Hiking around the surrounding areas is a favorite past time for the entire year but especially around the last days of August and Labor Day.  If you don’t know about the gems of hikes around Seattle, here’s a bit of a summary so that you can re-visit some areas you haven’t seen in awhile, or just enjoy new sites.  Some favorites to walk with loved ones or take an easy stroll are the greenlake loop,  Greenlake is a true Seattle gem with events during the summer on the water, you can rent paddleboards or kayaks to enjoy the calm water or just take a swim in designated areas.  It’s a Seattle staple and gathering place for all from busking musicians, artists painting along the water, or your avid workout enthusiasts.  If south Seattle is more of your neighborhood, Seward Park would be a great way to enjoy the serenity of the trees without travelling a long distance.  It covers all of the Bailey Peninsula and  has not changed in 100 years, being one of the oldest growth forests that exists in Seattle.  Discovery park, located in Magnolia, also boasts great trails made for a quick hike or run in the largest park in the city.  Before it was a park, it was Fort Lawton and has some spectacular views of Puget Sound and a beach.

If you feel the need to get out of the city for awhile, trails like Rattle Snake Ledge Trail offer a great hike of moderate difficulty with views of Rattle Snake Mountain and Lake.  The area was once used for logging and the trails we now hike on were first developed by the loggers who inhabited Seattle.  Mount Si offers an alternative to Mount Rainier  and is 8 miles around with a moderate difficulty.  It’s beautiful during this time of year and in the legends of the Snoqualmie people, it was the body of the moon fallen to the earth through the trickery of the fox and bluejay.  Its got breathtaking views and a worthwhile trip to take in the early morning.  Wallace falls is another destination that makes you feel as if you have left the city far behind.  It is located on the west side of the Cascade mountains.  Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are leashed and its best to go from April until November.  All in all, Seattle shines in Summer and before the sunny days take a turn for rain, it’s worthwhile to explore all the area has to offer.