Harvey Manning Trailhead
Discover serene forest trails and a breathtaking 'Million Dollar View' of Lake Sammamish and the Cascades. A peaceful escape near Seattle.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Trails clear up, birds sing
Harvey Manning Trailhead
Best Time
Trails clear up, birds sing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover serene forest trails and a breathtaking 'Million Dollar View' of Lake Sammamish and the Cascades. A peaceful escape near Seattle.
"A wonderful respite from the pace of the city, offering peaceful silence punctuated by bird song. "
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
Trails can get muddy and icy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must for comfort.
📸 Capture the View
Don't miss the 'Million Dollar View' at the trailhead for stunning photos of the lake and mountains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Million Dollar View
Harvey Manning Trailhead Parking Lot
Panoramic views of Lake Sammamish and the majestic Cascade Mountains. A perfect photo opportunity!
Peaceful Forest Trails
Various Loop Trails
Immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of lush Pacific Northwest forests, alive with bird song.
Dog-Friendly Exploration
All Trails
A welcoming spot for your canine companions to enjoy the trails alongside you.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pacific Northwest Forest
The 'Million Dollar View' Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best state parks or parks with scenic views around Bellevue with no hike
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
Trails can get muddy and icy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must for comfort.
📸 Capture the View
Don't miss the 'Million Dollar View' at the trailhead for stunning photos of the lake and mountains.
suggestions for location to have wedding photos taken in Newcastle, WA
🐕 Leash Your Dog
While dog-friendly, keep your furry friends on a leash for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
🗺️ Explore the Loops
The trailhead offers many interconnected loops, allowing you to customize your hike length and difficulty.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Waterproof Boots
Trails can get muddy and icy, especially after rain. Waterproof boots are a must for comfort.
📸 Capture the View
Don't miss the 'Million Dollar View' at the trailhead for stunning photos of the lake and mountains.
🐕 Leash Your Dog
While dog-friendly, keep your furry friends on a leash for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
🗺️ Explore the Loops
The trailhead offers many interconnected loops, allowing you to customize your hike length and difficulty.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the peaceful forest trails and the stunning 'Million Dollar View' overlooking Lake Sammamish and the Cascades. It's a dog-friendly spot offering a serene escape from the city, though some note the trails can be muddy and lack extensive panoramic views beyond the main viewpoint.
"Didn't completed the hike but can definitely comment it is a decent hike around the Greater Seattle area. Not an epic view as you mostly walk along the trees. For better or worse this trail is definitely a little isolated."
Kumar Vaibhav
"Well marked trail. A little icy today and some slick, muddy spots. Dog friendly, although one of my dogs had a little trouble with the bridge due to slipperiness, thankfully he was on a harness. Only one view to speak of (besides the natural beauty of just walking through forest). There is a picnic spot by the trailhead that offers a nice view of Lake Sammamish and the Cascades."
Brian Jackson
"A wonderful respite from the pace of the city. This was a short drive from my hotel and in the opposite direction of Seattle traffic. It wasn't long down the trail until I was blanketed in peaceful silence punctuated by the hustle & bustle of forest bird life. This is a great example of beautiful pacific northwest forests, you can't beat it. The return trip surprised me a bit, as I failed to notice that I was walking downhill for most of the out portion."
Zach Burke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Harvey Manning Trailhead is conveniently located on Cougar Mountain, a short drive from Bellevue. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at the trailhead.
Public transportation options to the immediate trailhead are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
There is a dedicated parking lot at the trailhead. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier is advisable.
Yes, Harvey Manning Trailhead is a relatively short drive from Seattle, making it a great option for a quick nature escape.
Absolutely! Harvey Manning Trailhead is part of a larger network on Cougar Mountain, and you can traverse to other trailheads from here.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to access the Harvey Manning Trailhead and its trails. It's free to explore!
The trailhead and trails are generally open from dawn until dusk. There are no specific closing times posted, but it's best to plan your visit during daylight hours.
No permit is required for day hiking at Harvey Manning Trailhead. Enjoy the natural beauty without any extra hassle.
Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not available.
There are no entrance fees for dogs. They are welcome to join you on the trails, provided they are leashed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While the trails are mostly forested, the parking lot offers a spectacular 'Million Dollar View' overlooking Lake Sammamish and the Cascade Mountains.
The trails are generally well-marked and maintained, though they can be muddy and slick in certain conditions.
Yes, the trails offer varying degrees of difficulty, and many loops are suitable for beginners. You can adjust to your fitness level.
Yes, hikers have reported finding geocaches along the trails, adding an extra element of fun to your exploration.
The trailhead typically has parking and a picnic area with a nice view. Restroom facilities may be limited or seasonal.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Million Dollar View' from the parking lot is the prime photography spot, offering expansive shots of Lake Sammamish and the Cascades. The forest itself also provides beautiful, dappled light for nature photography.
Morning light can be beautiful for forest shots, while late afternoon offers golden hour light for the 'Million Dollar View'. Consider the weather for dramatic skies over the mountains.
Capture the contrast between the dense forest and the open vista from the viewpoint. Look for interesting mosses, ferns, and birdlife within the woods.
A wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic view, while a standard zoom or even a macro lens can capture the details of the forest.
Absolutely! The trails provide a scenic backdrop for capturing your dog enjoying the outdoors. Just ensure they are leashed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Casual Strollers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Be prepared for muddy conditions, particularly after rain or during the wetter seasons. Many visitors recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The trails are also popular with dog walkers, so expect to encounter friendly canines on your journey. The interconnectedness of the trails allows for flexible hike lengths, catering to various fitness levels and time constraints.
The Iconic 'Million Dollar View'
This viewpoint is a fantastic spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light paints the landscape in warm hues. It's also a perfect place to pause, enjoy a packed lunch, and soak in the natural beauty of the region without needing to embark on a strenuous hike. The accessibility of this view makes the Harvey Manning Trailhead a worthwhile stop even for those with limited time or mobility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit