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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

4216 Hikes

Jackita Ridge

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
15.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,000 feet
Highest Point
6,800 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.60
(5 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

With views of Crater and Jack Mountains, the Jackita Ridge trail takes you up a challenging incline to the top of a ridge above the timberline. It features wildflowers and unobstructed views. Many hikers use it to connect to the Devil's Dome loop or to reach Crater Mountain.
 
 

Golden Horn - Snowy Lakes

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
23.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,700 feet
Highest Point
6,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.85
(13 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Experience the Pacific Crest Trail at its finest. This backpacking trip takes you across four passes to two lovely alpine lakes in the shadow of Golden Horn, Tower Mountain and Mount Hardy.
 
 

Fisher Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
14.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,000 feet
Highest Point
6,560 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.83
(6 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Following a meandering path along a valley floor and then steeply up to a broad pass, the Fisher Creek Trail is part of a 14 mile traverse of breathtaking high mountain scenery through the eastern side of the North Cascades National Park.
 
 

Easy Pass

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
7.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,800 feet
Highest Point
6,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(23 votes)
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Don’t be fooled by the name — the way to Easy Pass is anything but easy. But the reward for your efforts is an eastside gateway into the stunning North Cascades National Park. At the pass, you’re greeted by trickling streams of snowmelt and views of the peaks of Golden Horn and Mount Hardy to the east. Venturing further west, gaze into the Park, with awe-inspiring glacially carved river valleys, dark gray craggy massifs of Fisher Peak and Mount Logan dotted with snowfields or cloaked by glaciers, and a host of wildflowers.
 
 

East Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
18.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,500 feet
Highest Point
6,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(5 votes)
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

East Creek has long been unmaintained, but with the construction of a bridge over East Creek in summer of 2025, the Forest Service has resumed maintenance. It may take time for the trail to be returned to a totally hikable state, but at one time, the trail, at its full length, connected to the Pacific Crest Trail.
 
 

East Bank Ross Lake

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
31.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
800 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.42
(12 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

You'll enjoy moderate elevation gain and fabulous views on this lakeside trail that stretches more than 30 miles north -- nearly to Canada.
 
 

Devil's Dome Loop

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
43.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
13,000 feet
Highest Point
6,980 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.23
(13 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Waterfalls

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Dry, subalpine ridges, old growth forest, massive flower packed meadows, and glaciated peaks makes this trip a nonstop North Cascades life-list backpack!
 
 

Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
10.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,000 feet
Highest Point
6,800 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.21
(39 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Cutthroat Pass is a stunner no matter which way you access it. This way, you'll enjoy a wider, more well-maintained trail, and you're more likely to share it with Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers.
 
 

Cutthroat Pass via Cutthroat Lake

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
11.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,300 feet
Highest Point
6,800 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.93
(15 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Take this gentle trail to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by rocky cliffs before heading up some steeper switchbacks to a pass and junction with the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.
 
 

Cutthroat Lake

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
3.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
400 feet
Highest Point
4,900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.90
(20 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

This pleasant trail offers an almost level walk to a grassy forested lake set in the rocky basin beneath Cutthroat Peak. This is an easy hike in an area of rugged, steep country and one of the few that are suitable for small children. It is an especially pretty hike in the fall when the larch are turning golden.
 
 

Chancellor

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
13.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,500 feet
Highest Point
6,300 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(4 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Climb most of the way up Center Mountain along this trail as you enter the Pasayten Wilderness.
 
 

Canyon Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,994 feet
Highest Point
2,732 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.17
(6 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

When looking for solitude or a quiet, cool creek to ramble along, look no further than Canyon Creek. This trail’s gentle tread and easy grade were cut long ago for horse-pack trains. Along this old supply route to the mines there are numerous babbling brooks, and other natural wonders to keep you entertained. Once this river trail could be followed all the way to Chancellor and then into the Pasayten Wilderness or towards Harts Pass. Alas, wash outs now close the trail five miles in at Mill Creek.
 
 

Bridge Creek - McAlester Pass to Stehekin

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
38.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,500 feet
Highest Point
4,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.17
(6 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Wildlife is often difficult to spot in the North Cascades, but McAlester Pass is an exception to this. Take a multi-day backpack from Highway 20 into the tiny town of Stehekin, where you can rest easy and gorge yourself on treats from the renowned bakery before making the multiple mile trek out.
 
 

Boulder Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
24.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
5,000 feet
Highest Point
6,500 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

High ridge traverse from Gold Hill Mine to North American Mine, connects East Creek to Canyon Creek.
 
 

Blue Lake

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
4.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,050 feet
Highest Point
6,254 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.46
(85 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

At 6254 feet, Blue Lake sits quietly a little over two trail miles from Highway 20. With towering granite peaks, forests, meadows, wildflowers, and of course the beautiful mountain lake surrounded by granite that reaches for the sky, this short hike is easily a classic and should be on your must-hike list. With only 1050 feet of elevation gain this hike is doable for almost everyone. If you’re driving over Highway 20 and don’t have all day, stop for this mountain gem.
 
 

Big Snagtooth

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Elevation Gain
4,000 feet
Highest Point
8,330 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

A mountain in the North Cascades. Climbing gear and route-finding expertise required to summit.
 
 

Wing Lake

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(9 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

A challenging offshoot trail from the Heather Maple Pass loop that traverses a large talus field to arrive at two stunning alpine lakes.
 
 

Willow Lake Trail

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
23.5 miles, one-way
Highest Point
2,880 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

The Willow Lake Trail is part of the East Bank Trail in the North Cascades National Park. Willow Lake is a small lake along the route and sits on the north end of Ross Lake.
 
 

Washington Pass Overlook

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
0.25 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
61 feet
Highest Point
5,581 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.75
(12 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

This trail is a narrow, paved trail to a lookout on a ledge overlooking Liberty Bell Mountain. This area is worth the trip from the west side, because of spectacular views, and the myriad hiking trails in the area.
 
 

Twisp Pass via Dagger Lake

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
15.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,320 feet
Highest Point
6,060 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

Take a walk in the forest on this trail as it climbs past a shallow lake and continues nearly to treeline at Twisp Pass. The upper half of the trail is flowered in summer and the power of avalanches is evident in the pick-up-sticks debris field shortly before Dagger Lake. At Twisp Pass in an intersection with many informal trails for further exploration.
 
 

Stiletto Spur Trail

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
4.54 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
943 feet
Highest Point
4,359 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)

Highway 20 is closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Silver Star gate (milepost 171).

The Stiletto Spur Trail is a connector trail between the McAlester Lake/Twisp junction and the Pacific Crest Trail near Highway 20.
 
 

Silver Falls Loop

Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
 
Length
3.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
600 feet
Highest Point
2,300 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(34 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls

Ohanapecosh Campground is closed for construction. Hikers can access the Silver Falls trail via the Eastside Trail. The hike cannot be completed as a loop during construction. Construction is expected to last throiugh summer of 2026.

The Ohanapecosh River is arguably the most beautiful in Mount Rainier National Park, with water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom in many places. Where it's not crashing over rocks, of course. The Silver Falls Loop takes you upstream along this impressive river, to a majestic waterfall and back through humbling forest, all in just three miles.
 
 

Little Lake Forest

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Highest Point
900 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes

The trails and trailhead are closed for construction. Trails are expected to reopen in spring 2026.

The Little Lake Forest was acquired by King County Parks in 2018. A small forested lake sits in the middle of this 155-acre park, and a gravel access road leads to the northern shore of the lake.
 
 

Saltese Uplands

Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
 
Length
3.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
630 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.25
(4 votes)
WTA has worked on trails in this 552-acre conservation area to help prevent erosion. Over 7 miles of trail wind throughout the property, exploring canyons that embrace year-round springs and climbing ridge tops with views of Liberty Lake, Mount Spokane, and Saltese Flats.
 
 

Willapa Hills Trail

Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
 
Length
56.5 miles, one-way
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Rivers
  • Wildlife
Once a railroad, this trail can visitors to travel between the towns of Chehalis and South Bend without having to drive! Do note though, the trail is in varying stages of development, so be sure you are prepared for pavement, gravel, dirt, or detours depending on your route.
 
 

Boulder River

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
8.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
700 feet
Highest Point
1,550 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.94
(145 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
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.
 
 

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
 
Length
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
100 feet
Highest Point
100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.67
(6 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Wildlife
More than 5,000 acres of marshes, grasslands and wooded areas are home to more than one hundred species of birds, waterfowl and fish. The refuge has a $3 entry fee, which can be waived with an America the Beautiful/Interagency pass.
 
 

Capitol State Forest - Sherman Creek Loop

Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
 
Length
7.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
800 feet
Highest Point
1,150 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.67
(9 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
This is one of the longest hike options in Capitol State Forest -- weaving through wooded valleys and along quietly flowing creeks, visitors here may discover not only natural wonders but also relics from the time that this area was the home of many a logging show.
 
 

Kettle Crest Trail

Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range
 
Length
44.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
8,000 feet
Highest Point
7,140 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.33
(3 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
The Kettle Crest Trail is the granddaddy of long-distance, high-country routes in Eastern Washington. Over the course of its 44 miles, it presents a virtual highlight reel of dry-side beauty, from sage-scented meadows to subalpine parkland.
 
 

Kettle Crest North

Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range
 
Length
29.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
5,200 feet
Highest Point
7,135 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.50
(8 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
With 12 named peaks along a route that starts and stays high, hikers can expect big views, no crowds and excellent stargazing.