Popular Family Hikes and Less-Crowded Alternatives Nearby

Ah, the great outdoors — there is just nothing better than a hike for sharing with your kids towering trees, wildlife and lots and lots of other people. Yes, many of the Seattle area’s best family hikes are so popular that the trail can seem like a busy highway. 

Of course, beloved hikes are popular for a reason, and many local families would say it’s worth getting up early to score a parking space at the trailhead to trek these trails. Pro tip: Go on a weekday.

Here, we’re highlighting four of these classic hikes near Seattle that are well worth doing, plus four lesser-known options to consider if you like your wilderness with a little more elbow room. Most of these hikes are suitable for even young children.

Note: We always recommend carrying the 10 essentials. It’s a good habit to get into, especially with kids and as the weather cools.

To see all the hikes we’ve rounded up, click the arrow above the image or the link at the bottom of each page. If you already know where you want to hike, jump to the area you are interested on the list below:

• Rattlesnake Ledge and Cedar Butte
• Cougar Mountain and Coal Creek
• Billy Frank Jr. Refuge and Woodard Bay
• Tiger Mountain and Soaring Eagle

First pair: Rattlesnake Ledge and Cedar Butte

Editor’s note: This article was originally published a few years ago and updated most recently for your hiking adventures in August 2024 by ParentMap’s associate editor, Kari Hanson.