7 Hiking Trails Near Issaquah

Seattle, WA, hosts a population of about 737,000 residents in an area of approximately 142 square miles. The Seattle-Tacoma area is home to more than four million residents. During the city's beginnings, the primary industry was logging, but with its accessibility, it has become a significant port city in Asia. Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon all started in Seattle.

Mount Rainier is about one hour and forty-five minutes south of Seattle and measures more than 14,400 feet high. It’s the tallest peak in the state and one of five active volcanoes in Washington. Mount Rainier is on the eastern rim of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is considered one of the earth's most dangerous volcanoes. The last official recorded eruptions happened between 1820 and 1854.

The median list price of Seattle homes for sale is currently $899,000, up from $695,000 last year. Seattle real estate is experiencing a seller’s market, which means that there are more buyers looking for homes than there are homes available for sale.

For homeowners looking to get back to nature, Issaquah is an ideal place to visit for fantastic hiking adventures amongst what locals refer to as the "Issaquah Alps," and most are free of snow all year. It lies about 17 miles south of Seattle.

Lake Sammamish State Park is relatively busy all year, especially during the summer. It offers visitors a relatively flat hiking experience through forested areas with a minimal elevation gain over a span of about two miles. You'll see many different types of birds on your hike and can relax at the beach to end your day in nature. During the fall, salmon spawn in the creek.

Hikers searching for a more challenging trek can head over to Grand Ridge Park, where trails stretch up to seven miles with an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet. This forested hike is ideal for year-round outdoor enthusiasts but is especially gorgeous during the autumn when the leaves turn to fall colors. Although mountain bikers share the trails and hikers may be distracted by freeway noise at the start of their hikes, this soon dissipates, so you can enjoy smaller crowds on this newer trail. It's definitely a great workout!

The six-mile May Valley Loop has an elevation rise of about 1,000 feet on a trail that’s a loop climb in the forest. Unlike other trail options, the loop is a forest hike that’s shaded throughout. This means you’ll stay cool in the summer and be able to focus on nature around you on rainy days because you’re not searching for spots to stop and take in a view. The views are all around you. Bring a map since some of the trail junctions can be tricky to locate. Still, it's one of the area's less crowded routes, so you'll have nature almost all to yourself.

For those who appreciate the predictability of a loop trail, the Tradition Lake Loop is ideal. It’s a four-mile loop trail with an elevation rise of about 300 feet that encircles Tradition Lake. Stop at viewing platforms and see local waterfowl or just stop to catch your breath, especially if you have kids in tow. The trail is wide and mostly graveled and is less crowded than many other trails that feature higher elevation rises, making it ideal for those with mobility issues.

If you’re looking for a trail that boasts views of Mount Rainier, reaching the top of the forested West Tiger #1 trail is a must. This eight-mile trail has an elevation rise of 2,900 feet, so it's not for beginners or those with mobility or stamina issues. Summer is the most crowded season, but since it's snow-free all year, hikers can still take in the unparalleled beauty of nature and the Rainier view that can't be bested. Fall, winter, and spring are equally less crowded than summer, so optimize your privacy by planning for a visit during these periods.

As with the May Valley Loop, the almost fully-shaded Middle Tiger Mountain Trail is a forested trail, not a “view” trail, so it’s ideal for year-round hiking. This trail is less crowded than many other local trails (as many hikers are in search of view-based trails) and offers folks privacy and solitude. The trail stretches up to 10 miles to the mountain summit and features an elevation rise of about 2,200 feet. As with the May Valley Loop, bring a map so you can keep track of trail junctions. This forested trail can have roots and rocks all around, so watch your step and be mindful of muddy conditions when it rains.

If you’ve just nabbed your dream home in Seattle, why not celebrate with a robust nature trek? For those who like the Middle Tiger Mountain Trail, the East Ridge Trail is another option that provides hikers with a robust trail that’s rarely crowded. It’s a forested trek of about seven miles round-trip with an elevation rise of 1,800 feet. Since many hikers are in search of view-based treks, this trail is favored by those who simply want to commune with nature.

As with any hiking or outdoor adventures, be sure to dress for the weather, bring a map and navigational aids, snacks, and water, and let loved ones know your itinerary and estimated departure and return times.

If you’re eager to find your dream home in Seattle real estate, contact Shannon Campbell today.