The Seattle space affords spectacular mountaineering along with your canine inside a 90-minute drive of the town! Get insider suggestions for pet pleasant mountaineering at Cougar Mountain, Annette Lake, Franklin Falls, Cherry Creek Falls, the Ira Spring Path at Mason Lake, and Heather Lake.
High Pet Pleasant Hikes Close to Seattle
The Seattle-area affords some severely spectacular canine pleasant mountaineering, with out having to drive greater than ninety minutes (visitors allowing, after all!). And the Washington Trails Affiliation has the most effective mountaineering web sites and apps I’ve ever used, permitting you to avoid wasting favourite hikes and entry mountaineering data even if you’re offline.
A number of Fb teams additionally present sage recommendation about present path circumstances and different data. For insider tips about particular hikes or mountaineering generally try Washington Hikers and Climbers, PNW Out of doors Girls Group, or Canines within the Cascades.
It might be simple to collect a listing of 30 glorious canine pleasant mountaineering areas close to Seattle. However as a substitute I’m sharing my all-time favorites for year-round adventures.
Cougar Mountain
Positioned within the Issaquah Alps, the three,100-acre Cougar Mountain park has a community of 36 miles of canine pleasant mountaineering trails, simply 15 miles from downtown Seattle. This can be a path runner’s paradise and concrete hiker’s dream!
Initially serving as a meals acquisition space for Native American tribes who would forage wild roots, crops, and berries, in addition to hunt recreation, this turned a mining space after European settlers arrived. And within the 20th century logging operations took over.
The US navy utilized the forest for 2 energetic missile websites through the Chilly Warfare with a view to shield the Puget Sound from potential airstrikes.
Lastly, within the late Sixties, King County took management of the land and developed it into the park that’s there at this time. A number of artifacts from the mining days nonetheless seem on numerous trails, together with reveals, a concrete dam, a lined mine shaft, and a mine cart.
READ MORE ⇒ High 11 Canine Pleasant Issues To Do In Seattle
Cougar Mountain is filled with streams, waterfalls, single observe trails, and bashful wildlife. The very best peak within the park is Wilderness Peak at 1,595 toes, and the paths differ in size and problem from broad simple paths to serpentine uphill challenges.
Info on Cougar Mountain is straightforward to search out with an in depth Wikipedia entry that features descriptions of all the paths, their lengths, and the place to entry them. And King County gives an on-line path map, in addition to indicators and printed maps on the path heads.
Annette Lake
For those who’re into waterfalls, turquoise rivers, alpine lakes, and mountain views, then head out to Annette Lake for the day or plan an in a single day journey!
Relying on the yr, the snow can stay nicely into spring. I did this hike in late Could just a few years in the past and crossing the snowfields was a bit unnerving with out spikes and poles. And the lake was nonetheless nearly utterly lined in snow and ice!
The path is well-maintained and never terribly demanding, gaining 1,800 toes within the 7.5 miles roundtrip. A NW Forest Move is required, so remember to decide one up earlier than heading out.
One of many highlights of this hike will not be removed from the parking zone — the dashing turquoise waters of Humpback Creek. Earlier than crossing the bridge, reap the benefits of the great picture opp on the rocks alongside the water. And take a second to admire the cascading falls tumbling downstream.
After crossing just a few small streams, you’ll attain a number of steep slopes with views of Granite Mountain and Humpback Mountain. As soon as the snow begins to recede, look ahead to wildflowers like trillium.
When you move by means of the slopes, Annette Lake will not be far past. There are a number of spots to get pleasure from a picnic lunch, or perhaps a swim if you happen to’re up for a chilly shock!
Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is a pleasant, simple hike simply off 1-90 that’s good for newcomers and people mountaineering with children. The 2-mile leisurely path ends at a 135-foot waterfall that cascades between the freeway viaducts. A NW Forest Move is required to park within the tons and hike the paths.
READ MORE ⇒ Ideas for Mountain climbing With Canines
A brief, steep path with a handrail guides hikers proper as much as the waterfalls. The spray is heavy and rocks could be fairly slippery, so take care. And produce a wipe in your digital camera lens, or all of your images will likely be cloudy!
For a particular deal with, go to Franklin Falls through the winter months when the falls are frozen. You’ll need to analysis the most effective path entry if you go as a result of the snow can pressure parking zone and/or path detours. The above-mentioned Fb teams could be of nice help.
Carry spikes for traction and loads of heat garments – it will get very chilly by the falls. The steep slope resulting in the underside of the falls is icy through the winter, so go slowly and take small steps whereas hanging onto the wire rail.
This can be a standard hike, so arrive early, even within the winter. Or, higher but, head there on a weekday.
Cherry Creek Falls
Only a quick drive exterior of the quaint city of Duvall, Cherry Creek Falls is a candy little gem with largely native visitors. This simple, five-mile hike was initially the location of a logging camp and is accessible any time of the yr.
With the massive community of pet pleasant trails, it’s additionally a terrific vacation spot for path runners seeking to go for longer distances with their furry companions.
The route follows a well-maintained path with a number of river crossings. Some have sturdy bridges, whereas others encompass a easy broad log stretched throughout the span.
Throughout the winter and spring, the creek is usually dashing and water ranges could be excessive, making the crossings a bit sketchy. Canines appears to have way more bravery and steadiness than their people, however watch out along with your pups if the water poses a hazard.
The path regularly descends to the 25-foot waterfalls and passes an outdated rusted automobile that makes an excellent picture spot. The sandy shore of the waterfall pool is spacious with loads of good logs to take a seat and benefit from the view or eat a snack.
Afterward, proceed up the trail above the waterfalls to finish a semi-loop. Or just flip round and head again the way in which you got here.
This path could be muddy through the wet months, so carry waterproof sneakers. Additionally notice that there isn’t a official parking zone for the hike, as the primary half mile is positioned on a courtesy easement on non-public property. There’s a shoulder simply earlier than the path head the place you may go away the automobile. Don’t park the place indicators point out “non-public highway” or you’ll be ticketed.
Ira Spring Path At Mason Lake
Named for one in every of Washington’s most essential path advocates, Ira Spring was a photographer and conservationist whose namesake path befits his legacy. Wildflower fanatics will love Ira Spring Path at Mason Lake throughout peak bloom.
The elevation achieve on this path is pretty vital — 2,420 toes in simply over three miles. However the rocky ridges provide incredible views of Mt. Rainier to take your thoughts off the climb. After summiting the excessive level of the hike at 4,320 toes, the path descends into Mason Lake.
There may be ample house to discover a shady spot for a picnic. Or perch atop one of many huge boulders to soak within the sunshine. Canines will get pleasure from enjoying fetch or cooling off within the turquoise lake.
Tenting can also be potential on the lake, full with designated tenting areas and a backcountry bathroom. Earlier than your go to, decide up a NW Forest Move, which is required for parking and using the paths.
READ MORE ⇒ Tenting With Canines – A Newbie’s Information
Heather Lake
Accessible most any time of yr, Heather Lake is a hike for all seasons. Winter months imply fewer crowds – simply remember to use your micro spikes! And fall brings sensible colours, because of all of the berry bushes.
This hike is nice for any degree of hiker in search of a average problem. The climb begins as quickly as you hit the path and winds by means of outdated and new-growth forests. The colourful shades of inexperienced are noteworthy, with evergreens, moss, and ferns spreading in all instructions.
After a little bit of climbing, you’ll attain a boardwalk that results in the lake. Carry waterproof sneakers, as there are just a few water crossings, together with a small waterfall that makes for a pleasant picture cease.
Discover a good picnic spot, or proceed all the way in which across the lake to soak up the total perspective. Within the winter, the boardwalk could be slippery, so be cautious.
Seize your NW Forest Move and arrive early to beat the crowds, particularly on weekends. Arriving on the parking zone earlier than 9 will provide you with a greater likelihood of getting the lake to your self. In truth, pack a hammock to get pleasure from just a few moments of hold time earlier than everybody arrives!
I hope this put up provide you with some new locations to discover when mountaineering along with your canine close to Seattle! Maybe we’ll see you out on the paths.
(Visited 13,700 instances, 1 visits at this time)