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.

Search Hikes: Basic Search

Hike Name

Region

Sub-region

Trail Features & Rating

Features

Coast

Rivers

Lakes

Waterfalls

Old growth

Fall foliage

Wildflowers/Meadows

Mountain views

Summits

Wildlife

Ridges/passes

Established campsites

Accessibility
Wheelchair friendly Whether a trail is wheelchair-friendly depends on a variety of factors, including trail width, grade, cross-slope, what materials the trail is made of, and whether land managers have designated it accessible. This designation is made when trails are under optimal maintenance conditions, so seasonal changes or deferred maintenance may change how wheelchair-friendly a trail is. Indicating a trail is wheelchair-friendly does not mean it meets ADA standards.

Hikes w/o Recent Trip Reports Filter for hikes that haven't seen a trip report in a while.

Companions
Dogs allowed on leash

Dogs not allowed

Kid friendly

Rating

Parking Pass / Entry Fee

Required Passes

None

Discover Pass

National Park Pass

Northwest Forest Pass

Interagency Pass

Oregon State Parks Day-Use

Sno-Parks Permit

Mileage & Elevation

Include hikes with incomplete info

Mileage Range

Elevation Gain (ft)

High Point (ft)
Max elevation - numbers only

Keyword Search

Keyword Search
Full text search of the trail description

Results Order

Sort By

Clear form

Results List

4225 Hikes

Marckworth Forest

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Elevation Gain: 530 feet
Highest Point: 760 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.00

(3 votes)

Marckworth Forest offers some wonderful walking among forest, marshes, and rumpled rocky hills, as long as you're ok doing your own routefinding on logging roads. It's a quiet, little known and infrequently visited spot, less than an hour's drive from Seattle.

Cherry Creek Falls

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Length: 5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 450 feet
Highest Point: 705 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.85

(66 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Good for kids

Hike along old logging roads to a 25-foot tall waterfall on Cherry Creek just outside of Duvall. Note that access to this area is part of an agreement with nearby homeowners, and part of the trail is on private land, so please remain on the main path, observe leash laws and keep noise to a minimum as a courtesy to homeowners along trail. There are no toilets at the trailhead. Plan ahead.

Ames Lake Forest

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Length: 5.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Highest Point: 650 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.00

(1 vote)

Lakes
Rivers
Wildlife

With many miles of trails that are being improved by King County Parks, Ames Lake Forest is a good option for anyone looking to get away from crowds at Tolt-MacDonald. Keep in mind that this is a watershed though, and be certain to keep Leave No Trace principles in mind in this sensitive area.

Magnet Creek

Central Cascades > Blewett Pass

Length: 6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
Highest Point: 4,400 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.00

(6 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Mountain views
Ridges/passes
Wildflowers/Meadows

This trail is closed until further notice due to damage from the Labor Mountain Fire.

Hike this unmaintained trail on the dry side of the Cascades. It's a scenic, wildflower wonderland, if you're willing and able to route-find your way to the ridge.

Mount Stuart

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area

Length: 11.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 6,309 feet
Highest Point: 9,416 feet
Rating: Average rating:
5.00

(4 votes)

Established campsites
Mountain views
Ridges/passes
Wildflowers/Meadows

Mount Stuart is a popular climb in the Enchantments area of Washington State. Have gear and climbing expertise before you attempt this.

Staircase Rapids

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Length: 2.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 574 feet
Highest Point: 950 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.10

(42 votes)

Dogs not allowed
Good for kids
Old growth
Rivers

This trail and FR 24 are closed until further notice due to the Bear Gulch Fire.

Staircase Rapids is a beautiful 2.1 mile loop trail following the North Fork of the Skokomish River. Enjoy the Olympic old growth forests with a lush understory of mosses and ferns.

Salmon Viewing Trail

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

Length: 0.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 20 feet
Highest Point: 2,160 feet
Rating: Average rating:
0.00

(0 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Fall foliage
Good for kids
Rivers
Wildlife

The Salmon Viewing Trail is a short but rewarding stroll that ends at an observation area on the bank of the Cle Elum River where salmon spawn in the fall. The ADA-accessible path beelines beneath cheery conifers and quickly brings the hiker to the riverside.

Lake Hills Greenbelt

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Length: 2.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Highest Point: 330 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.80

(5 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Fall foliage
Good for kids
Lakes
Wildlife

Hike through a pastoral area first settled and farmed in the 1880s. Along the way, enjoy a dense grove of cedars, followed by close-up views of blueberry fields that still produce an annual crop. Circle Larsen Lake, and view a restored pioneer home. Optionally, extend your hike to view nearby Phantom Lake.

Meadowlark Natural Area

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth

Length: 2.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Highest Point: 2,150 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(1 vote)

Good for kids
Mountain views
Wildflowers/Meadows

Take a stroll on the sunny, warm slopes of Studhorse Mountain just outside of Winthrop. This hike is usually among the first to melt out and bloom in the spring, providing much needed forage for the mule deer population. An easy 2.5 mile loop gives great views of the Sawtooth/Chelan Wilderness and Winthrop’s downtown is at your feet.

Beebe Springs Wildlife Area - River Trails

Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan

Length: 2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(2 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Good for kids
Mountain views
Rivers
Wildflowers/Meadows
Wildlife

Visiting Beebe Springs is more of a leg stretcher or bird watching location than a destination hiking location. That much being said, it has bountiful wildlife and broad vistas. Do note that it is closed seasonally from December 1 to March 15.

Merrill Lake Conservation Area - Kalama River Falls

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens

Length: 3.9 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Highest Point: 1,600 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(2 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Fall foliage
Good for kids
Old growth
Rivers
Waterfalls
Wildlife

There are two routes to Kalama Falls; the shorter route starts at a two-track gravel road and goes through the Merrill Lake Wildlife Area.

Catherine Creek - Natural Arch

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

Length: 2.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Highest Point: 500 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.00

(1 vote)

Dogs allowed on leash
Fall foliage
Good for kids
Rivers
Wildflowers/Meadows

This family-friendly classic hike has perhaps the most photo ops per mile than any other hike in the Gorge. You can check out a natural rock arch, see a variety of terrain, take in sweeping views of the Columbia River, and enjoy early-spring wildflower displays.

Rainier View

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410

Length: 2.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Highest Point: 6,000 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.30

(10 votes)

Good for kids
Mountain views
Ridges/passes
Wildflowers/Meadows
Wildlife

This is a great hike for kids with lots to see including wild flowers, big views of Mount Rainier and maybe even some wildlife including marmots and goats. Take a picnic and enjoy the wonderful sights along this trail.

Goat Creek

South Cascades > Mount St. Helens

Length: 11.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,150 feet
Highest Point: 4,700 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.40

(10 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Old growth
Rivers
Waterfalls
Wildflowers/Meadows

Goat Creek trail is locally known for being an access point to one of the most special waterfalls in the region, Cathedral Falls. Hike beyond this spectacular feature under wonderfully lush canopy giving yourself options for a full day hike, while adding potential summit peaks or lakeside backcountry camping options to your itinerary.

Sehome Arboretum

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area

Length: 6.0 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: 325 feet
Highest Point: 620 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.12

(8 votes)

Coast
Dogs allowed on leash
Good for kids

A lush, green refuge with 6 miles of trails is the backyard playground for Western Washington University and Fairhaven College in Bellingham.

Bay to Baker Trail

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area

Length: 8.5 miles of trails
Highest Point: 100 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.00

(6 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Good for kids
Mountain views
Rivers
Waterfalls
Wildflowers/Meadows

After a long day at the office, the Bay to Baker Trail offers a convenient dose of nature right in the heart of Bellingham.

Big Rock Garden

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area

Length: 1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 60 feet
Highest Point: 520 feet
Rating: Average rating:
1.00

(1 vote)

Dogs not allowed
Fall foliage
Good for kids
Wildflowers/Meadows

The Big Rock Garden allows visitors to slow down and enjoy a bit of quiet solitude without having to trek far from home. The park features 37 permanent sculptures, over 100 species of maple and dozens of rhododendrons and azaleas which promise enjoyable walking at any time of year.

Mount Adams South Climb

South Cascades > Mount Adams Area

Length: 12.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 6,700 feet
Highest Point: 12,276 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.76

(21 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Established campsites
Mountain views
Rivers
Summits

The South Climb (or Lunch Counter Approach) of Mount Adams is the one that requires the least amount of technical expertise. However, ice axes, trekking poles, and crampons or microspikes (depending on the season) are required to summit. Hikers who put this investment in will be rewarded with stunning views on a clear day, as well as the satisfaction of having made it up one of Washington's five volcanoes.

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park - Umatilla Rock via Monument Coulee

Central Washington > Grand Coulee

Length: 2.7 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 295 feet
Highest Point: 1,350 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.50

(8 votes)

Lakes
Wildflowers/Meadows
Wildlife

The hike involves a circumnavigation of Umatilla Rock, a narrow rock blade that passes below Dry Falls. This area lies midway along the 50-mile Grand Coulee—one of the longest and most spectacular chasms carved out by up to 100 gargantuan Ice Age floods.

Mailbox Peak

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

Length: 9.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
Highest Point: 4,822 feet
Rating: Average rating:
4.23

(124 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Fall foliage
Mountain views
Summits

While still relatively steep, this new route up Mailbox Peak, built in part with help from WTA volunteers, offers a safer and more easily navigable way for folks to summit this formidable peak than the old trail.

Timberton Loop

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Length: 4.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Highest Point: 450 feet
Rating: Average rating:
0.00

(0 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Lakes
Mountain views

Old logging roads wend through forest and an abandoned golf course, passing several ponds.

Dockton Forest

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area

Length: 9.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 350 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.50

(2 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Fall foliage
Good for kids
Old growth

Waiting quietly on Maury Island (a peninsula just off Vashon Island), Dockton Forest welcomes walkers, bikers, and equestrians, as well as boaters to their 9 miles of trails and shorefront property.

Mount Washington

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

Length: 8.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,250 feet
Highest Point: 4,450 feet
Rating: Average rating:
3.85

(124 votes)

Dogs allowed on leash
Mountain views
Old growth
Summits
Wildflowers/Meadows

This easy-access day hike delivers comparable — if not superior — panoramic views and lung-busting switchbacks to Mount Si, with significantly less foot traffic.