The best walks and hikes around Clyde Hill
4.8
(80)
2,862
hikers
199
hikes
Hiking around Clyde Hill Washington explores an elevated residential community known for its scenic vistas and access to diverse natural features. The region's terrain is characterized by forested paths, urban trails, and green spaces. Its location provides access to routes with views of Lake Washington, the Cascade Mountains, and the Seattle skyline. Clyde Hill maintains a spacious, wooded ambiance with an abundance of evergreens and native plant life.
Best hiking trails around Clyde Hill
- The most popular hiking route is Cross Kirkland Corridor, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 16 minutes to complete. This easy route follows a paved and gravel path through urban green spaces.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is SR 520 Trail, a moderate 7.5 miles (12.1 km) path. This route offers views of Lake Washington and connects to various parks.
- Local hikers also love the Lake to Lake Trail, a 2.7 miles (4.4 km) trail leading through varied terrain including woodlands and urban sections, often completed in about 1 hour 12 minutes.
- Hiking around Clyde Hill is defined by forested state parks, urban greenbelts, and lakeside parks. The network of trails provides options for different ability levels, from easy park walks to more moderate forest hikes.
- The routes in Clyde Hill are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 2,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Clyde Hill's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
1
hikers
4.86km
01:16
50m
10m
Embark on an easy hike along the Cross Kirkland Corridor, a pleasant multi-use trail spanning 3.0 miles (4.9 km). You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 160 feet (49 metres), making it a comfortable journey that takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes. The route offers a unique blend of urban scenery and natural beauty, winding through wooded sections and lush green areas. As you hike, you can catch glimpses of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline, particularly clear during winter months. Keep an eye out for the Benches with a view of Lake Washington and Seattle, a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the panoramic vista.
Planning your visit to the Cross Kirkland Corridor is straightforward, as the trail is highly accessible and suitable for all abilities, including those using strollers or wheelchairs. You will find parking generally available at various access points located along the route, offering convenient starting points for your hike. This makes it easy to join the trail at a point that suits your schedule. If you plan to bring your canine companion, leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your adventure.
Beyond its scenic views, the Cross Kirkland Corridor holds a rich history as a former railway line, with remnants of its past visible along the path. The trail also features various public art installations, adding an artistic dimension to your outdoor experience. This combination of natural beauty, historical context, and public art makes the route a distinctive feature within the Kirkland area, offering more than just a simple walk.
840m
00:13
10m
10m
Take an easy 13-minute stroll on the Downtown Park Loop, a short 0.5-mile (0.8 km) route with a gentle 20 feet (6 metres) of elevation gain. This easy hike offers a refreshing urban escape, blending natural beauty with city views. You will walk along a lovely promenade shaded by a double row of trees, leading to an impressive 240-foot wide waterfall that cascades into a reflecting pond. Enjoy the Bellevue skyline, with Mount Rainier often visible in the distance, providing excellent viewpoints along the way.
Planning your visit to the Downtown Park Loop is straightforward, as the trail is highly accessible. You can reach the trailhead easily using public transit, and parking is also available nearby. This route is family-friendly, featuring the Inspiration Playground for younger visitors. Dogs are welcome to join you, but remember to keep them on a leash as per park rules. For a particularly scenic experience, consider hiking in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
This accessible loop is a notable feature within Bellevue Downtown Park, providing a quick and easy way to connect with nature in an urban setting. The trail's design, with its shaded promenade and prominent waterfall, creates a distinct atmosphere. It offers a perfect opportunity for a brief outdoor break, showcasing a unique blend of landscaped beauty and city vistas that set it apart from other local trails.
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172km
45:36
1,680m
1,700m
Embark on the Lake Washington Loop, a difficult hiking route that spans 106.9 miles (172.1 km) with a total elevation gain of 5506 feet (1678 metres). This extensive journey, estimated to take 45 hours and 35 minutes, offers a dynamic experience around the lake. You will hike through urban parks, peaceful arboretums, and serene lakeside paths, enjoying constantly changing scenery. Look for expansive views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and even the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier from spots like Madrona Park.
Planning your visit to the Lake Washington Loop means preparing for a mix of surfaces. The route is highly accessible, connecting many towns and attractions using multi-use paths such as the Burke-Gilman Trail and Cross Kirkland Corridor. While many sections are well-maintained and easy to navigate, expect to encounter paved trails, sidewalks, and some unpaved areas. Be ready to navigate city streets in certain urban sections, so plan your daily segments carefully.
This loop offers a diverse long-distance adventure, showcasing unique features like the SR 520 floating bridge, which provides distinct perspectives of the water and surrounding landscapes. The trail's connection to various municipalities and attractions via established multi-use paths makes it a significant regional route. You will experience a blend of natural beauty and urban exploration as you circumnavigate Lake Washington.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
4.38km
01:12
70m
70m
Hike the easy 2.7-mile Lake to Lake Trail in Bellevue, connecting city parks, wetlands, and forests with 227 feet of elevation gain.
6
hikers
12.1km
03:04
40m
40m
Hike the 7.5-mile SR 520 Trail, a moderate route with panoramic Lake Washington views and a unique floating bridge experience.
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Tips from the Community
This waterside park is small but mighty. In its relatively diminutive boards you'll find a playground, picnic area, lake access, and trails that lead to other parts of the city. There isn't a ton of parking, so using the trails to get to the park is a great idea.
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Andrews Bay separates Bailey Peninsula from the rest of southeast Seattle and is a popular spot for swimmers, rowers, canoeists, kayakers, and paddleboarders. It's also home to various fish and wildlife, including junior and spawning salmon, bald eagles, ospreys, and more. It is a hot spot for boaters, especially during the summer, where you can see lots of pleasure crafts anchoring in the bay.
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Andrews Bay is a Seattle summer hot spot for boating, swimming, and relaxing. While visiting, watch out for juvenile and spawning salmon, bald eagles, ospreys, double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, and kingfishers.
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Situated on the shores of Lake Washington, Mount Baker Beach is a popular recreational spot located within Mount Baker Park. The beach features a playground, tennis courts, diving boards, a fishing pier, drinking water and restrooms.
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Colman Park, nestled south of the old Lake Washington Floating Bridge with an adjacent beach, features plenty of grassy open spaces, lovely trails, magnificent drooping willow trees, and picnic tables. The views of Lake Washington are beautiful, and the lawn area is a great place to relax, toss a Frisbee, and enjoy this charming urban park.
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Kirkland Rotary Central Station is a restored former railroad station along the Cross Kirkland Corridor, preserving its historic charm while serving as a community hub. The station features interpretive signs highlighting Kirkland's rail history, making it a great stop for history buffs or anyone exploring the trail. Its rustic design and surrounding greenery create a nostalgic yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a quick rest or photo opportunity.
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A nice place for a break to eat, drink and get a bit of happy in your soul.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes near Clyde Hill?
Yes, the area has many options suitable for families. The Wilburton Hill Park & Bellevue Botanical Gardens loop is a great choice, offering a gentle 2-mile (3.2 km) path through beautiful gardens. Another excellent option is the Marina Park & Heritage Park loop, which provides lovely lakeside views along an easy trail.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Many trails in the greater Bellevue area are dog-friendly, but policies vary by park. Bridle Trails State Park, for example, is primarily for equestrian use and hiking, and dogs are generally not permitted on the trails to ensure safety. However, nearby parks like Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Coal Creek Natural Area typically allow dogs on a leash. Always check the specific park's regulations before you go.
Where can I find hikes with good views?
Due to its elevated position, Clyde Hill offers many opportunities for scenic views. For panoramic vistas of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains, the Points Loop Trail is a popular urban walk. For more traditional hiking with rewarding viewpoints, exploring the trails within Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a great option.
Are there any challenging hikes in the area?
While most trails immediately around Clyde Hill are easy to moderate, more strenuous hikes are a short drive away. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park offers a vast network of trails with more significant elevation gain. For a true challenge, dedicated hikers often head to nearby Cascade Mountain trailheads for iconic climbs like Mount Si and Mailbox Peak.
What are some popular places to start a hike near Clyde Hill?
Several trailheads are highly regarded by local hikers. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a vast, popular area with multiple access points, including the Red Town Trailhead. For a different experience, the Coal Creek Natural Area offers forested trails that explore the region's coal mining history. Closer to the city, the Lake Hills Greenbelt provides a network of pleasant paths through wetlands and community gardens.
Are there any waterfall hikes near Clyde Hill?
Yes, you can find waterfalls in the area. The trails within the Coal Creek Natural Area lead to Coal Creek Falls, a lovely cascade in a lush, wooded setting. While not a massive waterfall, it provides a beautiful feature within a pleasant hike. Be aware that some visitors have noted the falls can be tricky to locate, so using a reliable trail map is recommended.
How many hiking trails are available around Clyde Hill?
There is a wide variety of trails to explore, with over 170 routes mapped on Komoot. The majority of these are rated as easy, making the region very accessible, but there are also dozens of moderate trails and a couple of difficult ones for those seeking a challenge.
What do other hikers say about the trails in this region?
The trails around Clyde Hill are highly rated by the Komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful forest scenery in parks like Bridle Trails, and the stunning views of Lake Washington and the surrounding mountains.
Are there any good circular walks or loop trails?
Absolutely. Many of the best hikes in the area are loops, so you can enjoy a continuous journey without backtracking. The Trillium Trail loop in Bridle Trails State Park is a fantastic moderate option through the forest. For an easier but equally scenic loop, the Downton Bellevue Park loop offers a pleasant walk around a well-kept urban park.
Where can I find information on the trails in Coal Creek Natural Area?
The Coal Creek Natural Area is a protected forest with trails that highlight the area's natural beauty and coal mining past. For detailed trail maps and information on current conditions or closures, you can visit the official park page provided by the city of Bellevue: Coal Creek Natural Area.
What are the parking options for the main hiking areas?
Most of the larger parks have designated parking areas. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park has several trailheads with lots, such as the popular Red Town Trailhead. Coal Creek Natural Area also offers parking, though it can fill up on nice days. For urban trails like the Points Loop, parking is typically found on residential streets, so be sure to observe any local parking signs.
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