The Best Fall Hikes Near Seattle No One Knows About

Many people consider fall to be the most beautiful time of the year. So what better way to appreciate fall than to go on a long hike? If you’re from the Seattle area or live nearby, what are the best fall hikes that are barely on people’s radar?

The best fall hikes near Seattle that no one knows about include Perry Creek, Hannegan Pass, and Heather Park; they’re perfect if you want to go on a long hike. If you want a more manageable distance, check out Ira Spring Trail, Lime Kiln, Snoquera Falls Loop, or Esmeralda Basin.

Perhaps you’re visiting Seattle soon, or you live in the area. Whatever the case, you’re looking for some good hikes. This article will cover the best fall hikes near Seattle, and we’ll look at how long each hike is and the elevation level.

Perry Creek

Perry Creek is one of the best hikes in the Seattle area. The entire hike is about 10 miles (16.09 km). The highest point is 5250 ft (1600.2 m), and the gain is 3100 ft (944.88 m).

You’ll see waterfalls, meadows, and wildflowers. Throughout the hike, you’ll also have a wonderful view of the mountains. Perry Creek hike also brings you through very old forests, so you’ll see many tall, old trees. Once you climb higher, you can even view some lakes in the valley.

Additionally, if you go on this hike during the fall, you’ll see a vast array of yellow, orange, red, and green leaves on the trees. Many hikers also know this hike for its wild blueberries.

This hike is about an hour out of Everett, a coastal community North of Seattle, and once you’re done many locals recommend visiting the Everett waterfront.

Ira Spring Trail – Mason Lake

If you’re looking for a trail that’s a bit shorter than Perry Creek, the Ira Spring Trail – Mason Lake will be a great option.

The hike is about 6.5 miles (10.46 km). The highest point of the hike is 4320 ft (1316.74 m), and the gain is 2420 ft (737.62 m).

This trail has beautiful ridgelines and fresh alpine lakes and streams. Named after the conservationist and nature photographer Ira Spring, this vibrant trail will not disappoint. If you feel more adventurous, you can also do some weekend camping on the trail and wake up to the sea of fall colors.

Right from the start of the trail, thick and winding trees surround you. When you climb a bit higher, you can see large valleys of yellow and red leaves with the mountains looming in the distance.

If you want to check this hike out, follow these directions:

1. Head east on the I-90 and take exit 45.
2. After the exit, turn left and then cross under the highway.
3. Turn onto FR-9030.
4. Stay left and turn onto Mason Lake Road (FR-9031).

You’ll then see the parking lot.

Hannegan Pass

Hannegan Pass is about 10 miles (16.09 km) roundtrip, and has a gain of 3100 ft (944.88 m). The highest point of the hike is 6200 ft (1889.76 m).

If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, Hannegan Pass will be a great option. You’ll see several waterfalls on the trail and tall spruce trees. You won’t have to worry too much about getting a sunburn on this trail, as there will be lots of shade.

The hike will take you through meadows and heavily forested areas. The meadows will be full of vibrant colors in the fall that will take your breath away.

When you make it to the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Cascade range. You’ll be able to see Goat Mountain, Nooksack Ridge, and the High Divide.

To get to Hannegan Pass, follow these directions:

1. Drive on highway 542 for 46 miles (74.03 km).
2. Turn left onto road No. 32 just before the third crossing of Nooksack River Bridge.
3. Turn onto Ruth Creek Road and drive for about five miles (8.0405 km).

Lime Kiln

If you’re in the mood for a spooky Halloween hike in the fall, Lime Kiln will be a great choice.

This hike is 7 miles (11.27 km), has a gain of 625 ft (190.5 m), and the highest point is 750 ft (228.6 m). This trail was the inspiration for a short story called “Ethan Brand” that Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about a madman.

Throughout the hike, you’ll find yourself immersed in a thick, mossy forest, and you might also find some historical artifacts. The lime kiln on the trail still stands and makes for a great photo op.

Furthermore, hikers will pass by a winding river that will be the highlight of the trip, so in combination with the falling leaves, you won’t get a better view than this.

To reach Lime Kiln’s parking lot, follow these directions:

1. Head south on Granite Avenue.
2. Take a left turn onto Pioneer Street.
3. Turn onto Waite Mill Road.

You should then see a sign for the trail; in about 500 feet (152.4 m), you’ll arrive at the parking lot.

Esmeralda Basin

This trail is a 7-mile (11.27-km) hike with a gain of 1750 ft (533.4 m). The highest point is 5960 ft (1816.60 m).

Esmeralda Basin is a trail that doesn’t fall short on the scenery scale. The hike starts in an old forest with spruce trees looming over you. Once you start climbing a bit, you’ll start seeing a bit more color on the trees.

You’ll want to take your camera out as you pass the meadows along the trail. The area is full of wildflowers and colorful trees. The jagged rocks of Esmeralda Peaks are also a sight that will be hard to forget.

If you want to take two days to make the trip, you can bring your tent and stay at one of the campsites, and you can take your dogs along with you too.

Snoquera Falls Loop

If you’re looking for a quiet and easy hike, Snoquera Falls Loop will be a great choice.

The hike is about 4 miles (6.44 km), has a gain of 975 ft (297.18 m), and the highest point is 3100 ft (944.88 m). When you first start hiking, greenery will be all you see; the mossy forest floor and lush spruce trees will make for a refreshing first few miles.

You’ll also view jagged rock faces with vibrant fall trees scattered around the area, and the beautiful roaring waterfalls along the trail will come alive again in the fall.

Heather Park

This 10-mile (16.09 km) hike is no easy feat. However, the vast array of fall colors will make it worthwhile. Heather Park trail has a gain of 3940 ft (1200.91 m), and its highest point is 5740 ft (1749.55 m).

The Heather Park trail will lead you to a beautiful alpine parkland with hundreds of lush trees and greenery. The mossy trails will be just as vibrant in the fall and look gorgeous alongside the fall leaves.

The trail is well-maintained, so it won’t be too difficult of a climb. Furthermore, the trail is very easy to follow since there are no forks or sudden turns in the trail.

To find Heather Park, follow these directions:

1. Turn south onto Race Street from Port Angeles.
2. Head to the Olympic National Park.
3. Turn right onto Hurricane Ridge Road and drive until you find the “Trailheads Heather Park” sign.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide has helped you choose a fall hike near Seattle.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and Seattle has dozens of great hikes to choose from, especially ones that aren’t even on many people’s radar.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Seattle by Andrew Weber and Bryce Stevens will be a great resource for those who want to check out even more hikes.