Hiking Guide
WTA's hiking guide is the most comprehensive database of hikes in Washington, and comprises content written by local hiking experts and user submitted information. All data is vetted by WTA staff. This resource is made possible by the donations of WTA members.
We respectfully acknowledge the lands we are visiting are the homelands of Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, some of whom have reserved rights on these lands. Tribes continue to rely on and share in the management of these lands today. Please tread gently and treat these places with respect.
Results List
4204 HikesTroublesome Mountain
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Highest Point
- 5,433 feet
Troublesome Mountain is a modest peak scramble that can be reached via the Index-Galena Road.
Middle Tiger
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,127 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,607 feet
A short trail on Tiger Mountain that makes up some of the Tiger Mountain Trail thru-hike.
Northwest Timber Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,500 feet
The Northwest Timber Trail can be an easy first hike for young hikers, or it can be a pleasant stroll for experienced hikers when they have limited time. For many, this trail is a gateway to other routes that lead to more distant goals, such as the Silent Swamp Loop or the Preston Railroad Grade, or to forest roads that lead to the summit of East Tiger.
Preston Railroad Grade
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 2.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
A switchbacking railroad grade travels through the east side of Tiger Mountain. Expect mountain bikes for company.
Little Ranger Peak via Ranger Creek
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,010 feet
This infrequently visited trail is the perfect hike early in the season, because the snow melts off the south-facing flanks of the peak early. If you miss the springtime, save it for fall, because the deciduous trees that line the path make it ideal for a shot of fall color. Enjoy a moderately graded that leads you to a summit that boasts views of Rainier and the White River valley from the summit.
CCC Road: Lower Section
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 550 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,650 feet
The 1930s saw Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) teams building trail in the woods all over America. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road benefited from these efforts, which constructed the CCC Road, a 13.5 mile long route that parallels (roughly) the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road. The Lower Section can be tricky to navigate, as it borders private property, and signage here can send mixed messages. The trail itself is on DNR land, but be sure to bring an up-to-date map to verify your location as you hike.
Granite Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,629 feet
In winter the trail up Granite Mountain crosses a large avalanche chute early in the hike. Please have experience navigating avalanche terrain and the proper equipment when hiking this trail in the winter.
The astounding views from the summit of the Granite Mountain trail come at a price. A nearly-1000-feet-of-elevation-gain-per-mile price. But views of pointed Kaleetan Peak, deep blue Crystal Lake, the climber-dotted Tooth, and Mount Rainier dominating the skyline to the south make it all worth it.
Heather Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,034 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,430 feet
Hike to a small scenic lake on the flanks of Mount Pilchuck. The trail is a bit rough, but its ease of access, short mileage and modest elevation gain make this one of the easier hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway
O. O. Denny Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 220 feet
The O O Denny County Park has history, hiking and old-growth trees all within the city of Kirkland. See wildlife wandering through the trees, swimming in the creek and flying high in the sky.
Twin Falls
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 2.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Visit a trio (yes, trio) of waterfalls just off I-90 on this sure-to-please short trail, perfect for families.
Wallace Falls State Park
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,500 feet
An accessible hike for seasoned veterans and neophytes alike, Wallace Falls provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Wallace River and the surrounding falls on a relatively low difficulty, scenic 5.6 mile round-trip. Although well attended and often busy, the trail stands as a true showcase of the diversity and majestic beauty that the Central Cascades can offer to hikers who journey into the heart of this sublime mountain range.
Mica Peak
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 10.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,800 feet
The California Creek Trail on Mica Peak is closed through the DNR-owned section of land. It is expected to reopen in July.
The conservation area on the west slopes of Mica Peak afford visitors of all types a healthy workout close to the city of Spokane.
Wahatis Peak
Central Washington > Potholes Region
A remarkable high point, showcasing the beauty of the Columbia River and the impact of the Potholes Reservoir on the surrounding agricultural land.
Port Gamble Forest - Forbidden Forest Trail Loop
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 8.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
Enjoy a long ramble through the Port Gamble Forest full of second-growth Douglas firs and lots of ferns.
Kopachuck State Park Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 25 feet
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Highest Point
- 25 feet
This is an easy loop trail, wandering nearly one mile through a forest of bigleaf maple and cedars on the shores of Carr Inlet in Gig Harbor. With less than fifty feet of elevation gain and plenty of picnic tables, it makes the perfect destination for families with small children.
Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 0.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 85 feet
Although it is small, this nature preserve on the northwest tip of Fox Island features a sandspit, offering visitors the perfect place for a short scenic beach hike.
Harbor Family Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 2.1 miles of trails
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Highest Point
- 350 feet
Explore this small park's forested primitive trails near Gig Harbor.
Gold Creek Trail to Alaska Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 14.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,024 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,624 feet
While the trail near Gold Creek Pond is a great spot for hikers of all ages, the trail back towards Alaska Lake is a more rugged experience. Starting flat, it heads into the heart of the Central Cascades on an old road for four miles, where it then crosses an impressive old avalanche path before heading straight uphill to remote Alaska Lake.
Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 2.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 10 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,000 feet
The Gold Creek area will close every April 1 – Nov 30 through 2027 for a restoration project.
The flat terrain of this wide valley east of Snoqualmie Pass is the perfect place to practice snowshoeing with kids or first-timers. This is an area popular with cross-country skiers, and you may spot beaver dams and other winter wildlife. From Mardee Lake to looming Kendall Peak before you, this is premiere terrain for winter enthusiasts.
Gold Creek Pond
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 10 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,000 feet
The Gold Creek area will close every April 1 – Nov 30 through 2027 for a restoration project.
Gold Creek Pond is an ADA-accessible paved loop hike around a picturesque mountain pond atop Snoqualmie Pass.
Cinnamon Trail
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 8.6 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,000 feet
This long, meandering trail in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument makes for a lovely out-and-back, or as part of a big loop hike.
Dirty Harry's Peak
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 9.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,326 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,662 feet
This trail is popular for training and improved thanks to the Department of Natural Resources and Washington Trails Association volunteers. But note that the true peak lies on a small parcel of private land. Bring a map and know where that boundary is.
Dirty Harry's Balcony
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,600 feet
Get a workout and experience rock work completed by Department of Natural Resources and WTA volunteer crews on this hike. Your reward is a rocky overlook from which you can marvel at Mount Kent, McClellan Butte, and Mount Washington, the behemoths forming the south rim of the west entrance to Snoqualmie Pass.
River Meadows Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
River Meadows Park is a great place for a nice hike that isn't too far out of town, just about 15 minutes outside of Arlington.
Lake Sylvia State Park
Southwest Washington > Long Beach Area
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Length
- 5.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 30 feet
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Highest Point
- 170 feet
Just a mile outside the tiny town of Montesano is a quiet, calm lake, fishing, swimming, camping and five miles of hiking trails. Stop by Lake Sylvia State Park for a day or a whole weekend of fun.
Lake Sylvia State Park - Brownie Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 2.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 630 feet
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Highest Point
- 460 feet
Take a day trip or camp at Lake Sylvia State Park to hike the Brownie Trail, one of 22(!) named multi-use trails in the Montesano City Forest.
Mount Walker
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,804 feet
Approachable throughout the year, the Mount Walker trail’s average 20% grade makes it a go-to route for hikers and trail runners looking for a short, brisk tromp. (While it is also a designated stock trail, riders and pack animals rarely make an appearance.) Spring, summer, and fall the 2-mile trail is both ascended and descended by those on foot. In the winter, when the Mount Walker road is gated closed to vehicles, many will pursue the then 2.25-mile jaunt up to the north viewpoint, saunter over to the south viewpoint and then descend on the more gentle grade of the road.
Silver Star Mountain
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 6.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,990 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,390 feet
See beautiful wildflower meadows on the way up to a panoramic view that includes many of the big peaks in both Washington and Oregon.
Heybrook Lookout
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 980 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,800 feet
Heybrook Lookout is a short and moderately steep hike through a fern and moss covered forest to a fun, staircase-ridden lookout with great views of the nearby mountains. If you are introducing someone to hiking, limited on time, or trying to add on another hike or activity in the area, this is the hike for you.
Mount Defiance
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,584 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,584 feet
FR 9030 is closed for the winter season.
Hike trails though sub-alpine forest and across boulder fields and, in season, enjoy a multitude of wildflowers. Pass a beautiful mountain lake. Ascend to a 5584-foot summit and enjoy incredible views of Cascade peaks and nearby lakes.