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
4203 HikesBig Gulch
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 2.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 460 feet
Big Gulch includes a system of forested trails in Mukilteo.
Redmond Central Connector Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 13 feet
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Highest Point
- 49 feet
An easy walk along a paved rail-to-trail down the Sammamish Valley and through the new urban core of Redmond.
Fort Simcoe Historical State Park
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 1.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 89 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,443 feet
Fort Simcoe Historical State Park consists of 196 acres in the Yakima Indian Reservation. The Park is closed in the winter from October 1 through March 31.
North Mountain Lookout
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,956 feet
North Mountain is home to a network of mountain bike trails which can be accessed at many points along the North Mountain road, but the lookout tower is a destination in itself.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Devore Creek
Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
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Length
- 15.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 5,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,600 feet
8.29.25: The trail south of Tenmile Pass is closed until further notice due to the Martin Fire.
Climbing steeply up into the mountains to the west of Lake Chelan, the Devore Creek Trail begins in the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area near Weaver Point Campground, offering miles of hiking and adventuring.
Bonanza Peak
Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
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Length
- 14.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 6,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 9,511 feet
8.29.25: This trail is closed until further notice due to the Martin Fire.
The route to Bonanza Peak is a Class 4 and involves exposed scrambling. Gear and experience recommended.
Shellrock Lake
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,930 feet
Like so many lakes in the William O Douglas Wilderness, Shellrock Lake has peaceful solitude and plentiful wildlife including resident elk which graze in the meadows nearby.
Sand Lake Snowshoe
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,300 feet
Humble Sand Lake and its neighboring Deer Lake, provide snowshoers and backcountry skiers a wintry getaway along the Pacific Crest Trail a short distance away from the bustle of the White Pass ski resort and groomed ski trails.
Cramer Mountain Loop
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 14.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,000 feet
This is a hike of sounds and smells of the forest, with limited vistas and lots of lakes. With easy access from White Pass, it can be done in any season as a hike or snow trip.
Merrill Lake Conservation Area - Old Growth Loop Trail
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 30 feet
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Highest Point
- 50 feet
Merrill Lake Conservation Area is a seasonal campground that includes a short and sweet loop trail around a lake. Along the way are 10 interpretative signs that supplement what hikers see around them.