Originally Posted by
jcp3rd
If you'd like a hike with a shorter driving time, try the Issaquah Alps (foothills with decent hikes, ~20 mins from downtown Seattle) or nearby: e.g. Tiger Mountain or (for some thigh-burning) Mailbox Peak. Good views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascades on a clear day. With a car, you'd also need a parking pass, but
there is a new bus service, "Trailhead Direct," to the most popular trailheads (including the hikes I mentioned) that avoids that.
Closer in still, if you want to avoid, or largely avoid driving, you could visit Discovery Park within Seattle city limits, IMHO it's Seattle's most spectacular park -- it has
a 2.8 mile hiking trail (a loop) that takes you through forest before emerging on cliffs (with sand dunes) with a view of the water and the Olympic Mountains to the west and, on clear days, a view of Mt. Rainier to the SSE. A spur trail descends to a lighthouse and beach. Discovery Park has (free) parking lots, but you can also take the 33 bus to DP from downtown (e.g. University St or Westlake), and there connect to the airport light rail, meaning that a rental car would be optional.
That Trailhead Direct looks great, but only runs at the weekend. I might try Discovery Park. Thanks!