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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

4215 Hikes

Little Quilcene River

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
 
Length
6.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,180 feet
Highest Point
6,200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(17 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
Take this lung-busting trail up the north side of Mount Townsend, through coniferous forests offering cameo views to the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the north, opening onto views of the Dungeness and Graywolf watersheds to the west.
 
 

Bearhead Mountain

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,800 feet
Highest Point
6,089 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.05
(21 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

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.

Bearhead Mountain is a moderate, well-marked trail through the forest that carries you to an old fire lookout site with a bold and brassy Rainier view.
 
 

Ohanapecosh Hot Springs

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
 
Length
0.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
50 feet
Highest Point
2,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.86
(7 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers

SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.

This short, sweet little loop near the Ohanapecosh Visitors Center make a great visit for a leg stretch or a history hike with little ones. You can't get into the hot springs (and you probably wouldn't want to) but you can still have a nice short hike here.
 
 

Three Lakes via Laughingwater Creek

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
 
Length
13.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,800 feet
Highest Point
5,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.75
(8 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.

The name "Laughingwater Creek" conjures up a nice stroll alongside a bubbling creek, but this trail mostly keeps hikers far above any running water. At several spots early in the hike, it is possible to hear the creek, but not to see it.
 
 

Stafford Falls via Deer Creek

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
 
Length
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
375 feet
Highest Point
3,250 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.60
(5 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls

SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.

The hike to Stafford Falls drops steeply from the road, requiring a climb to return to your vehicle. But after 0.4 miles, it follows crystal-clear Chinook Creek as it cascades down a gentle slope, with small plunges, narrow chutes, beautiful blue-green pools, and a 25-foot punch-bowl waterfall. Such beauty and serenity are seldom this easy to get to.
 
 

Deer Creek to Tipsoo Lake

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
 
Length
10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,850 feet
Highest Point
5,375 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.33
(3 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls

SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.

This trail offers passage through magnificent old growth forest, and past sparkling clear streams. It may not be as scenic as other trails in the area, but it requires no parking pass or entrance fee to enjoy the beauty of Mount Rainier.
 
 

Hansen Ridge

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
 
Length
15.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,300 feet
Highest Point
4,100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(2 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
In summer and fall this is a bikers trail but come winter it makes an excellent snowshoe or cross country ski trail.
 
 

Chapin Trail

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
0.25 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
13 feet
Highest Point
225 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
The Chapin Trail is part of the City of Bellevue’s Parks and Open Trails System. The short loop will take you through a charming forested area within a residential neighborhood.
 
 

Scriber Lake

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Highest Point
360 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.50
(2 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
An easy walk around a small urban lake and wetland area.
 
 

Grouse Basin Loop

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
 
Length
1.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
160 feet
Highest Point
1,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(1 vote)
  • Good for kids
Enjoy this low-key, child-friendly hike through aspen forest close to Seattle, just off the parking lot for Mailbox Peak.
 
 

Wahkeena-Multnomah Falls Loop

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
 
Length
5.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,060 feet
Highest Point
1,678 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.50
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Waterfalls
Hike a delightful, somewhat rugged trail past several waterfalls to views of the Columbia River and the stunning Gorge, capped off by a stop by the most popular recreation area in the Northwest: Multnomah Falls.
 
 

East Peak

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
 
Length
8.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.08
(13 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
  • Wildlife
East Peak is a slightly longer, more challenging hike than the extremely popular route to Rattlesnake Ledge. Allow a little more time, and be sure to bring a map of the area!
 
 

Juanita Woodlands Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
2.0 miles of trails
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
Juanita Woodlands is a small, 35-acre forested neighborhood park between Kirkland and Kenmore.
 
 

Cheasty Natural Area

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
This strip of green space in the middle of the Mount Baker and Columbia City neighborhoods of Seattle offers mountain bikers and hikers reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.
 
 

St. George's Trail (Trail 503)

Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
 
Length
7.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,400 feet
Highest Point
2,200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
This trail starts and ends within the Little Spokane Natural Area, with a short stint near St. George's School.
 
 

Whipple Creek Hollow Natural Area

Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
 
Length
0.5 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
100 feet
Highest Point
300 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
This natural area is 40 acres of beautiful forest just north of Vancouver.
 
 

Inside Passage

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
 
Length
6.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,600 feet
Highest Point
2,150 feet
Rating
Average rating:
1.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers
  • Wildlife

The Tiger Summit trailhead will be closed until further notice for construction. It is expected to open as early as fall/winter 2025.

This 1.6-mile section of trail is located in the Tiger Mountain State Forest. It is popular with mountain bikers and hikers.
 
 

Custer's Bridge - Middle Tiger Loop

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
 
Length
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,600 feet
Highest Point
2,607 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

The Tiger Summit trailhead will be closed until further notice for construction. It is expected to open as early as fall/winter 2025.

Hike the forested Iverson Railroad Trail and the little-used middle section of the main Tiger Mountain Trail (TMT). Look in on the site of a 1925 logging train wreck. Continue on to remote Custer's Bridge, and return via a loop over Middle Tiger Mountain, including views south-side hikers miss.
 
 

Quick Link

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
 
Length
0.5 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
163 feet
Highest Point
2,657 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids

The Tiger Summit trailhead will be closed until further notice for construction. It is expected to open as early as fall/winter 2025.

The Quick Link Trail is a short segment in the middle of the east tiger trail system. Combine this trail with others to form any number of loop hikes, including a trip to the east tiger summit.
 
 

East Side Road

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
 
Length
6.5 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Highest Point
1,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.25
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Wildlife

The Tiger Summit trailhead will be closed until further notice for construction. It is expected to open as early as fall/winter 2025.

The East Side Road is an access road on Tiger Mountain that is closed to vehicle traffic and open to hikers. The road roughly parallels the eastern boundary of Tiger Mountain and connects with several other trails.
 
 

Tiger Mountain Road

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
 
Rating
Average rating:
3.60
(5 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Wildlife

The Tiger Summit trailhead will be closed until further notice for construction. It is expected to open as early as fall/winter 2025.

Tiger Mountain Road is a gravel road that starts at the East Tiger Mountain Summit Parking Lot and winds up near the summit.
 
 

Westport State Park - Westport Light Trail

Southwest Washington > Long Beach Area
 
Length
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
15 feet
Highest Point
30 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Coast
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
The Westport Light Trail, also known to locals as "The Dunes Trail" is about 1 paved mile dotted with many commemorative stone benches.
 
 

Palouse Falls

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Highest Point
803 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.33
(27 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

All trails into the canyon and base of Palouse Falls are permanently closed.

The iconic Palouse Falls -- Washington State's official falls -- is not to be missed.
 
 

Daroga State Park

Central Washington > Wenatchee
 
Length
2.5 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
50 feet
Highest Point
765 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers

The park is closed during the winter season between Nov 1 and March 31.

Daroga State Park is a recreational oasis in Central Washington, providing riverside access for a host of outdoor activities. Bring the family for a full day along the Columbia River — everyone is sure to find something that will bring them joy.
 
 

South Puyallup Trail

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
 
Length
3.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
700 feet
Highest Point
4,200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(7 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers

Westside Road is closed for the winter season.

Known as the South Puyallup Trail, this access point to the Wonderland Trail is a connector 1.7 miles long that wends its way through a mature forest with trees ranging between 100 to 1000 years old.
 
 

South Puyallup to Klapatche

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
 
Length
18.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
5,000 feet
Highest Point
5,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.60
(5 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Westside Road is closed for the winter season.

South Puyallup to Klapatche is a scenic section along the western portion of the Wonderland Trail.
 
 

Round Pass Trail

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
 
Length
0.5 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
362 feet
Highest Point
3,885 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Mountain views

Westside Road is closed for the winter season.

A lovely alternative to walking the West Side Road, the Round Pass trail heads east to the South Puyallup Trail.
 
 

Lake George

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
 
Length
9.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
930 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.20
(10 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls

Westside Road is closed for the winter season.

Ascend the decommissioned portion of the Westside Road to the Lake George Trailhead, and then follow a moderately steep trail through an old-growth Douglas fir and hemlock forest to a secluded and beautiful campground on the shores of a beautiful blue-green mountain lake. Grab a permit at the Longmire Ranger Station and make it an overnight — but bring warm clothes.
 
 

Gobblers Knob

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
 
Length
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,565 feet
Highest Point
5,485 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.65
(20 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Westside Road is closed for the winter season.

A clear, sparkling lake, up-close views of Mount Rainier, and a historic fire lookout await you on the Gobblers Knob Trail. This route is an eastern approach to the lookout via Westside Road.
 
 

Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge - Emerald Ridge Loop

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
 
Length
14.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,100 feet
Highest Point
5,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.22
(9 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Mountain views

Westside Road is closed for the winter season.

Ever wanted to hike the Wonderland Trail, but have time for only a sneak peek? Here’s how to enjoy a sampling of the Wonderland’s spectacular scenery — in a single day!