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
4251 HikesOld Sauk River Trail
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 800 feet
Take a hike within sight and sound of the wild Sauk River--part of the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System established to maintain the free flowing nature of Washington's rivers. You'll wander through a forest of moss-covered maple, cedar and fir, listening for wildlife and the sound of the river.
Lakes Trail
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,700 feet
The Lakes Trail offers a nice day hike along a volcano-created lake, or a gateway into the Mount Margaret Backcountry.
Sharpe Park - Sares Head
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 2.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 440 feet
-
Highest Point
- 490 feet
This hike just south of Anacortes offers superb views of the ocean and islands from a pair of high vantage points, and it has some fine trails through mixed forest along the way.
Oxbow Loop Trail
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 1.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 56 feet
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Highest Point
- 920 feet
Follow a loop trail around Oxbow Lake in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River valley, where solitude intersects with calm lake waters, ever-present river murmurs of the Middle Fork, mountain views, and Snoqualmie rainforest. Depending on the season, fall colors, wildflowers, or fresh berries may be present for your enjoyment.
Talapus and Olallie Lakes
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 6.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,220 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,780 feet
The Talapus Lake trail and FR 9030 will be closed Sept 21-Oct 31 for trailhead construction.
With a moderate grade on a wide trail, the hike to Talapus Lake is the perfect introduction to the outdoors for hikers and beginning backpackers. Upon arrival at Talapus, break out lunch or pitch camp. Either way, you can cool off in the large lake. If you feel like pressing on, Ollalie Lake is just about a mile and a half up trail, where open campsites offer lakeside havens with calm waters and views of a beautiful lake basin.
Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,270 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,070 feet
Granite Creek courses through the gorge between Mailbox Peak and Russian Butte. Ascend through the creek’s ravine, immersed in mountain rainforest, alongside whitewater rapids, waterfalls, wildflowers and mushrooms, while you take in majestic views of the mountains of the Middle Fork Valley. Seasonal treats include berries and fall colors.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
-
Highest Point
- 100 feet
More than 5,000 acres of marshes, grasslands and wooded areas are home to more than one hundred species of birds, waterfowl and fish. The refuge has a $3 entry fee, which can be waived with an America the Beautiful/Interagency pass.
Taylor River - Otter Falls
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,150 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,750 feet
Lose yourself in second-growth forest as you traverse an old logging road that heads into quiet wilderness just an hour from the urban sprawl of Puget Sound. Enjoy the sounds of water rushing and birds singing. Explore mossy boulders and cross multiple burbling creeks, even do a small amount of cross-country travel on the way to the piece de resistance – a 1,200 foot waterfall that streams into tiny Lipsy Lake before draining to the Taylor River.
Big Four Ice Caves
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 220 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,938 feet
Never go into or climb on top of the Ice Caves.
This is an easy walk on a wide gravel and boardwalk path to views of Big Four Mountain and the caves beneath the snow. Hikers of all ages and abilities can enjoy this trail.
Granite Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
-
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.
Rattlesnake Ledge
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,160 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,078 feet
This is a fine hike on a well maintained, albeit busy trail through a cool forest with views of the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Lake and Chester Morse Lake.
Mount Margaret
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 5.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,459 feet
Hike up an abandoned road, through a logged area, and into mature forest on the edge of the Alpine Lakes wilderness. What the trail lacks in ruggedness is more than made up for by the quantity of berries that line the trail.
Shedroof Divide
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 22.8 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 5,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,600 feet
The Shedroof Divide offers some of the best views in northeast Washington as it traverses the wild high country of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
Shedroof Cutoff
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 1.8 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 1,085 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,434 feet
The Shedroof Cutoff Trail serves as a short feeder trail to the Shedroof Divide Trail in the Salmo Priest Wilderness.
Wallace Falls State Park
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,500 feet
An accessible hike for seasoned veterans and neophytes alike, Wallace Falls provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Wallace River and the surrounding falls on a relatively low difficulty, scenic 5.6 mile round-trip. Although well attended and often busy, the trail stands as a true showcase of the diversity and majestic beauty that the Central Cascades can offer to hikers who journey into the heart of this sublime mountain range.
Lila Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
7.17.26: Fire responders have asked hikers and recreators to avoid this area as they respond Three Queens Fire, burning 1.5 miles northwest of Little Lake Kachess.
Lila Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by parkland and jagged mountains. While it can be done as a day hike, it is better enjoyed as an overnight destination. Nearby Alta Mountain and Rampart Lakes make excellent side trips.
Hibox Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,560 feet
7.17.26: Fire responders have asked hikers and recreators to avoid this area as they respond Three Queens Fire, burning 1.5 miles northwest of Little Lake Kachess.
Summiting Hibox requires route finding experience and comfort with scrambling.
Alta Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,151 feet
7.17.26: Fire responders have asked hikers and recreators to avoid this area as they respond Three Queens Fire, burning 1.5 miles northwest of Little Lake Kachess.
Alta Mountain is a rocky summit featuring 360 degree views of Rainier, Hibox, and the Chikamins. It can be done as a long day hike, but is more easily enjoyed as a side trip from an overnight at Lila Lake, Rampart Lakes, or even Rachel Lake.
Rachel Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,600 feet
7.17.26: Fire responders have asked hikers and recreators to avoid this area as they respond Three Queens Fire, burning 1.5 miles northwest of Little Lake Kachess.
From Rachel Lake you can access further adventures at Rampart Lakes, Lila Lakes and Alta Peak. This hike is a popular weekend overnight destination; so don’t expect to be by yourself in high season.
Crow Lake Way
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 12.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,340 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,850 feet
Are you looking for an early summer, dry-side, flowered workout? The eastern third of this trail is for you, with its many flowers and increasing views over the American River valley. Just be ready for the stark nature of the fire ravaged forest.
Chain Lakes Loop
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 6.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,820 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
This gorgeous loop hike has it all: big views of Mounts Baker and Shuksan, as well as the North Cascades, alpine lakes for swimming, and well-maintained trail winding through meadows and heather. And with wildflowers in spring, blueberry bushes for trail-side snacking in late summer and blazing color in the fall, you can't pick a bad season to visit.
Ebey's Landing
Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 260 feet
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Highest Point
- 260 feet
Perched on a bluff overlooking majestic Puget Sound is the unique acreage of Ebey’s Landing. In addition to the Bluff Trail, visitors can experience the seaport town of Coupeville, observe working farms, and get their fill of wildlife viewing, all in a tiny National Park on Whidbey Island.
Lake Ann
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,500 feet
Discover a pleasant alpine lake alternative to nearby, crowded Lake Ingalls. Tranquil Lake Ann can't boast the same dramatic view of jagged Mount Stuart, but it has its fair share of scenery, especially during fall when the larches around it turn to gold.
Lewis Creek Park
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 2.3 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 907 feet
This 55-acre park has grassland, forest and wetland habitats to explore via soft-surface trail and boardwalks. The Lewis Creek Park also has a visitor center, playground, a basketball court, picnic shelter, restrooms and more.
Esmeralda Basin (Esmerelda)
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,750 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,960 feet
Esmeralda Basin promises hikers the opportunity to walk through old forest, meadows brimming with wildflowers, and along rocky hillsides, all while enjoying the striking scenery of the jagged and craggy Esmeralda Peaks.
Mount Grant Preserve
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
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Length
- 4.6 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 900 feet
Mount Grant Preserve is a trail system in development on San Juan Island. Currently, the trails to the top offer the most elevation gain available on San Juan Island, so you'll love this one if you're looking to get high up.
Friday Harbor Biological Laboratories Preserve
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 440 feet
-
Highest Point
- 100 feet
Two hikes exist here: One, an old road through the woods; and the other, winding along narrow tread on grassy hillsides and exposed bedrock alongside the Puget Sound. Connecting these two makes a great loop.
Baldy
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,827 feet
Baldy is a windswept mountain outpost that commands a view over the northeast Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. To reach its lofty summit, the hiker must trade traditional grade for a seemingly never-ending staircase. However, your efforts are greatly rewarded, as views can be had along the ridge. And even if the summit itself is lost in the clouds, dwarf flowers and lichens decorate a foreground to the icy blue Olympic high country.
Norway Pass
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 860 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,500 feet
Witness the destructive force and the restorative power of nature on this hike in the blast zone of Mount St. Helens’ 1980 eruption. The rocky ash and treeless areas are testaments to the devastation caused by the explosion, while wildflowers and shrubs signal the return of vegetation to the denuded landscape.
Independence Ridge
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 2.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 40 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,500 feet
A connector trail in the Mount St. Helens area linking Independence Pass with the Boundary Trail. Views from here include Spirit Lake and the north side of the volcano.