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Explore the great outdoors, close to home
Fall has arrived and winter is coming. This means our days are getting shorter and mountain hiking trails will soon be snowed in. But that doesn’t mean the hiking has to stop. During the off-season, I like to skip the long drive to the hills and find the best places for a nature walk in the city — sometimes they’re just around the corner!
Whether you’re in Seattle, Bellevue or Tacoma, there are so many options for stretching your legs, exploring nature and getting your forest fix close to home. From paths lined with old-growth trees to creek-side trails to workout-worthy hill climbs, you’re sure to find the perfect walk in the woods for your family. Browse the walks in each region, or choose the one you can’t wait to explore:
First up: Seattle-area nature walks
More fun hikes near Seattle for families:
Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago and was most recently updated on Oct. 21, 2025, by ParentMap’s family fun editor, Meredith Charaba, with a thorough fact-check. ParentMap’s managing editor, Allison Sutcliffe, contributed to this article.
Seattle-area nature walks
Carkeek Park
Distance: Make a one-mile loop by walking along Piper’s Creek, west into the wetland areas, and then coming back on the Brick Road and Hillside Trail. More adventurous families can trek on the other hillside trails on the north and south sections of the park. Download or print a trail map.
Location: 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., Seattle
Description: Expansive Carkeek Park in North Seattle offers many options for families to explore. Hiking along Piper’s Creek affords the chance to see spawning salmon in the fall. Trails also traverse hillsides and ravines, traveling through wetlands, forests and even a historic orchard. Walk over the bridge to the beach for even more discovery. Kids will love swishing through leaves on the lawn, playing in the nature-inspired playground (with a salmon slide!) and visiting the beach. Bonus: Kids can wave at passing trains.
Parking: Drive (carefully) down the narrow, winding road into the ravine and park in the upper parking lot by the playground for the quickest access to the beach. Continue around the bend and down a bit more to park by the large lawn bordering Piper’s Creek. Flush toilets are located next to the playground.
Schmitz Preserve Park
Distance: The main loop is about 1.4 miles, and there are 0.3 more miles of spur trails in the park. Take one of the trails south off Admiral Way up the ravine, cross the wetland and hike back down to the stream.
Location: 5551 S.W. Admiral Way, Seattle
Description: The trails in West Seattle’s Schmitz Preserve Park will make you feel like you’ve traveled deep into the woods. This preserve holds one of the few remaining stands of old-growth timber left in the city. Walk into a steep ravine as the sound of traffic recedes behind you. Listen for the gurgle of water in the creeks and the chatter of birds in the treetops. Kids will love splashing in the streams and seeing the huge old trees.
Parking: A good place to park is along Southwest Admiral Way at Southwest Stevens Street. You can find restrooms and an imaginative playground at the nearby Alki Playground (also known as Whale Tail Park).
Discovery Park
Editor’s note: The Discovery Park Visitor Center is closed until further notice. All other parts of the park remain open.
Distance: With its 12 miles of trails, Seattle’s incredible Discovery Park offers a hike for every mood. Find a free trail map at kiosks around the park, or print one at home.
Location: 3801 Discovery Park Blvd., Seattle
Description: Wander through the deep forest, look for ducks in the ponds, venture out on grassy headlands or descend the steep bluffs to Puget Sound. Try the short Wolf Tree Nature Trail (note that dogs are not allowed on this particular trail) and add on a trip to the nearby duck ponds. Or park at the east or south parking lot, and hike the 2.8-mile Loop Trail. Keep in mind that you cannot park a vehicle at the beach area by the lighthouse and it’s a long trek to reach it by foot, with a steep uphill hike on the way back.
Kids will love the amazing playground near the east parking lot, among many of the fun things to do at the park. Wander the beaches and tromp along wetland boardwalks.
Parking: The park address corresponds to the east parking lot, where you’ll find the visitor center and indoor restrooms. There are also north and south parking areas in the park (park in the north parking lot for the short Wolf Tree Nature Trail).
Cowen Park and Ravenna Park
Distance: It’s about 0.75 miles one way along the main Ravenna Ravine Trail, also called the “Service Road” trail (don’t let the boring name put you off). More adventurous tots will enjoy following either the North or South Trails to return to your starting point, creating a 1.8-mile loop. Start at either park and wander as far as you like.
Location: Cowen Park is located at 5849 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle. Ravenna Park is located at 5520 Ravenna Ave. N.E., Seattle.
Description: Local residents and visitors alike adore Seattle’s twin connected green spaces of Cowen Park and Ravenna Park. Hidden in a steep ravine, a peaceful stream gurgles enticingly among lush ferns. Towering sequoias create mystical alcoves for nature play. A giant boulder and wooden boardwalks provide more fodder for young imaginations. Kids will love walking the wide and easy trails, splashing in the streams, getting muddy, and playing at playgrounds at both ends. The Cowen Park playground has some impressively high swings.
Parking: Cowen Park trails start north of the playground, under the impressive 15th Avenue Northeast bridge. Find parking along the street. Park in the small lot for Ravenna Park, or find on-street parking. Restrooms are located at both ends.
Seward Park
Distance: There are around 6 miles of trails in the park, and 2.4 of these are the paved loop at lake level. You can make a nice hike for little feet by walking the main trail through the center of the park, and including some of the trails that branch off.
Location: 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle
Description: At Seattle’s Seward Park, many folks are familiar with the paved multi-use trail ringing the park’s peninsula. But fewer people are aware of the nature trails that run through the middle of the park — trails featuring grand old trees and lush undergrowth. The main trails are wide enough for strollers, and adventurous kiddos will enjoy the more rustic feel of the side trails. Visit the Seward Park Audubon Center near the entrance and learn about what you can see in each season. Kids will love climbing on roots and logs, spotting owls in the winter and spring, and playing on the playground and the beach on Lake Washington.
Parking: Park in one of the parking lots near the entrance, or drive farther in toward the amphitheater area and access trails from there.
Lincoln Park
Distance: There are just over 5 miles of trails in the park. We did a 2-mile loop from the parking area on Fauntleroy, along the beach, up the bluff and back to our car. This hike is easy except for the steep climb up from the beach at the northern end of the park. Consider hiking this counter-clockwise to walk down instead of up. Or stick to the Bluff Trail, and enjoy more distant views of the water through the trees.
Location: 8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle
Description: At West Seattle favorite Lincoln Park, expansive woodlands are interspersed with play areas and picnic tables. Families will enjoy wandering paths through the forest and walking along the waterfront, taking play breaks in between. Some areas of the forest are more open, allowing for play time among the trees. Ravens croak as they fly overhead and a fresh marine breeze rustles the leaves. Kids will love watching ferries and meeting Bruun Idun, the giant troll! (Find her near the Colman Pool.) And don’t miss the renovated south playground.
Parking: There is a large parking area along Fauntleroy Way, good bus service and several restrooms throughout the park.
Llandover Woods
Distance: Llandover Woods has a 0.7-mile trail, with 60 feet of elevation gain.
Location: 14499 3rd Ave. N.W., Seattle
Description: Tucked in a quiet corner of Northwest Seattle, Llandover Woods is a small green space offering a trail that is just under a mile long. It’s the perfect size for little feet to wander. The first few yards of the trail descending into the woods seem unremarkable, but turn the corner and find yourselves strolling among towering trees and wild greenery all around. For a relatively small space just a stone’s throw from people’s homes, this spot provides a quick and immersive dose of nature. Kids will love looking for tiny native forest flowers, many of which are white or pale pink, and trying to spot fall fungi. Families may enjoy a coffee and treat at nearby Diva Espresso.
Parking: The entrance is off of the corner of 3rd Avenue Northwest and Northwest 145th Street in a gravel lot. There are no restrooms or other amenities.
Next up: Eastside nature walks
Eastside nature walks
Bellevue Botanical Garden
Distance: Bellevue Botanical Garden has 53 acres of gardens, wetlands and woodlands and multiple short nature trails. The Tateuchi Loop Trail is 0.5 miles, while other connecting trails are shorter.
Location: 12001 Main St., Bellevue
Description: Bellevue Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot in the city to admire cultivated gardens and take a nature walk. Stroll along the connected trails, explore the different garden areas and get inspired by the plants and trees throughout. Wander through the garden on your own or schedule a guided tour. There are also various events, classes and other attractions to enhance your visit.
Kids will love spotting different treasures — including a hobbit door — using the self-guided tour map. You can also encourage them to look closely at leaves, bark and flowers with the garden’s Find It Challenge.
Parking: Park for free in the garden’s parking lot, adjacent to the visitor center. Restrooms can be found near the Trillium Store at the garden’s entrance. Garden admission is free.
Soaring Eagle Regional Park
Distance: There are 12 miles of trails, with varying elevation changes. We’ve enjoyed walking down to the wetland on the Camino Espinosa, and then making a loop along the northern border back to the Pipeline Trail. You can trek a scenic 2–3 miles this way. The trail map details options.
Location: 26015 E. Main Dr., Sammamish
Description: Soaring Eagle Regional Park, a large nature preserve located outside of Sammamish, has lots of space to wander. You’ll share the trails with mountain bikers and horses, and maybe even some Washington wildlife. Some of the trails are wide and flat enough for sturdy strollers. Kids will love the mossy trees, bird-filled wetlands and the wild feeling.
Parking: There are several entrances to the park, but the largest is off of 228th Avenue Southeast, via Southeast Eighth Street and East Main Drive. Porta-potties are available.
Redmond Watershed Preserve
Distance: With over 7 miles of trails in the park, you can put together a hike of whatever length you desire. The Tree Frog Loop is an ADA-accessible 0.7-mile path. The Trout Loop is about half a mile. Note that dogs are not allowed on the trails.
Location: 21760 Novelty Hill Rd., Redmond
Description: The well-maintained trails of the fascinating Redmond Watershed Preserve feel like they are deep in the woods. Families can choose between the stroller-friendly Tree Frog Loop, the Trout Loop with interpretive signs and winding, needle-covered paths, or longer trails out deeper into the woods. Kids will love spotting frogs, fungi and ferns.
Parking: There are parking areas, restrooms, water fountains and picnic tables at the park.
Saint Edward State Park
Distance: There are about 7.5 miles of trails in the park. Toddlers will enjoy the half-mile Orchard Loop, offering just enough roots and curves to make things interesting. If you take the Seminary Trail down to the beach, it adds another half-mile each way, and you can choose which trail to hike back up based on energy levels.
Location: 14445 Juanita Dr. N.E., Kenmore
Description: Beautiful Saint Edward State Park is a popular natural area and protected gem on the Eastside. Mature forest entices children to explore wild paths. Choose between a mostly level shady walk or a steeper trek down to the shores of Lake Washington. Kids will love the beach, the Grotto and the giant castle playground. (And parents will love the swanky lodge, right in the park, a perfect spot for brunch!)
Parking: You’ll need a Discover Pass to park here because it’s a state park (purchase a day pass on-site if needed).
Bridle Trails State Park
Distance: Bridle Trails State Park offers families lots of choices for rambling with 28 miles of trails. Consider starting with the 1.7 Trillium Trail, which offers interpretive signs and is easy enough for the youngest hikers.
Location: 5300 116th Ave. N.E., Kirkland
Description: Bridle Trails State Park has large trees, varied undergrowth, and plenty of birds and insects. We’ve seen interesting small mammals and found trees to climb. Kids will love sharing the trails with horses (always give horses the right of way) and wild berries through the seasons.
Parking: A Discover Pass is required to park. There are restrooms on-site.
Next up: Tacoma-area nature walks
Tacoma-area nature walks
Snake Lake
Distance: There are over 2 miles of soft-surface walking trails winding through forest, over bridges and around Snake Lake, including a half-mile trail that’s wheelchair accessible.
Location: Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 S. Tyler St., Tacoma
Description: Snake Lake’s gently sloping, wide trails make this finger lake hike a popular one with South Sound families, especially those with toddlers or strollers. Towering trees line the trails that can easily be divided into longer and shorter hikes, depending on which bridge you cross or offshoot you take as you wind your way around the water. Bird boxes and a self-guided tour along the interpretive trail hold kids’ interests, while fantastic programs such as family nature walks, Agents of Discovery and Little Sprouts (just for toddlers) leave much of the planning to the pros.
Parking: Park at the Tacoma Nature Center parking lot for easy access to the trails, as well as the Interpretive Center and Discovery Pond nature-themed play area. Plan to begin or end your hike at the playground on a sunny or dry day, or drop into the Interpretive Center to see turtles, fish and other wildlife that inhabit the area up close. Open daily, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dash Point State Park
Distance: Find more than 11 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with minimal elevation gain, many of which are designated for hikers only, at this state park. Some of the trail system is open to bikers, and there is a BMX area for riders, too.
Location: 5700 S.W. Dash Point Rd., Federal Way
Description: While the hiking trails are a big draw at Dash Point, it’s the 3,300 feet of shoreline that keeps everyone coming back for more. Its convenient location, halfway between Seattle and Tacoma, is another. Starting near the shoreline, the hiking trails penetrate the forest, following the creek’s natural path through the trees and crossing under state Route 509. The system is a network of shorter trails that allow families to adjust their mileage easily — map out shorter hikes if you have little kids with you and longer ones if your kids can handle it. Dogs are welcome if they are leashed.
Parking: The parking lot is close to the shoreline, off Dash Point Road. A Discover Pass is needed to park and hike here.
Point Defiance Park
Distance: Point Defiance Park’s 760 acres boast more than 14 miles of hiking trails. Stay on the primary trails if you want groomed, easy-to-read signs, and reserve the secondary trails for when you want a little less city and a little more wilderness with your hike. The paved outer loop is another place families can hike; it’s completely closed to vehicles. All trails are for foot traffic only.
Location: 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma
Description: An oasis in the middle of Tacoma, Point Defiance Park’s trails beckon, drawing families from the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy spectacular viewpoints, forested trails and vibrant rhododendron that bloom in spring. Hike the Spine Trail (1.3 miles each way) to get a feel for the park without spending too much energy, or meander a bit on the Inside or Outside Loop Trails. It’s easy to start on one and pick up another trail along the way if you need a change of scenery. Pair your hike with family programming such as Tots on the Trail or a guided drop-in hike.
Parking: Access all of Point Defiance Park’s many trails from the Owen Beach parking lot. Be sure to stay up to date with recent traffic closures to plan out any detours.
