Paths to unknown adventures await you just minutes from the Seattle suburbs. Hundreds of miles of trails start on or near the Mountains to Sound Greenway and range in length and difficulty - some are great for day trips and others will take you deep into the backcountry. From hikes through suburban areas to mountain hikes high above civilization, you'll find dramatic forest and alpine scenery.
The backbone trail in this recreation network is the John Wayne Pioneer Trail just south of North Bend (38 miles from Seattle). This converted rail/trail crosses the mountains on a wide and gentle slope and includes a 2.3-mile tunnel under the Snoqualmie Summit. This trail is especially popular with bicyclists and equestrians. At the Snoqualmie Summit, you will find access to the Pacific Crest Trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Taking the trail northward, you will enter the marvelous Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and spectacular high alpine country, dotted with hundreds of small lakes and profuse displays of wildflowers. You may notice a feeling of complete seclusion in this fantastic landscape only an hour from Seattle.
Travelers Hike Above the Trees (WA) [2]
Wildlife lovers will delight in many of the hiking areas near the byway. The Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is the largest wild park in an urban area in America (4000 acres). Wind through wetlands and forests, and pass 19th Century coal mining shafts and concrete foundations on this trail. Another park, the Squak Mountain State Park, offers excellent hiking because its 2,000 wooded acres are a first-rate wildlife habitat. The Tiger Mountain State Forest has the state's most heavily used trails. Trails allow you to wind through 13,000 acres of working forest and conservation area. The two access points are just 20 and 40 minutes from Seattle.
Looking Down on Rattlesnake Lake (WA) [3]
At 4,190 feet, Mt. Si towers over the town of North Bend and is a favorite hiking destination with its strenuous eight-mile round-trip trail to the summit or its five-mile round-trip trail to Little Si. Across the valley from Mt Si., the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail climbs climbs easily for 2-miles (1,175 feet in 1 mile) from Rattlesnake Lake through classic western Washington forests to rock outcrops where you will find sweeping views of the Central Cascades and Snoqualmie Valley.
If you are a backcountry hiker searching for peace and solitude, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, on the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, has a variety of trails that wind among over 100,000 acres of both ancient and recently harvested forests. The valley is minutes from North Bend, but is lightly visited. Cross the unpaved, 12-mile road and footbridge to find access to miles of backcountry trails. Backcountry hikers will fall in love with the Washington Outback. Overnight camping is available in a new Forest Service campground at the end of the road.
Fantastic adventures are at your fingertips on the Mountains to Sound Greenway. Countless paths lead to little known destinations high above the cities and towns along the byway.
