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
4225 HikesVancouver Lake - North Trail
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 2.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 132 feet
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Highest Point
- 54 feet
A gentle meandering barrier-free path leads through a mature cottonwood forest just west of Vancouver Lake. Although you can't see the lake through all the trees, there are other sights and sounds to enjoy along this route. Most notably the vibrant greens of the understory in spring, beautiful fall yellows and quite a few species of birds nearly all year.
Upper South Fork Skokomish River
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 15.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,325 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,125 feet
The Upper South Fork Skokomish River to Sundown Pass can be considered a tale of two trails. The first half stays low in lush valley bottom on brushy but obvious tread, while the second half makes up for lost time, ascending steeply through subalpine forest between wet meadows on faint and broken tread. The scenery improves with every step near the top, and reaching Lake Sundown is a welcome reward after all the toil.
Upper Falls Creek Trail
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 18.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,400 feet
Falls Creek Trail is a good one for introductory backpacking trips, or simply a long, woodsy day hike through the forest. You'll enjoy a gradual grade of this 9 mile trail. Hike the full-length (making for an 18-mile trip) or turn around at any point.
Umtanum Creek Canyon
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 6.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,800 feet
Take a pleasant hike up a spectacular canyon with towering basalt formations, a rushing creek, and a chance to see bighorn sheep. Whether you go in spring or fall, the canyon is filled with brilliant color.
Twisp Pass
North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,460 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,064 feet
Twisp Pass is a stunner in summer and autumn. Though it is a bit of a drive to get there from almost anywhere in the state, it's well worth it!
Twanoh State Park
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 2.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 375 feet
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Highest Point
- 400 feet
Enjoy an easy hike along a salmon-spawning stream in a lush emerald ravine. Twanoh is derived from the Skokomish people, meaning "gathering place."Twanoh State Park protects 182 acres of prime Hood Canal real estate-a perfect place for hikers and wildlife to gather.
Turkey Creek
Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,060 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,300 feet
This creekside trail winds through old-growth, connecting the Panjab Trail to the Teepee Trailhead.
Tunnel Creek - Dosewallips Trailhead
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 6.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,550 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,050 feet
Tunnel Creek Trail has two trailheads.The south side trailhead is on the Dosewallips Road, but its notoriously steep grade to 5050 Pass means it is seldom used. Try it and you’ll find out why.
Tungsten
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 6.2 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,800 feet
Explore an abandoned tungsten mine as you connect between the Chewuch Trail and Boundary Trail. Enjoy views of mountain peaks, meadows, and refreshing streams along the way.
Toutle Trail - Red Rock Pass to Blue Lake Trailhead
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 3.3 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 280 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,400 feet
This middle section of the Toutle Trail starts at Forest Road 81 on the north side of Red Rock Pass.
Toutle Trail
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 13.6 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,000 feet
The Toutle Trail transects five ecozones over more than 13 miles, but can be done in three sections.
Top Lake
Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
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Length
- 10.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
The demure Top Lake trail provides easy access and a popular jumping-off point for hikers, backpackers, equestrian riders and trail work volunteers, all headed into the Cascades backcountry during summer and early fall once snow has receded. Take in the beauty of subalpine meadows and regal peaks on the horizon that offer a taste of what draws outdoor enthusiasts here to the Henry M. Jackson and Glacier Peak Wildernesses and beyond.
Tongue Mountain
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,052 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,660 feet
Tongue Mountain is one of several craggy peaks in the Dark Divide offering excellent views and a nice walk through forest
Tiger Mountain Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 15.2 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,360 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,500 feet
Do a thru-hike on the main Tiger Mountain Trail, also known as the TMT. Arrange a car shuttle and start at the southern end. Hike north more than fifteen miles over varied terrain and through different types of forest vegetation. Pass a large glacial erratic boulder, and visit some of the most remote places in the Tigers.
Thunder Creek
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 5.1 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
With its lush old growth forest, Thunder Creek is arguably the best of the feeder trails leading to the Shedroof Divide and the heart of the Salmo Priest Wilderness.
Thorp Mountain Lookout via Thorp Creek
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 7.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,484 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,884 feet
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.
The Brothers
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 18.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 6,050 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,866 feet
A scramble and climbing route to the summit of a mountain in the Olympic range. Climbing gear and expertise required.
Tatoosh Ridge
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 6.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,775 feet
Tatoosh Ridge offers numerous choices, all involving a steep approach. Contentedly amble through a steep slope of wildflowers, with occasional mountain views. Drop into a valley with a pair of alpine lakes, or climb to the site of a former lookout. If you like, do all of the above.
Tamanous Trail
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 120 feet
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Highest Point
- 200 feet
The name Tamanous derives from local Native American's who initiated their young in their area by sending them on vision quests, called "Ta-mah-no-ous."
Table Mountain
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 16.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,350 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,417 feet
Table Mountain's dramatic south face and pyramid profile beckon the adventurous hiker ready for a strenuous climb that is good training for summer summit attempts to come. The top features one of the best panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge, as well as views of Mount St. Helens, Rainier, Hood and Adams. Carry a guidebook with good route information as there are a couple of options to the summit and signage may be lacking.
Surprise Lake
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 13.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,505 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,260 feet
Most hikers enter the Goat Rocks Wilderness from the western side, but those who come in from the east find the wilderness just as beautiful and wild, and much less crowded. The Surprise Lake Trail is one of the few that enter from the east, and it is also one of the most gentle and scenic.
Surprise and Glacier Lakes
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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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.
Sunrise Peak
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,892 feet
Visit Sunrise Peak at the right time and you'll see why its name is appropriate. The early morning sun gives Mount Adams a brilliant glow that makes for an enthralling way to kick off your day. Luckily, the enchanting views that this hike offers are available from Sunrise to sunset, and if you prefer hiking in full daylight, you won't miss out on any views.
Summit Lake
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 6.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,800 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.
This popular summer trail offers wildflower-filled meadows, a glistening alpine lake, big mountain views and wildlife sighting aplenty.
Summerland - Panhandle Gap
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,950 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,800 feet
Sunrise Road and White River Road have closed for the winter season.
Begin in old-growth forest, climb up to one of Mount Rainier's most spectacular wildflower meadows, then continue along the highest section of the Wonderland Trail to reach the alpine world of Panhandle Gap. Along the way be alert for marmots and goats, and it is not unusual to see a black bear.
Sullivan Lakeshore
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,840 feet
Wander woods reminiscent of eastern hardwood forest, filled with aspen, hemlock and birch along the largest natural lake in the Colville National Forest—plus enjoy one of the best western larch displays in Eastern Washington.
Stirrup Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 2.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 476 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,586 feet
The trail to Stirrup Lake is a road less traveled and a moderate hike through second-growth forest to a serene alpine lake tucked between Big Muffin and Meadow Mountain, paying tremendous dividends for lovers of huckleberries, wildflowers, and riparian fauna.
Starway
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 10.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,950 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,977 feet
This steep hike has it all — wildflowers in spring, huckleberries in fall and a 360-degree panoramic view at the top of the South Cascades.
Spring Creek - Green Mountain
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,235 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,107 feet
Hike a 7.5-mile loop from Horseshoe Lake Campground with a side trip to views of South Cascade peaks from the summit of Green Mountain.
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.