Can't catch a hitch? You might be walking on a road for a while. Here Joseph Gonzalez walks a section of road in New Mexico while thru hiking the Continental Divide Trail. Photo courtesy Joe Gonzalez
Hitch·hike (verb): to travel by securing free rides from passing vehicles. It’s a universal strategy employed by travelers worldwide. And for hikers in rural areas of the United States, it’s one of the cheapest, most convenient ways to travel. The rules are simple: Travelers just need to be near a road and stick their thumb out.
Whether you’ve completed a point-to-point trail and need a ride back to your car or you’re in a pinch and need to travel quickly, hitchhiking is an efficient, cost-effective way to get from A to B. It’s is a rich cultural experience based on the currency of conversation — no cash required. Hitchhiking is practical and also a great way to learn about the locals of the area you’re visiting.
The decision to hitchhike or pick up a hitchhiker is a personal one. There’s never an expectation to pick up a hitchhiker and offer them a free ride. It’s not always safe or legal to hitchhike. Here’s what you need to know.
It’s illegal to solicit a ride from a public roadway at any place where a vehicle can’t safely stop.
It’s illegal to solicit a ride where pedestrians aren't allowed, such as on- and off-ramps to freeways.
It’s illegal to solicit a ride in emergency exits.
A county, city or land manager might have different hitchhiking rules based on their specific needs.
This image of the gnarly washout between Box Canyon and Reflection Lakes on the Wonderland Trail was taken in 2024. Since the washout is still disrupting hikers this summer, Mount Rainier National Park is adjusting their hitchhiking policy for some sections of road. Photo by Catherine Vine
Mount Rainier National Park
Hitchhiking is legal, except:
Within 0.2 mile of an entrance station.
Within 200 feet of a concession business, park service office building or visitor center.
While holding a sign larger than 1 foot by 2 feet.
At night, on unsafe surfaces or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
There is a specific exception for Wonderland Trail hikers to hitchhike between Box Canyon and Reflection Lakes to avoid a hazardous stretch of trail. Check the park’s website for information on current conditions.
Olympic National Park
Hitchhiking is illegal except at visitor centers and trailhead parking lots, and only when vehicles can safely pull off. The Sunrise and Maggie’s pullouts on Hurricane Ridge Road are also legal.
Hiker Tynesha Campbell asks for a ride near the Third Beach trailhead in Olympic National Park. Photo by Joseph Gonzalez
Personal perspective on hitchhiking
Read about recollections from some of the author's many hitchhikes over the years and how they helped with his hiking plans here.
North Cascades National Park
Hitchhiking is illegal in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
U.S. Forest Service
Hitchhiking is legal.
Washington State Parks
Hitchhiking is legal.
How to hitch a ride
Now that you know where you can hitchhike, next is to learn how. Here are some best practices:
Plan ahead! You can avoid hitchhiking by creating a foolproof transportation plan in advance.
Know which direction you’re going before you stick your thumb out.
Budget your time. The hitchhiking rule of thumb is that it will take you twice as long to hitchhike from A to B than it would to drive yourself.
Stand in a safe but visible section of a highly trafficked area with plenty of space for a vehicle to safely pull out. Intersections, trailhead parking lots, viewpoints and other areas where cars slow down are your best bet. When possible, stand where there’s space for the driver to get a full look at you before stopping.
Put your best foot forward! Take off your hat and sunglasses so drivers can see your face. Keep your backpack off and make eye contact, smile (not too much — be friendly, not creepy) and gently wave.
Keep your group small (three hikers or less) and have the most approachable person in your group stand in front. A sign with the name of where you’re going also helps.
A clear, legible sign with the name of where you're going is a good idea, even if it just reads "to trail" or "to town." Just be sure the sign size is aligned with local regulations (see Mount Rainier National Park rules above)
Do a quick hygiene check. Your ride will appreciate it.
Secure all loose items in your backpack. Keep your keys, phone and wallet on you, in case your backpack sits separately from you. If you’re tracking with a GPS device, keep it tracking until you are at your destination. Consider keeping your trekking poles or a pocket knife on you for protection.
When a car stops, walk to the driver’s window with a gentle sense of urgency and confirm the direction they’re headed.
Express gratitude for your ride! Drivers generally won’t ask you to pay, but you should expect to entertain them. Folks aren’t just picking you up out of the kindness of their hearts. They’re looking to hear about your journeys.
Trust your gut: If you don’t feel comfortable, kindly decline the offer for a ride. It never hurts to take a peek at to confirm there are no weapons or open containers of alcohol in the car.
How to give a ride
Hitchhiking isn’t just reserved for travelers needing a ride. There are benefits for drivers as well! It can be a way to connect with people you might not have met otherwise.
You never know what kind of a pinch you'll get a hiker out of when you offer them a ride. Photo by Holly Weiler
Before picking up a rider, familiarize yourself with the rules above, ensure your vehicle has space and that you feel comfortable. You might notice hikers around national scenic trails or famous parks. They’re often easily spottable by their backpacking gear.
Remember, the people most likely to pick up a hitchhiker are those who have hitchhiked themselves. Keep these elements of selflessness and gratitude in mind for the next time you need a ride or if you want to pick up a hitchhiker. You never know when you might need the favor returned!
Washington Trails
Association
