Option 01
Tolmie Peak Lookout
Mount Rainier National Park · ~1.5 hrs from Seattle
Distance
6.4 mi
Elevation
1,500 ft
Time
3–5 hrs
The closest of the three to Seattle and still completely worth it. You end up at a fire lookout with Rainier filling the entire sky behind a perfectly framed alpine lake. One of the best photo spots in the state.
Road conditions: The last 17 miles to the trailhead are on a dirt road — slow and bumpy (plan for 30–35 mph). High clearance is preferable but not strictly required.
From Seattle: ~1.5 hour drive. Closest of the three.
Option 02
Cascade Pass
North Cascades National Park · ~3 hrs from Seattle
Distance
3.7–5.7 mi
Elevation
1,700–4,000 ft
Time
4–8 hrs
The big one. Stop at Cascade Pass at 3.7 miles for solid views, or keep going up the Sahale Arm to the glacier at 5.7 miles and 4,000 feet of gain. My recommendation: go to about 4.5 miles and turn around — the views there are the best of the whole hike.
Road conditions: The final 13 miles are on a compacted dirt and gravel road. Low clearance vehicles are fine.
From Seattle: ~3 hour drive. Commit to a full day.
Option 03
Winchester Mountain
Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest · ~3 hrs from Seattle
Distance
3.5 mi
Elevation
1,300 ft
Time
2–3 hrs
Backpacker Magazine's #1 day hike in America. Short, not too steep, and you end up at a historic fire lookout with 360° views of the North Cascades. This one punches well above its weight.
Road conditions: The last 2.5 miles of driving are rough — a high clearance vehicle is pretty much required.
From Seattle: ~3 hour drive to the trailhead.