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
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:
| Pass | Price |
| 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
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
2-star hotel: greentortoise.net
3. Green Lake Park
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
2-star: www.hilton.com
4. Lincoln Park
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
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
2-star: www.grovewestseattle.com
6. Mount Rainier National Park
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
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
2-star: www.marriott.com
8. Carkeek Park
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.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
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
2-star hotel: greentortoise.net
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.
