Five Nearby Hiking Trails to Check out This Spring

Some state-managed parks, wildlife areas, recreation land, boat launches, and natural areas will reopen for day-use activities on May 5, along with some trails and parks managed by the Department of Natural Resources, meaning Ten Trails residents can get back to spending more time in the great outdoors! If you and your family are looking for some picturesque nearby hikes for varying levels of ability, we have provided a few to explore. The Washington Trails Association has provided a thorough list of helpful tips for families who are looking to recreate responsibility. Please visit their website prior to embarking on your hike to review the tips, and be prepared that there’s a chance that some hiking trails and facilities may be closed when you arrive.

South Access Road | Issaquah Alps

The South Access Road Trail is the most direct route to summit Squak Mountain. This nearby mountain is one of the few places left in King County where visitors can walk through a preserved mountain rainforest. Because the land was privately owned for many years, much of the old growth forest remains and can be observed from the trail. The South Access Road Trail is 5.5 miles in length with an elevation gain of 1,606 feet.

Little Si Trail

Short but offering spectacular views, Little Si is the companion trail to the longer and steeper, Mount Si Trail. Little Si is 3.7 miles in length with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. The rocky trail is popular with local hikers and is best accessed early in the morning to avoid crowds. Like with all Washington State trails, visitors need to display a Washington Trails Discover Pass on their vehicle when parking to hike Little Si.

Tiger Mountain Trail

Tiger Mountain Trail encompasses 15 miles of trail that extends from north to south through the Tiger Mountains with many cross trails to explore. Ten Trails families can spend days exploring the trails and its many hidden gems like Lone Rock, Custer’s Bridge and Wally’s Glen. Make a fun family game out of spotting local wildlife or counting the trail’s many small bridges and creeks.

Chybinski Loop Trail 

Chybinski Loop Trail is located in the Squak Mountain/Cougar Mountain corridor. The trail is 7.7 miles total roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet. Hikers looking for a longer loop can also access nearby trails like the Bullitt Fireplace Trail or the Coal Mine Trail. No passes or entry fees are required to access this trail.

May Valley Loop 

Located just outside of Issaquah in the Issaquah Alps, May Valley Loop Trail offers hikers gorgeous views of the city’s downtown. The trail connects with Squak Mountain State Park which features a .3 mile Pretzel Tree Trail that is perfect for little kids to explore with signs that provide a self-guided interpretive walk about the surrounding ecosystem. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043