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 HikesMount 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
-
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
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.
Goat Peak
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 6.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,473 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
Goat Peak offers expansive views into the William O. Douglas Wilderness and beyond. Once the site of a U.S. Forest Service lookout, Goat Peak’s 6,400-foot summit showcases such impressive gems as the Goat Rocks, Bumping Lake, Mount Rainier, Fife’s Peak, and the Stuart Range.
Cougar Lakes
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
Ford a river, climb through forest and end at two lakes in the heart of a wilderness area -- Cougar Lake is a gorgeous respite for hikers in the William O. Douglas wilderness.
Spider Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,400 feet
This gem of a lake is hidden deep in forest in the southeastern side of the Olympic Peninsula. A full loop around the lake takes you through old growth forests, past waterfalls and through a marsh, and then back up above the lake for a few peek-a-boo views of the mountains.
Surprise and Glacier Lakes
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,900 feet
From towering old-growth giants to placid lakes with craggy mountain views, this hike has everything you want in a trail. Put this one on your list of places to explore along Highway 2.
Little Beaver Creek
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 35.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 6,213 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,197 feet
9.1.25: Little Beaver Trail from Ross Lake to Stillwell Camp is closed until further notice due to the Big Beaver Fire.
A trek through the Little Beaver valley in the heart of the North Cascades offers remarkable old-growth forest, phenomenal mountain views and plenty of options for backpackers.
Swauk Forest Discovery Trail
Central Cascades > Blewett Pass
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Length
- 2.45 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 660 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,530 feet
This popular summer trail offers a wonderful place to learn about woodland ecosystems with 25 different interpretive stops. Wandering just under three miles through woods and meadows near the summit of Blewett Pass, With five log benches throughout providing fascinating views. It also gives insight into an area recovering after a burn towards the end of the trail.
Goat Lake
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,600 feet
Travel deep into the Goat Rocks Wilderness and enjoy stunning views of Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Jordan Basin, and Goat Lake.
Eagle Landing Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 0.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 115 feet
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Highest Point
- 250 feet
A small neighborhood park, through a wooded area which leads to an overlook of Puget Sound.
Marine View Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 275 feet
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Highest Point
- 275 feet
This hidden gem offers picnic tables and benches with views over Puget Sound, and access to a section of public beach. The trail network can be confusing. Familiarize yourself with the map ahead of time.
Green River Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 19.9 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 82 feet
A semi-urban multi-use trail running between Tukwila and South Park along the Duwamish River.
Walker Preserve
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 200 feet
When you need a dose of nature therapy but are limited for time, look for a suburban nature trail. The Walker Preserve in Normandy Park offers a level easy trail, plus optional steep and narrow side trails that lead down to two small creeks. There is even a picnic table available at the small parking lot.
Des Moines Creek Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 235 feet
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Highest Point
- 250 feet
Hike along a steep-sided ravine with some highly eroded banks. Enjoy the deciduous forest with a few large trees, and appreciate the moss and ferns along the creek. There's also an option to extend your hike to include the historic district of Des Moines Beach Park, and stroll out onto the Des Moines Public Fishing Pier for the view.
Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 3.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,760 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,850 feet
Hike a short but steep trail with many stone steps. Pause at a viewpoint offering a fine view of Mount Rainier, then continue on to Poo Poo Point itself, only 1.9 miles from the trailhead. Enjoy views to the northwest, and perhaps watch paragliders sailing off into the sky.
Indian Bar - Cowlitz Divide
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 14.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 5,074 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,900 feet
This section of the Wonderland Trail, which begins at Box Canyon, continues along the Cowlitz Divide, and eventually concludes in the valley that houses Indian Bar, will certainly test your trail stamina. But the rewards for all of your efforts are plentiful: swaths of old-growth forests, bountiful berries (when in season), rolling alpine meadows, an epic in-your-face view of Mount Rainier, and finally, the rushing waters of the Ohanapecosh River and Wauhaukaupauken Falls, which offer a cooling respite after your long, and sometimes arduous, climb and descent into this famed valley.
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.
Thunder Knob
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 635 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,875 feet
Hike this easy leg stretcher while taking in the beautiful scenery of the North Cascades Highway. A good stop if you have a car full of restless children or you are showing off the area to visiting relatives. The views from the top are a big payoff for such a short hike.
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.