Hiking in Washington: How to Hike Like a Local



How do I know what passes or permits I need?

It depends on where you’d like to hike.

The America the Beautiful pass provides access to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks as well as our six national forests. It costs $80 per year. If you hike more than 3 times a year in National Parks or National Forests, it's worth getting.

The Discover Pass, at $35 per year, covers hikes on state land (state parks and Department of Natural Resource lands) and you need it to hike popular trails like Mount Si, Oyster Dome, Beacon Rock, or Mount Spokane.

The Hiking Guide includes pass and permit information for any trail you want to hike. If you need a pass, it'll say so right at the top.

Learn more about passes and permits here. 

Where can I meet other people to go hiking with?

Hiking, climbing, and other outdoor adventure groups are a fantastic way to make friends and build community in your new home. Here's our list of hiking groups and resources by region to find your trail family. 

What's the best hiking trail in Washington?

There are thousands of trails in Washington, so whether you like a challenging climb, a riverside ramble or a beach day, there’s something for you here. Of course, it depends on the season, the weather, and what you’re looking for a hike.

• First, make a My Backpack account. Then explore WTA’s hiking guide and hike finder map.
• Save hikes you want to do to your My Backpack. When you do, our hike recommender will give you curated hike suggestions based on your preferences!
  
• If that feels like a lot, start with this list of 20 Essential Washington Hikes to get you started. Use your preferences from those first hikes to find more you like! 

Where can I go hiking right now?

It depends on the time of year and where you are in Washington.

Snow sticks around for a long time here. From late fall to late spring (think October to June) you can expect snow on trails with elevation gain.

By July, most snow has melted, but some high-elevation places (like Mount Rainier) can have snow on trail into August. Fortunately, we have recommendations for where you can go year-round.

• Start on our seasonal hikes page. It's a treasure trove of handpicked trails for every month, region, and hiking style.
• Pick a season, then pick what sort of hike you want to do.
• In the feature, click on any trail to get to the hiking guide page
• Finally, check trip reports (at the bottom of the Hiking Guide page) to see what the trail looks like right now.

Pro Tip: Everything you need to get to a trail is on the Hiking Guide page, from driving directions to weather forecast, trail conditions and mileage.

Where can I find out what trails are like right now?

The trip reports on WTA’s hiking guide is the best way to check current trail and road conditions.

They're written by other hikers like you and include information that can help you decide where to hike. People highlight how muddy or snowy the trail is, whether  wildflowers are blooming and how long it took them to hike the trail. 

Trip reporters also talk about where you’ll need tire chains in the winter, potholes to watch out for on the road to the trail and whether or not you’ll need to stop for a bathroom on the way there. 

Once you’ve used trip reports to plan a hike, pay it forward by submitting your own! Trip reports not only help other hikers, but they also help WTA and partners determine where to send trail crews next. 

What trails allow dogs?

Our Hiking Guide can tell you! Search for dog-friendly trails using our filter, or look for the little dog icon on the hike page listing. There's more to know about hiking with dogs here.

Most importantly, leash your hiking pup! Why?

• Dogs aren't for everyone: Other hikers or their dogs may react poorly to a dog approaching them unexpectedly.
• Dogs can stress wildlife: Nesting birds, hibernating animals, and other wild animals can have their behavior altered just by the presence of dogs.
• We love them and want to keep them safe: Even the chillest of pups may get excited about chasing something and vanish. We've had our fair share of lost dog trip reports. Let's keep those at a minimum and keep them on a leash.
  

Are there bears in Washington?

Yes. While hiking and camping, pack your food in a bear bag or can, make noise while hiking and keep your dog on leash. Read more about how to hike in bear country. 

You can carry bear spray if it makes you feel more comfortable as long as you know how to safely store and handle it.

You might also see mountain goats! If you do, give them plenty of distance, even if it means stopping your hike for a while.

We’ve also got resources on hiking safely in cougar country, tick country and snake country — plus, how to battle the bugs. 

Where can I go camping in Washington?

Camping is really popular here, so make reservations when they open, and have a backup plan before you hit the road — especially between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Check out our guide to camping reservations at Washington’s State Parks, National Parks, and National Forest (plus tips for those who are okay with taking chances). 

P.S. In Washington, “car camping” generally refers to any camping where you drive up to your campsite (not just camping in your car).

What trails in Washington are good for hiking with kids? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hiking with kids in Washington!

Check out our Hiking with Kids page to learn more about where to hike, get tips and tricks for keeping your little ones moving down the trail and sign up for our newsletter, Families Go Hiking.

You can also search trip reports to find out where other families have gone hiking with kiddos — just check the “Hiked by Kids” box.