Five must-visit state parks near Seattle for easy outdoor getaways

Seattle is one of the top destinations on the West Coast. But, along with urban amenities, Pacific Northwest food, arts and culture, it’s home to stunning outdoor adventures just beyond its city streets – explore forested trails, lakes, Puget Sound beaches, historic buildings, grottos and more at state parks within 90 minutes of downtown.

From Forests to Coastlines: Five State Parks to Visit Near Seattle

Saint Edward, 25 min.

What to do:

Explore the historic, 81,000 square-foot seminary building, designed by legendary architect John Graham in 1931.
Have a meal or a drink in this Late Romanesque Revival style building above Lake Washington, or plan to stay the night, since it’s now a boutique hotel.
Take some quiet time in a lush grotto or have a picnic in the park’s lovely orchard.

A large brick building in the Romanesque Revival style on a green lawn

Squak Mountain, 30 min.

What to do:

Hike, run or ride horses on 13 miles of winding trails.
First-time visitors will want to hike straight to the Bullitt Fireplace trail. An enormous stone fireplace – all that remains of a 1952 cabin – stands in the middle of a glen.
Practice the art of Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, a mindful way being in nature to maximize its health benefits – mentally and physically.
Get in the zone at a different frequency and rub elbows with locals or your neighbors on a vigorous trail run. This is a popular after-work spot for Seattle runners.

A stone fireplace sits in a clearing with a picnic bench.

Lake Sammamish, 30 min.

What to do:

Go kayaking for the first (or 500th!) time. The calm lake is a great spot to learn to paddle, and rentals are available June through October.
Take an easy hike along Issaquah Creek with a stop on the bridge to see if you can spot salmon swimming in the newly restored stream.
Look for great blue herons at the park’s heron breeding ground, called a “rookery.”

Birds take flight over a lake at sunset.

Camano Island, 80 min.

What to do:

Bring binoculars and try to spot passing whales (grays, and even orcas!).
Spend the night in a forested cabin with a view or a campsite by the water.
Head to Cama Beach State Park, just two miles away, and have a delicious meal at the Cama Beach Cafe with views of Saratoga Passage.

A child climbs on a piece of driftwood on the beach.

Mt. Pilchuck, 90 min.

What to do:

Make the 2,300-foot climb up the 2.7-mile, rocky trail – you’ll reach dramatic views of the North Cascades within half a mile!
Continue upward for views of Mount Rainier and the Olympic range.
Top out by scrambling on large granite boulders to a historic fire lookout with 360-degree views.
Bring headlamps and start early for an awe-inspiring sunrise over the North Cascades or go late for a fiery sunset across Puget Sound.
See magnificent fall colors from late September to early October.