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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

4203 Hikes

Glacier Peak Circumnavigation

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
 
Length
88.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
25,300 feet
Highest Point
7,071 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(3 votes)
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.19.25: Access to trailhead limited following storm damage.

What better way to experience the Glacier Peak Wilderness than by hiking round-the-mountain from old-growth glacier valleys to airy alpine ridgelines? This classic volcanic circumnavigation serves up the miles and elevation gain and is best given at least 5-10 days to complete without accounting for side explorations and bad weather.
 
 

Fourth Creek

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
 
Length
3.6 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
1,300 feet
Highest Point
5,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.60
(5 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers

12.19.25: Trail inaccessible due to road closures of 9737 (N Fork Teanaway); 9701 (Jungle Creek Rd); 9737 (along Stafford Creek).

Accessible from the Beverly Turnpike trail or from the Ingalls Creek trail, Fourth Creek is a hiker-only trail that connects Beverly Turnpike with the Ingalls Creek trail and allows hikers to create loops in the popular Teanaway area.
 
 

Esmeralda Peak (Esmerelda)

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
 
Highest Point
6,362 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(4 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Summits

12.19.25: Trail inaccessible due to road closures of 9737 (N Fork Teanaway); 9701 (Jungle Creek Rd); 9737 (along Stafford Creek).

A class 2 scramble up Esmerelda Peak.
 
 

Anderson and Watson Lakes

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,100 feet
Highest Point
4,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.36
(22 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.15.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to a washout of the Anderson Watson Road.

This trail features plenty of variety, with destinations spaced perfectly for families or first-time backpackers. Beautiful hemlock forest, meadows dotted with wildflowers, gleaming lakes, mountain views, juicy berries and excellent camping are all available. Wait until later in the hiking season though, as this area is known for its bugs.
 
 

Coal Pass Snowshoe

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
 
Length
10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,400 feet
Highest Point
4,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.50
(2 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes

12.15.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to a washout on Glacier Creek Road.

Following a series of winding, snow-covered forest roads, the route to Coal Pass culminates in sweeping views of Mount Baker’s glaciated northwest flank.
 
 

Cady Creek

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
 
Length
5.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,300 feet
Highest Point
4,300 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.50
(6 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes

12.19.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to storm damage.

A trail that can help hikers create multiple loops in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the the Cady Creek trail is a steep ascent from the brushy and mucky Cady Creek valley bottom.
 
 

Boulder Creek

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Length
17.25 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,850 feet
Highest Point
6,310 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(5 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.19.25: Access to trailhead limited following storm damage.

Boulder River leads to magnificent views of Napeequa Valley and the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
 
 

White River

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
 
Length
8.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
900 feet
Highest Point
2,507 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(6 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildlife

12.19.25: Access to trailhead limited following storm damage.

The White River gets its name from the glacial flour pouring down from the heights of the Dakobed Range via Foam, Lightning, and Thunder Creeks. The milky blue-white color is a result of suspended rock particles that have been ground down from the peaks over millennia.
 
 

Teanaway Peak/Gene's Peak

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
 
Highest Point
6,779 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(4 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Summits

12.19.25: Trail inaccessible due to road closures of 9737 (N Fork Teanaway); 9701 (Jungle Creek Rd); 9737 (along Stafford Creek).

Great views of the entire Stuart Range on this scramble via the Beverly Turnpike trail.
 
 

Palouse to Cascades Trail - Lake Keechelus

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
 
Length
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Highest Point
2,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.67
(6 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
For a nice location in the Central Cascades, try this rail trail along the western shore of Lake Keechelus. This is a treat for new snowshoers, especially if it has been recently groomed. Because of its easy accessibility, it can often get crowded on nicer days.
 
 

Goldendale Observatory State Park

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
 
Length
0.1 miles, roundtrip
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Summits

The observatory will be closed for the month of Jan 2026 for facility upgrades.

This unique state park houses one of the largest public observatories in the nation. Visitors can peer through the lens of this telescope to view solar shows and magical glimpses of the night sky.
 
 

Paradise Point State Park

Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
150 feet
Highest Point
200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.25
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Rivers

12.24.25: The day-use area is closed until further notice due to potential flooding of roads.

Paradise Point State Park packs a lot into a small, often-overlooked park right along I-5.
 
 

Rasar State Park

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
3.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
20 feet
Highest Point
125 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.60
(10 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: Trails to the river are closed until further notice due to flooding.

Explore a beautiful state park near the Skagit River with an extensive trail network and beautiful campsites.
 
 

Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site

Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
 
Highest Point
3,612 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(2 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
  • Wildlife

The park is closed due to road washout. It is anticipated to reopen on Jan 9 weather permitting.

Fans of geology, history and, of course, nature can enjoy this 168-acre day-use park. The top of the butte has magnificent views from above the Palouse Hills, and you can learn more about the area’s unique geology from interpretive panels at the summit.
 
 

Lord Hill Regional Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
6.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,000 feet
Highest Point
633 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.46
(28 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.12.25: Many of the trails and trailheads at Lord Hill Regional Park remain underwater and are closed until flooding has subsided and damage can be assessed.

Lord Hill Park is a wonderful wild park and an excellent place to hike, covering about 1,463 acres of wetland and forest. Hikers can roam all day on the network of trails leading through the forest, down to the Snohomish River and up to views of the Cascades and Snohomish Valley.
 
 

Milk Creek - Suiattle River Loop

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
34.7 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,100 feet
Highest Point
3,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

The Milk Creek trail used to offer a gorgeous tour of the Glacier Peak wilderness via a 34.7-mile backpacking loop. Hikers followed the Milk Creek trail to the Pacific Crest Trail, then down to the Suiattle River Trail. Along the way it offered stunning close-up views of Glacier Peak, endless wildflower meadows and ample opportunities for solitude. Unfortunately, it now requires a potentially dangerous ford of the Suiattle River due to a missing bridge. Because of its inaccessibility and a lack of maintenance, expect a brushy trail with blowdowns beyond this point.
 
 

Milk Creek

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,100 feet
Highest Point
3,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.50
(4 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

This hike requires a potentially dangerous ford of the Suiattle River due to a missing bridge. Because of its inaccessibility and a lack of maintenance, expect a brushy trail with blowdowns beyond this point.
 
 

Image Lake via Miners Ridge

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
31.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,400 feet
Highest Point
6,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.11
(9 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

Hike along a Wild and Scenic river, up a rugged ridge, and to a mirror-like iconic lake in Glacier Peak wilderness. This is a long hike, best done as a backpack, but it's absolutely worth the days you invest to explore here.
 
 

Canyon Lake

Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
 
Length
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,800 feet
Highest Point
6,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.57
(7 votes)
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

A rewarding hike on an unmaintained trail takes you past peaks and across meadows to a stunning lake.
 
 

Sulphur Mountain

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,200 feet
Highest Point
6,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.40
(5 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

This trail has a brutal elevation gain in a short time, but the views from the peak of Sulphur Mountain are worth the climb.
 
 

Sulphur Creek

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
3.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
900 feet
Highest Point
2,250 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.57
(7 votes)
  • Old growth
  • Rivers

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

Not the easiest hike, but the reward is a hot springs if you are persistent.
 
 

Miners Cabin

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
3.5 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
1,158 feet
Highest Point
5,592 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.00
(3 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

A connector trail that shoots off the Miner's Ridge trail, this 3.5-mile, relatively flat route connects Miner's Ridge to the Pacific Crest Trail.
 
 

Huckleberry Mountain

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
14.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,900 feet
Highest Point
5,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.82
(11 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

The trail up Huckleberry Mountain is a grind, but as with so many other hikes to high places on the Suiattle River Road, your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views.
 
 

Green Mountain

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
8.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,300 feet
Highest Point
6,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.44
(39 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

In a state with so many places offering a day's walk to big, peaky views, Green Mountain still makes the short-list of Washington's all-time finest hikes. From woods to meadows to panoramic views and even a historic lookout, it just doesn't get much better than this.
 
 

Downey Creek

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
13.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,280 feet
Highest Point
2,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(9 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Old growth
  • Rivers

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

This trail provides access to Bachelor Creek Trail, Bachelor Meadows, Cub Lake and the Dome Peak area.
 
 

Upper Suiattle River

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
16.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
2,320 feet
Highest Point
4,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Old growth
  • Rivers

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

This is a remote and rugged trail that has not been maintained for decades. From the Upper Suiattle River Trail, this route fords the Suiattle River to eventually arrive at Buck Creek Pass.
 
 

Suiattle River Trail

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
13.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
900 feet
Highest Point
2,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(7 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls

12.12.25: Trailhead inaccessible due to Suiattle River Road washout at approx. milepost 4.5.

The trail winds its way above the Suiattle River through old-growth forest and some mature forest recovering from an old burn from the 1920’s. The vegetation in the upper Suiattle watershed includes a wonderful mixture of west-of-the-crest/east-of-the-crest species.
 
 

Sahale Glacier

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(4 votes)

12.24.25: Cascade River Road is officially closed to vehicle traffic at milepost 21 (Johnson Cabin) for the winter. However there is a washout from flooding at milepost 5 that may restrict vehicle access beyond this point.

A popular climbing route in the North Cascades. Proper gear and expertise is required.
 
 

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,000 feet
Highest Point
7,570 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.54
(80 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: Cascade River Road is officially closed to vehicle traffic at milepost 21 (Johnson Cabin) for the winter. However there is a washout from flooding at milepost 5 that may restrict vehicle access beyond this point.

In Sahale Arm, the forces of nature have conspired to create an improbably gentle, gorgeous landscape. Simply put, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Washington.
 
 

Cascade Pass

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,800 feet
Highest Point
5,392 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.33
(46 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: Cascade River Road is officially closed to vehicle traffic at milepost 21 (Johnson Cabin) for the winter. However there is a washout from flooding at milepost 5 that may restrict vehicle access beyond this point.

At Cascade Pass, the wow factor far exceeds the “ow” factor – perhaps no other trail in the state delivers as much reward for the effort. From the high peaks on either side of the pass, verdant meadows curve down to a saddle that offers sweeping views of nearby valleys, glaciers, mountains, and passing wildlife. Sedately climbing a little less than 1,800 feet in 3.6 miles, it is the perfect hike to show new hikers the extraordinary places their feet can take them.