Husky mix Hesher enjoys the view from the summit of Alta Mountain.
Hiking is practical is synonymous with living in Seattle, and so are dog owners. Why not combine the two? Pets aren’t allowed on most outdoor adventures in Washington’s national parks—for good reason, involving animal safety, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem health—but there are plenty of other trails that are perfect for paws.
Poop bags and a leash (or voice control in certain areas) are essential to comply with Leave No Trace principles and leash laws; the Washington Trails Association offers a comprehensive guide to considerations when bringing a four-legged hiking partner. Many of the dog-friendly trails listed below have nearby water so hot four-legged hikers can cool off, and all can be adjusted in length as dogs improve their stamina and hiking etiquette.
Swamp path
Distance: 1 mile | Difficulty: Easy | Issaquah | Discover Pass
Don’t worry, this route at the base of Tiger Mountain isn’t boggy and won’t cover your dog too much in mud. A short loop trail with signs telling a fantastic story is a good distraction for kids, and a network of other short, flat trails branch off from the trailhead, making it easy to make extensions if everyone wants more.
Twin Falls
Distance: 2.4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | North Bend | Discover Pass
An action-packed trail leads past moss-covered river rocks, salmonberry bushes, an endless sea of ferns and giant trees to a treasure trove of three waterfalls. Along the way, river access offers curious dogs a chance to take a quick dip in the water, while stairs and boardwalks soften the steepest sections.
Kyro, a Dutch Shepherd, has no fear of heights on Rattlesnake Ledge.
Rattlesnake Promontory
Distance: 4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | North Bend | no passes required
Rattlesnake Ledge is something of a Pacific Northwest classic. The forest switchbacks lead to a unique view 2,000 feet above the trail’s namesake lake. If you’re looking for fewer crowds and a longer adventure, hike past the traditional overlook and reach East Peak, Snoqualmie Park, and more ledges with stunning views of the North Bend mountains.
Beagle mix Ranger poses like a supermodel on the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River.
The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail
Distance: 12 miles | difficulty: easy | North Bend | NorthWest Forest Pass
Far beyond the crowds thronging Mailbox Peak, a winding river trail winds along the banks of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. You don’t have to hike the whole way: Turn back when you’ve had enough of the forest’s silence, or bring backpacking gear to spend the night with nature’s noise machine at a permit-free riverside site.
Mason Lake
Distance: 7 miles | Difficulty: Difficult | Snoqualmie Pass | Northwest Forest Pass
A meadow covered in wildflowers, views of Mount Rainier and a pristine mountain lake: the Ira Spring Memorial Trail to Mason Lake offers the Washington trifecta. After tackling steep inclines and switchbacks, experienced dogs and humans alike can refresh tired muscles with a swim in the lake before heading back down via some exposed, sunny sections.
Because the trail is rocky, experience is a must on Alta Mountain.
Alta Mountain
Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: Difficult | Snoqualmie Pass | Northwest Forest Pass
Once a pup – and their owner – are in shape, this peak, which towers over Snoqualmie Pass, is a good first big summit. There’s a trail to the very top with just a few rocky steps to negotiate, and the shore of Rachel Lake offers a good place to cool off on the way up or down. The area is especially vibrant in the fall, when the foliage turns rich rust and orange tones.
Iron Goat Trail
Distance: 6 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Stevens Pass | Northwest Forest Pass
The interpretive trail follows a wide path and wooden bridges over streams, making it an ADA accessible adventure. Interpretive signs along the route highlight railroad history in tunnels and avalanche barriers from a bygone era of the Great Northern Railway. Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum offers regular guided walks along the trail to teach about the Japanese-American railroad workers and the Wellington Avalanche disaster in the area.
Border Collie Omak carries his own weight (by carrying his poop bags) at Ancient Lakes.
Old Lakes
Distance: 12 miles | Difficulty: simple | Quincy | Discover Pass
In stark contrast to the moss-covered landscape of Western Washington, the trails around Ancient Lakes feature towering basalt cliffs with occasional waterfalls, muted desert foliage, and orange sunsets reflected in the dry canyon walls. Although it takes a few hours to reach this Central Washington spot, a wealth of trails in the area allow for customized loops tailored to each dog’s preferences and abilities; some trails are steeper and traverse more loose rock, while others meander gently toward the lake basin. Bonus: The region is accessible year-round.
