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
4173 HikesTeneriffe Falls
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,585 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,370 feet
You'll work up a sweat on this easy to moderate hike to the spectacular Teneriffe Falls. Go in the spring when the tread is snow-free and the waterfall is flowing at full volume. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with views of the surrounding Snoqualmie valley and nearby peaks.
Clara and Marion Lakes
Central Washington > Wenatchee
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Length
- 3.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,475 feet
Some days are perfect for quiet contemplation, and an easygoing trail. Chirping birds, fragrant Ponderosa pines, and soft duff underfoot make this a perfect short, casual hike. In snow, it's steady climb will make it a moderate challenge in winter when showshoeing is in season.
Index Town Wall
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
This unofficial trail is short, steep and extremely eroded. Because it's not officially built or managed hikers are encouraged to find other locations to explore in the area.
Gem Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,857 feet
Gem Lake is nestled at the foot of Wright Mountain and is about two miles beyond the trail junction at Rock Creek trail #1013.1 that intersects with the Snow Lake trail starting at Alpental. Beautiful colors surround the lake in autumn as do the many climbable peaks in the area.
Easton Ridge
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,270 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,470 feet
Easton Ridge is a hiker’s friend. Located on the east side of Cascades, hikers will often find drier weather here than on the west side, and with a relatively low peak elevation (4462 feet), snow melts out earlier than other nearby summits at higher elevation.
Lake Valhalla
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,050 feet
Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. Wildflowers abound in early summer, berries in late summer and fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn.
Mailbox Peak - Old Trail
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,822 feet
You may have heard Mailbox Peak mentioned in slightly hushed tones, the kind reserved for stories about some legendary storm or a bad accident. What inspires such reverence? The original route, which entails 4,000 feet of climbing in less than three miles. The newer, gentler trail takes twice as much distance to achieve the summit, but nothing will permanently erase the original trail's fearsome reputation.
Cascade Pass
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,392 feet
At Cascade Pass, the wow factor far exceeds the “ow” factor – perhaps no other trail in the state delivers as much reward for the effort. From the high peaks on either side of the pass, verdant meadows curve down to a saddle that offers sweeping views of nearby valleys, glaciers, mountains, and passing wildlife. Sedately climbing a little less than 1,800 feet in 3.6 miles, it is the perfect hike to show new hikers the extraordinary places their feet can take them.
Bandera Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,240 feet
There are two sides to Bandera Mountain — gentle and well-groomed on the one hand, rough and untamed on the other. Together, they make for a very satisfying hike along a rocky ridge to a false summit (Little Bandera) with views impressive enough to dissuade most from completing the final half mile of informal trail to the "real" summit.
Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,900 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.
Hike to an old fire lookout with in-your-face views of Mount Rainier and a sapphire blue lake below. Tolmie Peak and Eunice Lake pack a one-two punch when it comes to scenery, but stopping at the picturesque lake is a perfectly acceptable destination as well.
Spray Park
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,500 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 Wonderland Trail is inaccessible from Mowich Lake due to the bridge closure.
Since getting to the trailhead involves a significant drive on gravel road, this hike sees fewer boots than trails leaving from Paradise and Sunrise. Spray Falls is attainable by most day hikers, but the gain up to Spray Park is a good test of your fitness level! Your reward on a clear day will be views, views, views of Echo Rock, Observation Rock and Mount Rainier.
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.
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,570 feet
In Sahale Arm, the forces of nature have conspired to create an improbably gentle, gorgeous landscape. Simply put, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Washington.
Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,100 feet
Rampart Lakes is a pretty collection of pothole lakes with a maze of social trails lacing them together. Though doable as a day hike, it is better enjoyed as an overnight destination, with nearby Alta Mountain and Lila Lake making excellent side trips.
Mount Si
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,150 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,900 feet
There are many reasons – besides its proximity to Seattle – why Mount Si is the most popular hike in the state: beautiful views, wildlife (some of it not so wild), old growth forest, and a dramatic summit worthy of a more remote peak. Rising dramatically above the Snoqualmie Valley, it serves as a literal and figurative gateway to the Cascades for thousands of hikers.
Mailbox Peak
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 9.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,822 feet
While still relatively steep, this new route up Mailbox Peak, built in part with help from WTA volunteers, offers a safer and more easily navigable way for folks to summit this formidable peak than the old trail.
Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,270 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,070 feet
Granite Creek courses through the gorge between Mailbox Peak and Russian Butte. Ascend through the creek’s ravine, immersed in mountain rainforest, alongside whitewater rapids, waterfalls, wildflowers and mushrooms, while you take in majestic views of the mountains of the Middle Fork Valley. Seasonal treats include berries and fall colors.
Mount St. Helens - Monitor Ridge
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 8,365 feet
Permits are required to summit Mount St. Helens. Find details about acquiring them in the hike description.
The rim is extremely unstable. Please stay well back from the edge.
Mount St. Helens is a peak that should be on every life list. And because it is an active volcano, it is best not to put it off for too long. Climbing to the crater rim is an opportunity to see not only amazing views in every direction, but to see geology raw, unformed and in its making.
Tuck and Robin Lakes
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 11.96 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,354 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,300 feet
A beautiful granite basin housing two sparkling lakes and big views. Explorations abound with nearly a dozen lakes to look down upon or explore around.
Standup Creek
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 14.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,200 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed until further notice due to the Labor Mountain Fire.
The lesser known creek between Bean and Stafford, Standup offers a gentle valley followed by steepness to an open hillside and ridge with views. But this quiet hike is only accessible via a road only appropriate for high-clearance vehicles.
Pleasant Valley Loop
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 11.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,880 feet
9.3.25: The trail within the William O. Douglas Wilderness is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
With a couple highway crossings, and several turns and junctions, this is not the most glamourous loop through the woods, but it offers an all-purpose trail that can be chunked up into mostly flat options for hikers who want to plan their own route as well as connections and extensions to other trails in the area.
Bumping Lake
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
9.3.25: The trail between its junction with the PCT and its end with FR 1800-394 is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire. Upper and Lower Bumping Lake campgrounds are also closed.
A gentle hike through stands of mature larches and other conifers along the shores of Bumping Lake. The trail is also a good alternate route to Swamp Lake Trail #970 or to Pacific Crest Trail #2000 when a ford of the Bumping River is too hazardous.
Indian Creek
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 11.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,000 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed between Deep Creek horse camp to 0.35 mi in (to the closure boundary) until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire. The Deep Creek horse camp/trailhead is also closed.
Beautiful mixed forests surround you as saunter up Indian Creek towards the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Surrounded by peaks on all sides, this crucial connector to the PCT in the ultra-rugged Glacier Peak Wilderness requires keen navigation skills (and a strong sense of adventure) as years of overgrown brush make this trail difficult to follow.
Twin Sisters Lakes
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed between Deep Creek horse camp and 0.5 mi in (to the closure boundary) until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire. The Deep Creek horse camp/trailhead is also closed.
A long dirt road provides access to the central trailhead for the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area. The popular, easy forest hike to the Twin Sisters Lakes is a prelude to miles of exploration possible on trails and cross-country through open forest, past meadows, ponds, and lakes.
Mount Aix
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,650 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,766 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed between the trailhead and 0.26 mi in (to the closure boundary) until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
The Mount Aix trail leads to a lofty world above the tree line, with views in all directions, and access to other trails for wandering in the open. On a clear day, you can see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, the Goat Rocks, Mount Rainier and the Stuart Range, just to mention the more identifiable peaks.
Mesatchee Creek
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,750 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,875 feet
9.3.25: The trailhead and trail are closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
If you want both a walk in the sunshine and a walk through the trees, Mesatchee Creek is the place to go! Keep your feet dry on the turnpikes and bridge made by WTA.
Fish Lake
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 1.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 265 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,914 feet
9.3.25: The trailhead and trail are closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
A one mile trail in the Bumping River Valley connecting Road 1800 with Bumping Lake Trail.
American Ridge
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 12.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,950 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,310 feet
9.3.25: The trailhead and trail within the William O. Douglas Wilderness are closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
A steep and dusty trail to a long, beautiful ridge where the rambling is fine, often among a band of elk.
Dewey Lake
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,270 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,900 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
To misquote a famous author, this hike can be "the best of trips or the worst of trips". Done in the right season, it has beautiful flowers, ripe berries, expansive views, great campsites, fishing, and swimming. Done in the wrong season, it has treacherous avalanche chute crossings, wet trail, no flowers, muddy campsites, and horrendous bugs.
Swamp Lake
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 9.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,000 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
Despite its name, Swamp Lake is a lovely little destination in the William O. Douglas wilderness near Mount Rainier. It's popular with fishermen and backpackers, though it can be extremely buggy in early summer.