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
4214 HikesCarbon River to Ipsut Falls
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 10.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 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.
Due to the permanent closure of the Carbon River Road, hikers can now park at the closure and venture to the end of the road to the viewpoint for Ipsut Falls. Along the way, you'll hike through magnificent old-growth forest, and many opportunities to see the power of the Carbon River.
Cape Horn
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,350 feet
This rugged hike is bound to become a classic, if it isn’t already. The full trail loop provides fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge, an intimate look at the Cape Horn Falls and a challenging workout as it climbs and descends the rocky slopes of Cape Horn.
Cape Alava
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 6.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 350 feet
Take a beautifully constructed boardwalk a little more than three miles out to the wild Olympic Coast. If you can snag a permit, camping here is divine. If not, while away a few hours playing in the water or ambling along the beach.
Canyon Ridge
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 10.3 miles, one-way
This multi-use trail meanders through mature forest to connect with the Boundary Way trail to expansive views of the North Cascades and Mount Baker.
Canyon Lake Community Forest
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
This community forest is managed as a nature reserve, where hikers will find a wide ranging variety of wildlife, and a retreat from the noise and bustle of city life.
Antoine Peak Conservation Area - Canfield Gulch
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 3.46 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 670 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,920 feet
Antoine Peak's Canfield Gulch is the east side access to this 1,296 acre conservation area.
Camp Creek Falls
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 0.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 40 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,360 feet
A very short trail rewards visitors with views of a lovely waterfall, accessible in the early season. Look for trillium along the trail in spring, and enjoy the sounds of rushing water year-round.
Cady Ridge
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 14.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,015 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,551 feet
When it comes to resplendent alpine meadows, the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness can't be beat. And when it comes to the finest flower romps within that wild area named for the longtime Washington senator and champion of conservation, Cady Ridge ranks supreme. A multitude of blossoms proliferate along this mile-high ridge. But it's the lupines that dominate, transforming Cady into a purple mountain majesty. And views! From the inspiring Poet Peaks, to the emerald-cloaked summits along the Cascade crest, to cloud-piercing, snow-catching, ice-harboring, horizon-dominating Glacier Peak!
Burroughs Mountain
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,828 feet
The road to Sunrise is closed for the winter season. It is expected to reopen in July 2026.
Burroughs Mountain can be described as a "mountain against a mountain." At over 7,800 feet, Burroughs Mountain sets right up against the northeastern face of Mount Rainier, hugging the Winthrop Glacier. It offers one of the most dramatic views of Washington's largest volcano.
Burch Mountain via Falls Creek
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,782 feet
When the deeper backcountry is under snow (or just too far away) Burch Mountain can provide a beautiful day hike with views aplenty.
Bumping Lake
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
9.3.25: The trail between its junction with the PCT and its end with FR 1800-394 is closed until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire. Upper and Lower Bumping Lake campgrounds are also closed.
A gentle hike through stands of mature larches and other conifers along the shores of Bumping Lake. The trail is also a good alternate route to Swamp Lake Trail #970 or to Pacific Crest Trail #2000 when a ford of the Bumping River is too hazardous.
Buckskin Ridge
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 33.4 miles, roundtrip
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Highest Point
- 7,300 feet
Alpine lakes, high ridge traverses, wildflower-filled meadows, and a stroll along the Pasayten River await hikers who elect to visit the Buckskin Ridge Trail.
Buck Creek Pass
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 19.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,770 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,000 feet
Glacier Peak Wilderness, northwest of Lake Wenatchee. You can barely see Glacier Peak from the westside of the Cascades. Not so from the Buck Creek Trail - where it looms over you like a white monolith. Add to that fields of late summer flowers and a pleasant afternoon breeze and you may be close to rapture.
Buck Creek Falls Loop
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 770 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,090 feet
A short, family-friendly loop that can be done all year round. You'll meander through douglas fir, western redcedar, bigleaf maple, and other deciduous trees, along a creek, and end at a lovely waterfall, perfect for picnicking.
Boundary West
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,390 feet
This short section of the much longer Boundary Trail (which spans the Dark Divide between Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams) provides a nice day hike amid the unique geology of the St. Helens area.
Boundary Trail - Pasayten
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 80.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 9,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,800 feet
Hiking the Boundary Trail is an adventure on many a hikers’ bucket list. The trail spans the width of the Pasayten Wilderness and is part of the much larger Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. The combination of stunning scenery and lack of crowds is one of the BT’s most enticing aspects especially in autumn, when colors are changing, temperatures are cooling and bugs are gone. A number of places along the trail are so special that you’ll have the images etched into your memory for years to come.
West Boundary Trail
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,550 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.
The West Boundary Trail is one of the remaining fragments of the historic Boundary Trail that allowed rangers to patrol the perimeter of Mount Rainier National Park. Now an out-and-back, the trail is moderately popular despite its brutally steep grade. The lush rainforest, delightful cascades and potential to add a summit to the day give this hike reason to investigate.
Boulder River
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 700 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,550 feet
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.
Boulder Ridge
North Cascades
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
This trail is a rarely traveled and quite rustic trail used primarily by climbers as an alternate climbing route for Mount Baker. Though not for the faint of heart, this hike has a truly spectacular payoff in views and provides a solitary hiking experience.
Boulder Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 13.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
A hidden gem of Snohomish County — whether you do a couple of miles or the whole trek to Boulder Lake, there's plenty for all to enjoy. Hikers will be surrounded by a bounty of wild berries in the summer and misty Pacific Northwest clouds in the spring and fall. The trail has been quietly closed for several seasons; now, hikers can find tranquil solitude with an amazing lake!
Bogachiel River
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 12.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 500 feet
The Bogachiel River is a classic example of a lowland rainforest ecosystem, with a rough and tumble trail that extends all the way to the head of the valley. Born on lower mountains than the Hoh, Queets, and Quinault, it lacks the glacial coloration and tremendous flow associated with those valleys. What it makes up for is miles of solitude and adventure.
Boardman Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,050 feet
The trail to Boardman Lake is one of the most accessible hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway, offering old-growth forest and a two-for-one lakeside opportunity. If you are willing to hike a mile or so in with marginal elevation gain, you can find yourself marveling at peaceful azure waters deep in the verdant backcountry of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Bluff Lake
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,840 feet
This forested trail to a small, secluded lake — uniquely set on a ridge with a few campsites— provides an easy day hike or backpack trip.
Blue Lake
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
This short, hiker-only trail in the Dark Divide connects hikers to an arresting, appropriately named blue lake jumping with fish. If you can get past its quiet shores, it's a short jaunt to connect with the Craggy Peak trail and miles of ridgeline hiking that the Dark Divide Roadless Area affords.
Blue Lake
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 1.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,984 feet
The trailhead is inaccessible until further notice due to FR 12 closure.
One of several Blue Lakes in Washington State, this Blue Lake lies about four and a half miles south of Mount Baker and requires less than a mile of hiking to reach it. Its translucent blue-green colors peek out beneath the shadows of a sheer rock wall partially encircling the lake, a reward for conquering the somewhat eroded and rooty trail that leads to it. Families, anglers, and hikers looking to experience a pretty subalpine lake will enjoy this short, yet memorable hike.
Blandford Canyon
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 0.9 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 75 feet
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Highest Point
- 175 feet
A small network of trails connects the neighborhoods of South Cliff and DuBois across Blandford Road in Vancouver. Visit both parks, but do know you’ll have to cross a road to get the full experience.
Blake Island State Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 190 feet
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Highest Point
- 190 feet
Originally home to the Suquamish Indian tribe and legendary for being the supposed birthplace of Chief Sealth, over the years Blake Island has also served as a timber source, a private estate, Army base, and even a smuggler’s refuge. It now may be best known for Tillicum Village, a Native American cultural center that is currently closed. Access to Blake Island State Park is only possible by personal watercraft.
Black Lake
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 780 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,982 feet
While snow still coats the high places of the Methow Valley, the hike to Black Lake offers early-season wildflowers amidst the recovery from a devastating 2003 wildfire.
Bird Creek Meadows
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,500 feet
Bird Creek Meadows is a crowd pleaser of a hike. Known for its abundant wildflower meadows, views of Mount Adams and the Hellroaring Canyon, and little creeks, lakes and waterfalls, this trail provides a nice 5.2-mile loop for hikers.