Top 10 Forests Near Seattle You Should Visit
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Top 10 Forests Near Seattle You Should Visit

If you are someone who loves to explore forests and parks there are a bunch of beautiful forests near Seattle you can visit. Each place has its beauty from the tall mountains of Mount Rainier to the peaceful waters of Green Lake Park these are perfect destinations for nature enthusiasts, adventurous people, and history lovers.

In this article, you will find ten must-visit parks and forests near Seattle. Let’s see each forest and park in detail. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, this article will help you find the best outdoor spots near Seattle.

Top 10 Forests Near Seattle

Forests near Seattle are known for their rich, green surroundings and stunning natural landscapes. Here is the list of top forests near Seattle you can visit.

1. Olympic National Park

View of Olympic National Park which is one of the most beautiful forests near Seattle

Quick Facts

  • Location: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, United States
  • Size: 922,651 acres 
  • Established: 29 June 1938

Key Attractions

Olympic National Park is located near Seattle, where you will find diverse ecosystems like rainforest, alpine, and coastal areas. Also do not forget to check out for Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and Western hemlock trees. 

You will encounter wildlife such as Roosevelt elk, mountain goats, and black bears, along with birds like bald eagles, marbled murrelets, and spotted owls. Keep track of marine life, including whales, sea otters, and tide pool creatures.

You will enjoy hiking on popular trails like the  Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest Trail, and Sol Duc Falls, or try backcountry camping with the proper permits. 

Do not miss the chance to visit rainforests like Hoh, Quinault, Queets and Bogchiel rain forests. You can also kayak on Lake Ozette and Lake Crescent, the park’s rivers, and coastal areas. 

In winter you can experience cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Hurricane Ridge, and include winter camping in your plan for a unique adventure.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Monday-Sunday 24 hours

Entry fees:

PassPrice
Standard Pass$15.00–$30.00
Annual Pass$55.00
America the Beautiful Pass (includes Senior Passes)FREE–$80.00

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit www.nps.gov

Phone: +1 360-565-3130

Nearby hotels

3-star: www.olympicnationalparks.com

2-star: olympicviewinn.com

2. Discovery park 

Woods near the beach and clean and clear water

Quick Facts

  • Location: Situated in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle.
  • Size: 534 acres
  • Established:1973

Key Attractions

Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest green forest. It includes diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. You will enjoy meadows, forests, dunes, streams, cliffs, and two miles of tidal beaches along Puget Sound.

You will discover beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains, Cascade, and Elliott Bay. The park is filled with diverse wildlife and is a perfect spot for birdwatching.

You can explore several trails in Discovery Park. The 2.8-mile Loop Trail provides a tour of the varied landscapes. For waterfront access, the Beach Trails lead to North and South Beach. The Hidden Valley Trail is perfect for an isolated hike.

If you love to explore historic and cultural sites these sites are perfect spots for you. West Point Lighthouse is an iconic spot, built in 1881, at the park’s westernmost point. The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center offers Native American art and cultural events.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Open Monday-Sunday 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM.

Entry fees: Free

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit www.seattle.gov

Phone: +1 206-386-4236

Nearby hotels

4-star hotel: www.ihg.com

3-star hotel: mayflowerpark.com

                    www.warwickhotels.com

2-star hotel: greentortoise.net 

                    www.belltown-inn.com

3. Green Lake Park 

Clean and clear water of river and trees near the river

Quick Facts

  • Location: 7201 East Green Lake Dr N, Seattle, WA 98115
  • Size:  323.7 acres
  • Established: 1905

Key Attractions

Green Lake Park is a must-visit spot in Seattle as it offers acres of green space and lots of activities. Whether you enjoy boating, swimming, jogging, or wandering along the walking path, this park has it all.

You can also enjoy water activities like windsurfing or kayaking on the lake’s serene waters. Don’t miss the roller skating rink, which is famous among locals.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, the park is filled with flora and fauna, including rare fishes and birds. You will also find basketball and tennis courts, and a play area for children with slides, swings, a giant sandbox, and more. It is recommended by locals to visit during the fall to witness the colorful leaves.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Monday-Sunday- 6:00 am-8:00 pm.

Entry fees: Free

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit seattle.gov/parks/allparks

Phone: +1 206-684-4075

Nearby hotels

4-star: www.marriott.com

3-star: executivehotelseattle.com

           www.warwickhotels.com 

2-star: www.hilton.com

4. Lincoln Park 

There is a bench and beautiful view of water and walking space near the river

Quick Facts

  • Location: 8011 Fauntleroy Wy SW, Seattle, WA 98136, United States
  • Size: 135 acres  
  • Established: 1922

Key Attractions

Lincoln Park located near Seattle, settled on Puget Sound just north of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. There are picnic spots, playfields, cycling tracks, baseball fields, tennis courts, etc.

The main attraction is the bathhouse and the heated saltwater pool gives you a unique swimming experience. Trail One and Trail Two offer you the best views of beaches, marine wildlife, and rich greenery. 

The park has a cable ride, treehouse, new play equipment, and an interactive plaza with information on migratory birds. This place is a perfect mixture of nature and recreational activities.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Monday-Sunday 4:00 am-8:00 pm

Entry fees: parks.sa.gov 

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit seattle.gov/parks/allparks

Phone: +1 206-684-4075

Nearby hotels

4-star: www.citizenm.com/hotels

3-star: executivehotelseattle.com 

2-star: www.americanhotelseattle.com

5. Schmitz Preserve Park 

Road is covered with shadow of tall and strong trees

Quick Facts

  • Location: 5551 SW Admiral Wy, Seattle, WA 98116, United States
  • Size: 53.1-acre  
  • Established: 1908

Key Attractions

In Schmitz Preserve Park you will enjoy an old-growth forest with rich vegetation and tall trees along with a beautiful ravine and creek. The park offers a network of walking and hiking trails, some with accessibility features.

There are open spaces and picnic tables for family gatherings, as well as areas for quiet relaxation.

The park is home to native plants like mosses, ferns, Western red cedar, Douglas fir, and Bigleaf maple. Wildlife includes woodpeckers, songbirds, raccoons, owls, squirrels, occasional deer, and various insects and amphibians.

Schmitz Preserve Park Trail and Admiral Way Trail are the best spots for hiking. The park is also great for plant identification, bird watching, photography, and artistic inspiration.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Monday-Sunday- 6:00 am-10:00 p.m.

Entry fees: Free

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit www.seattle.gov/parks

Phone: +1 206-684-4075

Nearby hotels

4-star: www.hilton.com

3-star: executivehotelseattle

           www.bestwestern.com  

2-star: www.grovewestseattle.com 

6. Mount Rainier National Park 

Beautiful view of mountain which is in white color and pink flowers on the trees

Quick Facts

  • Location: Washington, United States 
  • Size: 236,380.89 acres 
  • Established: 2 March 1899

Key Attractions

You will experience diverse ecosystems, from old-growth forests to meadows, home to black bears, elk, mountain goats, and over 140 bird species.

You can enjoy hikes like the 93-mile Wonderland Trail, Paradise Meadows, and Skyline Trail.  For stunning summer wildflower and winter snow sports, you can visit paradise, and explore exhibitions at the Jackson Visitor Center. 

At Sunrise, the highest point accessible by car, you will find beautiful views and many trailheads. The park offers camping at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh and historic lodges like Paradise Inn. You can also grab a meal or check out the iconic architecture.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Open 24 hours

Entry fees: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit www.nps.gov

Phone: +1 360-569-2211

Nearby hotels

3-star: www.elodging.net/cresttrail  

2-star: mtvlodge.com

           www.logecamps.com

7. Capitol State Forest 

Quick Facts

  • Location: Olympia, WA 98512, United States
  • Size: 110,000-acre
  • Established: 1955

Key Attractions

If you love outdoor activities Capitol State Forest is a perfect spot. It offers various activities such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, off-road vehicle (ORV), and camping. 

You will find a network of over 150 miles of trails, including popular spots like the Fall Creek Trailhead and Mima Falls Trailhead. The forest provides several campgrounds, including the Margaret McKenny Campground and the Middle Waddell Campground. The park also provides facilities like picnic tables, restrooms, and fire pits. 

As you explore the forest, you will discover diverse wildlife, including deer, black bears, elk, and various bird species. The vegetation includes evergreen forests and meadows. It shows the rich biodiversity of the Pacific Northwest. 

Capitol State Forest is also a popular spot for fishing and hunting. Hunting seasons are regulated, and permissions for such activities are mandatory.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm.

Entry fees: Discover Pass

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit www.dnr.wa.gov

Phone:+1 360-825-1631

Nearby hotels

3-star: www.hilton.com

           www.wyndhamhotels.com

2-star: www.marriott.com

           www.ihg.com

8. Carkeek Park 

Rail track and beautiful view of clean and clear water

Quick Facts

  • Location: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177, United States
  • Size: 216 acres
  • Established: 1918

Key Attractions

The park offers educational programs, a picnic spot, and spaces for outdoor parties as well. The Pipers Canyon Story Trail is one of the popular trails but there are also other short trails, which you can access. Also, you will witness some of the inner Northwestern Seattle areas.

Children can enjoy a gala time at the unique salmon-themed play area and learn about the Piper Orchard’s history.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Monday-Sunday-6:00 am-8:00 pm

Entry fees: Free 

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit seattle.gov/parks/allparks/carkeek-park

Phone: +1 206-386-4236

Nearby hotels

4-star hotel: graduatehotels.com

3-star hotel: www.hilton.co

                  www.marqueen.com

9. Ginkgo Petrified Forest

Quick Facts

  • Location: 4511 Huntzinger Rd, Vantage, WA 98950, United States 
  • Size: 124-acre
  • Established: 1935

Key Attractions

You will find a variety of fossilized trees, including maple, ginkgo, and fir, preserved in stone. At the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center, you can explore exhibitions that explain the process of petrification, various petrified wood specimens, and the geological history of the area. 

The center also provides information on the region’s prehistoric climate and environment. The park includes many hiking trails, such as the popular Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail, a 1.25-mile loop that takes you past significant petrified wood sites. 

The park offers stunning views of the Columbia River and nearby landscape. Moreover, its geological treasures, the park is home to various wildlife species, coyotes, including deer, and numerous birds.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Summer: 6:30 am-Dusk & Winter: 8:00 am-Dusk

Entry fees: Annual Pass: $30 

                  One-day Pass: $10

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit parks.wa.gov

Nearby hotels

3-star: www.bestwestern.com

2-star: www.wyndhamhotels.com

10. Woodland Park Zoo 

A bird with colorful beak sitting on a branch of tree

Quick Facts

  • Location: 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
  • Size: 92 acres 
  • Established: 1899

Key Attractions

Woodland Park Zoo situated near Seattle, offers a range of exhibitions and events. You will see The African Savanna features zebras, giraffes, lions, and ostriches in a grassland setting.

You can also explore The Tropical Rain Forest, which houses jaguars, tropical birds, and gorillas,  while the Northern Trail focuses on grizzly bears, gray wolves, and elk.

The Australasia exhibit includes kangaroos, emus, and wallabies. Zoomazium provides an indoor space for children.

Annual events include a summer concert series, ZooTunes, WildLights, a winter holiday light display, and Pumpkin Bash, a Halloween event with pumpkin treats for animals and festive activities for visitors.

Hours and Entry Fees

Hours: Monday – 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

           Sunday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Entry fees: May – September: Child (3 – 12 years): USD 12.25, Adult: USD 19.95

                  October – April: Child (3 – 12 years): USD 9.25, Adult: USD 13.75

                  Ages 0 to 2 – Free

Contact Information

For more information, you can visit www.zoo.org

Phone:+1 206-548-2500

Nearby hotels

4-star hotel: www.ihg.com/crowneplaza

3-star hotel: mayflowerpark.com 

                    www.warwickhotels.com

2-star hotel: greentortoise.net

                    www.belltown-inn.com

Forests near Seattle offer unique experiences. From the ancient trees of Ginkgo Petrified Forest and the diverse ecosystems of Olympic National Park to the extensive trails of Capitol State Forest and the beautiful vistas of Discovery Park

Mount Rainier National Park offers beautiful views, and Woodland Park Zoo offers wildlife viewing. These destinations show the state’s natural beauty and diverse recreational activities.

Urban parks like Green Lake Park and Lincoln Park offer relaxation and recreation while Schmitz Preserve Park and Carkeek Park provide serene, educational experiences.

Tips for Visiting Forests Near Seattle

Here are some tips you should take into consideration before visiting to forests near Seattle:

1. Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit the forests near Seattle vary with the seasons. In spring and summer, you will enjoy mild weather and rich greenery. In fall you will find stunning foliage and beautiful landscape. In winter, higher-elevation areas provide opportunities for snow activities. 

2. Safety Considerations

While hiking it is important to stay on marked trails and be cautious of wildlife to ensure your safety. Check the weather conditions before visiting and carry a map for directions.

3. Others

Remember to Wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing. Carry enough water, a rain jacket, snacks, and a first-aid kit for safety.

FAQs

1. What is the famous forest near Seattle?

Quinault Rain Forest is home to the world’s largest Sitka spruce tree that is more than 1,000 years old. It’s 191-feet-high with a 96-foot spread. Quinault also has several waterfalls that are very accessible from the road, including Merriman Falls along the South Shore Road.

2. What national forest is closest to Seattle?

A short distance from Seattle, the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest beckons nature enthusiasts. As the closest national forest to Seattle, it’s a hub for diverse outdoor activities, from serene hikes to thrilling skiing adventures

3. Does Seattle have a lot of forests?

Seattle’s urban forest includes an estimated 4.35 million trees and tree-like shrubs.

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