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
4224 HikesChopper Peak
Central Washington > Wenatchee
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,440 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,400 feet
A quick hike up to a summit outside of Wenatchee with views of the Columbia River, Horse Lake Mountain, Mission Ridge, and the Enchantments.
Copper Glance Lake
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 6.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,560 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,260 feet
This hike through history, both natural and mining, leads to a beautiful emerald lake below the rocky cliffs of Isabella Ridge. The mix of old mining road and steep trail passes through burnt forest, past an old mine, through flowered meadows, and across a boulder field to reach Copper Glance Lake.
Railroad Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 6.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 325 feet
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Highest Point
- 380 feet
Walk along an old-railroad-track-turned-trail through the city of Bellingham.
Samish Crest Open Space
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 490 feet
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Highest Point
- 880 feet
Connecting the Puget and Samish neighborhoods of Bellingham is the Samish Crest Trail, meandering through the Samish Crest Open Space, where hikers will find even more trails to explore.
Lake Susan Jane Snowshoe
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
WTA does not recommend attempting this route, as it requires hiking through an active ski resort and in areas that may have high avalanche danger.
Green Mountain - Wildcat Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 9.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,639 feet
The Wildcat Trail on Green Mountain follows a multi-use trail on a steep, rocky ascent to the peak. Along the way, enjoy views of Hood Canal, the Olympics, and sometimes even downtown Seattle!
Stuart Island Marine State Park
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
Accessible only by water, this state park has primitive campgrounds, trails to explore and incredible views of the Puget Sound.
North SeaTac Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
This small park near the SeaTac airport is great for outdoor sports lovers — baseball, soccer, basketball, disc golf, even BMX! — and those seeking some urban trails.
Whittaker Wilderness Peak
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,228 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,598 feet
A trail named for local mountaineer Jim Whittaker, this hike begins at the road and ascends to the summit of Cougar Mountain.
Brightwater Center
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 3.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 120 feet
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Highest Point
- 290 feet
Don’t let the thought of the Brightwater Treatment Plant prevent you from hiking through the Brightwater Center’s 70-acre suburban wetland and woodland preserve that serves as a refuge for local wildlife and plant species. The trails at Brightwater are ideal for families, birdwatchers, pets, and children.
Dwight's Way
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 0.8 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 190 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,250 feet
Detour off the Lingering Trail and amble through forest to junctions with the Preston Trail or the Bootleg Trail.
Columbia Hills State Park - Horsethief Butte
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 498 feet
Horsethief Butte, one part of the expansive Columbia Hills State Historical Park, is composed of hexagonal columns of Wanapum basalt flows that were scoured by the Ice Age floods some 10,000 years ago. Rock climbers are attracted to the sheer cliff faces but hikers and scramblers will find a marked route to the summit.
By Pass Trail
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 0.2 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,256 feet
A short access trail from the Clay Pit Road that connects with the Cave Hole Trail and others to make endless loop options on Cougar Mountain.
Lake Whatcom Park - Hertz Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 6.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
Enjoy lakeside views and the surrounding hills plus waterfalls and giant old Douglas-fir trees from an old railroad grade of the Bellingham Bay & Eastern Railway that borders the southeast shore of Lake Whatcom.
Domerie Divide Trail
Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
This steep, unmaintained trail provides a link between the Easton Ridge and the Domerie Peak Trail
Jove Peak
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Highest Point
- 6,007 feet
With steep, broad slopes and no maintained trail to the summit, Jove Peak is a popular winter destination, but is attainable year round. Climbing experience recommended.
Anderson Pass
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Highest Point
- 4,480 feet
A variety of different loop routes in this area pass through Anderson Pass, making it a well-travelled revolving door in the mountainous terrain of the Olympics.
Jolly Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 13.9 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,440 feet
Rising close to 4,000 feet out of the Cle Elum River Valley to meet the Yellow Hill Trail, the Jolly Mountain Trail presents a vigorous climb to a rambunctious ridgeline and perky panoramic summit with breathtaking mountain range views for miles of West Teanaway, the Enchantments, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams that you are likely to have all to yourself.
Cramer Lake
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 3.4 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 950 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,067 feet
The south end of the William O. Douglas Wilderness is rolling country swathed in mature forest that is interrupted by dozens of named, and many more unnamed, lakes. A visit to scenic Cramer Lake, with its clear water, good fishing, and comfortable campsites will leave you wanting to explore deeper into the Tumac Plateau.
Hidden Forest Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 7.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,650 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,340 feet
Hike a short, steep little-used trail deep within the Tigers. In winter, descend past ghostly leafless trees. In summer, appreciate areas of exuberant moss and greenery. And, with luck, you might have the trail all to yourself.
Burfoot County Park
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 3.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 200 feet
A charming little escape on Budd Inlet, just north of the City of Olympia.
Bloedel Reserve
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 2.4 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 230 feet
This 140-acre public garden has trails, a reflection pool, a Japanese garden and more. Visitors must obtain a timed ticket in advance online.
Mount Howard (Oregon)
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
Hike up to the summit of Mount Howard, or take the gondola to the top.
Red Pass
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Elevation Gain
- 2,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,300 feet
An abandoned trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Grace Lakes
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,700 feet
Take a short hike up to these lakes in the Stevens Pass Ski Area.
Bear Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 75 feet
If the rugged trek to Pinnacle Lake is too much, but you still want a nice hike to an alpine lake, try Bear Lake. The Pinnacle Lake trail passes Bear Lake, which makes a great destination for new hikers, or those who just want a short stroll.
Round Mountain
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,970 feet
This short and sweet little hike to Round Mountain offers nice views, and a good half-day hike for those looking to explore the Goat Rocks Wilderness while staying at a nearby resort. Alternatively, you can tack it onto a longer day, make it a thru-hike, or even a side trip while hiking the PCT. For such a low-key destination, it’s remarkably accessible.
Miller Peninsula-Thompson Spit
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 6.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 880 feet
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Highest Point
- 360 feet
This wooded walk enters a lush ravine lined with remnant old-growth and gives way to an isolated beach with views of Protection Island.
Surprise Lake Snowshoe
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,500 feet
Heading to Surprise Lake in the winter can be rewarding, but be sure you know your avalanche warning signs before heading up.
Frasier Creek and Ridgeline Trail
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 950 feet
Hike through the forest on this small trail system near Yale Lake and Amboy.