You don't need to be an athlete, own special gear, or have a gym membership to get out onto some of the most breathtaking trails in the world. The Pacific Northwest has a quietly kept secret: many of its most stunning landscapes are completely accessible to beginners, casual walkers, and anyone who simply wants to be outside.
These five trails are handpicked for women who are new to hiking — or just new to hiking here. Each one offers incredible scenery, manageable terrain, and that magical feeling you only get when you realize you've just done something that felt bigger than yourself.
"The Pacific Northwest doesn't make you earn its beauty. It just asks you to show up."— JoAnne Yorkston, Founder of She Goes Outside
All five of these hikes are dog-friendly and best done in trail runners or light hiking shoes. Bring more water than you think you need, layer up (the PNW weather is famously unpredictable), and always let someone know where you're headed.
Franklin Falls — Easiest of All
Just under an hour from Seattle, this half-mile paved trail ends at one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the Cascades. The roar hits you before you see it. You'll find yourself standing in front of a 70-foot curtain of water feeling genuinely awestruck — and you'll have barely broken a sweat getting there.
It's an ideal first hike because there's essentially no way to get lost, it's stroller-accessible, and the payoff is immediate and spectacular.
Twin Falls — A Gentle Forest Walk
This one feels like stepping into a fairy tale. A lush old-growth forest surrounds you from the moment you start walking, and the trail winds along the South Fork Snoqualmie River through mossy boulders and towering cedars before arriving at not one but two magnificent waterfalls.
The 2.6-mile loop is well-maintained and not at all technical. It's one of those hikes where you'll stop every five minutes just to look around.
Discovery Park Loop — Right in the City
You're in Seattle. You have two hours. You don't need a car. Discovery Park's 2.8-mile loop trail wanders through meadows, forest, and bluffs overlooking Puget Sound, with views of the Olympic Mountains on clear days. It's remarkable that this much wildness exists inside a major city.
The loop passes the West Point Lighthouse and offers multiple spots to just sit, breathe, and stare out at the water. Highly recommended at golden hour.
Rattlesnake Ledge — The Classic Reward Hike
This is the hike that converts people. The 4-mile round trip involves a real climb — about 1,100 feet — but it's steady and well-switchbacked, and the payoff at the top is a sweeping panoramic view of Rattlesnake Lake, the Cedar River Valley, and the Cascades spreading out in every direction.
It's the kind of view that makes you feel like you could do anything. Bring snacks and stay a while.
Coal Creek Trail — A Quiet Gem
Bellevue's best-kept secret. This 5-mile trail through Bellevue's Coal Creek Natural Area feels remote despite being surrounded by suburbs. Old-growth Douglas firs, a babbling creek, wildflowers in spring, and almost no crowds make this the perfect "I need to decompress" hike.
The terrain is gentle with a few moderate sections. It's beautiful in every season and rarely feels busy, even on weekends.
Ready to Get Out There?
Every one of these trails can be done solo, with a friend, or with a group. If you'd love company on the trail, She Goes Outside runs regular group hikes through the Pacific Northwest — all led by JoAnne, all designed to be welcoming to every fitness level.
There's no such thing as "not a hiker." There's just someone who hasn't started yet.
We host guided group hikes regularly throughout the year. Check the Events page for upcoming dates — spots fill up fast!