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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

4225 Hikes

Amabilis Mountain Snowshoe

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
 
Length
9.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,100 feet
Highest Point
4,570 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.17
(6 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
  • Wildlife
This route provides both spectacular views and solitude at the summit, but keep in mind trail etiquette. You'll likely share the trail with skiers enjoying the groomed route.
 
 

West Fork Methow River

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
 
Length
15.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,600 feet
Highest Point
4,280 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.60
(5 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

3.30.26: Hart's Pass Road is closed at the Monument Creek trailhead due to washouts. Hikers can proceed past the closure by foot. The hike's trailhead is a 2.6-mile one-way road walk from the closure.

Take an short and simple walk for a couple of miles up the West Fork Methow River valley, enjoying the sounds of the river along with spring flowers from mid-May to mid-June. Or in late season, take a hike in the early snow, before the road is closed.
 
 

Robinson Creek - South

North Cascades > Pasayten
 
Length
19.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,660 feet
Highest Point
6,220 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.10
(10 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

3.30.26: Hart's Pass Road is closed at the Monument Creek trailhead due to washouts. Hikers can proceed past the closure by foot. The hike's trailhead is a 1.5-mile one-way road walk from the closure.

The sight and roaring sound of Robinson Creek will accompany you on your forested hike up the valley, following in the footsteps of an early trapper, Billy Robinson. The low starting elevation makes this a popular late spring/early summer day-hike or overnight.
 
 

Puyallup Loop Trail

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
3.9 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
541 feet
Highest Point
351 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.80
(10 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
A roughly 4-mile loop near the city of Puyallup, where locals and visitors can get their exercise and spend some time on trail near an urban center.
 
 

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
 
Length
1.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
250 feet
Highest Point
450 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.69
(49 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
The 0.7-mile interpretive trail from the upper falls viewpoints to the lower falls viewpoint is family- and pet-friendly, good for beginners, teaches the basics of the flora and fauna near Snoqualmie Pass, informs about local Native American culture, and ends with impressive views of a Washington icon.
 
 

Big Creek

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
 
Length
4.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
850 feet
Highest Point
1,850 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(53 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
This low-key loop in the shadow of Mount Ellinor makes for a great respite on a hot summer day or a low-country winter ramble when it's rainy.
 
 

Mount Teneriffe

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
 
Length
13.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,800 feet
Highest Point
4,585 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.98
(42 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
Mountains to Sound Greenway did this road to trail conversion in order to create a more sustainable, safer route for hikers to a summit on the I-90 corridor. Hike through second- and third-growth forest, pass a lovely waterfall, and enjoy a slightly less-crowded trail than the nearby Mount Si.
 
 

Goldmyer Hot Springs

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
 
Length
24.0 miles, roundtrip
Rating
Average rating:
4.25
(16 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
The way to Goldmyer Hot Springs is a delightful forest walk through deep woods, along the rushing Snoqualmie River, and ultimately to a beautiful privately owned hot springs tucked against the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Because it is privately owned by a non-profit, reservations are strongly recommended and are the only way to assure access to the property and hot springs.
 
 

Black Canyon

Central Washington > Yakima
 
Length
8.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
1,700 feet
Highest Point
4,224 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.25
(12 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
On this hike, you’ll experience the renewal of life after a devastating fire as you climb a canyon through bunch grasses, wildflowers and regenerating stands of aspen to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the distant Cascades.
 
 

Company Creek

Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
 
Length
11.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
5,400 feet
Highest Point
6,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.60
(5 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Summits

The trail over Hilgard Pass (near the end of the hike) has eroded and is dangerous to use at this time.

A trail that climbs out of the Stehekin River valley and into the Glacier Peak wilderness.
 
 

Ebey's Landing

Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island
 
Length
5.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
260 feet
Highest Point
260 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.37
(83 votes)
  • Coast
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
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.
 
 

North Twentymile Peak

North Cascades > Pasayten
 
Length
12.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,387 feet
Highest Point
7,437 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.40
(5 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
On this little used trail, hikers can see history, both natural and man-made. Large sections of the forest are recovering from the 2006 Tripod Complex Fire, and the two lookouts on the summit provide a glimpse of the 1920's and 1940's construction.
 
 

Silver Star Mountain - Ed's Trail

Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
 
Length
5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,240 feet
Highest Point
4,390 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.40
(15 votes)
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
There are two routes up the north side of Silver Star Mountain that in good conditions can be combined to form a sort of loop. Along the way, hikers will be delighted with a diverse array of wildflowers, a natural arch, volcanic views and fine hiking. But some sections of Ed's Trail are very exposed, and require agility and flexibility to navigate.
 
 

Backbone Ridge

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
 
Length
6.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,750 feet
Highest Point
2,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.50
(6 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Ridges/passes
This is a nice woods trail, but views don't reward the hiker until she or he arrives at Stevens Canyon Road in Mount Rainier National Park. Trail starts alongside a grassy rock slab and works its way to the top of the ridge.
 
 

Independence Ridge

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
 
Length
2.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
40 feet
Highest Point
4,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
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.
 
 

Carbon River Rain Forest Nature Trail

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
 
Length
0.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
20 feet
Highest Point
1,780 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.40
(5 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Wildlife

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.

The Carbon River Rain Forest Nature Trail is a pleasant and easy stroll that offers two short segments which can be combined to create a 0.6 mile roundtrip walk. Both paths penetrate primeval rain forest where giant ferns, maples, and spruce tower above charming cedar puncheon bridges and babbling brooks. This hike is great in any season, and takes on particular wildness in winter. Interpretive signs and photo opportunities abound.
 
 

West Fork Foss River and Lakes

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
14.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,300 feet
Highest Point
4,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.34
(59 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls

3.23.26: The trailhead is inaccessible by vehicle due to floor damage and downed trees on West Fork Foss Road (FR 6835). There is a 2.4-mile road walk to the trailhead.

Visit any of several beautiful alpine lakes, in rocky basins. The day can be as easy as a 3.6 roundtrip hike to Trout Lake, or as strenuous as the nearly 15-mile hike to Big Heart Lake as you like. Good options exist both for day-hikers and for backpackers.
 
 

Elk Bench

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
 
Length
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
600 feet
Highest Point
3,100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
This short trail is located near Coldwater Lake and connects visitors to the Science and Learning Center at Coldwater to the Lakes Trail and the Mount Margaret backcountry.
 
 

Hummocks Loop

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
 
Length
9.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,800 feet
Highest Point
4,200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(2 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
Why drive to the top when you can hike? Try this day hike as an introduction to Mount St. Helens for visitors who’ve never been here, or if they haven't been in a long time.
 
 

Winds of Change

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
 
Length
0.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
50 feet
Highest Point
3,100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
Although this trail is short, take time to savor the broad views across the Mount St. Helens volcanic blast zone while interpretive signs help you contemplate the forces that created it.
 
 

Loowit Falls

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
 
Length
9.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,200 feet
Highest Point
4,575 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.70
(10 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Mountain views
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

This trail is closed through all M-F between May 15 and Oct 31 through the end of 2027. The trail will remain open on all weekends and federal holidays.

Hike to a glacier-fed waterfall pouring out of the heart of a volcano. It doesn’t get much more dramatic than that.
 
 

Lake Dorothy - Lake Bear - Lake Deer

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
11.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,600 feet
Highest Point
3,800 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.80
(40 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Waterfalls

The Miller River Road washed out 4 miles from the trailhead in 2011.

Day-hikers and backpackers alike visit Lake Dorothy, a very large and beautiful lake less than two miles from the trailhead. Once there, they either rest and play for the day, or continue on to Bear and Deer Lakes, a pair of very pretty smaller lakes deeper in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The very ambitious press on to remote Snoqualmie Lake. Lake Dorothy can be crowded on summer weekends, but the other lakes see fewer visitors.
 
 

Douglas Creek Canyon - South

Central Washington > Wenatchee
 
Length
4.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
250 feet
Highest Point
1,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(5 votes)
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
Visit a popular water feature close to the trailhead, or get your feet wet and continue walking up the canyon along a rough road/railroad grade.
 
 

Clearwest Peak

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
 
Length
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
900 feet
Highest Point
5,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.25
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife

The trailhead is inaccessible due to a washout on West Fork/Martin Gap Road (FR 74) from 2007.

The trail up Clearwest Peak is inaccessible due to West Fork/Martin Gap Road (FR 74) being closed from a washout in 2007.
 
 

Crystal Lake

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
4.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
350 feet
Highest Point
4,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.14
(7 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Lakes

3.23.26: The trailhead is not accessible due to a washout at mile 4 on Whitechuck Road (FR 23). There is a closure in place on the road.

A relatively easy hike to a tranquil mountain lake.
 
 

Meadow Mountain

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
35.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,850 feet
Highest Point
5,850 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.00
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

3.23.26: The trailhead is not accessible due to a washout at mile 4 on Whitechuck Road (FR 23). There is a closure in place on the road.

Take three or four days to explore this rugged trail near Glacier Peak. If you're feeling ambitious, make it a traverse either to or from White Chuck Bench.
 
 

Chimacum Ridge Community Forest

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
 
Length
4.7 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
330 feet
Highest Point
486 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.33
(3 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
Nearly 5 miles of easy hiking on trails and forest roads, with mountain and valley views.
 
 

Weldon Wagon Road

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
 
Length
5.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,290 feet
Highest Point
1,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.20
(5 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
Oregon white oak woodlands with open ridgetop meadows, wildflowers, and views of the White Salmon Valley make this a delightful hike that is off the beaten track.
 
 

Sloan Peak

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,900 feet
Highest Point
7,835 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.89
(9 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
This route on the north side of Sloan Peak is steep and challenging. Hikers with navigational skills can make it to the base of the peak -- climbing gear and expertise is needed to achieve the summit.
 
 

East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
18.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,400 feet
Highest Point
5,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.29
(28 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
The Necklace Valley makes a wonderful 2-3 night backpack trip for hearty hikers, and rewards with cool alpine lakes to swim and fish in, or just camp beside. Or take a day trip along the East Fork Foss River admire the amazing second-growth tree canopy.