Updated 5/8/17.
Late spring is on its way and we’re well on our way to summer. Maybe I’ve said this every year and I’ll say it again—this year has really flown by! Here’s a guide to some of my favorite hikes in the North Bend / Snoqualmie region, about 40 minutes east on I-90 from Seattle.
New to hiking? Try Rattlesnake Ledge
This is the “gateway” hike. It’s a good hike for beginners or for a quick weeknight hike before sunset. It gets pretty crowded here so it can be hard to find a place to sit down, but the view is definitely worth it. Plus, parking is free and plentiful.
Time to summit: 40 minutes
Length: 4.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1160 ft.
Pass required: none!
For more information about the hike, click here.
Another hike for new hikers: Little Si
This route is perfect for beginners who are looking to get back in shape. It starts and ends with some relatively steep inclines, but the middle is much more mild. Keep going! Expect crowds. The lot is smaller than Rattlesnake’s. Make sure to read the signs—don’t park where there are “No Parking” signs—you will get towed. That’s one of the worst ways to end a hike, right? Coming back to realize your car is missing.
Time to summit: 50 minutes
Length: 4.7 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1300 ft.
Pass required: Discover Pass
For more information about the hike, click here.
Looking to make it down in time for brunch? Try PooPoo Point
Yes, that’s really the name. Located on the Tiger Mountain in Issaquah, it’s a quick hike and it’s really close to the city, only about 25 minutes from Seattle. The parking lot is small, so aim to get their early or you may have to wait in the parking lot, but I’ve never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a spot. If I start the hike around 9:00 am, I can be down and driving back to the city around 11:15 am, in time to meet my friends for brunch! At the top, you can also pay a “tour guide” to take you paragliding (proceed with caution—it can be dangerous!)
Time to summit: 1 hour 15 minutes
Length: 7.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1850 ft.
Pass required: none!
For more information about the hike, click here.
Leisurely hiking with a lake? Try Snow Lake
*NOTE: There is still snow on this hike. Check here before your go. With the extended snow season this year, this might be better for a late June or later summer hike.
The trailhead to the hike is just steps from the Alpental parking lot. Unlike other hikes around here, this doesn’t have as much tree coverage for a lot of the hike, so make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. There are a lot of stones, so prepare for that if you’re bringing small children or your pup.
Time to summit: 1 hour
Length: 6.7 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1800 ft.
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass (or $5 cash)
For more information on this hike, click here.
Annette Lake
This is a nice hike that also has great overnight camping spots. There are quite a bit of rocks to maneuver, so hiking boots are ideal. The lake is a stunning blue and green color and well worth the hike. You can also catch a view of the waterfall feeding into the lake.
Time to summit: 1 hour and 20 minutes
A hike that’s a step above beginner: Ira Spring Trail
The trail begins gently and then increases sharply around mile 1. Start early, if possible, because the first half of the trek up has no tree coverage. Bring bugspray too—sometimes they are buzzing around at the lake! Once the trail comes out of the tree coverage, there are stunning views of Mt. Rainier and many wildflowers along the path.
Time to summit: 2 hours
Length: 6.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2400 ft.
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass
For more information about the hike, click here.
Looking for a solid workout? Try Mount Si
It’s a solid hike. It’s a good workout and just enough of a challenge for moderate hikers. It’s hard to see anything at the summit when it’s cloudy, but it’s a nice view on a clear day. Go early—the parking lot gets filled up!
Time to summit: 1 hour 30 minutes
Length: 9.0 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2950 ft.
Pass required: Discover Pass
For more information about the hike, click here.
Looking to challenge yourself? Try Mailbox Peak
This is the hike I find the most challenging in the area. It’s best to do on a sunny, clear day because you will also get a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier. The new trail is easier, but a tad longer and easier on the knees coming down. The old trail is steeper and also a very rewarding hike. Leave something in exchange for something in the mailbox. It’s full of weird and cool stuff: alcohol, stickers, cake, barbies, scarves etc. Make sure to stretch after the hike and drink plenty of water or you’ll be so sore the next few days!
Time to summit: 2 hours 15 minutes
Length: 9.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 4000 ft.
Pass required: Discovery Pass
For more information about the hike, click here.
Want more?
Washington Trails Association (WTA) has a ton of information on their website here.
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