drive with pullouts
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? Yes
A scenic, paved 2.2-mile loop road takes you through the park with views of the San Juan Islands and Olympic Mountains. There are also a number of trails you can explore on foot. View the Park Area Map.
Snoqualmie Region
Camp Brown
Stats: .45 miles roundtrip, flat ADA-accessible route
Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes
Time of Year: Mostly year-round, as long as the Middle Fork Road is passable (snow is not cleared in winter)
Dogs Allowed? Yes
A gravel-lined loop trail through lush forest with incredible views of the surrounding peaks and access to get down to the river’s edge. There are also 11 picnic sites with charcoal grills. (Fun fact: this trail was built by the US Forest Service in partnership with the nonprofit that Katie works for, and Katie designed the interpretive signs on the trail). It’s also worth noting that the drive to the trailhead along the Middle Fork Road is quite scenic in and of itself! More info.
Middle Fork Gateway Bridge
Stats: The bridge is a few hundred feet from the parking area and trail is flat
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Time of Year: Mostly year-round, as long as the Middle Fork Road is passable (snow is not cleared in winter)
Dogs Allowed? Yes
If you’re heading out to the Middle Fork Valley, it’s worth stopping by to see this cool bridge over a beautiful river. The short walk to the bridge is flat and the ground is carpeted with a thick layer of vibrant green moss. Once you cross the bridge, you could turn right and continue onto the Pratt River Trail for as long as you like. A left turn puts you onto the Middle Fork Trail, which is currently closed but should hopefully reopen in fall 2021. More info.
Gold Creek Pond
Stats: 1 mile roundtrip, paved loop
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
Time of Year: Year-round, becomes a bit longer snowshoe route in winter
Dogs Allowed? Yes
This ADA-accessible, paved loop trail takes you to a beautiful blue pond with mountains in the distance. There are a few uneven areas of pavement, but otherwise the route is very flat. More info.
Snoqualmie Falls
Stats: Short, flat walk to upper viewpoint / 1.4 miles roundtrip with 250’ elevation gain to lower viewpoint
Distance from Seattle: 35 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? Yes
A short, easy walk to enjoy the view out over the powerful Snoqualmie Falls. Hike to the bottom if you’re feeling up to it for a closer look. This is a very busy attraction so arrive early or on a week day if you can. This is a sacred site of the Snoqualmie Tribe, so please keep that in mind and practice respect when you visit. More info.
Mount Rainier
Crystal Mountain Gondola
Stats: A very short walk from the parking lot to the Gondola, which you can take all the way to the top
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Time of Year: Rides available during ski season and during peak summer (generally early-July through mid-September)
Dogs Allowed? During summer you can bring a leashed dog into the gondola
On a clear winter day or in the heart of summer, this is a fun activity with epic views! At the top, you’ll have in-your-face views of Mount Rainier, and can enjoy a drink and/or meal at the Summit House — the highest elevation restaurant in Washington state. You can also hike or snowshoe from the top along the ridge if interested. More info.
Myrtle Falls
Stats: .8 miles roundtrip
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round, becomes a snowshoe route in winter
Dogs Allowed? No
A short, paved trail to a beautiful 72-foot waterfall with Mount Rainier in view behind it on a clear day. More info.
Narada Falls
Stats: .2 miles roundtrip, 100’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round, beware of snow and ice
Dogs Allowed? No
View the falls from the road-level overlook or hike down 100 feet to the lower viewpoint. More info.
Nisqually Vista
Stats: 1.1 miles roundtrip, 200’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 18 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round, becomes a snowshoe route in winter
Dogs Allowed? No
A paved path to an overlook of the Nisqually Glacier. More info.
Tipsoo Lake
Stats: .8 miles roundtrip, 39’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 57 minutes
Time of Year: Snow doesn’t melt out until late summer, best July-September/October
Dogs Allowed? No
An easy walk around the lake with abundant wildflowers in late July and August. You can see Mount Rainier reflected in the water of the lake when conditions are right. More info.
North Cascades
Coal Lake
Stats: .6 miles roundtrip, 44’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 50 minutes
Time of Year: Snow doesn’t melt out until late summer, best July-September/October
Dogs Allowed? Yes
This trail will take you to a beautiful alpine lake without all the work of a massive hike. A recent road washout is impassable by cars, so adds .2 miles each way to your hike. The trail itself is nice and short at only about .1 miles, and there are even some campsites scattered around the lake. More info.
Diablo Lake Overlook
Stats: Drive to the overlook with plenty of parking
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 28 minutes
Time of Year: North Cascades Highway is typically closed from November-May. Check road status before planning your visit. The water color is most vibrant on sunny days from July-September when seasonal glacial melt occurs.
Dogs Allowed? Dogs are allowed at the overlook, but not on trails within the national park
Drive to this overlook and take in views of the vibrant, turquoise Diablo Lake. It gets its color thanks to glacial melt from the surrounding rugged mountains and the resulting suspended fine rock particles that refract sunlight. Is the water calling your name? Beware that it’s extremely cold (like REALLY cold), but you can get down to the water’s edge at a small swimming area and boat launch located at Colonial Creek Campground. More info.
Gorge Lake Overlook
Stats: .53 miles roundtrip, 70’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 16 minutes
Time of Year: North Cascades Highway is typically closed from November-May, best visited from late spring through fall
Dogs Allowed? No
Loop that is half paved and half gravel with views of a 100-foot waterfall. Also be sure not to miss the multi-tiered waterfall from the bridge right along the highway. More info.
Ladder Creek Falls
Stats: .4 miles roundtrip, 72’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Time of Year: North Cascades Highway is typically closed from November-May, best visited from late spring through fall
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Short, easy walk including a suspension bridge to view a multi-tiered waterfall. If it works with your plans, we highly recommend throwing on a headlamp and visiting at night! The falls are lit up with changing colors and it’s a really unique experience. More info.
Old Sauk ADA Loop
Stats: 1 mile roundtrip, 200’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Time of Year: Accessible year-round, but check recent trip reports and be prepared that there could be snow and/or ice on trail in winter months
Dogs Allowed? Yes
A gentle mile-long loop trail with river views. Can be extended by continuing on the longer Old Sauk River Trail. More info.
Rainy Lake
Stats: 2 miles roundtrip, 70’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 3 hour, 20 minutes
Time of Year: North Cascades Highway is typically closed from November-May, snow melts out in early summer.
Dogs Allowed? Yes
While this trail is actually two miles long, I just had to include it because the reward to payoff ratio is so high! The trail is very flat, paved, and is actually wheelchair accessible. I took my parents here during the summer 2021 heatwave and there was still a little snow on the ground in late June despite it being roughly 90 degrees outside! More info.
Trail of the Cedars
Stats: 1.7 miles roundtrip, 72’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 12 minutes
Time of Year: North Cascades Highway is typically closed from November-May, best visited from late spring through fall
Dogs Allowed? No
A meandering nature loop with interpretive signage and a suspension bridge overlooking a beautiful river with mountain views. More info.
Washington Pass Overlook
Stats: .25 miles roundtrip, 61’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours, 22 minutes
Time of Year: North Cascades Highway is typically closed from November-May, snow melts out in early summer
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Very minimal effort for insanely beautiful views of in-your-face peaks! If you have mobility concerns, the lower end of the trail (righthand, counter-clockwise direction) provides the easiest terrain — wide, nearly flat, paved, and with a handrail. The other half has some steps and an uphill portion, but you’ll have incredible views all around from start to finish. More info.
Fire and Ice Trail – Mount Baker
Stats: .5 miles roundtrip, 100’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours
Time of Year: This is one of the first trails in Heather Meadows to become snow-free, best visited in late summer and fall
Dogs Allowed? Yes
An easy half-mile loop that’s great for families and features interpretive signage explaining how glaciers and volcanoes shaped the surrounding landscape. More info.
Picture Lake – Mount Baker
Stats: .5 miles roundtrip, no elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 54 minutes
Time of Year: Late summer and fall
Dogs Allowed? Yes
An ADA-accessible path around Picture Lake, boasting an incredible view and reflection of Mount Shuksan on a clear, still day, and wildflowers in late summer. More info.
Central Cascades
Deception Falls
Stats: .5 miles roundtrip, 50’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Time of Year: Generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Easy walk to a powerful waterfall located right alongside Highway 2 near Stevens Pass. More info.
Iron Goat Trail
Stats: Up to 6 miles roundtrip and 700’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 39 minutes
Time of Year: WTA does not recommend winter use on the Iron Goat Trail due to avalanche danger and lack of parking. The Iron Goat Scenic Interpretive Site is also closed in winter. Save Iron Goat for summer when it is snow-free.
Dogs Allowed? Yes
A gentle walk along an old railroad grade. There are almost 3 miles of ADA-accessible trails, with the option to continue further on non-ADA trail. More info.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Stats: Up to 4 miles roundtrip and 75’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
Time of Year: Great for summer hiking and swimming, or winter snowshoeing and cross country skiing
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Lake Wenatchee State Park makes for a beautiful quick pit stop, or stay awhile and explore the trails! It’s also a great location for camping. More info.
Steliko Lookout
Stats: Drive to the top if conditions and your vehicle allow, otherwise hike 3.4 miles roundtrip and 1,500’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 53 minutes
Time of Year: Accessible by foot year-round, but note that there will be snow in winter and the road will be non-driveable
Dogs Allowed? Yes
If you plan on driving to this lookout, it’s very important that you check road conditions and be realistic about your vehicle capabilities and personal comfort level driving in this type of environment. More info. You can also make reservations to stay overnight in the lookout here.
South Cascades
Johnston Ridge Observatory
Stats: Drive to the observatory then hike as much or as little as you’d like
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 41 minutes
Time of Year: Observatory is open mid-May through October. Trails are generally open from June through October, although some lower elevation trails can be hiked all year.
Dogs Allowed? Pets are permitted only in designated pet areas and must be on a leash. Lack of shade and summer heat can endanger pets left in cars. For the safety and comfort of your pet, it’s best to leave them at home.
While the observatory is still closed as of 7/19/21 due to COVID, there are incredible views a short walk from the parking lot of Mount St. Helens, including the crater, lava dome, and blast zone. This trail map is helpful and shows barrier-free options. When the center reopens, you can learn even more about the blast from signage, videos, etc. A short walk from the visitor center in late summer offers spectacular views and lots of wildflowers! More info.
Olympic Peninsula
Hall of Mosses
Stats: .8 miles roundtrip and 100’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 4 hours, 30 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round, a great option for winter
Dogs Allowed? No
An easy walk through a lush, mossy forest unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! More info. You could also walk as long as you like on the nearby Hoh River Trail.
Hurricane Ridge
Stats: Simply drive to the top for incredible views, or enjoy a number of trails in the area
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours, 7 minutes
Time of Year: Incredible views can be enjoyed from Hurricane Ridge year-round. The road is open throughout summer. During winter, the road is scheduled to be open Friday through Sunday, weather and road conditions permitting. All vehicles MUST carry tire chains during the winter season (and know how to use them! We actually got rear-ended on this road last winter). Check the road status by calling (360) 565-3131.
Dogs Allowed? No
Enjoy a number of hiking trails in summer, or snow activities in the winter. More info.
Lake Crescent
Stats: Varies dependent on activity.
Distance from Seattle: 3 hours to Lake Crescent Lodge
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Lake Crescent is a beautiful place to visit year-round. Go for a hike, have a picnic, or visit Lake Crescent Lodge. More info. One of our favorite spots is Devil’s Punchbowl, which is located about 1 mile into the flat, paved Spruce Railroad Trail.
Madison Falls
Stats: .2 miles roundtrip, 46’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? No
A paved trail to a beautiful waterfall. More info.
Mount Walker
Stats: Drive to the summit or hike 4 miles roundtrip with 2,000’ elevation gain
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
Time of Year: Year-round, road closed to vehicles in the winter
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Drive or hike to the summit and enjoy two viewpoints with short trails and interpretive signage. Native Pacific rhododendrons grow along the road and at both viewpoints and bloom May to June. More info.
Rocky Brook Falls
Stats: .1 miles roundtrip
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Time of Year: Year-round
Dogs Allowed? Yes
Walk only a few hundred yards and be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. More info.
Take a Scenic Drive
Washington state is so incredible, you don’t even have to leave your car to witness its immense beauty! Pack your road trip essentials and snacks, fill up the tank, and head out on one of these amazing scenic drives.
We hope you enjoyed this list of easy hikes in Washington and found some inspiration to get out and explore! We’d love to see where you go — tag us on social media or let us know in the comments!
