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
4250 HikesOyster Dome
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
-
Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,050 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,025 feet
Oyster Dome is a rocky promontory on the western slope of Blanchard Mountain, the grandest member of the Chuckanut Mountain range, an extension of the Cascades that rises directly from the ocean. The sheer cliffs of Oyster Dome offer year-round access to commanding views of the San Juans, Skagit River flats, Olympic Mountains, and Samish Bay.
Preston Powerline Loop
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
-
Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,831 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,100 feet
Link multiple West Tiger Mountain trails near the Preston Powerline Trail to find a hidden gem of a hike once you leave the rocky powerline trail, delighting in wildflowers every color of the rainbow along the road.
Preston Powerline Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
-
Length
- 1.6 miles, one-way
-
Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
-
Highest Point
- 930 feet
A rocky trail under the powerlines.
McKenzie Conservation Area
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
-
Length
- 6.0 miles of trails
-
Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,600 feet
Visit McKenzie to take in the wild side of Newman Lake, where one can watch for moose in the shallows along the 3,000 feet of lakeshore, or possibly see an eagle nab a fish before returning to its nest in the nearby cottonwoods. Mount Spokane and Ragged Ridge make the backdrop for this mellow loop trail system.
Hauser Lake Conservation Area
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
-
Length
- 5.7 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,640 feet
Named for its proximity to Hauser Lake, this hike doesn't actually offer any lake access or views. Instead, it's a good place to stretch one's legs and perhaps see some wildlife.
Moran State Park - Cascade Lake
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
-
Length
- 2.7 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 480 feet
Cascade Lake provides recreation opportunities for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. The main day-use area offers a picnic area, kitchen shelters, boat launches and rentals, a swimming beach, and fishing. One of the main attractions though is the loop trail that circles the lake. Walk along the shore of the lake and enjoy secluded viewpoints and tall trees.
West Boundary Trail
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
-
Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,550 feet
The Fairfax Bridge (3 miles south of Carbonado) is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic until further notice due to safety concerns. The bridge closure renders this hike inaccessible.
The West Boundary Trail is one of the remaining fragments of the historic Boundary Trail that allowed rangers to patrol the perimeter of Mount Rainier National Park. Now an out-and-back, the trail is moderately popular despite its brutally steep grade. The lush rainforest, delightful cascades and potential to add a summit to the day give this hike reason to investigate.
Dege Peak
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
-
Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
-
Highest Point
- 7,006 feet
Unlike many of the trails out of Sunrise Visitor Center that lead you closer to the hulking presence of Mount Rainier, Dege Peak walks you just far enough away from the mountain to get a little perspective. With stunning 360-degree views ranging from nearby Cowlitz Chimneys to the far-off peaks of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Glacier Peak and Mount Baker, this perch above Sourdough Ridge is terrific for an easy alpine stroll on a clear day.
Sunrise Rim Trail
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
-
Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 215 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,386 feet
The Sunrise Rim Trail is a short connector trail that links Sunrise with the Wonderland Trail, providing expansive views of Mount Rainier.
Boundary West
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
-
Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,390 feet
This short section of the much longer Boundary Trail (which spans the Dark Divide between Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams) provides a nice day hike amid the unique geology of the St. Helens area.
Six Ridge
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
-
Length
- 21.1 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,150 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,650 feet
The trail is closed from the east edge of Belview Camp to its junction with the North Fork Skokomish Trail until further notice due to damage from the Bear Gulch Fire.
The Six Ridge Trail is a rugged route that traverses the South Fork to the North Fork of the Skokomish River. It is known for its solitude, meadows and grand mountain vistas, but it comes at a price -- a steep, long trail to these destinations.
Black & White Lakes
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
-
Length
- 15.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,200 feet
The trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Bear Gulch Fire.
This beautiful hike takes you through a canopy of old growth trees until you find yourself in a high alpine meadow with small quiet lakes. Yes it's gorgeous but this hike isn't easy.
Wagonwheel Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
-
Length
- 5.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,100 feet
The trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Bear Gulch Fire.
A steep trail climbing to a small lake. What this trail lacks in views and photo ops it makes up for in the excellent workout.
Shady Lane
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
-
Length
- 1.8 miles, roundtrip
The trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Bear Gulch Fire.
Explore a beautiful riverside forest, perfect for kids and adults alike.
North Fork Skokomish River
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
-
Length
- 15.2 miles, one-way
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,568 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,688 feet
The trail is closed from its intersection with the Staircase Rapids Loop to Home Sweet Home until further notice due to damage from the Bear Gulch Fire.
Hiking through lowland forest rivers, the North Fork Skokomish Trail leads through the thick Olympic forest to subalpine meadows with unbelievable views of the heart of the craggy, snow-capped Olympic Range.
Four Stream
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
The trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Bear Gulch Fire.
A short hike near the Staircase area of Olympic National Park.
Copper Creek
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
-
Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,200 feet
The trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Bear Gulch Fire.
Whatever you like most about hiking, this trail has something for you, whether it’s a quick ascent, a period of more level ground, a peek-a-boo view, a quintessential Olympic Peninsula rain forest, or a ridge top.
High Rock
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
-
Length
- 3.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,365 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,685 feet
The trail will be closed through Aug 23 for construction.
Topping out at 5,685 feet, High Rock is dramatically higher than its surroundings. On a clear day, the exposed summit provides outstanding views all around and down. The trail is moderately steep but short, following Sawtooth Ridge 1.6 miles to the summit, where a fire lookout clings to the top.
Frog Mountain
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 7.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,166 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,852 feet
Built with the help of many WTA work parties, the Frog Mountain trail is the newest trail on the Skykomish Ranger District. It offers views of the Skykomish Valley from the summit and a great shoulder-season hike.
Noble Knob
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
-
Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 950 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,011 feet
This hike up to a former lookout site provides spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape.
Naches Peak Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
-
Length
- 3.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,850 feet
This popular hike provides a range of alpine experiences in a short loop. Walk along a hillside above a small valley, pause at a viewpoint overlooking a lake and stroll through grassy meadows with stunning views of Mount Rainier. In season, enjoy an abundance of wildflowers or perhaps a handful of huckleberries.
Mazama Park via Ridley Creek
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
-
Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,600 feet
7.8.26: FR 38 is washed out at milepost 7.
Hike a trail that WTA is helping restore. The Ridley Creek trail provides access to scenic Mazama Park and views of Mount Baker.
Elbow Lake
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
-
Length
- 16.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,100 feet
FR 12 will be closed to vehicles starting Aug 2026 from Rocky Creek Bridge (milepost 4.6). The trailhead will be inaccessible due to this closure and a washout and barrier on FR 38 at milepost 7.
Above the banks of the South Fork Nooksack lies Pioneer Camp and the trailhead for the Elbow Lake Trail. Climb gently the first two miles through mature, mid-elevation forest to the Bell Pass Trail junction, a little used route to Mazama Park, or continue another mile to access the remote beauty of Elbow Lake. Large, ancient yellow cedars can be found on the north side of the lake as the trail continues to wind towards the Middle Fork Nooksack.
Anderson and Watson Lakes
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
-
Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,900 feet
7.8.26: FR 1107 is closed at mile 3.8 due to a washout.
This trail features plenty of variety, with destinations spaced perfectly for families or first-time backpackers. Beautiful hemlock forest, meadows dotted with wildflowers, gleaming lakes, mountain views, juicy berries and excellent camping are all available. Wait until later in the hiking season though, as this area is known for its bugs.
Hidden Lake Lookout
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
-
Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,900 feet
7.8.26: The road to the trailhead is closed to vehicles at milepost 2.6 due to a washout.
The Hidden Lake trail is one of the crown jewels of hiking in Washington State. No other trail offers so much as Hidden Lake Lookout: forest, wildflowers, a true alpine environment of stark granite well above treeline, breathtaking summit views of the heart of North Cascades National Park, and a fire lookout with a sweeping history almost as big as the mountainous landscape it gazes over.
Baker River
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
-
Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 900 feet
Baker Lake Road will be closed past Shannon Creek Campground to all traffic (including foot and bike) July 15-Aug 31 due to active construction. Baker Lake north trailhead will be inaccessible at this time. The south trailhead remains accessible.
Take a mellow walk on a trail that wanders among large old trees and huge mossy boulders. The trail alongside Baker River takes you on a path of gentle up and downs, splashing your way through stream crossings and past open areas filled with young alder, huckleberry and salmonberry. On a quiet spring day, your chances of seeing wildlife are excellent.
Sourdough Ridge
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
-
Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,800 feet
This short trail allows you a quick escape from the Sunrise parking lot to stunning views of Mount Rainier and the peaks and valley nearby.
Skyscraper Pass
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
-
Length
- 6.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,700 feet
-
Highest Point
- 7,079 feet
The trail to Skyscraper Pass makes an ideal dayhike to take you a little further from the popular visitor center at Sunrise, and the crowds that head to Dege Peak and the Burroughs. It's a bit longer, so you'll need to be ready for push. Particularly enthusiastic hikers can push onto Skyscraper Mountain via a bootpath.
Skyscraper Mountain
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
-
Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 7,000 feet
The Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park offers many fantastic views of The Mountain. But don’t neglect the other views. Scramble up Skyscraper Mountain to enjoy a full 360 degree view of numerous lofty peaks, verdant treeless parks, and river valleys far below.
Silver Forest - Emmons Vista
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
-
Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 325 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,400 feet
The Silver Forest Trail is a lesser-known and therefore less-crowded alternative at Mount Rainier’s Sunrise. Enjoy mountain, glacier and river valley views along a gentle trail that is mostly out of sight of the bustle of Sunrise.