Living in the Seattle area or visiting outside of summer means encountering frequent rain, but within the drizzle lies a silver lining—the year-round natural beauty that made us want to live here in the first place. We’ve discovered the joy of embracing the outdoors even when the skies are shrouded in mist, and we want to help you do the same!

It can be hard to get motivated on damp days, but exploring trails in the rainy season comes with some perks for the intrepid hiker. Trailheads are notably less crowded, offering rare solitude not easily found in nicer months. Winter brings relief from pesky bugs, and the temperature, once you’re moving, is often surprisingly perfect (if you’re dressed right — keep reading!). Plus, the vibrancy of the moss and ferns is unparalleled, especially when heightened by the misty surroundings. This combination creates an ethereal atmosphere that perfectly embodies the essence of the Pacific Northwest. There’s nowhere else quite like it!

However, not all trails are created equal, and it’s important to choose ones that promise enjoyment even in wet weather. There’s little satisfaction in exerting yourself for mountain views obscured by clouds or pathways buried under snow, posing potential hazards. Don’t worry; we’ve compiled tips for an enjoyable and memorable (in a good way!) rainy-day hike near Seattle. Read on for the secrets to navigating Pacific Northwest trails, raindrops and all!

Tips for Your Rainy-Day Hike Near Seattle

• Check trip reports and weather forecasts on WTA.org before heading out. If your route involves traversing mountain passes, be diligent in checking their status, and don’t forget to equip your vehicle with chains if necessary.

• Depending on what you learn via recent trip reports, we typically suggest bringing a pair of micro-spikes which are a game changer if you encounter snow or ice on trail.

• Be aware of sunset time (spoiler: it’s EARLY in the winter) and pack a head lamp just in case. I have this model from Black Diamond, which offers a good balance of price and quality.

• Always bring the 10 essentials, even if you feel it’s just a short or easy hike. You never know when something might go wrong!

8 Trails Near Seattle to Explore On a Rainy Day:

Twin Falls

Stats: 2.6 miles roundtrip, 500’ gain
Area: Snoqualmie Region – North Bend Area
Distance from Seattle: 35 minutes
Pass/Permit: Discover Pass
Dogs Allowed? Yes

Twin Falls stands out as the perfect rainy day hike near Seattle, earning its spot among our favorite recommendations for visitors! For much of the trail, you’ll wind alongside a rushing river, offering a stunning natural backdrop throughout. Contrary to what its name might suggest, the trail takes you to not two, but three gushing waterfalls that can be viewed from a bridge and an elevated viewing platform. With a well-balanced elevation gain, the hike provides a satisfying sense of achievement without being overly strenuous, and there are benches to rest along the way as needed. Be prepared for occasional muddy patches, making sturdy boots or tennis shoes a wise choice.

Learn more: Twin Falls Trail on WTA

Boulder River

Stats: 8.6 miles roundtrip, 700’ gain
Area: North Cascades – Mountain Loop Highway
Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours
Pass/Permit: None required
Dogs Allowed? Yes

Discover a serene river trail featuring multiple waterfalls, with the first one appearing around 1.5 miles from the trailhead. This hike is perfect for a rainy day, but make sure to wear waterproof clothes and shoes since the trail can get a bit soggy. Enjoy the lush surroundings with abundant moss and the soothing sounds and views of the river. The terrain is mainly flat, with some gentle inclines along the way, making this a great family-friendly hike near Seattle for a rainy day.

Learn more: Boulder River on WTA

Staircase Rapids

Stats: 4 miles roundtrip, 150’ gain
Area: Olympic Peninsula – Hood Canal
Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
Pass/Permit: America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs Allowed? No

Stroll through the forest along a well-built trail, offering glimpses of the Skokomish River and adorned with the iconic drooping moss characteristic of the Olympic Peninsula. Traverse a cool suspension bridge that spans beautiful blue waters, adding an extra touch of enchantment to your journey. If you’re up for more adventure, the Olympic Peninsula has a plethora of exploration options to complement your itinerary.

Learn more: Staircase Rapids on WTA

What to Wear for a Rainy Hike Near Seattle

Footwear:

These rainy-day hikes near Seattle are often slick and muddy, so you’ll want to wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. I am obsessed with my Merrell Thermo Chill Waterproof boots! They keep my feet totally dry and toasty warm no matter how many puddles I walk through. For men, Shane is a loyal Keen wearer and likes this waterproof Targhee boot.

For socks, you can’t go wrong with Merino wool, which helps to wick moisture (men’s option  |  women’s)

Pants:

For your bottom half, we suggest going one of two routes: 

If your top concern is staying as dry as possible and you aren’t worried about being too hot, then consider some waterproof rain pants like these for women or these for men. I don’t wear this style of pants often, but if I do, I’ll typically wear a pair of leggings underneath because the material can be a little uncomfortable directly on your skin. 

Alternatively, if you’re like us and are willing to sacrifice some waterproofing to be more comfortable, then we recommend going with water-resistant hiking pants instead. While not fully waterproof, we’ve found this option to be more breathable and comfortable. I’ve been a fan of the Transcendr Leggings from Kuhl, and Shane likes their Renegade Rock Pants for their flexibility and built-in vents. 

Tops:

Layers, layers, layers! I personally like to wear a Smartwool base layer as my main shirt (women  |  men), layer a fleece over that for added warmth when needed, and then a waterproof rain jacket on top. It can be tough getting this combination just right, so you might want to throw an extra layer in your bag as well to have options!

Extras:

Don’t forget a hat and gloves, and a backpack cover is helpful to keep all your things dry inside. And perhaps our number one recommendation: a dry change of clothes for the car! You’ll be so happy to see those fresh comfy clothes waiting for you.

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We hope this post inspires you to get out and enjoy the peace and solitude of a rainy-day hike near Seattle! We’d love to know where you go — connect with us on Instagram @the.egresis and tag us in your adventures!

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Looking for more off-season inspiration? Check out these other ideas:

• 15 of the Best Spring Hikes in Washington
• Winter camping at Dash Point State Park near Seattle
• A Beautiful Stevens Pass Snowshoe Trail: Grace Lakes
• 10 Early-Season Backpacking Trips (Including Beginner Options)
• Explore Rialto Beach and the Incredible Hole-in-the-Wall on the Olympic Coast
• Backpacking Cape Alava Loop (Ozette Triangle) in the Winter