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
4219 HikesBoulder Ridge
North Cascades
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Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
This trail is a rarely traveled and quite rustic trail used primarily by climbers as an alternate climbing route for Mount Baker. Though not for the faint of heart, this hike has a truly spectacular payoff in views and provides a solitary hiking experience.
Boulder Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 13.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
A hidden gem of Snohomish County — whether you do a couple of miles or the whole trek to Boulder Lake, there's plenty for all to enjoy. Hikers will be surrounded by a bounty of wild berries in the summer and misty Pacific Northwest clouds in the spring and fall. The trail has been quietly closed for several seasons; now, hikers can find tranquil solitude with an amazing lake!
Bogachiel River
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 500 feet
The Bogachiel River is a classic example of a lowland rainforest ecosystem, with a rough and tumble trail that extends all the way to the head of the valley. Born on lower mountains than the Hoh, Queets, and Quinault, it lacks the glacial coloration and tremendous flow associated with those valleys. What it makes up for is miles of solitude and adventure.
Boardman Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,050 feet
The trail to Boardman Lake is one of the most accessible hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway, offering old-growth forest and a two-for-one lakeside opportunity. If you are willing to hike a mile or so in with marginal elevation gain, you can find yourself marveling at peaceful azure waters deep in the verdant backcountry of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Bluff Lake
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,840 feet
This forested trail to a small, secluded lake — uniquely set on a ridge with a few campsites— provides an easy day hike or backpack trip.
Blue Lake
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
This short, hiker-only trail in the Dark Divide connects hikers to an arresting, appropriately named blue lake jumping with fish. If you can get past its quiet shores, it's a short jaunt to connect with the Craggy Peak trail and miles of ridgeline hiking that the Dark Divide Roadless Area affords.
Blue Lake
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 1.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,984 feet
The trailhead is inaccessible until further notice due to FR 12 closure.
One of several Blue Lakes in Washington State, this Blue Lake lies about four and a half miles south of Mount Baker and requires less than a mile of hiking to reach it. Its translucent blue-green colors peek out beneath the shadows of a sheer rock wall partially encircling the lake, a reward for conquering the somewhat eroded and rooty trail that leads to it. Families, anglers, and hikers looking to experience a pretty subalpine lake will enjoy this short, yet memorable hike.
Blake Island State Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 190 feet
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Highest Point
- 190 feet
Originally home to the Suquamish Indian tribe and legendary for being the supposed birthplace of Chief Sealth, over the years Blake Island has also served as a timber source, a private estate, Army base, and even a smuggler’s refuge. It now may be best known for Tillicum Village, a Native American cultural center that is currently closed. Access to Blake Island State Park is only possible by personal watercraft.
Black Lake
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 780 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,982 feet
While snow still coats the high places of the Methow Valley, the hike to Black Lake offers early-season wildflowers amidst the recovery from a devastating 2003 wildfire.
Bird Creek Meadows
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,500 feet
Bird Creek Meadows is a crowd pleaser of a hike. Known for its abundant wildflower meadows, views of Mount Adams and the Hellroaring Canyon, and little creeks, lakes and waterfalls, this trail provides a nice 5.2-mile loop for hikers.
Big Creek Trail
Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
Wonder past streams, a deep canyon and old-growth trees on the Big Creek Trail. Located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this narrow, rocky trail provides a challenge for adventurous hikers.
Berthusen Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 2.4 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 111 feet
Berthusen Park offers up plenty of great opportunities to get outdoors and explore. This beautiful park, the site of a homestead from the late 1800s, has antique farm machinery, a historical cabin, a big red barn and a great playground with a wonderful swing set for kids.
Bench Lake Loop
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 3.4 miles, roundtrip
A hike near Mount Adams.
Bedal Basin
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,700 feet
Follow a trail up an old mining trail before reaching a boulder-filled basin with views of Sloan Peak above. The first half of the hike is fairly easy, while the second is a steep climb through a creek bed. Navigational skills are required for this hike.
Beaver Lake Preserve
Issaquah Alps
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 460 feet
Hike a 1.2 mile loop trail through this forest preserve. Appreciate the exceptionally tall trees, both deciduous and coniferous. Pass some swampy areas with standing water, and note the exuberant growth of ferns and hanging moss.
Beaver Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Discover this quiet ramble along the Wild and Scenic Sauk River as you follow the site of an old railroad grade. The trail is more about the journey than the destination, but this mellow walk can be enjoyed any time of year. The lake itself is small and more of a pond.
Barnes Creek
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,090 feet
A nice creekside hike within the Olympics with the option to check out Marymere Falls on the hike. This hike has all types of old growth and lush vegetation.
Bare Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,353 feet
Bare Mountain, the site of a former fire lookout, is a superb viewpoint with mountains in every direction and lakes close by. In season, appreciate the great variety of wildflowers, beginning at the trailhead and continuing all the way to the summit. And be alert for birds and wild critters. They are out there.
Barclay Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,423 feet
Barclay Lake offers something for almost everyone: a well-maintained trail that is accessible to beginners and children, stunning mountain views, mycology, camping, a serene alpine lake, and a staging area for challenging adventures in the 106,000-acre Wild Sky Wilderness. Keep your camera charged, as this popular pathway in the shadow of Baring Mountain offers many photo opportunities.
Baker River
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 900 feet
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.
East Bank Baker Lake
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
This hike along Baker Lake is a busy, popular trail in summer. It is a nice off season walk though, and is perfect on a crisp, clear winter day. With the leaves off the trees, views that aren't possible in summer emerge; the surrounding peaks and the mossy green silhouettes of the leafless maple trees cover the hillside. A bonus any time of year are the many creeks, quaint bridges, large old-growth trees and of course, Mount Baker as the main attraction.
Aurora Divide
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 14.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,750 feet
The Aurora Divide Trail branches off the Barnes Creek Trail and steeply climbs to Aurora Ridge. Aurora Ridge offers sweeping views of Lake Crescent, Mount Baker, and more.
Appleton Pass
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 31.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 10,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,150 feet
This long route from Madison Falls on the Elwha River offers some rewarding diversions along the way, but much of the payoff is in the last 1.5 miles with sweeping views as one ascends the meadows and traverses the switchbacks to Appleton Pass.
Ape Caves
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 2.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,450 feet
The full experience at Ape Cave includes the easy exploration of a spacious lava tube, followed by more difficult travel through a smaller, longer, and more rugged lava tube to an exit. Then, enjoy an easy return hike winding through shady forest and crusty lava formations.
Ape Canyon
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,200 feet
Climb through dense old-growth forest to a barren cinder plateau that bursts with wildflowers and unobstructed views.
Anti-Aircraft Peak Loop
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 4.75 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 450 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,380 feet
Hike a loop around Anti-Aircraft Peak in the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Hike past sites associated with coal and clay mining, and a former 1950s-era anti-aircraft missile installation. Enjoy good forest trails, some seasonal wildflowers, and a million-dollar view.
Angry Mountain
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 16.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,409 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,049 feet
Looking for adventure and solitude? Angry Mountain is the destination for you, though trail conditions may make put you in the mood the mountain is named for. It's a steep, challenging climb from Forest Road 21, but the payoff comes miles later, when you finally gain the ridge crest separating two glaciated valleys.
Youth-on-Age Interpretive Trail
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 0.25 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
This trail is closed until further notice.
A paved interpretive trail on the Mountain Loop Highway near Verlot. Perfect for exploring children and curious adults, an extra add-on after a longer hike or a leg stretch during a driving tour of the area.
Yellow Aster Butte
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,550 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,150 feet
Visitors to this trail must pack out all human waste and not bury it.
Find supreme wildflower gardens and a high-country plateau speckled with shimmering tarns-but that's not all. Spectacular alpine vistas abound too-of Baker, Shuksan, and all those rugged and craggy peaks straddling the 49th parallel. Yellow Aster Butte may be a misnomer (those yellow-petaled delights are actually daisies), but you definitely don't want to miss hiking here.
Wonderland Trail
Mount Rainier Area
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Length
- 93.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 22,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,750 feet
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile hiking trail that encircles Washington's most famous volcano. Each year, hikers vie for permits to embark on a backpacking trip on it, with only a handful scoring the permits to undertake this strenuous hike.