Whether you’re looking for hikes near you, mountain biking and cycling trails, epic winter sports, and more — there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area.
Before heading out, we encourage you to check out these resources to help you #RecreateResponsibly to stay safe and care for our beloved outdoor spaces.
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Hiking | Mountain Biking | Cycling | Wildlife Viewing | Horseback Riding | Family-Friendly Fun | Water Sports | Winter Activities
Hiking
WTA Hiking Guide and Map
Our friends at the Washington Trails Association have an extensive interactive hiking map as well as trip reports and other great resources to help you hit the trails.
Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Seattle
This roundup from WTA features hikes that are not only close to the city, but also typically accessible year-round thanks to their lower elevation. They’re a great place to start!
Best Hikes Near Snoqualmie Pass
Check out this list from the Summit at Snoqualmie for 10 lesser-known trails near Snoqualmie Pass. These options make for great summer day trips!
Central Washington Hikes
Hike in the eastern half of the Greenway NHA near the cities of Ellensburg, Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald, Kittitas, and Thorp, with these recommendations from Central Washington Outdoor and the Kittitas County Chamber.
Snow-Free Hikes to Enjoy Year-Round
If you’d like a quick and easy guide to get out without special gear, use this itinerary to explore lower-elevation hikes around the Greenway NHA during the winter or any time of year!
Guided Hikes in the Issaquah Alps
The Issaquah Alps Trails Club leads guided hikes on a variety of topics all throughout the year. From logging history to geology and more — hit the trails and learn something new at the same time!
Mountain Biking
Learn from the Pros at EMBA
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance has you covered with info on where to go Mountain Biking, where to rent Mountain Bikes, what to wear, and more.
Ride the Summit Bike Park
The Summit Bike Park located at Snoqualmie Pass features lift-served access to a mix of technical downhill mountain biking trails and machine-built flow trails during the summer.
Central Washington Mountain Bike Trails
Bike and take in incredible views in the eastern portion of the Greenway NHA with these recommendations from Central Washington Outdoor and the Kittitas County Chamber.
Cycling
King County Leafline Trails
The Leafline Trails network encompasses more than 175 miles of regional trails in King County, connecting riders with flat, wide, and mostly paved pathways for commuting and recreation.
Cascade Bicycle Club
Visit the Cascade Bicycle Club’s website for local events, free group rides, adult bike education classes, and more.
Kittitas County Biking Trails
Check out this list from MyEllensburg for biking trails in Kittitas County. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, there’s a trail on the list for you!
Snoqualmie Valley Trail: Snoqualmie to Duvall Bike Ride
If you’re looking for a longer bike ride, check out this 20-mile itinerary along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Bike your way from Snoqualmie to Duvall during this one-day adventure!
Snoqualmie Valley Trail: Rattlesnake Lake to Snoqualmie Bike Ride
For a shorter option to explore the Snoqualmie Valley Trail by bike, opt for this itinerary that takes you from Rattlesnake Lake to Snoqualmie in just 10 miles.
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail
Check out this itinerary to ride the completed nine-mile section of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail from Seattle, across Mercer Island to Eastgate.
Wildlife Viewing
Department of Fish and Wildlife
Whether you’re looking for salmon, whales, or anything in between — WDFW has you covered with tips for safe and respectful wildlife viewing as well as where to go.
8 Places to See Birds in the Greenway
Check out this roundup of popular birdwatching spots across the Greenway NHA, featuring some unique spots and what kind of birds you might find there!
Flora and Fauna of Seattle’s Parks
This beautifully illustrated resource from Visit Seattle talks about some of Seattle’s best urban parks and what flora and fauna you can expect to see there when you visit.
Central Washington Birding
This roundup features popular spots in Central Washington for birding. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid birder, these spots are perfect for a birdwatching adventure!
Central Washington Wildlife Viewing
From low-impact trails to snowshoe treks, this list of wildlife viewing areas has all kinds of options for seeing wildlife in the Greenway NHA.
10 Birds to See in the Teanaway Community Forest
Interested in learning more about birding? Visit the Teanaway Community Forest and use this list to kickstart your birdwatching journey!
Horseback Riding
Central Washington Horseback Riding
Looking for equestrian-friendly trails in the Greenway NHA? Use this list from Central Washington Outdoor and the Kittitas County Chamber to plan your next horseback riding adventure!
Family-Friendly Fun
Hiking with Kids
Plan your next family adventure in the Greenway NHA! Check out this article from our friends at WTA for trails, tips, and volunteer opportunities for children of all ages.
Park Hopping With the Family
Park-hop your way through the Snoqualmie Valley with this family friendly itinerary that features riverside beaches, a 500-ft suspension bridge, and more!
10 Best Bike Paths for Seattle Area Kids on Wheels
Check out this list of family-friendly bike paths from Parent Map! These paved trails are perfect for bikers of all ages and abilities.
Water Sports
Central Washington On The Water
If you’re looking for a place to cool off this summer, this article has you covered! Explore different lakes, boat launches, and recreation areas in central Washington.
Kayaking Near Seattle
Visit an REI Co-Op adventure center near you to discover kayak tours, classes, and rentals. This article highlights where you can find them and popular locations to get on the water!
Top Kayaking Spots In and Near Seattle
Discover new kayaking spots around Seattle, with helpful details like where to park, nearby restaurants and activities, and descriptions of each kayaking route.
Winter Activities
The Summit at Snoqualmie
From Nordic skiing to sno-go bikes, the Summit at Snoqualmie is a one stop shop for all your adventures this winter.
Sno Parks
Explore WTA’s map of Washington Sno Parks to discover the most accessible and safe winter recreation areas near you!
Snowshoeing 101
Check out this article for everything you need to know about snowshoeing — where to go, what to wear, and even techniques for your first snowshoeing adventure.
Central Washington Winter Activities
Choose your own winter adventure with this list of sno parks, trails, and resorts from Central Washington Outdoor and the Kittitas County Chamber.
Central Cascades Winter Rec Council
Check out this volunteer-run resource covering non-motorized winter recreation in the I-90 corridor.
Snowmobiling
This resource from Washington State Parks provides information about how to get started with snowmobiling, including tips and where to go.
Photo Credits: Garfield Mountain from Camp Brown (Steven M Smith Photography); Mountain biking (Jason Hummel Photography); Teanaway Mountain Biking (Andrea Crawford); Palouse to Cascades Biking (Merrill Images); Snoqualmie Valley Trail (Merrill Images); Cyclists (Jason Hummel Photography); Ski Lift (Merrill Images); Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling (Jason Hummel Photography); Mt. Stuart Ski Photo (Bryce HIll); Kayaking (Merrill Images); Bird Watching (ECOSS); Illustration by Lisel Ashlock; Elk (Merrill Images); Bird Book (Jason Hummel Photography); Toddler Hiking (Jason Hummel Photography); Kid on Bike (Merrill Images)
