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
4217 HikesIndex 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.
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
-
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
-
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.
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.
Spider Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
-
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
-
Elevation Gain
- 275 feet
-
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
-
Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
-
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
-
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
-
Elevation Gain
- 235 feet
-
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
-
Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
-
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.
Shellrock Lake
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
-
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
-
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
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
-
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
-
Elevation Gain
- 30 feet
-
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.
Klahhane Ridge
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,050 feet
Make a steep ascent through flowerfilled slopes to views of high mountain peaks and pillow lavas that originated on the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
High Hut
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 5.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,660 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,760 feet
High Hut is the highlight of the Mount Tahoma Trail System. From the warmth of a cozy alpine hut, enjoy some of the best views in the southern Cascades.
520 Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.9 miles, one-way
-
Elevation Gain
- 164 feet
-
Highest Point
- 164 feet
A paved urban trail running from Montlake, across the new 520 bridge and through several eastside communities with excellent views of Union Bay, Foster Island wetlands and Lake Washington.
Chief Sealth Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.3 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 330 feet
This urban gem features 4.5 miles of paved trail connecting Jefferson Park and Kubota Gardens, with expansive views all along the way.
Goode Ridge
Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 4,400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,600 feet
A fine trail for those willing to climb to get to great views in a remote part of the North Cascades National Park. Best done as a side trip off an overnight trip from Rainy Pass to Stehekin, or something similar.
Home Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 19.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 6,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,330 feet
Access to Home Lake is possible via several trailheads, but any way you slice it, you're in for a long trip.
Hidden Lake (Lake Wenatchee)
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 1.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 220 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,320 feet
Looking for the perfect first hike for young kids? Eaten too much bratwurst in Leavenworth and need a walk in the woods to settle your stomach? Want a moderate flat snowshoe with a beautiful winter destination? The short trail to Hidden Lake adjacent to Lake Wenatchee is the answer to all of these requests.
Moulton Falls
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 90 feet
-
Highest Point
- 570 feet
Moulton Falls Trail is an out-and-back hike along the Lewis River. The trail crosses a picturesque footbridge and then follows the Lewis River with the river to the right and a mossy cliff to the left. The wide, hard-surfaced trail is mostly flat, making this a perfect year-round hike for people of all ages.
Elk Mountain to Maiden Peak
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,625 feet
This moderate trail traverses a ridgeline up and down all the way to Maiden Peak.
Pyramid Mountain / Pyramid Peak
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 6.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,750 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,089 feet
When it is hot and dry, escape to this shaded hike through old-growth forest, culminating with views of Washington’s second-deepest lake and its surroundings. But you'll have to cross a precipitous washout 2 miles in to reach the views.
South Coast Wilderness Trail - Toleak Point
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 17.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 350 feet
Bring a tide table and a good book on this scenic traverse of the wild Olympic Coast. While much of your hike will be across sandy beaches, there are several places that will require you wait for the tide to go out. Along the way, plan to climb up steep headlands with cable ladders, ropes and your hands and knees. It's a challenge, but a good one.
Millersylvania State Park
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 105 feet
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Highest Point
- 395 feet
Millersylvania State Park sports camping, boating and more than eight miles of hiking trails. The trails zigzag all around, so visitors can construct a loop of up to five miles, and add some side trips on. The huge old growth cedar and fir, easy accessibility to I-5 and excellent opportunity for a pleasant walk in the woods make this an attractive place to hike, especially in winter.
Wetlands Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 1.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 90 feet
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Highest Point
- 570 feet
The Wetlands Trail is a short (0.65 mile) trail on Tiger Mountain's Tradition Plateau. As the name suggests, it passes through some areas that often are moist and have a prolific growth of ferns. Also, it passes tiny, aptly-named Round Lake whose level fluctuates from year to year, and with the seasons.
Puget Power
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 2.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 722 feet
-
Highest Point
- 575 feet
Hike a broad, sunny trail on the north side of Tiger Mountain.
Big Meadow Lake
Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range
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Length
- 4.8 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 470 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,493 feet
Get away from the crowds and experience forests, meadows, wetlands, and a secluded lake.