Seattle's Seven Hills: Hillier Than You Think (But Not Quite Rome)
Ah, Seattle. The Emerald City, the land of grunge, and...seven hills? That's right, folks, Seattle isn't just about coffee and killer views of the Puget Sound, it's also a city built on a collection of what some might call "mountains," others might call "very enthusiastic inclines."
Now, unlike Rome with its historically documented seven ( Palatine, Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Quirinal, and Viminal), Seattle's seven hills are a bit of a moving target. Think of it as a friendly game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it's hills, and instead of frantic geriatrics, it's...well, nevermind.
Here's the lowdown on the usual contenders for the title of Seattle's Magnificent Seven:
- First Hill (a.k.a. Pill Hill): This one's a no-brainer. Home to a slew of hospitals and clinics, it's where you go to get patched up after that tumble down Queen Anne (see below).
- Capitol Hill: Not to be confused with Washington D.C.'s Capitol Hill, this is Seattle's hipster haven, full of vintage shops, quirky cafes, and enough ironic mustaches to make a lumberjack jealous.
- Queen Anne Hill: Offering stunning panoramic views and a whole lotta real estate competition, Queen Anne will make you feel like royalty (even if your bank account screams "commoner").
- Beacon Hill: This beacon of...well, just a hill, really, is a residential area known for its diverse community and, let's be honest, probably the best place to train for the Tour de France (all those uphill battles!).
- West Seattle: Technically an island (don't tell the bridge!), West Seattle is the undisputed champion of sunsets and the occasional traffic jam thanks to the aforementioned bridge.
Now, some folks like to throw other inclines into the mix, like Magnolia Bluff or Denny Hill (though Denny got a bit shaved down over the years, thanks to construction). Hey, it's all about perspective, right?
Tip: Keep scrolling — each part adds context.
What Are The Seven Hills Of Seattle |
The Great Seattle Hill Debate: Fact or Fiction?
Truth be told, there's no official list of Seattle's seven hills. It's more of a fun, quirky way to think about the city's topography. But hey, who needs facts when you have a good story?
So, You Want to Be a Seattle Hill Climber? (How To FAQs)
Conquered Mount Rainier and feeling peckish for more inclines? Seattle's got your back (or should we say, legs?). Here's a quick FAQ to get you started on your hill-tromping adventures:
How to choose a Seattle hill?
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
Consider your fitness level and caffeine tolerance. Beacon Hill is a great workout, while Queen Anne Hill rewards you with epic views (and maybe a venti latte at the top).
How to prepare for your Seattle hill climb?
Comfortable shoes, a good playlist (grunge is a must!), and maybe a bribe for a friendly local to give you a piggyback ride (hey, it's all about strategy!).
Tip: Highlight sentences that answer your questions.
How to celebrate conquering a Seattle hill?
Bragging rights on social media are a given. You can also reward yourself with some fresh seafood at the Pike Place Market (because apparently, exercise burns calories).
How to avoid getting lost on a Seattle hill?
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
A map and a healthy dose of common sense are your best bets. Unless you're looking for an unplanned adventure (which, hey, Seattle's full of those too!).
How to tell if you've reached the top of a Seattle hill?
Breathtaking views, burning quads, and a sudden urge to yell "I am the king/queen of the mountain!" are all good indicators.
So there you have it, folks. The (somewhat) definitive guide to Seattle's seven hills. Now get out there, explore those inclines, and remember: the view from the top is always worth the climb (or bribe for a piggyback ride).
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.