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 HikesTrapper Creek
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 13.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,050 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,207 feet
This trail climbs from the Trapper Creek trailhead through an old-growth forest to views of the many mountains of the South Cascades from Observation Peak.
Trail Creek
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 9.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,840 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,750 feet
Take the Trail Creek Trail through dry forest on the east side of the Cascade Range. A large fire burned through here more than 100 years ago, opening up the forest and offering views through the remaining trees of the surrounding mountains.
Mount Spokane State Park - Trail 130
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
If you're looking for the best workout in the park, you'd be hard-pressed to find something better than this, the longest trail. Circumnavigate the park's namesake peak by following trail 130 "round-the-mountain" for nearly 12 miles of forested trail punctuated by the occasional open meadow, or opt to turn around at any time for a shorter stroll.
Toutle Trail - Red Rock Pass to Blue Lake Trailhead
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 3.3 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 280 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,400 feet
This middle section of the Toutle Trail starts at Forest Road 81 on the north side of Red Rock Pass.
Toutle Trail
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 13.6 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,000 feet
The Toutle Trail transects five ecozones over more than 13 miles, but can be done in three sections.
Top Lake
Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
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Length
- 10.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
The demure Top Lake trail provides easy access and a popular jumping-off point for hikers, backpackers, equestrian riders and trail work volunteers, all headed into the Cascades backcountry during summer and early fall once snow has receded. Take in the beauty of subalpine meadows and regal peaks on the horizon that offer a taste of what draws outdoor enthusiasts here to the Henry M. Jackson and Glacier Peak Wildernesses and beyond.
Tongue Mountain
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,052 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,660 feet
Tongue Mountain is one of several craggy peaks in the Dark Divide offering excellent views and a nice walk through forest
Tiger Mountain Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 15.2 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,360 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,500 feet
Do a thru-hike on the main Tiger Mountain Trail, also known as the TMT. Arrange a car shuttle and start at the southern end. Hike north more than fifteen miles over varied terrain and through different types of forest vegetation. Pass a large glacial erratic boulder, and visit some of the most remote places in the Tigers.
Thunder Knob
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 635 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,875 feet
Hike this easy leg stretcher while taking in the beautiful scenery of the North Cascades Highway. A good stop if you have a car full of restless children or you are showing off the area to visiting relatives. The views from the top are a big payoff for such a short hike.
Thunder Creek
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,900 feet
A pale green creek, big old trees, a variety of understory, and peek-a-boo views of snow-capped peaks. Day-hikers should take it easy, as the joy here is in the journey not the destination. Backpackers, however, may disagree. Families and first-time backpackers will enjoy beautiful camps just two miles from the trailhead. Experienced backpackers will note that Thunder Creek is a gateway to an extensive network of trails.
Thunder Creek
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 5.1 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
With its lush old growth forest, Thunder Creek is arguably the best of the feeder trails leading to the Shedroof Divide and the heart of the Salmo Priest Wilderness.
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
The trail is closed from the western trailhead on W-2000 Road but can be hiked to Three Corner Rock from CG-1440 Road. Hikers can also hike to Three Corner Rock via the PCT from the east.
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.
Thorp Mountain Lookout via Thorp Creek
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 7.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,484 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,884 feet
It’s possible to reach the lookout on top of Thorp Mountain four different ways. But this route offers a nice detour to a little lake, where you can have a snack and size up your objective before continuing on your way.
The Brothers
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 18.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 6,050 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,866 feet
A scramble and climbing route to the summit of a mountain in the Olympic range. Climbing gear and expertise required.
Tatoosh Ridge
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 6.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,775 feet
Tatoosh Ridge offers numerous choices, all involving a steep approach. Contentedly amble through a steep slope of wildflowers, with occasional mountain views. Drop into a valley with a pair of alpine lakes, or climb to the site of a former lookout. If you like, do all of the above.
Tarbell Trail
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 24.75 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,756 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,120 feet
The Tarbell trail is a 24.75 mile multi-use loop that connects recreation sites and scenic viewpoints in the Yacolt Burn Recreation area.
Tamanous Trail
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 120 feet
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Highest Point
- 200 feet
The name Tamanous derives from local Native American's who initiated their young in their area by sending them on vision quests, called "Ta-mah-no-ous."
Table Mountain
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 16.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,350 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,417 feet
Table Mountain's dramatic south face and pyramid profile beckon the adventurous hiker ready for a strenuous climb that is good training for summer summit attempts to come. The top features one of the best panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge, as well as views of Mount St. Helens, Rainier, Hood and Adams. Carry a guidebook with good route information as there are a couple of options to the summit and signage may be lacking.
Yacolt Burn State Forest - Sword Fern Trail
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 7.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,209 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,187 feet
This 2.5 mile long horseshoe trail is part of a nice 8-mile lollipop loop in the Yacolt Burn State Forest. Expect a shaded section of trail and to share the way with mountain bikers.
Swan Creek Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 325 feet
Featuring a wooded canyon and forested hills, a salmon-bearing stream and new community garden, Swan Creek Park is a 290-acre greenspace which lies on the boundary between East Tacoma and Pierce County. Trails, both paved and soft-surface, as well as those for mountain bikes weave over the property.
Swamp Lake
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 9.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,000 feet
9.3.25: The trail is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire.
Despite its name, Swamp Lake is a lovely little destination in the William O. Douglas wilderness near Mount Rainier. It's popular with fishermen and backpackers, though it can be extremely buggy in early summer.
Surprise Lake
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 13.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,505 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,260 feet
Most hikers enter the Goat Rocks Wilderness from the western side, but those who come in from the east find the wilderness just as beautiful and wild, and much less crowded. The Surprise Lake Trail is one of the few that enter from the east, and it is also one of the most gentle and scenic.
Surprise and Glacier Lakes
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,900 feet
From towering old-growth giants to placid lakes with craggy mountain views, this hike has everything you want in a trail. Put this one on your list of places to explore along Highway 2.
Surprise Creek
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 1.1 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 656 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,299 feet
This is a short connector trail between Bear Ridge and Shangri-La trails, allowing hikers to create many loops on Cougar Mountain.
Sunrise Peak
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,892 feet
Visit Sunrise Peak at the right time and you'll see why its name is appropriate. The early morning sun gives Mount Adams a brilliant glow that makes for an enthralling way to kick off your day. Luckily, the enchanting views that this hike offers are available from Sunrise to sunset, and if you prefer hiking in full daylight, you won't miss out on any views.
Sunday Lake
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 6.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 355 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,900 feet
Tucked into a corner of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is Sunday Lake, a road less traveled that abounds in wildflowers, berries, fauna, historical artifacts, old growth, and alpine littoral habitat. Much more than the gentle woodland saunter implied by the 300-foot elevation change, the route to Sunday Lake requires the fording of Sunday Creek in spring and fall, making it an adventure any day of the week. Campbell Recreation permit required.
Suntop Lookout
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 473 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,238 feet
Reaching the summit of Suntop can require considerable energy (a 16-mile hike), or it can be a simple 2-mile walk, depending on whether or not the 2 gates are open. Wide views of Mount Rainier and the White River valley below are worth it either way.
Summit Lake
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 6.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,800 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.
This popular summer trail offers wildflower-filled meadows, a glistening alpine lake, big mountain views and wildlife sighting aplenty.
Summerland - Panhandle Gap
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,950 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,800 feet
Sunrise Road and White River Road have closed for the winter season.
Begin in old-growth forest, climb up to one of Mount Rainier's most spectacular wildflower meadows, then continue along the highest section of the Wonderland Trail to reach the alpine world of Panhandle Gap. Along the way be alert for marmots and goats, and it is not unusual to see a black bear.
Sullivan Lakeshore
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,840 feet
Wander woods reminiscent of eastern hardwood forest, filled with aspen, hemlock and birch along the largest natural lake in the Colville National Forest—plus enjoy one of the best western larch displays in Eastern Washington.