The best walks and hikes around Burien

Yes, many parks and trails in the Burien area are welcoming to dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. Walker Preserve is a popular spot for a walk with your pup. For a specific route, the Fauntleroy Park Trail loop is a great option to explore with your four-legged friend.

Burien has several family-friendly trails. The routes are often short and have minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for all ages. A great choice is the Dead Horse Canyon - Wild Plant Walk loop, which is less than a mile long and offers a gentle walk through nature.

Many trails in the area offer scenic vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Seahurst Park is renowned for its shoreline views. For a hike that combines forest and coastal scenery, consider the Lincoln Park Trail loop, which provides excellent viewpoints along its path.

Yes, you can find paved trails suitable for walking and strolling. Mathison Park has paved paths with views, and the Des Moines Creek Trail is a popular option that features a paved and gravel surface through a wooded ravine down to the waterfront.

Hikers in the area have a few favorite spots they return to again and again.

• Seahurst Park: This is the crown jewel of Burien, offering a mix of forested trails and a beautiful saltwater beach on Puget Sound.
• Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park: A vast park known for its extensive network of trails through forests, offering scenic vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
• Marine View Park: Features shaded hiking trails in a woodland setting with a steep path leading down to a sandy shoreline.

You can explore over 50 hiking routes around Burien. The selection ranges from 34 easy walks suitable for everyone to 15 more moderate trails for those looking for a bit more of a challenge.

The trails around Burien are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the combination of lush forest trails and stunning saltwater shoreline views along Puget Sound.

Hiking in Burien is possible year-round. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and a lush green understory in the forests. Summer offers pleasant weather for enjoying the coastal trails. Autumn provides beautiful fall colors, and winter hikes can be quiet and peaceful, though you should be prepared for rain and muddy conditions.

The parks and natural areas around Burien are home to a variety of wildlife. On trails in places like Seahurst Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, it's common to spot birds such as eagles and herons. Along the coast, you might even be lucky enough to see seals or whales in Puget Sound.

While most trails in the immediate Burien area are easy to moderate, you can find more challenging terrain nearby. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park offers a vast network of trails with more significant elevation gain. For a truly challenging day trip, many hikers head towards the Cascade Mountains or Mount Rainier National Park.

It's best to dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Waterproof or water-resistant outerwear is highly recommended, especially outside of the summer months. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip are essential, as trails can be muddy and slippery, particularly in the forested ravines.

Seahurst Park has parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially on sunny weekends. There are two lots, one in the upper park area and one in the lower area near the beach. For the most current information on park hours, facilities, and any potential closures, it's a good idea to check the official Burien city website.