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
4206 HikesWest Boundary Trail
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,550 feet
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.
The West Boundary Trail is one of the remaining fragments of the historic Boundary Trail that allowed rangers to patrol the perimeter of Mount Rainier National Park. Now an out-and-back, the trail is moderately popular despite its brutally steep grade. The lush rainforest, delightful cascades and potential to add a summit to the day give this hike reason to investigate.
Boulder River
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 700 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,550 feet
The Boulder River trail is a nice hike that can be done any time of year. Come in winter while the rain is dripping off the mossy trees, photograph the waterfalls filled with spring snowmelt. Take the kids out for a little picnic in the summer, or leaf collecting in the fall. Come anytime midweek for quiet contemplation.
Boulder Ridge
North Cascades
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Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
This trail is a rarely traveled and quite rustic trail used primarily by climbers as an alternate climbing route for Mount Baker. Though not for the faint of heart, this hike has a truly spectacular payoff in views and provides a solitary hiking experience.
Boulder Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 13.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
A hidden gem of Snohomish County — whether you do a couple of miles or the whole trek to Boulder Lake, there's plenty for all to enjoy. Hikers will be surrounded by a bounty of wild berries in the summer and misty Pacific Northwest clouds in the spring and fall. The trail has been quietly closed for several seasons; now, hikers can find tranquil solitude with an amazing lake!
Bogachiel River
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 500 feet
The Bogachiel River is a classic example of a lowland rainforest ecosystem, with a rough and tumble trail that extends all the way to the head of the valley. Born on lower mountains than the Hoh, Queets, and Quinault, it lacks the glacial coloration and tremendous flow associated with those valleys. What it makes up for is miles of solitude and adventure.
Boardman Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,050 feet
The trail to Boardman Lake is one of the most accessible hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway, offering old-growth forest and a two-for-one lakeside opportunity. If you are willing to hike a mile or so in with marginal elevation gain, you can find yourself marveling at peaceful azure waters deep in the verdant backcountry of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Bluff Lake
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,840 feet
This forested trail to a small, secluded lake — uniquely set on a ridge with a few campsites— provides an easy day hike or backpack trip.
Blue Lake
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
This short, hiker-only trail in the Dark Divide connects hikers to an arresting, appropriately named blue lake jumping with fish. If you can get past its quiet shores, it's a short jaunt to connect with the Craggy Peak trail and miles of ridgeline hiking that the Dark Divide Roadless Area affords.
Blue Lake
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 1.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,984 feet
The trailhead is inaccessible until further notice due to FR 12 closure.
One of several Blue Lakes in Washington State, this Blue Lake lies about four and a half miles south of Mount Baker and requires less than a mile of hiking to reach it. Its translucent blue-green colors peek out beneath the shadows of a sheer rock wall partially encircling the lake, a reward for conquering the somewhat eroded and rooty trail that leads to it. Families, anglers, and hikers looking to experience a pretty subalpine lake will enjoy this short, yet memorable hike.
Blandford Canyon
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 0.9 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 75 feet
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Highest Point
- 175 feet
A small network of trails connects the neighborhoods of South Cliff and DuBois across Blandford Road in Vancouver. Visit both parks, but do know you’ll have to cross a road to get the full experience.
Blake Island State Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 190 feet
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Highest Point
- 190 feet
Originally home to the Suquamish Indian tribe and legendary for being the supposed birthplace of Chief Sealth, over the years Blake Island has also served as a timber source, a private estate, Army base, and even a smuggler’s refuge. It now may be best known for Tillicum Village, a Native American cultural center that is currently closed. Access to Blake Island State Park is only possible by personal watercraft.
Black Lake
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 780 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,982 feet
While snow still coats the high places of the Methow Valley, the hike to Black Lake offers early-season wildflowers amidst the recovery from a devastating 2003 wildfire.
Bird Creek Meadows
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,500 feet
Bird Creek Meadows is a crowd pleaser of a hike. Known for its abundant wildflower meadows, views of Mount Adams and the Hellroaring Canyon, and little creeks, lakes and waterfalls, this trail provides a nice 5.2-mile loop for hikers.
Billy Goat
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 9.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,600 feet
Enjoy the path-less-traveled as you ascend to Billy Goat Pass for spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Connect to Burch Mountain or the Larch Creek trail as you walk through wildflowers as far as the eye can see.
Big Finn Hill Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 9.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 450 feet
Big Finn Hill Park is the lesser-known cousin to the adjoining Saint Edwards State Park in Kirkland. Its expansive 220 acres are worth exploring and getting to know for their miles of meandering trails fit for mountain biking and casual strolling. Chock-full of tall Douglas-firs, ferns and bright green mosses, it offers possibilities to spot eagles, deer and owls.
Big Creek Trail
Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
Wonder past streams, a deep canyon and old-growth trees on the Big Creek Trail. Located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this narrow, rocky trail provides a challenge for adventurous hikers.
Berthusen Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 2.4 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 111 feet
Berthusen Park offers up plenty of great opportunities to get outdoors and explore. This beautiful park, the site of a homestead from the late 1800s, has antique farm machinery, a historical cabin, a big red barn and a great playground with a wonderful swing set for kids.
Bench Lake Loop
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 3.4 miles, roundtrip
A hike near Mount Adams.
Bells Mountain
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 8.9 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,500 feet
The Bells Mountain trail is a non-motorized, multi-use trail constructed by the Chinook Trail Association (CTA) and managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). It is part of a 30-mile stretch of the Chinook Trail that was awarded National Recreation Trail Status in 2005.
Bedal Basin
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,700 feet
Follow a trail up an old mining trail before reaching a boulder-filled basin with views of Sloan Peak above. The first half of the hike is fairly easy, while the second is a steep climb through a creek bed. Navigational skills are required for this hike.
Beaver Lake Preserve
Issaquah Alps
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 460 feet
Hike a 1.2 mile loop trail through this forest preserve. Appreciate the exceptionally tall trees, both deciduous and coniferous. Pass some swampy areas with standing water, and note the exuberant growth of ferns and hanging moss.
Beaver Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Discover this quiet ramble along the Wild and Scenic Sauk River as you follow the site of an old railroad grade. The trail is more about the journey than the destination, but this mellow walk can be enjoyed any time of year. The lake itself is small and more of a pond.
Bear Ridge
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 3.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,056 feet
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Highest Point
- 991 feet
Hike this little-used trail on the east side of Cougar Mountain past an enormous glacial boulder left over from the last ice age.
Beacon Rock State Park - Beacon Rock
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
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Highest Point
- 848 feet
Beacon Rock's native name is "Che-Che-op-tin," which translates to "the navel of the world." Native Americans weren't far off in their comparison, since the 848-foot basalt column once formed the core, or belly, of an ancient volcano.
Barnes Creek
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,090 feet
A nice creekside hike within the Olympics with the option to check out Marymere Falls on the hike. This hike has all types of old growth and lush vegetation.
Bare Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,353 feet
Bare Mountain, the site of a former fire lookout, is a superb viewpoint with mountains in every direction and lakes close by. In season, appreciate the great variety of wildflowers, beginning at the trailhead and continuing all the way to the summit. And be alert for birds and wild critters. They are out there.
Barclay Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,423 feet
Barclay Lake offers something for almost everyone: a well-maintained trail that is accessible to beginners and children, stunning mountain views, mycology, camping, a serene alpine lake, and a staging area for challenging adventures in the 106,000-acre Wild Sky Wilderness. Keep your camera charged, as this popular pathway in the shadow of Baring Mountain offers many photo opportunities.
Banner Forest
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 430 feet
Banner Forest Heritage Park is one square mile of undeveloped forest and wetland on the Kitsap Peninsula with an extensive trail network. An easy grade and well maintained trails invite all ages and abilities to enjoy this prime section of land.
Baker River
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 900 feet
Take a mellow walk on a trail that wanders among large old trees and huge mossy boulders. The trail alongside Baker River takes you on a path of gentle up and downs, splashing your way through stream crossings and past open areas filled with young alder, huckleberry and salmonberry. On a quiet spring day, your chances of seeing wildlife are excellent.
Baker Lake - Maple Grove
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Magnificent old growth forests, stellar views of Mount Baker, turbulent tributaries, and, of course, a beautiful lake make this trail a great path to travel.