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
4216 HikesCornwall Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 1.5 miles of trails
-
Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
-
Highest Point
- 78 feet
Located in the heart of Bellingham, this transit-accessible pocket of nature in the city has a little something for everyone.
North Centennial Trail (Snohomish)
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 171 feet
Local, national and world histories intersect on this peaceful farm north of Arlington.
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.
Black Hole Falls
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 10.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,532 feet
This hike starts at the North Siouxon Creek Trailhead which is also the south end of the Mitchell Peak Trail. Following the Mitchell Peak Trail for about 5.5 miles the route offers a spur down to the falls. Or for the more adventurous a steep climb up to Mitchell Peak makes for a good two day backpacking adventure.
Middle Fork Cascade River
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
This trail is not recommended — it has sustained severe wildfire damage and is not maintained.
This trail was damaged in the the Mineral Park Fire and more recently in the Pincer Fire. In the interim, flooding has damaged it and the trail has not seen maintenance since 2007.
Robinson Canyon - Ainsley Canyon
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,400 feet
This area closes between Dec and May to protect wintering elk herds.
This is a gem of a hike, providing you easy access to the best of the best of the rich L. T. Murray State Wildlife Recreation Area.
Joe Watt Canyon
Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,100 feet
This area closes between Dec and May to protect wintering elk herds.
Joe Watt Canyon is a quiet area of the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area that is a great place to spot fields of colorful lupine and the occasional elk heard.
East Rim Waterworks Canyon
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 450 feet
The area closes between Dec and May to protect wintering elk herds.
A short, hike alongside a creek on the east side of Washington, just outside of Yakima. Lush brush, including balsamroot, yarrow, and lupine can be found along the way, as you enjoy the dramatic canyon walls.
Schafer State Park
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 2.0 miles of trails
-
Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
-
Highest Point
- 300 feet
Visit a sweet little state park on the Satsop River, where you can picnic, fish, float and do a little hiking.
Snagtooth Mountain
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 9.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,000 feet
This 4.8 mile trail runs from upper Quartz Creek Trail to Boundary Trail. This is an access route to the Boundary Trail (above Forest Road 9341) and to the Quartz Creek Trail #5 below the road.
Wright Meadow
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 8.7 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 380 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,000 feet
Popular with hikers, mountain bikers and off-road vehicle users, this multi use trail climbs out of the Lewis River Valley into the forested hills above.
Mount Misery Loop
Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
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Length
- 48.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,387 feet
From mountain peak to Wild and Scenic River, this long loop takes in a range of terrain, wildlife and views.
Lake Christine
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 1.8 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 640 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,040 feet
The trailhead is inaccessible due to a washout on FR 59.
The Lake Christine trail begins on Forest Road 5920 and climbs briefly through a former logging show to the Glacier View wilderness. Offering access to the lovely little Lake Christine, it rambles through a conifer forest after passing through the cut.
Stetattle Creek
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,136 feet
This trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Sourdough and Stetattle fires.
The Stettatle Creek Trail is an infrequently-used path that delivers hikers into a deep canyon in the heart of the North Cascades. Though it clears early in the season, this may not be the best option for those looking for an easy walk -- the trail is rugged and requires scrambling in places.
Coldwater Peak
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,068 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,727 feet
This trail is currently inaccessible due to a landslide on SR 504. The road is expected to be closed through 2027.
Survey Mount St. Helens’ recovering Blast Zone and get 360-degree, four-peak views from this high perch along the Boundary Trail.
Domerie Peak
Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
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Length
- 18.0 miles, roundtrip
Accessible via two separate trailheads, the Domerie Peak trail offers a ridgeline traverse with views of Cle Elum Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Teanaway.
Mount Spokane State Park - Quartz Mountain
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 4.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 756 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,129 feet
Mount Spokane State Park has trails for all types, and something for every season. Hike in the summertime to the relocated fire lookout atop Quartz Mountain, or explore the area in a snowy winter wonderland via cross-country skis.
Coweeman River Trail
Southwest Washington > Long Beach Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
-
Highest Point
- 30 feet
Walk on a dike next to a usually quiet river through the outskirts of Kelso.
Wallace Falls State Park - Greg Ball Trail to Wallace Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
The Greg Ball Trail is a trail envisioned by and honoring one of the greatest trail advocates this state has ever had. Ball was a former board member and director of the WTA. In 1993 he launched the organization’s volunteer trail maintenance program which has since grown into the largest state-based program of its kind. He designed this trail to Wallace Lake and it was finished in his memory by volunteers from WTA and through support from the Spring Trail Trust.
Wallace Falls State Park - Jay Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 12.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,840 feet
Not so scenic but plenty peaceful, Jay Lake is one of a small handful of backcountry camping areas in a state park. Just be sure to get a permit before you head out!
Frog Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 357 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,009 feet
Short, easy hike with beautiful trees, goes up to a lake full of tadpoles/frogs. Foliage and spiderwebs can get in the way, so bring a stick.
Quartz Creek/Lake Blethen
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,550 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
Less of a trail than a road walk, the route up Quartz Creek offers quiet and solitude in the Middle Fork Valley.
Lost River
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,680 feet
This nice valley walk, serenaded by the sound of the Lost River, used to be the easy start of a difficult trail access into the central Pasayten Wilderness. The Eureka Creek bridge makes for a good turn around point, while Lost River access at the wilderness boundary makes a good location for a long break.
Elwha To Hurricane Hill
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 18.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 7,100 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,650 feet
Climb steeply out of the Elwha River Valley to impressive views of the Bailey Range and wide-open meadows on this trail that accesses Hurricane Hill the back way.
Boundary Way
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,458 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,658 feet
Put your navigational skills to the test! This unmaintained trail just off Damfino Lakes trail may be brushy, but if you can find your way to Boundary Way, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views into Canada and the epic North Cascades.
Spoon Creek Falls
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Wynoochee Lake by trekking down to the lesser-known Spoon Creek Falls. This short and sweet hike will reward you with both impressive waterfall views, and a calm (yet cold) wading pool to dip your toes.
Mount Finlayson
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
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Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 408 feet
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Highest Point
- 290 feet
With expansive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca contrasting with deep forest lagoons, the Mount Finlayson loop features the variety of ecosystems that San Juan Island offers in an easy and scenic trail. Options for shorter or longer routes make this a suitable destination for hikers of all ages.
Hog Canyon Lake
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 5.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,200 feet
Hog Canyon Lake is an excellent hike in spring and fall, showcasing the unique geology and plant diversity of the area.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Trails
Central Washington > Potholes Region
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,600 feet
One of the largest petrified forests on the planet sits in the center of Washington State. The ancient trees were mineralized into rock during the great lava flows that swept the inland Northwest. In addition to petrified ginkgos (one of the oldest tree species in the world), the "rock forest" includes mineralized Douglas fir, spruce, walnut, and elm.
Hidden Lakes
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 34.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,800 feet
The Hidden Lakes are the jewels of the Pasayten Wilderness. Tucked high within the Wilderness, these lakes provide backpackers with opportunities to fish, swim, relax, and view wildlife and wildflowers.