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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

4208 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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

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.
 
 

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
 
Length
1.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
250 feet
Highest Point
450 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.67
(48 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
The 0.7-mile interpretive trail from the upper falls viewpoints to the lower falls viewpoint is family- and pet-friendly, good for beginners, teaches the basics of the flora and fauna near Snoqualmie Pass, informs about local Native American culture, and ends with impressive views of a Washington icon.
 
 

Scorpion Mountain via Johnson Ridge

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
8.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,500 feet
Highest Point
5,540 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.52
(31 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.23.25: Beckler Road (FR 65) is closed until further notice due to flood damage.

Scorpion Mountain offers a 360-degree view of the Central Cascades, and the huckleberries and blueberries make this a much underrated fall hike.
 
 

Evergreen Mountain Lookout

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
2.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,425 feet
Highest Point
5,587 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.95
(22 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.23.25: Beckler Road (FR 65) is closed until further notice due to flood damage.

A short but stiff climb through an old burn, old growth forest, and alpine meadows to a restored fire lookout standing sentinel over the western flanks of the Wild Sky Wilderness.
 
 

East Fork Foss River Snowshoe

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
12.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
900 feet
Highest Point
2,150 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(2 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers

12.23.25: Foss River Road (FR 68) is closed until further notice due to flood damage.

This snowshoe route starts off with a roadwalk, then carries on through the East Fork Foss River Valley on the Necklace Valley Trail.
 
 

Evans Lake

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
50 feet
Highest Point
3,700 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(6 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Wildlife

12.23.25: Foss River Road (FR 68) is closed until further notice due to flood damage.

While Evans Lake may be less well-known than many of the other lakes nestled within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, it nevertheless offers a pleasant backcountry experience.
 
 

East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
18.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,400 feet
Highest Point
5,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.29
(28 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.23.25: Foss River Road (FR 68); FR 6835; and FR 6830 are closed until further notice due to flood damage.

The Necklace Valley makes a wonderful 2-3 night backpack trip for hearty hikers, and rewards with cool alpine lakes to swim and fish in, or just camp beside. Or take a day trip along the East Fork Foss River admire the amazing second-growth tree canopy.
 
 

Fisher Lake

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,580 feet
Highest Point
5,171 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.71
(14 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.23.25: Foss River Road (FR 68) and FR 6830 are closed until further notice due to flood damage.

This is a large lake hidden just south of Tonga Ridge in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Reached by a brushy, boot-beaten fisherman's path, it is less visited than many lakes in the area, but the route is marked on the map, and if you are willing to put up with a bit of inconvenience, this makes a nice day hike or overnight.
 
 

Terrace Mountain

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
5.25 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)

12.23.25: Foss River Road (FR 68) and FR 6830 are closed until further notice due to flood damage.

 
 

Tonga Ridge Snowshoe

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,400 feet
Highest Point
5,100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(2 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes

12.23.25: Foss River Road (FR 68) and FR 6830 are closed until further notice due to flood damage.

The route up Tonga Ridge is not clearly marked for winter travel. Visitors to this area should have a route planned, a map, snow travel and avalanche travel skills.
 
 

Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,200 feet
Highest Point
5,495 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.70
(43 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.23.25: Foss River Road (FR 68) and FR 6830 are closed until further notice due to flood damage.

An up and down meandering trail that leads through open forest, wildflower meadows and a side trip to some fantastic views. The road up does most of the work, so the climb is not too long, and can be done by most hikers.
 
 

Beckler Peak

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
7.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,240 feet
Highest Point
5,026 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.46
(85 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Summits
  • Wildlife

12.23.25: The trail is closed until further notice due to floods.

Hike a re-built trail adjacent to the Wild Sky Wilderness. The Beckler Peak trail opened in September of 2011, and with it, the Jennifer Dunn trailhead. The trail takes you through an old-growth forest to summit views of Glacier Peak, Baring, Index, the Monte Cristo Range, and Evergreen Mountain. It's easy to get to and provides great rewards for your effort. The trail has a gentle grade, it is well built, and suitable for kids. Be sure to take water with you, because there is no reliable water along the trail.
 
 

Skookum Flats

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
 
Length
4.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
525 feet
Highest Point
2,515 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.59
(29 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
Enjoy a gentle walk through shaded forest, often within sight and/or sound of the White River. Skookum Falls can be your destination for a 4.6-mile round trip, or use the south trailhead to choose segments of the 8.5-mile trail (one-way) to hike, bike or run. It’s all good.
 
 

Mud Mountain Dam - Rim Trail

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
 
Length
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
80 feet
Highest Point
1,300 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.80
(10 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
Located on the White River near Mount Rainier, the Mud Mountain Dam is both a flood control dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a recreation facility. This gentle 2-mile trail will take you along the White River.
 
 

Palisades

Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
 
Length
15.9 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,680 feet
Highest Point
5,300 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.14
(22 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
This trail has it all, from beautiful forests, beautiful waterfalls, good climbing and fun descents to technical sections with views of Mount Rainier from cliffs that will inspire you.