The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Kitsap County

The Burke-Gilman Trail from Hiram M. Chittenden Locks to Golden Gardens Park offers a delightful urban escape, blending lush greenery with stunning waterfront views. This easy 1.9-mile (3.0 km) hike follows a smooth, paved path, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. You'll journey past the historic Lake Washington Ship Canal before reaching the expansive Puget Sound and the sandy shores of Golden Gardens Park, with the Olympic Mountains often visible in the distance.

Planning your visit is straightforward for this popular route. The trail is generally flat with only 46 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 46 minutes to complete. Parking is available at both ends, though Golden Gardens Park can get busy, especially on sunny days. Public transport options are also available in the surrounding Ballard area, making it easy to access this family-friendly hike.

This section of the Burke-Gilman Trail is part of the historic "Locks to Lakes Corridor," a former railroad route transformed into a beloved multi-use path. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll encounter unique features like the Salmon Life Cycle Sculpture, honoring the region's indigenous heritage. It's a fantastic option for an easy hike near Golden Gardens Seattle, offering both scenic beauty and a touch of local history.

The Useless Bay Tidelands Trail offers a uniquely serene coastal experience on Whidbey Island, where the primary path is the expansive, flat sandy beach itself. You'll walk past Double Bluff Beach, gazing out at the Puget Sound with the Olympic Mountains in clear view, and on a good day, even catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier. The bluffs towering above you tell a geological story, and the receding tide leaves behind fascinating ripple patterns, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape for this easy 2.0-mile (3.1 km) hike.

To make the most of your visit, you absolutely need to plan around low tide; this ensures the easiest walking conditions on hard-packed sand and opens up more of the tidelands for exploration. The trailhead is conveniently located near Double Bluff Beach, where you'll find restrooms and picnic facilities, making it a straightforward outing that takes approximately 47 minutes to complete.

Beyond the scenic views, the Useless Bay tidelands are a haven for wildlife, particularly for birdwatchers hoping to spot herons, eagles, and various shorebirds. The area's geological significance, with its ancient sediments and potential for fossilized mammoth bones within the bluffs, adds an intriguing layer to this easy, family-friendly trail, which has only 22 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain.

The Piper's Creek and South Ridge Trail offers a delightful journey through lush Pacific Northwest forests, where you'll be serenaded by the sounds of Piper's Creek. You'll traverse varied terrain, from gravel paths to natural forest floors, passing the historic Piper's Orchard and enjoying glimpses of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from higher points. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature without venturing far from the city.

This easy hiking route covers 3.6 miles (5.8 km) with 341 feet (104 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 34 minutes. While much of the trail is gentle, be ready for some moderate climbs, particularly towards the South Ridge. It's a year-round trail, but spring and summer offer wildflowers, and fall is prime for spotting salmon in the creek. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as sections can get muddy after rain.

Carkeek Park is a biodiversity hotspot, so keep an eye out for black-tailed deer, raccoons, and various bird species, including bald eagles. Piper's Creek itself is a vital salmon-bearing stream, making the fall salmon runs a truly special sight. The trail also provides access to a beach area via a pedestrian bridge, offering more views of the Sound.

The Alki Trail – Alki Trail loop from Schmitz Preserve Park offers a unique blend of Seattle's natural and urban beauty. You'll wander through the ancient, densely wooded ravine of Schmitz Preserve Park, admiring giant cedars and firs, before emerging onto the vibrant Alki Trail with its continuous coastal views of Puget Sound, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. This easy 4.2-mile (6.7 km) hike, with a minimal 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes, making it a perfect accessible outing.

Parking is usually available near Schmitz Preserve Park, but it can get busy, especially on weekends, so an early start is a good idea. The Alki Trail section is well-equipped with seasonal restrooms and plenty of cafes and restaurants along Alki Avenue, perfect for a post-hike treat. While the trail is enjoyable year-round, aiming for late spring through early fall will give you the clearest views and best weather for the waterfront portion.

This loop stands out for its dramatic ecological shift, transitioning from a preserved old-growth forest to a bustling urban waterfront within a single journey. Schmitz Preserve Park holds historical significance as an unlogged natural tract, while the Alki Trail passes landmarks like the Alki Point Lighthouse, reflecting the region's maritime past. It's a fantastic way to experience both the quiet natural history and the panoramic city vistas that define West Seattle.

The Alki Beach – Alki Beach loop from Schmitz Preserve Park offers a unique blend of Seattle's natural and urban beauty. You'll wander through the dense, old-growth forest of Schmitz Preserve Park, where towering Douglas firs and moss-covered logs create a serene, almost ancient atmosphere. The trail then dramatically shifts to the open waterfront of Alki Beach, providing expansive views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. This diverse scenery makes it a standout among family-friendly trails in Alki Beach, Seattle, offering a quick escape into nature without leaving the city.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hike, with a mere 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 57 minutes to complete. While the Alki Trail portion is smooth and accessible, the Schmitz Preserve Park section has uneven terrain, exposed tree roots, and can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. The trail is easily accessible within West Seattle, making it a convenient option for a spontaneous outing, though specific parking at Schmitz Preserve Park for Alki Beach loop isn't detailed.

What makes this route truly special is its transition from a rare urban old-growth forest to a vibrant coastal promenade. Schmitz Preserve Park is a vital remnant of Seattle's natural heritage, preserving a glimpse of what the region once looked like. Alki Beach itself holds historical significance as the landing place for Seattle's first white settlers, adding a layer of cultural context to the stunning panoramic views you'll enjoy.