Head to these 21 Seattle-area hikes using public transit
Not only does Seattle have awesome hiking, both in the city and nearby, it also has a great transit system, with its Link Light Rail, King County Metro bus system, Washington State Ferries, Trailhead Direct and more.
Photo by wafflesnfalafel.
If you're hoping to hit the trails without hopping in the driver's seat, check out some of these hikes in the Seattle area accessible by public transit! (Note that the Trailhead Direct only operates in the summer.)
All directions given below start from downtown Seattle.
Link Light Rail
The Link Light Rail has 2 lines: the 1 Line and the 2 Line. The 1 Line runs from Lynnwood at the north end to Federal Way at the south end. The 2 Line runs from Lynnwood at the west end to Redmond at the east end. Both lines overlap from Lynnwood to International District/Chinatown station.
If you've got a pair of binoculars, definitely take them on to Marymoor Park. Photo by CourtHiker.
If wildlife is your thing, head to Marymoor Park! There's much birdwatching to be had on its 4 miles of trails, and it's right next to the Link Light Rail station.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 2 Line toward Downtown Redmond to Marymoor Village station.
Mercer Slough is a great hike for either a sunny or gloomy day. Photo by Outdoor Nancy.
Mercer Slough is a wetland with great hiking for all ages. The Link will drop you off right at the Blueberry Farm side of the park, where you can hike the 1.1-mile Heritage Loop, or continue to explore the rest of the park.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 2 Line toward Downtown Redmond to South Bellevue station. Head south out of the station and left on the trail into the park.
Eastrail can be hiked or biked. Photo by wafflesnfalafel.
Eastrail is still a work in progress, but it is planned to eventually be a 42-mile trail. A long segment of the long urban trail can currently be hiked/biked north from the Wilburton Link station to Woodinville.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 2 Line toward Downtown Redmond to Wilburton station.
There are several interesting art pieces at Luther Burbank Park; make sure to stop and check them out. Photo by ShutterbugFotos.
This small waterfront park is on the north end of Mercer Island, with 3 miles of trails that wind through the park and along the water. There's a playground for those with littles, as well as an off-leash dog park.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 2 Line toward Downtown Redmond to Mercer Island station. Walk north and cross N Mercer Way, then turn right to walk a short ways on N Mercer Way. Turn left onto 81st Ave SE. At the next intersection, turn right onto SE 24th St and walk to the end of the road.
Ravenna Park is a green oasis in the middle of Seattle. Photo by AustinEats.
Find some shade and escape the sun at Ravenna Park. The park dips below street level, so it's often cooler on the trail than outside of the park on a hot day.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 1 Line or 2 Line toward Lynnwood City Center to Roosevelt station. Walk east on NE 65th St for 0.2 mile (about 3 blocks), then turn right onto 15th Ave NE. Walk about 0.1 mile to the bridge; enter the park on the left.
The Union Bay Natural Area is a pop of green in the city. Photo by Alison Gale.
Right on the University of Washington campus lies this green haven, a sanctuary for much wildlife and plantlife. You'd never know this land used to be a landfill! Expect to encounter many birds (and birders!) here. When you're done, walk around the University of Washington — beautiful in its own right, though in a very different way.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 1 Line or 2 Line toward Lynnwood City Center to the University of Washington station. Walk north on Montlake Blvd NE about 0.5 mile, past the tennis courts, then turn right into the large parking lot. Cross to the other side of the parking lot to the path between the soccer field and track, and over a small bridge to the natural area.
King County Metro routes
King County Metro buses operate primarily on a number system.
Make sure to walk down to the beach at Discovery Park to check out the lighthouse. Photo by therealmchoy.
Discovery Park is a true gem, offering both a wide trail network that meanders through a beautiful forest and a long Puget-Sound-side trail with views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier. Walk right up to the West Point Lighthouse; at low tide, hikers can even walk around it on the beach.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take King County Metro route 24 toward West Magnolia to 34th Ave W & W Government Way, or route 33 toward East Magnolia to W Government Way & 36th Ave W.
If you're able to time it right, Volunteer Park is a great spot for blooming flowers dahlias. Photo by steffunny.
Home to the Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park Conservatory, a historic water tower, miles of trails, a small duck pond, an amphitheater with free summer shows and more, you're bound to find much to do at Volunteer Park, whether you're looking for an urban hike or something else.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take King County Metro route 10 toward Capitol Hill to 15th Ave E & E Prospect St or route 49 toward U-District Station Capitol Hill to 10th Ave E & E Prospect St.
Bridges and ponds make Kubota Gardens a picturesque spot for a hike. Photo by youcandoit.
When flowers are in bloom, the Kubota Gardens are a real treat for those seeking color. Many paths wander the gardens, where you can enjoy the bountiful flowers, koi ponds, bridges and even a small waterfall.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take King County Metro route 106 toward Renton via MLK Way S to Renton Ave S & 55th Ave S. The bus drops you off at the entrance.
Watching paragliders is a fun perk of hike to Poo Poo Point. Photo by mcblaine.
For a slight variation of the hike as written in our Hiking Guide, take the bus to the E Sunset Way trailhead on Tiger Mountain to hike to Poo Poo Point, a fun spot to watch paragliders take off on a clear day. Tiger Mountain has a huge trail network, so if you're looking for something significantly shorter/flatter or longer/steeper, you're sure to find it here, too.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take King County Metro route 554 toward Issaquah to E Sunset Way & Rainier Blvd S. Walk east along E Sunset Way for about 0.4 mile to the trailhead.
King County Metro: RapidRide
King County Metro has a line of RapidRide buses. They are named using a letter system.
The beachside trail at Lincoln Park is perfect for sunset colors. Photo by ATripp.
Lincoln Park has a great forested trail system right in West Seattle. You can also make your way to the beach and walk along the water, which has lovely views of the sunset.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the C Line toward West Seattle Alaska Junction to Fauntleroy Way SW & SW Rose St.
Rhododendrons, and many other flowers, bloom throughout Washington Park Arboretum. Photo by Muledeer.
Often just called "the arboretum," Washington Park Arboretum is a classic Seattle favorite. There are plenty of trails to walk, and when flowers are in season, pops of color dot many of the trails. Azalea Way is particularly popular during cherry blossom season.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the G Line toward Madison Valley to Madison St & Martin Luther King Jr Way E. Walk east up E Madison St to the park.
Boardwalks and trails make for pleasant hiking in Carkeek Park. Photo by cphamhike.
Head up north to Carkeek Park for forested trails with beach access. The park includes all of Piper's Creek, too, so if you enjoy your urban hikes with water features, this park is a great option.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the D line toward Ballard Uptown to NW 100th Pl & 7th Ave NW.
Seattle-area ferry system
Ferries from Seattle travel across the water to West Seattle, Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island.
Alki Trail is an incredible place to watch the sunset. Photo by tiffanyc.
Take a sunset stroll along West Seattle's long waterfront, and you won't regret it. The path is paved, making it accessible for those utilizing wheelchairs or strollers, and the trail has great views of the Seattle skyline on the eastern side.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the water taxi across Elliott Bay to West Seattle.
Pia the Peacekeeper greets visitors to Sakai Park. Photo by HikerVick.
Sakai Park is home to one of Seattle's famous trolls (and no, we're not talking about the world-famous historic Fremont Troll). Created by artist Thomas Dambo, Pia the Peacekeeper sits at the park, waiting for visiting park-goers to visit. The park also features wide trails that navigate to Sakai Pond.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the Washington State Department of Transportation's ferry to Bainbridge Island. Various Kitsap Transit bus routes from here have stops near the High School Road and Madison Ave N intersection next to the park, including 389, 390, 391 and 395.
Trailhead Direct: Mount Si route (summer only)
Trailhead Direct is operated by King County Metro, in partnership with King County Parks and the Seattle Department of Transportation. In the 2026 summer season, it will run on all weekends through Aug. 30, as well as on July 4.
Little Si
6.17.26: The trails and trailheads at Mount Si are temporarily closed for safety.
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Length
- 3.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
The viewpoint from the top of Little Si. Photo by Impromptu Disco.
For those who wish to head a little further out from Seattle, but may want a shorter adventure, head to Little Si. The hike is quite steep at points, but not too long, so you'll get a good workout in with great views, and might still get home in time for an afternoon nap.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take Trailhead Direct's Mount Si route to the Little Si trailhead.
Mount Si
6.17.26: The trails and trailheads at Mount Si are temporarily closed for safety.
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,150 feet
The views open up near the top of Mount Si. Photo by Hike2SeeIt.
Those seeking a challenge will find it in Mount Si. The hike to the point where the views really open up is relatively gradual, but an unwavering climb, so be prepared with plenty of water and snacks. The views will be worth it! (Note: The jays here are relentless and will definitely try to steal your snack. Please remember to not feed the wildlife!)
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take Trailhead Direct's Mount Si route to the Mount Si trailhead.
Teneriffe Falls
6.17.26: The trails and trailheads at Mount Si are temporarily closed for safety.
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,585 feet
Teneriffe Falls flow heavy all year round. Photo by msmit245.
Teneriffe Falls is a great hike for a hot day. It's not as long as some of the other hikes on this route, though still a climb, and is more shaded. The viewing area is small; be aware that it's a sketchy scramble to actually get close to the falls.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take Trailhead Direct's Mount Si route to the Mount Teneriffe trailhead.
Mount Teneriffe
6.17.26: The trails and trailheads at Mount Si are temporarily closed for safety.
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Length
- 13.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,800 feet
Mount Rainier looks huge from the Mount Teneriffe summit. Photo by Kristen H.
Looking for an all-day adventure? If you're a seasoned hiker already and plan to take the first Trailhead Direct bus of the morning, this might be your hike. Mount Teneriffe has incredible 360-degree views, and you'll have quite a ways to hike to get there.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take Trailhead Direct's Mount Si route to the Mount Teneriffe trailhead.
Trailhead Direct: Issaquah Alps route (summer only)
Trailhead Direct is operated by King County Metro, in partnership with King County Parks and the Seattle Department of Transportation. In the 2026 summer season, it will run on all weekends through Aug. 30, as well as on July 4.
Mount Rainier appears at Debbie's View. Photo by Pablito.
Margaret's Way, for the most part, is shaded and forested, so it's quite lovely on a hot day. There are a couple of viewpoints along Margaret's Way that allow for views, but the best view is at Debbie's View, where, with clear skies, you can look directly at Mount Rainier.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 1 Line (Link Light Rail) toward Federal Way to Mount Baker station, then take Trailhead Direct's Issaquah Alps route to the Margaret's Way trailhead.
Find shade and forested trails on Squak Mountain. Photo by Vera G.
A classic Issaquah Alps forest hike, the May Valley Loop is a great option if you're looking for something shaded and likely more quiet.
>> How to get there: From Downtown Seattle, take the 1 Line (Link Light Rail) toward Federal Way to Mount Baker station, then take Trailhead Direct's Issaquah Alps route to the Squak Mountain State Park stop.