4 Hikes with the BEST Views Less Than 30 Minutes to Issaquah
- Matt Miner,
- August 15, 2019
Located just southeast of Bellevue, Issaquah is a popular choice for people who need to work in Seattle or on the Eastside but who still want to stay close to the great outdoors. Now, we’re not talking about a few pretty parks. Issaquah is nestled right in between vast havens of adventure, and the city is sandwiched in between Cougar Mountain Regional Park, Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area, Tiger Mountain State Forest, Grand Ridge Park, and Lake Sammamish/Lake Sammamish State Park.
Plus, since Interstate-90 runs right through Issaquah, getting into Bellevue, Factoria, or Seattle is just about as easy as it gets. But enough about that! Like we already mentioned, Issaquah is in a prime location for adventuring. When you don’t want to drive too far off the beaten path but you still want the payoff of an *amazing* view at the end of your hike, there are a few must-visit hikes close to Issaquah that’ll give you just that!
View this post on Instagram
Poo Poo Point Trailhead on Tiger Mountain
- Distance from Black Nugget Rd: 11-min drive
- Trail distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip
- Highest point: 2,021 feet
Nestled at the base of Tiger Mountain, Poo Poo Point is memorable in part for its vast views at the top, but also, of course, for its unique name. According to the Washington Trails Association, the trail got its name from the steam whistles that could be heard in the area during its logging days… so, not much to do with poo, we hope you aren’t too disappointed! 😉
The trail winds up, up, and up… and then up some more, zig-zagging along the mountainside past lush forest that perfectly exemplifies the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. When you get to the “point,” relax and enjoy the big view. You might even see a paraglider launch!
For even more information (like maps and more details on what to expect), click here!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Rattlesnake Ledge
- Distance from Black Nugget Rd: 23-min drive
- Trail distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Highest point: 2,078 feet
As soon as you arrive at the Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead, you’ll be able to see the peak that you’ll be hiking to. But don’t get intimidated—with all of the beautiful views from the meandering trail that will get you there, you’ll reach the top in no time. (When you do get to the top though, be careful—people have fallen to their deaths from the ledge, and just as recently as 2018 a boy died from falling.)
That being said, once you see the stunning views for yourself, it might be easier to see why someone might get distracted taking photos up there. If you’re an early riser we hear the sunsets from the ledge are *divine*!
From the top you’ll be able to see Rattlesnake Lake, and this lake has some interesting history. In the early 1900s, the town of Moncton could actually be found around the north end of Rattlesnake Lake. Unfortunately, in 1911, Seattle started to build a dam close by, and Rattlesnake Lake started to flood. Today, there’s barely anything left of Moncton.
For even more information (like maps and more details on what to expect), click here!
View this post on Instagram
Mount Si Trailhead
- Distance from Black Nugget Rd: 23-min drive
- Trail distance: 8 miles roundtrip
- Highest point: 3,900 feet
According to the Washington Trail Association, Mount Si “falls in a kind of sweet spot for experienced and novice hikers alike: enough of a test for bragging rights, not so tough as to scare people away.” The trail is a popular spot to see climbers who are prepping to climb Mt. Rainier (so you’ll see them with their packed backpacks hustling up the mountain), to give you an idea of the challenge level.
When you reach the top, you’ll have a fantastic view of Snoqualmie Valley, Seattle, and the Olympic Mountains. It’s worth the trek!
For even more information (like maps and more details on what to expect), click here!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Mailbox Peak Trailhead
- Distance from Black Nugget Rd: 27-min drive
- Trail distance: 9.4 miles roundtrip
- Highest point: 4,822 feet
Out of the 4 hikes featured in this post, this one is definitely the most challenging and it also happens to be immensely popular. The WTA website warns that finding parking at the trailhead can be hard, so get there early and carpool. At the summit, you’ll see for yourself why this trail has the name it does—there’s a mailbox at the top, and who knows what treasures you’ll find inside!
For even more information (like maps and more details on what to expect), click here!
Featured image by Daniel Stockman via Flickr 
Want to know more?
CHAT WITH US
Matt Miner
Real estate guru and Seattle know-it-all
@https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCufEgIpNKrMvxdaGZ9w1I9wIn everything that I do as your REALTOR®, I have one guiding principle in mind: To make certain that your home-buying or selling experience is a happy, successful, wonderful life experience! We build trust and security with our clients using knowledge and transparency.
