Best Short and Winter Friendly Hikes in the Puget Sound Area

In the Pacific Northwest we typically have two kinds of hikes, ones that stay flat, or ones that go straight uphill until they stop. Because of this, The Mountaineers have a classification system for hikes that allow newcomers to hiking and the Northwest to pace themselves in learning how much they can do. All of these hikes are easy hikes that either have a short duration or minimal elevation gain. Most of them are easy to find, scenic and allow you to breathe fresh air. Hiking boots are optional but suggested. Survival equipment is optional but suggested. In many cases where search and rescue teams end up looking for a lost hikers, the real issue is the persons involved have no water, compass, and are dressed in summer wear and have no protection against cold and snow.

Denny Creek Winter Friendly Easy Hiking Trail

The Denny Creek system of trails often lose their snow sooner than many hikes in the Cascade Mountains. Because you do go uphill several miles, bring protection against snow and cold, especially in the spring and autumn. Denny Creek has a series of trails that are well explained in the Snoqualmie Pass Mountains to Sound Greenway hiking book. My favorite has always been the hike to Pratt Saddle since it bypasses Olallie and Talapus Lakes and a creek and has a varying range of climbs from step to mellow with lots of lookouts. It's also easiest to find -take Exit 47 Denny Creek off of I-5 and follow the signs to the trailhead, crossing the freeway and traveling to a parking area. The hike goes for 8 miles with 1700 feet gain, but I usually quit at about 3 ½ miles near the lakes. Enjoy the huckleberries in season. This is a more moderate rated hike but classifies as easy with the shorter route.

Cougar Mountain Winter Friendly Easy Hiking Trail

Cougar Mountain has a series of trails and I've been led on many of the hikes by a person with a map of the area. My favorite was to the clay pit, anti-aircraft peak loop because of the changing scenery and the good view of the valley. Take SR900 Renton-Issaquah road from I-90 and park at the Nike Trailhead. Follow the instructions in the guidebook. Most of the trails are well-signed but it really helps to have a map since there are many places to visit. Trail length is 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 500'.

Little Si Winter Friendly Easy Hiking Trail

The hike to Little Si, the small bump on the side of Mt. Si, is 5 miles long round trip with an elevation gain of 1200'. Access is from I-90 to E North Bend Way onto Mt. Si Road and then onto 434 Ave SE where there is a small parking lot. The trail is mostly through forest with a view point at the end.

Rattlesnake Mountain Winter Friendly Easy Hiking Trail

Round trip to the ledge on Rattlesnake Mountain is about 2 miles with elevation gain of about 1200'. You can take this hike on your own or as part of the minimally priced ($5) hikes led by a geologist, birder or historian from the Cedar River Watershed. I've done all but the history trip and they all provide new insight into the area. Outhouses are available around the lake and at the base of the trail. Bathrooms are available at the Cedar River Watershed headquarters. The hike is longer if you include the distance around the trails. People do swim in the lake. The hike travels through a changing forest to a wonderful look out. Access is from I-90 to Exit 32 Cedar Falls Road or 436 Ave SE up to the Cedar River Watershed.

St. Edwards State Park Winter Friendly Easy Hiking Trail

St. Edwards State Park has a series of trails running up and down and along the side of a cliff along Lake Washington. It's a fun place to have a picnic, take a swim and explore the former grounds of a seminary. Hike length is 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 700'. Access is via Juanita Drive from Kirkland or NE 145^th from Kenmore. It's not easy to get lost here and quite easy for a beginner.

Snoqualmie Falls Winter Friendly Easy Hiking Trail

A day hike at Snoqualmie Falls can net you some good food in the surrounding area, pictures of the waterfalls and power generation facility and a short hike down to the bottom of the falls and along the river. The description provided in Footsore 1 is what some people do. Most people park at the Falls, cross the street and follow a well-marked trail down to the bottom. Hiking boots are recommended since the hill is quite steep and there are wet muddy places. The route is about 2 miles round trip, elevation gain maybe 300'.

[1] Harvey Manning, Footsore 1: Walks and Hikes around Puget Sound

[2] John McKinney, Great Walks of North America

[3]Harvey Manning, Snoqualmie Pass : Mountains to Sound Greenway