As autumn arrives in Seattle, the city transforms. The evergreen backdrop turns richer as deciduous trees glow in shades of amber, red, and gold. Walking through Seattle’s neighborhoods becomes one of the most peaceful and visually rewarding ways to soak up the season.
Autumn Walks in Seattle Are Special
Seattle in fall offers a softer light, crisp air, and a sense of quiet that’s rare amid the summer bustle. The Trees for Seattle self-guided tree walks allow you to explore routes through neighborhoods where fall foliage is showcased. Plus, several community parks and hidden gardens offer ideal stroll lengths for half-day or evening walks.
These routes are great for walkers who prefer shorter excursions over full-on hiking — you can linger, take photos, and let the colors guide your pace.
Autumn in Seattle: Top Neighborhood Walks
Below are six walks (or walk clusters) that are manageable in length, full of foliage, and offer a mix of park, residential, and greenbelt scenery.
1. Kubota Garden + Rainier Beach Loop
Why go: Kubota Garden is one of Seattle’s showcase Japanese-style gardens. In fall, its maples, shrubs, and ponds become reflections of fiery hues. The winding paths, bridges, and pond edges make for peaceful wandering.
Route tip: Enter through the garden’s main path, circle through the ponds and maple groves, then exit onto adjacent neighborhood streets to extend your walk or loop back via local sidewalks.
Best time: Late September through mid-October, though some maples linger into November.
2. Ravenna Park & University District
Ravenna Park offers a lovely forested walk even in drizzle, with towering trees and shaded trails. Combine that with a stroll through University District’s streets and you’ll enjoy both nature and people-watching.
Route suggestion:
- Enter Ravenna Park near the U-District edge.
- Walk through the greenbelt trails.
- Exit onto local streets, loop back via NE 45th or 50th.
Tip: Wear grip-appropriate shoes — wet leaves can get slippery.
3. Volunteer Park + Capitol Hill
Volunteer Park is iconic for a reason: it houses a conservatory, broad lawns, and viewpoints overlooking downtown. In autumn, the deciduous trees around the park frame the spaces with warm shades.
Walk plan:
- Start at the east entrance.
- Visit the conservatory and pond.
- Climb toward the (free) water tower observation deck.
- Loop back through residential streets of Capitol Hill for color-lined sidewalks.
4. Queen Anne Greenbelt & MacLean / Trolley Hill
Queen Anne Hill combines city views with hidden nature corridors. Two small gems here:
-
MacLean Park —features pathways that connect to the Northeast Queen Anne Greenbelt, with stairs and shaded trails that make for a peaceful, scenic walk.
-
Trolley Hill Park — a serene spot featuring walking paths, community garden spaces, and easy access to the nearby greenbelt.
Walk direction idea: Start at a lower Queen Anne street, go through Trolley Hill Park into the greenbelt, pass through MacLean Park, and then descend back into residential streets for return.
5. Parsons Memorial Gardens + Queen Anne Loop
Parsons Memorial Garden (also known as Parsons Gardens) is a charming and peaceful oasis in Queen Anne. Smaller and quieter than most parks, it’s an ideal place to pause and enjoy the vibrant fall colors.
Begin at Parsons Memorial Garden on West Highland Drive, then stroll east along Highland for city and Sound views. Loop through nearby streets like 3rd Ave W and W Prospect St, lined with colorful trees and classic homes, before returning to the garden to finish your walk.
6. Meadowbrook / NE 35th Scenic Residential
If you enjoy peaceful walks away from the crowds, explore residential areas like Meadowbrook in the Lake City district. NE 35th Street stands out for its beautiful stretch of deciduous trees that burst into color each fall.
You can easily customize your route—start anywhere in Meadowbrook and loop through quiet side streets, nearby parks, or small connecting trails.
