You do not have to stay in a remote mountain town to experience some of Western Washington’s best waterfalls, forests and mountain viewpoints. Many of the region’s most memorable trails are within approximately 90 minutes of Tacoma—including Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Si, Rattlesnake Ledge and several lesser-known local favorites.
Chestnut Cottage and Little Leaf offer a different kind of Pacific Northwest home base: spend the day exploring, then return to the quiet of Lake Steilacoom for a glass of wine by the water, dinner nearby and a comfortable night beside the lake.
We selected these hikes for their scenery, overall experience and realistic driving distance from our Lakewood properties. The list includes everything from a short waterfall walk to two of Washington’s most demanding training hikes.
A note about drive times: Mileage and estimated driving times were calculated from Chestnut Cottage in Lakewood. Traffic, road construction, weather and trailhead access can change them considerably. Always check your navigation app and current trail conditions before leaving.
1. Snoqualmie Falls and Lower Falls Trail
From Chestnut Cottage: 52.3 miles | Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Best for: A spectacular waterfall with minimal hiking required
Trail distance: Approximately 1.4 miles round trip
Elevation change: Approximately 250 feet each way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate; the return is steep
Parking pass: None
Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s signature natural landmarks—and it deserves the first spot on this list. The 268-foot waterfall can be seen from the upper observation area with very little walking. For a fuller experience, follow the forest trail down to the lower observation deck and historic hydroelectric facilities.
The descent takes approximately 15 minutes, but save some energy for the climb back up. Guests who prefer not to tackle the hill can drive to the lower parking area.
Snoqualmie Falls pairs beautifully with lunch in Snoqualmie or North Bend. More ambitious hikers can combine it with nearby Rattlesnake Ledge for a full day of sightseeing and hiking.
Official Snoqualmie Falls hiking information
Snoqualmie Falls trail details
Open Snoqualmie Falls in Google Maps
Photo caption: Snoqualmie Falls, Washington. Photo by Kurt Kaiser, CC0.
2. Little Mashel Falls at Pack Forest
From Chestnut Cottage: 31.1 miles | Approximately 1 hour
Best for: Three waterfalls and a quieter foothills experience
Trail distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking pass: None
Little Mashel Falls is the closest substantial foothills hike on our list and one of the best waterfall outings near Tacoma. The route travels through the University of Washington’s Pack Forest to three separate cascades. The dramatic middle waterfall drops more than 90 feet.
Much of the approach follows broad forest roads, followed by steeper trail near the waterfalls. Download the Pack Forest map before leaving because the network of roads and trails can be confusing and cell service may be unreliable.
The rocks and slopes surrounding the waterfalls can be extremely slippery. Remain on established trails and behind barriers rather than attempting to approach the water.
Little Mashel Falls trail details
Open Pack Forest in Google Maps
Photo caption: Little Mashel Falls. Photo by Steven Pavlov, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
3. Mount Peak—Also Known as Pinnacle Peak
From Chestnut Cottage: 35.3 miles | Approximately 1 hour
Best for: A short, steep workout with a Mount Rainier view
Trail distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate but steep
Parking pass: None
This compact Enumclaw hike goes by several names: Mount Peak, Mount Pete, Pinnacle Peak and the Cal Magnusson Trail. Whatever you call it, expect a serious climb. The trail gains approximately 1,000 feet in less than one mile through thick forest.
The workout-to-drive-time ratio is difficult to beat, and clear-day viewpoints can frame Mount Rainier beautifully. Sturdy shoes are helpful for the steep descent.
This is an excellent choice when you want to feel as though you truly climbed something but do not have an entire day available.
Open Pinnacle Peak Park in Google Maps
Photo caption: Mount Rainier from the Pinnacle Peak trail near Enumclaw. Photo by Ron Clausen, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
4. Poo Poo Point via the Chirico Trail
From Chestnut Cottage: 46.4 miles | Approximately 1 hour
Best for: Mount Rainier views, a vigorous climb and watching paragliders
Trail distance: 3.8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,760 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Parking pass: None
Do not let the playful name fool you: the Chirico Trail is a steep, stair-filled climb. The reward is an open launch area with views across Issaquah, Lake Sammamish and, on a clear day, Mount Rainier.
You may also see paragliders running from the hillside and floating above the valley.
This trail is extremely popular, and the parking area can fill quickly. Go early, bring plenty of water and expect the descent to work your knees.
For a longer but gentler route to the same destination, Washington Trails Association also describes the approximately seven-mile approach from the Issaquah High School side.
Poo Poo Point–Chirico Trail details
Open the Chirico Trailhead in Google Maps
Photo caption: Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain. Photo by Peter Stevens, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
5. Twin Falls at Olallie State Park
From Chestnut Cottage: 58.5 miles | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Best for: A family-friendly forest hike with impressive waterfall views
Trail distance: Approximately 2.6 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 500 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking pass: Discover Pass
Twin Falls is one of the best all-around day hikes along the I-90 corridor. The trail follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River through mossy forest, passing river access points and viewpoints before reaching the upper and lower sections of the falls.
There are hills and stairs, but the route is manageable for many active families. Continue far enough to reach the bridge spanning the gorge—the view into the narrow canyon is worth the additional climbing.
The trail is located inside Olallie State Park, so bring a Discover Pass or purchase the appropriate day-use pass.
Official Olallie State Park information
Open the Twin Falls Trailhead in Google Maps
Photo caption: Middle section of Twin Falls in Olallie State Park. Photo by Steven Pavlov, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
6. Rattlesnake Ledge
From Chestnut Cottage: 58.2 miles | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Best for: A classic Pacific Northwest viewpoint without an all-day hike
Trail distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,160 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking pass: None
Rattlesnake Ledge is popular for good reason. A steady forest climb leads to an exposed rock ledge overlooking Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding foothills. On a clear day, the view feels much larger than the trail’s relatively modest mileage suggests.
Arrive early on a weekday if possible. The summit ledge is exposed and unfenced, so remain well back from the edge—especially with children or when the rock is wet.
If clouds hide the mountains, the lakeside paths at the trailhead still provide a pleasant place to walk and enjoy the scenery.
Official Rattlesnake Lake recreation information
Rattlesnake Ledge trail details
Open Rattlesnake Lake in Google Maps
Photo caption: Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. Photo by Steven Pavlov, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
7. Mount Si
From Chestnut Cottage: 58.6 miles | Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Best for: The classic North Bend summit workout
Trail distance: 8 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 3,150 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Parking pass: Discover Pass
Mount Si is one of the defining hikes of the central Washington foothills. The trail climbs relentlessly through forest before emerging near a rocky summit basin with broad views over the Snoqualmie Valley.
It is a favorite training hike for climbers preparing for Mount Rainier, but you do not have to be a mountaineer to appreciate it. You should, however, arrive prepared for a sustained and demanding climb.
Allow most of the day, carry plenty of water and wear reliable footwear. The scramble onto the Haystack is exposed and requires climbing experience. Most recreational hikers should enjoy the primary viewpoint and turn around there.
Official Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area information
Open the Mount Si Trailhead in Google Maps
Photo caption: The Snoqualmie Valley and I-90 viewed from Mount Si. Photo by Steven Pavlov, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
8. Mailbox Peak
From Chestnut Cottage: 60.8 miles | Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Best for: Experienced hikers wanting a major physical challenge
Trail distance: 9.4 miles round trip on the newer trail
Elevation gain: Approximately 4,000 feet
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Parking pass: Discover Pass
Mailbox Peak is legendary among Washington hikers. The newer trail is safer and easier to follow than the original route, but it still gains approximately 4,000 feet before reaching the famous mailbox at the summit.
Attempt this hike only if everyone in your group is experienced, properly equipped and prepared for a long, demanding day. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and snow may remain at higher elevations well beyond winter.
The original trail is much steeper and more difficult. It is not the route we recommend to guests.
Official Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area information
Open the Mailbox Peak Trailhead in Google Maps
Photo caption: The mailbox at the summit of Mailbox Peak. Photo by Michael Cline, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
9. Franklin Falls
From Chestnut Cottage: 73 miles | Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Best for: A relatively short hike to a dramatic waterfall
Trail distance: 2 miles round trip when the summer trailhead is accessible
Elevation gain: Approximately 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Parking pass: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
Important: Franklin Falls sits at the outer edge of our 90-minute radius and is highly traffic-dependent.
Franklin Falls is a rewarding choice for guests who want a memorable waterfall without a long mountain climb. The forest trail follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River to the lowest visible tier of the 135-foot waterfall, tucked between the dramatic elevated lanes of I-90.
The final approach can be wet and slippery from waterfall spray. Summer trailhead access and parking conditions can change, while winter road closures add several miles to the hike.
Check recent trip reports and current road conditions before leaving Lakewood.
Franklin Falls trail details and recent trip reports
Open the Franklin Falls Trailhead in Google Maps
Photo caption: Franklin Falls. Photo by Steven Pavlov, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
10. West Tiger No. 3
From Chestnut Cottage: 54.5 miles | Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Best for: A forested conditioning hike with a summit view
Trail distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 2,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Parking pass: Discover Pass when parking inside the DNR lot
West Tiger No. 3 is one of the region’s classic conditioning hikes. The well-used trail climbs steadily through regenerating forest to the lowest of West Tiger Mountain’s three numbered summits. Recent clearing has opened broader views from the top.
The High Point trail system contains numerous intersections, so carry an offline map and follow signs carefully.
This hike may be less theatrical than a thundering waterfall, but it is an excellent choice for guests who want a genuine woodland workout within a reasonable drive of Tacoma.
West Tiger No. 3 trail details
Official Tiger Mountain and Raging River State Forests information
Open the High Point Trailhead in Google Maps
Photo caption: Douglas fir forest on Tiger Mountain. Photo by Peter Stevens, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Which Hike Should You Choose?
For the easiest major sight: Snoqualmie Falls
For the closest waterfall hike: Little Mashel Falls
For a short, steep workout: Mount Peak
For families and waterfall scenery: Twin Falls
For the quintessential viewpoint: Rattlesnake Ledge
For paragliders and a Mount Rainier view: Poo Poo Point
For a classic strenuous hike: Mount Si
For the biggest challenge: Mailbox Peak
For a short hike near Snoqualmie Pass: Franklin Falls
For a forested conditioning climb: West Tiger No. 3
Before You Leave
Check the linked trail page for current conditions, closures and recent trip reports. Download your map before losing cell service, confirm which parking pass is required and carry the Ten Essentials.
Even in summer, Washington weather can change quickly. Conditions at higher elevations may be dramatically different from the weather at the cottage.
Drive times can also stretch well beyond these estimates during weekday traffic, summer weekends or construction. Leave early, keep a backup hike in mind and never leave valuables visible inside your vehicle at a trailhead.
What About Mount Rainier and Reflection Lakes?
Reflection Lakes is beautiful and absolutely worth seeing—but it is generally approximately two hours from Chestnut Cottage, not within this article’s 90-minute promise. It is also primarily a scenic roadside stop and short walk rather than a destination hike.
We recommend saving Reflection Lakes, Paradise, Skyline Trail, Myrtle Falls and Narada Falls for a dedicated full-day Mount Rainier itinerary.
They are among the best outdoor experiences in the region. They simply belong in a different guide.
Hike by Day, Relax by the Lake at Night
A day exploring waterfalls and mountain trails does not have to end in a crowded trail town or an ordinary hotel room.
At Chestnut Cottage and Little Leaf, you can return from your adventure to the quiet of Lake Steilacoom. Take a hot shower, put your feet up, pour a glass of wine and watch the evening settle over the water.
Our lakefront stays provide a peaceful home base for exploring Tacoma, Gig Harbor, the surrounding foothills and the best of the South Sound.
Planning a Pacific Northwest getaway? Explore Chestnut Cottage and Little Leaf and book directly for our current availability and best direct rates.