Trails for everyone, forever

Home Go Outside Hiking Guide

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

4216 Hikes

Anacortes Community Forest Lands - Whistle Lake

Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island
 
Length
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
580 feet
Highest Point
600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.17
(18 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
In the heart of Fidalgo Island lies a natural gem of a forest with wetlands, lakes, and rocky bald meadows with great views. This nice little hike will take you around the lake on a hiker only trail. Take this hike in spring for the fresh new leaves and the dainty spring flowers, or visit on a rainy day in winter and watch the mist float above the lake among the trees. The lake is very popular on hot summer days.
 
 

Deer Park Missile Site Trails

Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
 
Length
5.0 miles, (type not yet set)
Elevation Gain
150 feet
Highest Point
2,250 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
This trail system on the outskirts of Deer Park is inviting to a variety of user groups with 3 loops of different lengths through a serene ponderosa forest.
 
 

Hamlin Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
1.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Highest Point
440 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.83
(6 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
Explore forested trails in Shoreline's oldest and largest park. These include a main half-mile trail that is wheelchair accessible. Appreciate 100-year-old trees, and hike trails featuring impressive staircases.
 
 

Four Springs Lake Preserve

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
 
Length
1.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Highest Point
400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.00
(2 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Wildlife
This is a quiet alternative to the busy trails in the state parks on Camano Island. The lake is not much more than a pond, but you can hear the bubbling of the small springs feeding into the wetland and listen for birdsong as you stroll along the path.
 
 

Painter Creek

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
 
Length
4.7 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
2,500 feet
Highest Point
6,200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.00
(5 votes)
This infrequently-maintained trail in the Icicle Creek area provides access to Icicle Ridge and Lake Ida, but requires the navigation skills.
 
 

North Fork Chiwaukum River

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
 
Length
12.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,000 feet
Highest Point
6,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.40
(5 votes)
Historically, this trail provided good access for the landscape west of the popular Enchantments area. However, a lack of trail maintenance and winter storm damage has rendered the route almost unhikeable.
 
 

BZ Trail

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
 
Length
0.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
A short route that provides a way for kayakers and rafters to go around BZ falls. Some locals use the trail to see the rapids and watch people going through them.
 
 

Cordata Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Highest Point
190 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
This park has something for everyone! There is a large, fully accessible shelter with picnic tables, BBQ, sink and electricity. In addition, pump track, playground, splash pad and exercise equipment are sure to provide some fun for all who visit Cordata Park.
 
 
 
Length
4.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
150 feet
Highest Point
550 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
This section hike on one of Washington’s longest rail trails includes an impressive vantage point of the nearby Saddle Mountains on a pedestrian-only bridge over the Columbia River.
 
 

Lyre Conservation Area

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
 
Length
2.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
235 feet
Highest Point
180 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.50
(2 votes)
  • Coast
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
A lovely protected space on a half-mile of beach along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This area is just 20 miles west of Port Angeles -- perfect for a picnic or a short day trip.
 
 

Kukutali Preserve

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
 
Length
2.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Highest Point
230 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.31
(13 votes)
  • Coast
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Wildlife
Thanks to a partnership between Washington State Parks and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Kukutali Preserve in Similk Bay near La Conner opened to the public on June 16, 2014. Believed to be the first park in the United States to be co-owned and managed by a tribe and another government, management of the area focuses on conservation and research, public education and limited recreational use — including hiking!
 
 

Soos Creek Trail

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
85 feet
Highest Point
400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(9 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
This multi-use trail travels through a greenbelt in the Kent East Hill area, meandering over gentle hills through forests and wetlands. A year-round escape without the drive.
 
 

Union Peak

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Elevation Gain
1,096 feet
Highest Point
5,696 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
Located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Union Peak is a popular summit in the winter months. Skiers skin up to the summit, enjoying untouched powder for months, even after ski season is over.
 
 

Flagg Mountain Snowshoe

North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,864 feet
Highest Point
3,964 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
With about 2000 feet in elevation gain, this snowshoe isn’t a gimme, but good views, varying terrain, and bakery or brewpub rewards at the end make it all worthwhile.
 
 

Kulshan Trail

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
100 feet
Highest Point
100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers
Here's a nice little urban walk to keep in your back pocket if you need a flat paved path, or maybe you are in town for the Tulip Festival and need a bit of a leg stretcher.
 
 

Sammamish Valley Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Rating
Average rating:
1.00
(1 vote)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Currently there is no access to this property due to ongoing construction of the Redmond Central Connector trail which runs along the entire western border.

This agricultural field turned city park is still in development, but it is an open space with wetlands and some informal trails where visitors can wander.
 
 

Grass Mountain

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
 
Length
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,129 feet
Highest Point
4,329 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.25
(4 votes)
An alternate route up Grass Mountain near Greenwater. Route finding experience required.
 
 
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
350 feet
Highest Point
1,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(5 votes)
  • Lakes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
Hike through a stunning canyon in a state park rich in history from the Ice Age Floods.
 
 

Swofford Pond

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
 
Length
3.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
140 feet
Highest Point
922 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Old growth
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
The South Swofford Pond Trail is a joint venture by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Cowlitz River Project of Tacoma Power and runs almost two miles around the south side of Swofford Pond to its southwest corner. It is an easy graded, mostly wooded trail that offers plenty of opportunities to view wildlife, marvel at old-growth cedars and enjoy glimpses of the surrounding Swofford Valley.
 
 

Easton Reload Sno-Park

Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
 
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
A Sno-Park opened in 2021 consisting of an open space for families to play in the snow.
 
 

Mount Spokane State Park - Trail 120

Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
 
Length
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,119 feet
Highest Point
4,554 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
The trails on Mount Spokane interlace, offering opportunities to create long or short hikes. Trail 120 allows hikers to loop onto the Kit Carson Trail and beyond.
 
 

Belfair State Park

Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
 
Length
0.4 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
80 feet
Highest Point
65 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Coast
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
Enjoy a short but sweet stroll on a wide, flat trail to the pebble beaches of Belfair State Park. For those with younger children, you can also spend time on the delightful playground next to the large picnic shelter.
 
 

Carlisle Lake

South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
88 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
A one mile loop trail takes visitors around a lake that used to be a mill pond.
 
 

Port Gamble Forest - Bluff Trail

Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
 
Length
2.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
148 feet
Highest Point
81 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
Take a short, fairly flat walk through forest near Highway 104 right outside Port Gamble. It's the perfect little walk to take if you just need an hour or so outside.
 
 

Lake Wilderness Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
3.5 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
50 feet
Highest Point
580 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
A great quick neighborhood escape, or stay longer and there is something for everyone. A cultivated arboretum with additional trails in a small forest, with playground, disc golf course, a lake with swimming, fishing, boat rentals, and more.
 
 

Third Beach

Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
 
Length
3.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
280 feet
Highest Point
280 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.06
(18 votes)
  • Coast
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildlife
The trail to Third Beach provides plenty of suspense for hikers. It’s a 1.3 mile trek through high trees, sometimes shrouded in fog, giving the forest here a spooky aura. But popping out onto the coast at the log-choked mouth of a creek and seeing the grand Pacific Ocean provides the perfect payoff.
 
 

Dobson and McFadden Park Trail

Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
 
Length
1.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
300 feet
Highest Point
600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
This forested trail connecting two parks in the City of Chehalis (Dobson and McFadden), offers a quick get away into nature on the edge of a residential neighborhood.
 
 

Blue Lake Creek

South Cascades > Dark Divide
 
Length
4.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,100 feet
Highest Point
4,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.77
(13 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Waterfalls
Although this is a short hike, it's a decent challenge because it's a narrow, steep trail. The terrain is interesting, with waterfalls and its trademark basalt columns. If you like solitude, this is the trail for you.
 
 

Steamboat Rock

Central Washington > Grand Coulee
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
650 feet
Highest Point
2,250 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.20
(25 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
Jutting 800 feet out of Banks Lake in Washington’s majestic coulee country, Steamboat Rock is the crown jewel of this area. The basalt butte has a rich history; first used by native people many years ago, and during the ice age, the Great Missoula Floods carved the canyons here, while the rock stood as an island in the raging river. Now, Steamboat Rock lies high and dry, offering excellent 360-degree panoramas of the landscape surrounding it.
 
 

Dodger Point

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
 
Length
39.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
10,815 feet
Highest Point
5,670 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.60
(5 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
Backpack on primitive trails to Dodger Point Camp in the heart of Olympic National Park for unparalleled views of high, snowy peaks towering above deep forested valleys.