Summer Hikes

Long days and less snow in the mountains: for some, summer is the best hiking season. With so many possible destinations, how do you pick where to go? Let us help. These features highlight some of Washington's best locations, and some you may not have heard of, but are definitely worth a visit.

If you don't already have one, create an account with us so you can save hikes you're interested in while you're browsing. We promise you'll find more than one here you'll want to do. And if you're new to this whole hiking thing, we've got a handy Hiking 101 page you'll want to check out.

Hike Like a Pro

Where to Pitch Your Tent | How to Keep Cool | How to Read a Map | A Guide to Washington's Hiking Jargon

Half a Day or Farther Away: 11 Hikes for Summer

From shaded trails enshrouded in moss-covered trees to vast, rolling hills to rugged, ice-capped mountains, trails are everywhere. The kind of public lands that host these trails vary just as much as the landscapes themselves. Some of your favorite backyard hikes are on city and county lands, but some of those epic trips are served up on federal lands like national forests and parks.

Hike the State 2022: 15 WTA Staff-Picked Trails to Hike Around the State This Summer

Get inspired for hiking this summer! Discover new-to-you hikes from around the state, hand-picked by the staff of Washington Trails Association.

19 Hikes for Stretching Your Legs on Summer Road Trips

Skip the rest stops and instead opt for one of these easily-accessible roadside rambles the next time you’re touring the state.

Low-Key Overnight Backpacking Destinations

Enjoy an overnight stay in the backcountry this summer. Extending a day hike into a longer overnight trip adds an entirely new experience, with opportunities to watch the sun rise and set, and stargaze.

Weekend Backpacking Trips

Immerse yourself in the backcountry with some longer hikes. The backpack trips described here are all between 10 and 25 miles — some can be hiked in two days (one night), but several would be much more enjoyable if you take three days.

Hike the State 2024: 12 trails picked for you by WTA staff

Build your hiking wish list! Discover WTA staff's favorite hikes from around the state, and save them to your My Backpack account.

The Best Hikes for Your Astrological Sign

If you're looking for hike inspiration based on an arbitrary set of characteristics determined by what time of year you were born, look no further.

Escape the noise: Hike somewhere quiet this weekend

If summer weekends in town are just way too noisy for you, head outside. While camping and backpacking is popular in Washington and you're likely to share the trail with a few folks, here are some likely quieter locations you might find respite.

Long Hikes, overnights for Labor Day weekend

Whether you have one, two or three days in mind, make your way into the backcountry this holiday weekend. You can go for the day, or turn these long day hikes into overnights.

Hike the State 2025: Four WTA staff share favorite summer hikes

Ideas to help you plan a summer or spectacular hiking ahead.

16 Hikes to Spot Miles the Marmot during Hike-a-Thon

Hike-a-Thon is WTA's annual peer-to-peer fundraiser held each August. Miles the Marmot, the event's mascot is here to cheer hikers on all month long. Here's 16 hikes where you can spot marmots and other wildlife on trail in August.

Fire Lookout Hikes

More than 90 fire lookouts still perch on the lofty heights of Washington's mountaintops. Hike to one of these historic perches, or a former lookout site, and take in the panoramic views.