Fall might just be one of the best times to get outside in Washington.
Cooler temperatures, crisp mornings and changing leaves make September and October perfect for exploring the trails around the Puget Sound. And you don’t need to tackle a strenuous mountain hike to enjoy the season.
From Bellevue and Renton to Snohomish and Black Diamond, we’ve rounded up 10 approachable hikes and nature walks perfect for soaking up a little fall color close to home.
Discovery Park Loop Trail | Seattle
You don’t have to leave Seattle to find a peaceful fall escape. Discovery Park’s Loop Trail winds through forests, open meadows and scenic bluffs overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
The 2.8-mile loop has just 140 feet of elevation gain, making it an approachable hike for families and anyone looking for beautiful scenery without a strenuous climb. In fall, the mix of forest, golden grasses and sweeping water views makes this one especially worth adding to your weekend list.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: Families, fall scenery, birdwatching and Puget Sound views
Coal Creek Natural Area | Bellevue
You don’t have to leave Bellevue to feel like you’ve escaped into the forest.
Coal Creek Natural Area offers a wooded trail following Coal Creek, with bridges, stairs and plenty of classic Pacific Northwest scenery along the way. You can keep your outing relatively short or continue farther along the trail system.
Distance: Approximately 1.5–3 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
For residents around Newport Hills, this is an especially convenient way to squeeze a little outdoor adventure into an ordinary weekend.
Mercer Slough Nature Park | Bellevue
It’s hard to believe one of Bellevue’s largest natural areas is just minutes from downtown.
Mercer Slough Nature Park features wetlands, forests and a network of trails that can be combined into outings of different lengths. Choose a shorter loop for an easy morning walk or explore farther into the park.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: Wildlife watching and peaceful nature walks
Centennial Trail | Snohomish
For an easy fall outing with plenty of flexibility, head to the Centennial Trail in Snohomish County.
Following a former railroad corridor, the paved trail stretches for miles through a mix of wooded areas, farmland and classic Snohomish County scenery. Because the trail is relatively flat, you can make your outing as short or as long as you’d like—perfect for a casual morning walk, family bike ride or crisp fall afternoon outside.
September and October are especially beautiful as the surrounding trees begin changing color and cooler temperatures arrive.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: Walking, biking, families and enjoying fall colors
Maplewood Heights Park | Renton
Sometimes you don’t need an epic hike—you just need an hour in the woods.
Maplewood Heights Park in the Renton Highlands features a short forested trail that crosses a creek and becomes particularly pretty as the leaves begin changing.
At approximately 1.25 miles round trip, it’s an approachable neighborhood hike when you want some fresh air without making a full-day commitment.
Distance: Approximately 1.25 miles | Difficulty: Easy
Cedar River Trail | Renton
For an outing you can make as short or long as you’d like, head to the Cedar River Trail.
Following the Cedar River through Renton and beyond, the trail offers an easy way to get outside for a walk, run or bike ride while enjoying the changing season.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: Walking, running and biking
Black Diamond Open Space | Black Diamond
Living near Black Diamond means having some seriously beautiful outdoor recreation close to home.
Black Diamond Open Space encompasses more than 1,200 forested acres with wetlands, streams and an extensive network of non-motorized trails. With multiple trail options, you can choose your own adventure rather than committing to the entire network.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: Families, dogs on leash and exploring local forests
It’s an especially fitting weekend adventure for those exploring Village Towns at Ten Trails and the surrounding Black Diamond area.
Lake Sawyer Area | Black Diamond
Lake Sawyer is one of our favorite places to slow things down in the Black Diamond area.
Explore nearby walking areas and trails, enjoy views of the lake and take in the changing colors around the shoreline. It’s an easy way to combine a little movement with a relaxing fall afternoon.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: A casual weekend outing
Pair it with coffee or lunch in Black Diamond for an easy local fall day.
Lake Hills Greenbelt | Bellevue
For an easy nature escape on the Eastside, explore the Lake Hills Greenbelt.
The area winds through forests, wetlands, streams and lakes and connects with several surrounding parks and trails. Its relatively gentle terrain makes it approachable for a casual fall outing.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: Walking, wildlife viewing and families
Fall brings another bonus: changing leaves reflected across the area’s wetlands and lakes.
Gold Creek Pond | Snoqualmie Pass
If you’re ready for a short road trip, Gold Creek Pond delivers a lot of scenery without a difficult hike.
The approximately one-mile trail loops around a picturesque mountain pond surrounded by Cascade peaks. The relatively flat route makes it a favorite for families and anyone looking for mountain scenery without a major climb.
Difficulty: Easy | Perfect for: Families, photography and mountain views
Check current trail and road conditions before heading into the mountains, particularly later in fall.
Fall Adventures, Close to Home
One of the things we love most about living in the Puget Sound is how easy it is to get outside.
You can spend Saturday morning walking through a Bellevue forest, explore trails near Black Diamond in the afternoon or head toward the mountains for a completely different adventure—all without traveling far from home.
Conner Homes builds communities throughout the Puget Sound in places where parks, trails and outdoor recreation are part of everyday life. From Newport View and Richards Ridge in Bellevue to Maple Highlands in Renton, Village Towns in Black Diamond and Greenview Heights in Snohomish, there’s always somewhere new to explore.
So grab a jacket, lace up your walking shoes and enjoy one of the best seasons to experience the Pacific Northwest.
