What Counts as Easy in Western Washington
Western Washington has a huge range of trails, from rain forest boardwalks to steep climbs above Puget Sound. The state’s best-known hiking resources often list hundreds of trails, so it helps to narrow down. For beginners, look for routes under about three miles round trip, with little elevation gain and clear paths.
Be aware that popular “beginner” lists sometimes include trails that are more moderate than they sound. Rattlesnake Ledge, for example, is widely visited and often recommended to newcomers, but it climbs steadily for around two miles each way, so it is more of a workout than the short walks below. Distances and figures here are approximate. Check the Washington Trails Association (WTA) and the land manager for current conditions.
Easy Western Washington Hikes at a Glance
| Trail | Area | Approx. distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail | Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic NP | Under 1 mile and about 1.2 miles | Flat, mossy forest |
| Marymere Falls | Lake Crescent, Olympic NP | About 1.8 miles round trip | Mostly gentle with a final climb |
| Franklin Falls | Snoqualmie Pass | About 2 miles round trip | Short walk to a tall waterfall |
| Wallace Falls (lower falls) | Near Gold Bar | Varies | Lower viewpoints are easier than the full trail |
| Heybrook Lookout | Near Index | About 2.6 miles round trip | Short but steep, so moderate |
| Discovery Park Loop | Seattle | About 2.8 miles | Mostly gentle with bluff and beach views |
| Rialto Beach | Near Forks | Flexible | Flat beach walk, tide dependent |
Rain Forest Walks
Hoh Rain Forest. The Hall of Mosses is a short loop under a mile among bigleaf maples draped in moss, and the Spruce Nature Trail is a little over a mile. Both are mostly flat and good for families. The Hoh is in Olympic National Park, which charges an entrance fee. It is one of the wettest places in the continental United States, so expect rain at many times of year.
Coastal Walks
Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach. Olympic National Park’s wild coast has beaches covered in driftwood and sea stacks. Walking distance is up to you, since these are beach strolls. Check tide tables, avoid walking around headlands at high tide and stay away from logs in the surf. Ruby Beach has a short trail down from the parking area.
Lake and Waterfall Trails
Marymere Falls. From the Storm King area at Lake Crescent, this trail runs through old forest to a waterfall of about 90 feet. The final section includes stairs and a bit of a climb.
Franklin Falls. Near Snoqualmie Pass on the I-90 corridor, this is a short hike to a large waterfall that is often busy in summer. Some visitors take it in winter, but ice and snow make conditions harder, so check the forecast and trail reports.
Wallace Falls State Park. The Wallace Falls trail is long if you go to the upper falls, but the lower sections give nice views with less effort. A Discover Pass is generally required for state parks, so confirm current rules.
Barclay Lake. A forest walk to a lake with mountain views, often listed at around four miles round trip with gentle grades. It is longer than the shortest options but not steep.
City and Lowland Walks
If you are based around Seattle, Discovery Park has a loop trail with forest, meadow and bluffs above Puget Sound. Other lowland parks around the region offer gentle trails when mountain roads are snowy or closed. These are good in the shoulder seasons, when high trails may still hold snow.
Passes and Fees
Rules differ by land manager, and they change, so verify before you go:
- Discover Pass: commonly needed for Washington state lands and parks.
- Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass: commonly used at national forest trailheads, depending on the site.
- Olympic National Park entrance fee: applies at the Hoh and Lake Crescent areas, and national parks pass options may apply.
What to Wear and Pack
You do not need specialty gear for an easy walk, but western Washington weather is changeable. A sensible list for a short day hike includes:
- Shoes with good grip, since roots and wet rock are common
- A rain jacket, even if the forecast looks dry
- Warm layer and a hat
- Water and snacks
- A paper or offline map, or a downloaded trail map
- A headlamp or phone light, in case you finish later than planned
- A basic first aid kit and sun protection
Cotton clothing gets cold when wet. Synthetic or wool layers are a better choice in this climate, and the mountain vacation packing list explains layering in more detail. If you are new to hiking, our other guides in this cluster, such as easy hikes on the Oregon coast, show how the same basic packing logic applies on a different coastline.
Trail Etiquette and Leave No Trace
Yield to uphill hikers where practical, step aside for faster walkers and keep dogs on leash where required. Pack out all trash, stay on the trail to protect moss and understory plants, and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Check road and trail conditions before you leave, since washouts and snow can close access.
Common Questions
What are some beginner-friendly hikes in Washington? The Hall of Mosses, Marymere Falls, Franklin Falls and Discovery Park are common starting points, along with beach walks on the Olympic coast.
Why do ADHD people like hiking? There is no single answer, and research is still developing. Some people report that time outdoors, movement and a simple goal help them feel calmer and more focused (see the benefits of outdoor recreation). It is worth speaking with a health professional for personal guidance.
What are some cool hikes in western Washington? Beyond the easy list, popular longer options include Lake Twenty-Two, Heather-Maple Pass Loop and Colchuck Lake. These are more demanding, so build up experience first.
For a waterfall-focused outing, see our overview of easy hikes to a waterfall.