Good areas for daily walking routes and access to hiking (Seattle: crime, neighborhoods)

[Robineli]

Hello,

My boyfriend and I are looking for neighborhoods within/near Seattle that have close access to walkable routes - the kind where you step outside the house/apt and go.

I walk 4-5 miles daily with my dog, sometimes more. Most days I walk 3.5 miles roundtrip with him to work and back (I'm allowed to bring him to work and all the exercise keeps him well behaved), so walking is an important part of our lifestyle.

My boyfriend and I love hiking and have worn out the local trails, so we're looking for a change of scenery.

Presently, it takes about 1/2 mile to get out of the dodgy, exhaust fume laden area before the walk is pleasant. There are gangs, loads of angry drivers, and some pretty hefty intersections to cross where I live now, so if I can improve on any of that, it would be wonderful!

Any nice suggestions from fellow walkers?

[Ira500]

For a start:
Within Seattle, anywhere near Greenlake or anywhere near Seward Park are great for walking....also the east end of the Central District around 30th and yesler/Jackson has a great downhill walk to Lake Washington through Leschi and Frink Park.
In Renton, some of downtown/North Renton is very close to the Cedar River trail, which is 16 miles long.
And Issaquah is a hikers paradise, with access to the trailheads at Squak Mountain, Cougar Mountain, and Tiger Mountain nearby, as well as the Issaquah Creek trail.

[Robineli]

Thank you for the information. We'll be looking into those areas.

[LongDawson]

Hi Walker. Not much in Seattle. Your initial discoveries of exhaust and concern of crime in city parks, this is the norm. Big difference between that and Renton Highlands and especially, next door in Issaquah. Have a look at a county map and checkout out the Squak Mtn park and Cougar Mtn park. I used to live across the street from a trailhead where I could disappear into dense forest for miles of trails. I'm still in the general area. Loads of people with dogs roaming that forest. The quality of trails is outstanding. You'll love it. There is a very nice new bus depot in Issaquah with straight shot service to Seattle as well.

[1/2 marathon]

Check out Burke Gillman trail - it streches for miles and it's a nice, not too crowded for walking/biking
enjoy