Seemingly endless hours of attending class, study, and repeat is what the majority of us are experiencing as midterms just passed. So what are some things we could do to not only relax, but also get away from a computer screen and into fresh Washington air? Hike! Hiking is one of my favorite hobbies that I have done since I was two, and has been a constant love I have had ever since. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, some of the most beautiful and scenic hikes happen to be right here! Specifically in the Seattle/UW area, these are my go-to hikes for a scenic day out.
Mount Si
First up is Mount Si trail. This trail is about 8 miles with an elevation gain of 3150 feet. It was established as a conservation area in 1977, and now has over 100,000 annual visitors. Only about a 40 minute drive from Seattle, Mount Si has everything you could want and more, and is even dog friendly!
wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-si
Wallace Falls
This hike round trip is about 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1300 feet. This is one of my favorite not only hikes with a waterfall, but also making my top 10 favorites list. Hiking just to see the falls is a must, although the scenery along the way is just as beautiful. Also dog friendly, it is about 58 minutes away from Seattle.
wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/wallace-falls#hike-full-description
melakwa lake
Also about an hour from Seattle, Melakwa Lake totals in 4 miles (roundtrip), with an elevation gain of 1200 feet. The view of the lake is absolutely beautiful: one of my favorite hikes during the summer, taking a dip in the lake after at the end of the trail. Not only is it also dog friendly, it’s near the famous Snoqualmie Falls: a filming location for the cult-classic David Lynch masterpiece Twin Peaks!
wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/melakwa-lake#hike-full-description
mcclellan butte
Lastly is McClellan Butte. The longest of our hikes totaling in 10.5 miles total, with an elevation gain of 4073 feet. The trail is dog friendly, and also about 40 minutes from Seattle. Although this is the most steep of the four, the views at the end are very worth it. No water views with this one, but the summit views definitely make up for it.