10 Best Fall Hikes in the Seattle Area
Fall in the Seattle area offers breathtaking landscapes with stunning fall foliage. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly trails or more challenging terrain, here are 10 of the best hikes to enjoy the fall colors.
1. Rattlesnake Ledge
• Location: North Bend
• Distance: 4 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,160 feet
A popular hike for fall, Rattlesnake Ledge offers sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the Snoqualmie Valley. The moderately challenging trail is perfect for families and offers great photo opportunities of autumn foliage near the summit. Go early to avoid crowds.
2. Tiger Mountain—West Tiger 3 Trail
• Location: Issaquah
• Distance: 5.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Tiger Mountain offers a challenging trek with rewarding views of the surrounding forests. As you hike through dense forests, you’ll see the trees transition into brilliant oranges and yellows. Be prepared for some steep sections, but the lookout at the summit makes it worth the effort.
3. Franklin Falls
• Location: Snoqualmie Pass
• Distance: 2 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 400 feet
This easy family-friendly trail takes you through a forest along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River to a 70-foot waterfall. In fall, the changing leaves add color to the backdrop, making this a perfect short hike. The trail is also accessible for younger kids and new hikers.
4. Naches Peak Loop
• Location: Mount Rainier National Park
• Distance: 3.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 500 feet
This loop offers some of the best fall foliage near Mount Rainier. As you hike along Naches Peak, you’ll see bursts of red and gold among the alpine meadows. The hike is relatively easy and great for all skill levels, with a backdrop of Rainier’s snow-capped peak.
5. Lake Ingalls
• Location: Teanaway
• Distance: 9 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
For those seeking more of a challenge, Lake Ingalls offers stunning alpine scenery and fiery red larches in the fall. The trail is steep and rocky in sections, but the views of the Enchantments and Lake Ingalls surrounded by larch trees make it one of the most scenic fall hikes.
6. Wallace Falls
• Location: Gold Bar
• Distance: 5.6 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Wallace Falls features several stunning viewpoints of cascading waterfalls, surrounded by fall colors. This hike is moderate in difficulty, and the well-maintained trail takes you through mossy forests to a series of waterfalls. The changing leaves around the falls make it extra special in autumn.
7. Maple Pass Loop
• Location: North Cascades
• Distance: 7.2 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Maple Pass Loop is famous for its jaw-dropping views of mountain peaks and vibrant fall foliage, especially the golden larches. Though the hike is more strenuous, the rewards are abundant, with sweeping views of alpine lakes and ridge lines blanketed in fall colors.
8. Coal Creek Falls
• Location: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
• Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 250 feet
This easy-to-moderate trail is close to Seattle and provides a quiet escape into nature. It’s a shorter hike with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a quick fall outing. The fall leaves along the creek add a beautiful touch as you head to the 28-foot waterfall.
9. Twin Falls
• Location: North Bend
• Distance: 3.6 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 500 feet
The Twin Falls trail follows the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River, winding through lush forest before reaching the dramatic Twin Falls. In fall, the vibrant foliage along the river provides a stunning contrast to the flowing water. The trail is family-friendly and offers a mix of river views and waterfalls.
10. Mount Si
• Location: North Bend
• Distance: 8 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,150 feet
Mount Si is one of the most challenging hikes on this list, but the expansive views from the top are worth the effort. In the fall, the trail is lined with brilliant foliage as you ascend through forests and meadows. If you’re up for a physical challenge, Mount Si delivers both in workout and beauty.
Fall is the perfect time to explore these trails and take in the beautiful colors around Seattle. Whether you’re looking for a short, family-friendly hike or a more challenging adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this season. Be sure to pack plenty of water, dress in layers, and bring a camera to capture the stunning autumn scenery.