The Seattle space affords spectacular climbing along with your canine inside a 90-minute drive of the town! Get insider suggestions for pet pleasant climbing 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 significantly spectacular canine pleasant climbing, with out having to drive greater than ninety minutes (visitors allowing, in fact!). And the Washington Trails Affiliation has top-of-the-line climbing web sites and apps I’ve ever used, permitting you to avoid wasting favourite hikes and entry climbing data even whenever you’re offline.
A number of Fb teams additionally present sage recommendation about present path circumstances and different data. For insider recommendations on particular hikes or climbing generally try Washington Hikers and Climbers, PNW Outside Girls Group, or Canines within the Cascades.
It will be simple to assemble a listing of 30 wonderful canine pleasant climbing areas close to Seattle. However as an alternative I’m sharing my all-time favorites for year-round adventures.
Cougar Mountain
Situated within the Issaquah Alps, the three,100-acre Cougar Mountain park has a community of 36 miles of canine pleasant climbing 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, vegetation, and berries, in addition to hunt recreation, this grew to become a mining space after European settlers arrived. And within the 20th century logging operations took over.
The US navy utilized the forest for 2 lively missile websites throughout the Chilly Conflict in an effort to shield the Puget Sound from potential airstrikes.
Lastly, within the late Nineteen Sixties, King County took management of the land and developed it into the park that’s there at the moment. A number of artifacts from the mining days nonetheless seem on numerous trails, together with displays, a concrete dam, a coated 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 best peak within the park is Wilderness Peak at 1,595 ft, and the paths differ in size and problem from vast simple paths to serpentine uphill challenges.
Data on Cougar Mountain is simple to seek 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
If you happen to’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 12 months, the snow can stay nicely into spring. I did this hike in late Might a couple of years in the past and crossing the snowfields was a bit unnerving with out spikes and poles. And the lake was nonetheless nearly utterly coated in snow and ice!
The path is well-maintained and never terribly demanding, gaining 1,800 ft within the 7.5 miles roundtrip. A NW Forest Go is required, so you’ll want to decide one up earlier than heading out.
One of many highlights of this hike just isn’t removed from the car parking zone — the speeding turquoise waters of Humpback Creek. Earlier than crossing the bridge, reap the benefits of the good photograph opp on the rocks alongside the water. And take a second to admire the cascading falls tumbling downstream.
After crossing a couple of 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 cross by the slopes, Annette Lake just isn’t far past. There are a number of spots to take pleasure in a picnic lunch, or perhaps a swim when you’re up for a chilly shock!
Franklin Falls
Franklin Falls is a pleasant, simple hike simply off 1-90 that’s good for freshmen and people climbing with children. The 2-mile leisurely path ends at a 135-foot waterfall that cascades between the freeway viaducts. A NW Forest Go is required to park within the heaps and hike the paths.
READ MORE ⇒ Ideas for Mountaineering With Canine
A brief, steep path with a handrail guides hikers proper as much as the waterfalls. The spray is heavy and rocks may be fairly slippery, so take care. And produce a wipe in your digital camera lens, or all of your pictures shall be cloudy!
For a particular deal with, go to Franklin Falls throughout the winter months when the falls are frozen. You’ll should analysis the very best path entry whenever you go as a result of the snow can drive car parking zone and/or path detours. The above-mentioned Fb teams may be of nice help.
Deliver 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 throughout the winter, so go slowly and take small steps whereas hanging onto the wire rail.
This can be a common hike, so arrive early, even within the winter. Or, higher but, head there on a weekday.
Cherry Creek Falls
Only a brief drive outdoors 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 positioning of a logging camp and is accessible any time of the 12 months.
With the massive community of pet pleasant trails, it’s additionally an excellent vacation spot for path runners trying 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 vast log stretched throughout the span.
Throughout the winter and spring, the creek is usually speeding and water ranges may be excessive, making the crossings a bit sketchy. Canine appears to have much more bravery and stability than their people, however watch out along with your pups if the water poses a hazard.
The path progressively descends to the 25-foot waterfalls and passes an outdated rusted automobile that makes a superb photograph 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 best way you got here.
This path may be muddy throughout the wet months, so carry waterproof footwear. Additionally observe that there isn’t any official car parking zone for the hike, as the primary half mile is situated on a courtesy easement on non-public property. There’s a shoulder simply earlier than the path head the place you’ll be able to go away the automobile. Don’t park the place indicators point out “non-public highway” or you can be ticketed.
Ira Spring Path At Mason Lake
Named for one among 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 important — 2,420 ft in simply over three miles. However the rocky ridges provide unbelievable views of Mt. Rainier to take your thoughts off the climb. After summiting the excessive level of the hike at 4,320 ft, the path descends into Mason Lake.
There’s ample area to discover a shady spot for a picnic. Or perch atop one of many large boulders to soak within the sunshine. Canine will take pleasure in enjoying fetch or cooling off within the turquoise lake.
Tenting can also be doable on the lake, full with designated tenting areas and a backcountry bathroom. Earlier than your go to, decide up a NW Forest Go, which is required for parking and using the paths.
READ MORE ⇒ Tenting With Canine – A Newbie’s Information
Heather Lake
Accessible most any time of 12 months, Heather Lake is a hike for all seasons. Winter months imply fewer crowds – simply you’ll want to use your micro spikes! And fall brings good colours, because of all of the berry bushes.
This hike is nice for any stage of hiker in search of a average problem. The climb begins as quickly as you hit the path and winds by 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. Deliver waterproof footwear, as there are a couple of water crossings, together with a small waterfall that makes for a pleasant photograph cease.
Discover a good picnic spot, or proceed all the best way across the lake to soak up the total perspective. Within the winter, the boardwalk may be slippery, so be cautious.
Seize your NW Forest Go and arrive early to beat the crowds, particularly on weekends. Arriving on the car parking zone earlier than 9 provides you with a greater probability of getting the lake to your self. Actually, pack a hammock to take pleasure in a couple of moments of cling time earlier than everybody arrives!
I hope this put up offer you some new locations to discover when climbing along with your canine close to Seattle! Maybe we’ll see you out on the paths.
(Visited 13,700 occasions, 1 visits at the moment)
