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
4223 HikesElip Creek
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 4.6 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 3,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,760 feet
Elip Creek is a wild and challenging hike for those seeking an alternate approach to the Skyline Trail. It also makes a fine 21-mile loop by connecting to the Three Lakes and Big Creek trails, a route that climbs to subalpine meadows where picturesque tarns lie in solitude beneath tree studded ridges.
Skyline
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 45.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,700 feet
This primitive trail spans over 20 miles through Montane and subalpine ecosystems. From the Low Divide Ranger Station to the Three Lakes campsite, the Skyline trail will take you on a steep journey past lakes and to the top of Kimta Peak.
Three Lakes
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 13.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,850 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,175 feet
The Three Lakes Trail is a tour of some of Olympic's finest old growth forests, and is the traditional start of the much longer Queets-Quinault Skyline route. Starting in lowland rainforest, the trail works its way through exemplary stands of montane and then subalpine forests before finally breaking out into meadows dotted with tiny lakes. This is a truly wild and remote corner of the Olympics that leaves a lasting impression on the lucky hiker who experiences its beauty.
Graves Creek
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 7.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,880 feet
Graves Creek Road is closed until further notice due to erosion at mile 4.1 which renders the trailhead inaccessible.
The Graves Creek primitive trail provides access to old growth forests high above the Quinault River Valley and solitude compared to the high use trails along the Quinault River. Expect glimpses of waterfalls across the gorge in spring and signs of wild-life including bear, deer, and elk.
Enchanted Valley via East Fork Quinault River
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 27.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,035 feet
Graves Creek Road is closed until further notice due to erosion at mile 4.1 which renders the trailhead inaccessible.
The East Fork Quinault River Trail is one of the most popular trails on the south portion of the park and hundreds of hikers visit Enchanted Valley to take in the tremendous views and see the famed chalet each year.
Bluff Mountain
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 890 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,390 feet
Hiking across bare talus slopes, past rocky outcrops and fields of wildflowers while admiring sweeping vistas, you would think you're at 7,000 feet. But the alpine-like setting at this mid-elevation is the result of period of wildfires that swept the area in the early 1900's.
Dusty Lake
Central Washington > Potholes Region
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
One of the Quincy Lakes, Dusty Lake is further in the backcountry, making for a good long day hike or an overnight.
Heather Creek Trail via Upper Dungeness River
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 15.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,200 feet
Take an amble through moss-laden forest and along churning waters in colors only the Olympic Peninsula can provide. For the most part, it’s ramble with moderate grade, but the last two and a half miles change character dramatically—giving you a steep, thigh-burning workout before rewarding you with views of Mount Mystery and Little Mystery just inside the park boundary.
Lower Gray Wolf River
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 8.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,250 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,500 feet
Visit a quieter trail in the Dungeness network -- one that a lot of folks skip in favor of more well-known trails with more views. But Lower Gray Wolf is beautiful in its own right, and visitors here can discover it for themselves.
Upper Gray Wolf River to Gray Wolf Pass
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 22.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 5,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,200 feet
The Gray Wolf Trail extends between Forest Road 2870 and the Main Fork Dosewallips River in the northeast corner of the Olympics. Along the way it goes up and over Gray Wolf Pass.
Marmot Pass via Upper Dungeness River Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 16.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,000 feet
The Upper Dungeness Trail is a gateway trail. It is not only a great hike all by itself --on the way to its end at Marmot Pass it links to other high reward hikes in the northeast Olympics – Royal Basin, Goat Lake, Heather Creek, and Home Lake. From Marmot Pass one can continue to either the Upper Big Quilcene or Tubal Cain Trail.
Dirty Face Ridge
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,280 feet
Here's a great backdoor access to Mount Townsend. You’ll likely have company at the summit, but this route offers solitude to get there, along with some sweeping views, plus steeps to work those quads! Consider why it's so infrequently used -- a sign at the trailhead warns of grades up to 40% in places! It's short, but there's nothing sweet about it.
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.
Upper Dungeness River
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 6.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,100 feet
The Upper Dungeness River trail is an easy stroll along a roaring river and among towering trees. It’s great for all ages (as long as the trail is snow- and ice-free), and the shelter at Camp Handy is a welcome and dry lunch destination on rainy days.
Tyler Peak Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,364 feet
Tyler Peak is located northwest of Mount Townsend. While this area can be windy, and views are obscured by fog, when it's clear, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Experience navigating off-trail and some climbing experience are necessary to summit Tyler Peak.
Tubal Cain Mine
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,600 feet
This short dayhike also offers campsites near the site of an old B-17 crash site. Please leave what you see so others may discover this historic site as you do.
Tubal Cain Mine to Buckhorn Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
Although best known for its namesake mine and the nearby aircraft wreckage, the Tubal Cain trail also offers a pleasant and scenic route to Marmot Pass, a gateway to further wanderings.
Three O'Clock Ridge
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 0.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
This is a half-mile spur trail in the Three O'Clock Ridge area that ends at its junction with the Lower Dungeness Trail. The trail is a steep ascent for the majority of its length. Minimum parking is available.
Source Lake - Winter Route
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,100 feet
This trail has an avalanche chute early on in the trail. Be familiar with navigating avalanche terrain and go prepared if you hike this trail in winter.
Rock Creek - Red Pass Loop
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 17.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 5,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
This is a long distance day hike that includes unmaintained trails. You should be an experienced route finder willing to hike trails less traveled, and prepared for a lonely hike. You may need crampons and ice axe.
Snoqualmie Mountain
Snoqualmie Region
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Length
- 3.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,105 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,278 feet
A scramble to the summit of a peak near Alpental. Proper gear and expertise recommended.
Mount Roosevelt
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,835 feet
A climb off I-90 near Melakwa Lake. Gear and climbing experience required.
Lower Wildcat Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Lower Wildcat Lake offers an opportunity to get deeper into the backcountry past Snow Lake, while still on a formal trail.
Guye Peak
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,172 feet
A class 3 or 4 scramble to the summit of a peak near Alpental. Climbing gear and expertise recommended.
Gem Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,857 feet
Gem Lake is nestled at the foot of Wright Mountain and is about two miles beyond the trail junction at Rock Creek trail #1013.1 that intersects with the Snow Lake trail starting at Alpental. Beautiful colors surround the lake in autumn as do the many climbable peaks in the area.
Avalanche Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 8.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
A winter scramble to the summit of a mountain in Snoqualmie Pass. Technical experience and equipment required.
Wright Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 10.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,920 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,330 feet
A scramble up a peak above Gem Lake. Climbing gear and experience required.
Snow Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,400 feet
A relatively short and easy hike within a stone’s throw of Seattle, Snow Lake delivers splendorous alpine scenery – crystal clear waters, towering peaks – at a mere pittance of sweat and toil. Just don’t expect to have the trail to yourself – Snow Lake is Washington's most heavily-used trail in a wilderness area!
Turtleback Mountain Preserve - Turtlehead Summit
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
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Length
- 5.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,295 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,025 feet
Hike a short trail that leads to one of the best viewpoints in the San Juans, with views of other San Juan Islands and of Canada's Gulf Islands.
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
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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.