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
4264 HikesKendall Katwalk
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,600 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
8.11.26: The trail is closed due to the Three Queens Fire.
If the name Kendall Katwalk conjures up an image of a narrow pathway blasted out of a steeply sloped rock face, that’s part of it. But the whole package includes old growth forest, gorgeous wildflowers, and stunning views into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness from both sides of the pass below Kendall Peak, where the Katwalk begins.
Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,800 feet
Cutthroat Pass is a stunner no matter which way you access it. This way, you'll enjoy a wider, more well-maintained trail, and you're more likely to share it with Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers.
Annette Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,600 feet
Waterfalls, wildflowers, sheltering forests, mountain views and an alpine lake are offered on this well-maintained trail. At the lake, enjoy the sights and relax for a while. If you backpacked in, stay at the campsites for a sunrise and sunset on the lake.
Rattlesnake Ledge
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,160 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,078 feet
This is a fine hike on a well maintained, albeit busy trail through a cool forest with views of the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Lake and Chester Morse Lake.
Oyster Dome
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,050 feet
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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.
Mount Si
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
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.
Heather - Maple Pass Loop
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,020 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,650 feet
If ever there was a hike to satisfy all a hiker's desires, this one comes as close as any. A loop hike with many fabulous changing faces throughout the seasons, Heather-Maple Pass features ridgelines blanketed in wildflowers in summer, lakes ringed with golden larches in fall, and before the highway closes for the season, a dramatic place to experience early winter’s snows.
Thorp Mountain Lookout via Thorp Creek
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 7.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,484 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,884 feet
8.24.26: The trail is closed due to the Three Queens Fire.
It’s possible to reach the lookout on top of Thorp Mountain four different ways. But this route offers a nice detour to a little lake, where you can have a snack and size up your objective before continuing on your way.
High Divide - Seven Lakes Basin Loop
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 19.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,120 feet
Stunning views, stargazing, backcountry lakes and plentiful wildlife await you on this classic 19-mile loop on the Olympic Mountains’ stunning Seven Lakes Basin and High Divide Trail.
Park Butte
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,450 feet
This is a very fragile area. Human waste must be packed out on this trail. Please also note camping is not allowed at the tarns/ponds along Park Butte trail.
On Park Butte, hike to an historic fire lookout and come face-to-face with Koma Kulshan. Along with unobstructed panoramic views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and the rest of the North Cascades, the route to Park Butte offers dedicated campsites, wildflower-filled alpine meadows and a stunning variety of mushroom species.
Marmot Pass
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 11.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,489 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,000 feet
Marmot Pass offers great views and a gentle hike through old-growth forest as well as high meadows. It is a great day hike, but also offers a great starting place for a variety of overnight options.
Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,420 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,320 feet
Sun drenched ridgelines, blooming trillium, and sparkling alpine waters define this fitting tribute to one of Washington’s greatest trail advocates.
Gem Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
-
Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,857 feet
The trail will be closed Sept 14-25 for construction.
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.
Snow Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,400 feet
The trail will be closed Sept 14-25 for construction.
Within a stone’s throw of Seattle, the Snow Lake trail delivers splendorous alpine scenery – crystal clear waters, towering peaks — on a rather exposed and rocky hike. Just don’t expect to have the trail to yourself; it's Washington's most heavily-used trail in a wilderness area!
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.
Bandera Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
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.
Heybrook Lookout
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
-
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.
Chain Lakes Loop
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 6.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,820 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
This gorgeous loop hike has it all: big views of Mounts Baker and Shuksan, as well as the North Cascades, alpine lakes for swimming, and well-maintained trail winding through meadows and heather. And with wildflowers in spring, blueberry bushes for trail-side snacking in late summer and blazing color in the fall, you can't pick a bad season to visit.
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,828 feet
9.5.26: Sunrise Road is closed to vehicles due to the Grand Park 2 and Wonderland Complex Fires. Foot and bike traffic is permitted past the closure.
Burroughs Mountain can be described as a "mountain against a mountain." At over 7,800 feet, Burroughs Mountain sets right up against the northeastern face of Mount Rainier, hugging the Winthrop Glacier. It offers one of the most dramatic views of Washington's largest volcano.
Little Si
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 3.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,550 feet
The small rocky bluff known as Little Si is a moderately-graded trail located in the North Bend area. Although relatively steep inclines bookend this hike, the route is perfect for beginners as well as hiking veterans with opportunities to cut away on the Boulder Garden Loop (at 0.3 miles and 0.5 miles).
Lake 22
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,350 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,400 feet
The curiously-named Lake 22 is the center of an oasis of alpine wetland nestled on the northern shoulder of Mount Pilchuck. The hike to the lake combines the best of mountain rainforests, old-growth, wetlands and mountain views, yet it is readily accessible. In winter, the route lends itself to snowshoeing.
Vesper Peak
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,214 feet
Vesper Peak is a difficult and demanding hike. Though you get incredible views at the summit, many search and rescue missions get called to Vesper Peak, so assess your skills and be prepared if you choose to hike here.
Shine Tidelands State Park
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
-
Highest Point
- 0 feet
A short walk on a cobble beach with mudflats and shorebirds.
Noisy Creek
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
-
Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
Baker Lake Road is closed past Shannon Creek Campground to all traffic (including foot and bike) due to active construction. It is expected to reopen Sept 11.
Hikers on the Noisy Creek trail can view exceptional old growth trees and also serves as the start of a cross country route into Noisy Diobsud Wilderness.
Baker River
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 900 feet
Baker Lake Road is closed past Shannon Creek Campground to all traffic (including foot and bike) due to active construction. It is expected to reopen Sept 11. 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.
Baker Lake - Maple Grove
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Baker Lake Road is closed past Shannon Creek Campground to all traffic (including foot and bike) due to active construction. It is expected to reopen Sept 11. Baker Lake north trailhead will be inaccessible at this time. The south trailhead remains accessible.
Magnificent old growth forests, stellar views of Mount Baker, turbulent tributaries, and, of course, a beautiful lake make this trail a great path to travel.
East Bank Baker Lake
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Baker Lake Road is closed past Shannon Creek Campground to all traffic (including foot and bike) due to active construction. It is expected to reopen Sept 11. Baker Lake north trailhead will be inaccessible at this time. The south trailhead remains accessible.
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.
Union Creek
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,035 feet
In the wake of the 2017 Norse Peak Fire, the Union Creek area is charred and stark, and yet strangely beautiful at the same time. Walking through the destruction, the signs of life and renewal are plainly seen. But trail washouts restrict passage, and demand caution.
Williams Lake
Central Cascades
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Length
- 15.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 5,061 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,688 feet
The Williams Lake Trail leads to a sweet lake at the base of La Bohn Peak off the Dutch Miller Gap Trail. From the junction, the trail climbs about a mile through sub-alpine forests and meadows stuffed with huckleberries, terminating at Williams Lake.
Washington Pass Overlook
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 0.25 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 61 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,581 feet
This trail is a narrow, paved trail to a lookout on a ledge overlooking Liberty Bell Mountain. This area is worth the trip from the west side, because of spectacular views, and the myriad hiking trails in the area.