The Seattle region stands out as an exceptionally dog-friendly locale, offering an abundance of dog parks, off-leash areas, and numerous natural spaces to explore. If you and your dog enjoy trails and immersing yourselves in nature, the following dog-friendly hikes will undoubtedly provide joy for both of you.

Exceptional Hikes Within City Limits

For those unable to venture far from the city, several remarkable green spaces offer miles of nearby trails.

Discovery Park

My personal favorite in the city is Discovery Park, featuring the well-maintained loop trail that is primarily flat and paved. This trail meanders through wooded areas and provides stunning views of the Puget Sound—an ideal setting for a morning outing with your furry companion.

Seward Park

Seward Park, situated along Lake Washington, features Seattle’s only remaining old-growth forest. The park offers 4.6 miles of trail, including 2.4 paved shoreline miles and 2.2 miles of interior dirt paths. It remains accessible year-round and includes bathrooms and water stations near the parking lot. The hike is flat and suitable for all skill levels.

Washington Park Arboretum

The arboretum is another of Seattle’s cherished spots with its well-maintained paved road encircling the area, while dirt paths interlace throughout the park’s various sections. Visitors can easily spend hours exploring, especially the connecting islands, though one should anticipate wet conditions for most of the year. Pack a picnic to enjoy—there are numerous resting spots to appreciate the blooming flowers and bushes with your pet.

Premier Hikes Beyond City Limits

Many nearby hiking opportunities exist in state parks and national forests, where specific passes may be required, such as the NW Forest Pass (the America the Beautiful Pass is also acceptable) for national forests and the Discover Pass for state parks.

Marmot Pass

Located within Olympic National Forest, Marmot Pass is an excellent choice as dogs are prohibited in national parks. This surrounding national forest allows you to experience the area’s breathtaking beauty while enjoying the company of your furry friend.

This hike ranks among my favorites, offering the option for a day hike or multiple days of exploration. I recommend hiking in and camping right at the pass overnight to hear the marmots communicating with one another and any passersby. The hike is approximately 11.5 miles round trip to the pass and back, but I suggest hiking up the ridge along the pass for some of the best mountain views in the entire forest. For further details on this hike, please see my trail guide to Marmot Pass.

Lake Twenty-Two

This hike, with its intriguing name, offers stunning scenery. It features an elevation gain of around 1,350 feet, marking it as moderately challenging yet more manageable than many hikes in the region with gains exceeding 4,000 feet. This makes it a suitable option for dogs looking for a more moderate trek.

Located along the Mountain Loop Highway, this 5.4-mile round trip hike is rated as moderate in difficulty, featuring diverse landscapes including old-growth forests, wetlands, and a breathtaking lake surrounded by mountains. Don’t miss the chance to take a refreshing swim during the summer months; our dog certainly enjoyed that cool dip!

Twin Falls

Nestled in North Bend at Olallie State Park, Twin Falls is an extremely popular hike. To avoid large crowds, it is advisable to visit during weekdays. Our experience on a holiday weekend revealed a challenging parking situation due to heavy foot traffic.

While many tend to stop at the waterfalls, the trail continues further along a serene path through stunning forest scenery. However, be prepared for a section that runs beneath an electrical pole area, which is less appealing, yet overall it remains a great day hike.

Middle Fork Snoqualmie

For those desiring a more tranquil trail experience, Middle Fork Snoqualmie offers a serene alternative. Located in North Bend past Mount Si and Mailbox Peak, this trail culminates at the end of Middle Fork Road, boasting a spacious parking area with accessible restrooms and a picnic bench. The trail commences with a scenic bridge crossing the river. Hikers should choose to bear left or right; opting right leads to a flat and easy path along the river through the forest and dried riverbeds. Conversely, taking the left path ascends via switchbacks (a happy accident for me) through a beautiful forest, albeit this route steeply escalates in elevation, which was not my original plan.

Little Si

Little Si is another favorite, especially on weekends. Two parking areas are available—one is designated as overflow—, both tend to fill up quickly. If necessary, there is a nearby walking trail with additional parking, so you don’t have to worry about adding too much distance to your trek.

This 3.7-mile round trip hike covers an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, providing fantastic views of climbers on granite faces, as well as lush, vibrant green mosses and foliage. The summit offers breathtaking views of Mount Si on one side and panoramic vistas of North Bend on the other.

Mount Si

Mount Si is an extremely popular hiking destination, attracting over 100,000 hikers annually. To avoid heavy foot traffic, it is advisable to skip weekends and holidays. The hike spans 8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 3,150 feet. This trail is frequented by individuals training to summit Mount Rainier, so it’s common to encounter hikers with heavy packs. While Mount Si is more challenging than Little Si, it remains accessible to beginners—just ensure you bring ample water and snacks for the summit, and take your time.

Mailbox Peak

Located in North Bend, Mailbox Peak is another highly-trafficked hike, measuring 9.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 4,000 feet. The hike’s allure lies in the mailbox at the summit where hikers often leave mementos and notes. A new route has been established to the summit due to excessive erosion and numerous rescue incidents, but the hike remains a challenge. It begins from Middle Fork Road, which is shared with some of the other hikes mentioned, and features a small parking area—arrive early to secure a spot. This hike necessitates a Discover Pass, so ensure it is displayed.

Pacific Crest Trail

The renowned Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) extends from Mexico to Canada and traverses stunning landscapes, including Mount Rainier National Park and the surrounding national forests. A significant advantage of the PCT is its dog-friendly nature; in fact, it skirts around Rainier National Park itself, allowing you to enjoy the park’s beauty with your dog.

Hike for as long or as short as desired before turning back to your vehicle. If you plan to hike during the summer months, consider bringing snacks for the thru-hikers you may encounter, as they will certainly appreciate the thoughtful gesture.

Key Hiking Logistics

Many dog-friendly hikes in the Pacific Northwest can be enjoyed year-round due to their lower elevations. However, during winter months, it is vital to check road conditions prior to departure as certain highways may be closed. During the summer season, trails may become quite busy, thus planning ahead is beneficial. Always have an alternative option in mind in case your desired hike is at capacity. Moreover, maintaining the natural beauty of these trails is paramount, so practicing Leave No Trace principles is essential. If you bring your dog, ensure to carry sufficient waste bags and take with you whatever you’ve brought. Even though many bags are biodegradable, it’s crucial not to leave them on the trail, as wildlife may be attracted to the scents, potentially leading to habituated animals that pose risks to both humans and wildlife.

Final Thoughts

Urban living offers great opportunities such as off-leash dog parks for your beloved pet; however, it’s also important to occasionally connect with nature. Identifying dog-friendly trails is an excellent way to spend quality time outdoors with your canine companion. Remember that, while these hikes accommodate dogs, they may not always provide dog-friendly amenities. Bring ample water and snacks, particularly for dogs that expend a lot of energy on the trails—especially smaller breeds with higher metabolisms—and don’t forget those waste bags!