4 Ways To Refresh Summer Hikes Close To Home

Many hikers look forward to hitting longer trails in summer when the sun is shining, temperatures warm up and the days are long. But as someone with a tighter schedule and a younger kid at home, I don’t always want to invest half a day or more to hike, especially when it’s hot out and I have to consider the logistics and safety factors of being outdoors that long in the sun.

When it feels just a bit too warm, or when wildfires bring smoke to the state, I look a bit closer to home for a fun outing that pairs hiking with local treats. Whether you're a hardcore hiker who wants to stay safe and cool on a hot day, a neighborhood walker looking to freshen up your trip or someone like me who gets out when I find a rare free moment, these refreshing ideas are for you!

I love enjoying the cool air under a forest canopy near my house when temperatures rise. Photo by Erika (that's me!).

Pair Your Hike With a Drink or Food

I love mapping out urban hikes that run close to local businesses and stopping in for a treat, especially in the summer and fall. Admittedly I’m a big coffee fan so I’ll find a local park or trail that’s near a coffee shop and treat myself before or after I hike (usually before, I need instant gratification to function). A few I’ve recently visited were Discovery Espresso followed by a walk in Discovery Park (nice location close to the park!), Diva Espresso followed by a hike through Carkeek Park (my neighborhood favorite—shout out to the awesome people who work there), and Jewel Box Cafe near Point Defiance Park in Tacoma (a very cute cafe!). 

But of course there are all sorts of drinks and food to enjoy across the state near parks and trails, from breweries to cafes to restaurants of all sorts. See what’s near you and try something new on your next outing!

Is there anything better than a good cup of coffee paired with a walk in your local park? I'd argue not. Photo by Erika (that's me!). 

• Want to learn more about WTA's work in local parks and green spaces?
• Check out our Trail Next Door campaign and see what we're up to on neighborhood trails across the state.

Try A New Route

I love using hiking trails as a way to explore new corners of the city where I live. I’ve found a new appreciation for different neighborhoods by starting a walk off in a park, then winding my way through that part of town to link up another trail, or, as mentioned above, finding something to eat or drink. You can even write a trip report for multiple trails at once if you do end up wandering onto more than one trail during your outing. I find that exploring neighborhoods this way allows you to see that area in a whole new light, and it makes for fun half day adventures out of the heat and sun when you need breaks at cafes or in forested shade. 

Go For a Swim or Wade

The next time you want to stretch your legs and cool off, try finding a local park that lets you do a little hiking before you jump into a cool body of water. We have so many parks in Washington that end at lakes, rivers or even the ocean, and even though I don’t do much swimming myself, I know how refreshing it is to jump in on a hot day. Just keep in mind that most bodies of water in Washington are pretty cold all year round, even in the summer, so practice good safety (like using flotation, supervising children, and being aware of currents and tides) and have fun!

Bring A Book

Find a shady spot under a big tree, bring some snacks and water and enjoy a nice book while listening to nature. I love doing this in the summer and fall before it gets too rainy. Pairing reading with a short hike is probably the most relaxing activity I can think of, and it’s fairly easy to squeeze in during a lunch break or when you just have an hour to spare. Half the fun is finding the perfect spot to set up with your book. Sometimes, I’ll go on a little hiking scavenger hunt of sorts to find the perfect reading nook. 

Talk about the ultimate in relaxation. Reading is a great way to enjoy time in your local park. Photo by Brandie Robbins.

So, there you have it: A few fun reasons to get outside closer to home when the weather’s just a bit too hot, or when you just want a break from longer drives with the air conditioner on. Hitting your local trails is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and the physical and mental health benefits that urban hiking provides. I’d even argue there’s no shame in getting a coffee before and after a hike…but maybe that’s just my caffeinated brain talking. However you like to hike, there’s a trail next door waiting for you — with plenty of surprises around every corner. 

Have you been on a hike near your home? Share it with us and fellow hikers in a trip report — and make sure to include anywhere fun you stopped along the way.