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 HikesSpruce Railroad Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 5.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 700 feet
Hop aboard the paved Spruce Railroad Trail for a scenic and historic hike along the sparkling shores of massive Lake Crescent.
Chinese Reconciliation Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 0.6 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 15 feet
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Highest Point
- 15 feet
Chinese Reconciliation Park is a small park on the Tacoma waterfront. There are trails, both gravel and paved, winding throughout.
Ruston Way
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 6.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 23 feet
Ruston Way runs along the Tacoma Waterfront from Jack Hyde Park to Point Defiance Park.
Equestrian Loop
Issaquah Alps > Squak Mountain
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Length
- 2.4 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 720 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,260 feet
The name of this trail may suggest this is horseback rider heaven, but it’s also great for hikers.
Heather Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,034 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,430 feet
Hike to a small scenic lake on the flanks of Mount Pilchuck. The trail is a bit rough, but its ease of access, short mileage and modest elevation gain make this one of the easier hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway
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.
Rockport State Park
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 750 feet
5.19.26: The ADA trail is closed until further notice due to flood damage.
The family friendly trails of 670-acre Rockport State Park explore an ancient forest where dappled sunlight illuminates mossy trees and lush ferns — perfect for a springtime stroll.
Navaho Peak
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 13.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,223 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,223 feet
This trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Labor Mountain Fire.
From Navaho Pass, the trail to Navaho Peak is siren-like, pulling you towards the summit long after you realize how tired you are. But for peak-baggers, or those simply interested in getting a gorgeous view from a relatively easy-to-navigate peak, the views are worth the extra effort.
Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,250 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,646 feet
A short, steep and rough ridgeline ascent to a summit with great views up and down the Yakima River Canyon.
Baldy Mountain
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,972 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,212 feet
This hike in the Yakima River Canyon is an excellent conditioning hike for anyone looking to train in the winter months. It reaches one of the highest points on the east side of the river in the Canyon.
Two Dollar Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 3.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 550 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,100 feet
The Two Dollar Trail is one of three approaches to Fragrance Lake. It is popular with runners, bikers and hikers alike because of its good surface throughout. It traverses a west facing ridge through a forest of cedar, Douglas fir, hemlock, bigleaf maple and red maple with views out to the Salish Sea. The trail wanders through a groundcover of salal, Oregon grape and a variety of ferns and a small waterfall whose configuration changes with the seasons.
George C Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
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Length
- 3.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 30 feet
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Highest Point
- 10 feet
Enjoy birdwatching opportunities in coastal, marsh and forested environments while exploring the refuge’s three miles of looping trails.
Sahale Glacier
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
Cascade River Road is officially closed to vehicle traffic at milepost 20 (Eldorado) for the winter.
A popular climbing route in the North Cascades. Proper gear and expertise is required.
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 7,570 feet
Cascade River Road is officially closed to vehicle traffic at milepost 20 (Eldorado) for the winter.
In Sahale Arm, the forces of nature have conspired to create an improbably gentle, gorgeous landscape. Simply put, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Washington.
Cascade Pass
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,392 feet
Cascade River Road is officially closed to vehicle traffic at milepost 20 (Eldorado) for the winter.
At Cascade Pass, the wow factor far exceeds the “ow” factor – perhaps no other trail in the state delivers as much reward for the effort. From the high peaks on either side of the pass, verdant meadows curve down to a saddle that offers sweeping views of nearby valleys, glaciers, mountains, and passing wildlife. Sedately climbing a little less than 1,800 feet in 3.6 miles, it is the perfect hike to show new hikers the extraordinary places their feet can take them.
Icicle Gorge Nature Loop
Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
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Length
- 4.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,800 feet
The Icicle Gorge Trail, one of the most popular trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, is a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of the Icicle Creek Valley. The interpretive loop trail has a gentle grade and scenic views of Icicle Creek, Icicle Gorge, and the surrounding forest that are ideal for families, trail runners, beginner hikers, bird enthusiasts, and those looking to take a nice long walk on a well-defined path.
Monogram Lake
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,675 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,719 feet
This gem of an alpine lake, situated in a cirque beneath the glaciated summit of Little Devil Peak, is ringed by verdant meadows and frequented by resident wildlife.
Rampart Ridge Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,080 feet
This short loop out of Longmire makes for a great, quick way to get some elevation gain, some forest views, and a fantastic vista of Mount Rainier, all in less than five miles!
South Tiger Mountain Loop
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,550 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,028 feet
Hike the southernmost part of the main Tiger Mountain Trail - the TMT - and return via the South Tiger Traverse to complete a loop around South Tiger Mountain, with a side trip to the south summit and, optionally, a visit to the north summit.
Source Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,100 feet
In winter the trail to Source Lake 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.
If you want to see the headwaters of the mighty Snoqualmie River, head for the source. Source Lake, that is. It's a modest pond, but the setting is remarkable. Craggy peaks ring this pool, found along the way to one of the state's most popular alpine lake -- Snow Lake.
Carkeek Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 3.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 240 feet
Explore forest trails along Piper's Creek and adjoining ridges. Visit a Puget Sound beach and enjoy great views across the Sound to the Olympics. In the fall, observe migrating salmon in the creek.
Bandera Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,240 feet
There are two sides to Bandera Mountain — gentle and well-groomed on the one hand, rough and untamed on the other. Together, they make for a very satisfying hike along a rocky ridge to a false summit (Little Bandera) with views impressive enough to dissuade most from completing the final half mile of informal trail to the "real" summit.
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 5.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,300 feet
The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge protects a portion of the ‘Channeled Scablands’ of ice age flood fame. The refuge has a 5.5-mile auto route through part of it.
High Divide
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 9.63 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 5,111 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,384 feet
High Divide trail makes up a section of the Seven Lakes Basin trail and leads to the Bailey Range Traverse. While campsites exist along this route, it's important to reserve your spot in advance of your visit here.
Goat Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 10.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,161 feet
A nice hike with plenty of variety. Beautiful forest, a rushing creek, waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, history, and of course a large blue-green lake surrounded by snowy peaks. At 10.4 miles, it can be either a day-hike or a quick early season overnight. You won’t be alone, though – this is a popular trail with both hikers and backpackers.
Bedal Peak
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 7.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,554 feet
A scramble up a peak off the Mountain Loop Highway. Route finding gear and previous experience required.
Red Mountain (Commonwealth Basin)
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,890 feet
Great day hike through old growth with the final 1000 feet on the west slope rock of Red Mountain. When dry, this roughly 40 degree incline is mostly a walk-up with hands needed here and there. Amazing 360 degree view from the summit.
Dosewallips River Road
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 13.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,550 feet
The Dosewallips River Road is the gateway to the eastern Olympic Mountains and it penetrates one of the deepest canyons in Olympic National Park. Now closed to vehicles, the old road bed allows hikers to explore true wilderness at a gentle grade. Backpackers, peak baggers and horseback riders take advantage of the easy access to the trails beyond the road's end.
Palouse to Cascades Trail - Homestead Valley to Mine Creek Trestle
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 5.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,607 feet
5.14.26: The Palouse to Cascades trail is closed between the Olallie Trail to Homestead Valley trailhead until further notice due to storm damage.
Hike a short stint on the Palouse to Cascades Trail, crossing high trestle bridges and roaming through old growth forest with expansive views of nearby peaks, just a short drive away from the city.
Three Corner Rock
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,550 feet
Hike the Pacific Crest Trail to a relatively unknown but landmark lookout site on a rock pinnacle with a view of 5 snow peaks and segments of the Columbia River. Three Corner Rock sits atop of broad, open ridge surrounded by beargrass meadows in the spring.