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 HikesPacific Crest Trail (PCT) - Hart's Pass to Holman Pass
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 14.4 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,900 feet
Stunning section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Starts high and stays high, going from Hart's Pass to Windy Pass to Holman Pass.
Paul Peak
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 5.72 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,446 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,735 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.
An unconventional hike that starts downhill and finishes uphill, the Paul Peak Trail never climbs its namesake. Instead, it skirts the peak while providing a unique glimpse of Mount Rainier's northwest face.
Panjab Trail
Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
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Length
- 5.6 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,600 feet
Wildflowers, wildlife, and great views of Eastern Washington’s wild Blue Mountains: the Panjab Loop Trail offers it all.
Palisades Park
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,200 feet
The Palisades Conservation Area must have been what the Chamber of Commerce had in mind when it came up with the Spokane logo, “Near Nature, Near Perfect.” Visitors to this city park can both view wildlife and native plants in the foreground and peer out over the cityscape from the edge of the basalt cliffs.
Packwood Lake
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,200 feet
When most of Washington’s alpine lakes are still snow-covered, Packwood Lake rewards hikers with a relaxing early-season hike ideal for dusting off your boots.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section K - Stevens Pass to Rainy Pass
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 123.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 26,351 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,600 feet
By far the most difficult stretch of PCT in Washington, Section K puts hikers through a grueling 127-mile trek over harsh terrain and treacherous conditions. Yet those intrepid enough to attempt it are rewarded with a true wilderness experience in and among some of the country's most pristine and beautiful surroundings.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section J - Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 74.7 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 16,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,988 feet
Crossing through the stunning Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this section is a must-do for serious Washington backpackers. This 75-mile section leads through some of the most beautiful, remote and varied surroundings along the PCT.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section I - White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 99.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 17,771 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,530 feet
9.3.25: The PCT is closed between Chinook Pass (mile 2326.7) and the junction with the Bumping Lake trail (mile 2311.8) until further notice due to the Wildcat Fire. The Chinook Pass trailhead southbound is also closed.
Starting in well-protected sub-alpine wilderness and descending into heavily-logged, privately-owned land, this stretch of the PCT offers a dramatic illustration of the effects of public land protection and private industry on Washington's landscape.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Section H - Bridge of the Gods to White Pass
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 147.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 27,996 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,800 feet
Offering spectacular views of the three southern volcanoes in Washington, lakes, meadows and wildlife over relatively moderate terrain, Section H is the perfect starting point for the Washington portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Oval Lakes
North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
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Length
- 20.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 6,740 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,705 feet
This rugged route is long, but there are many options along the way for side trips, stopping spots, and places to relax.
Taylor River - Otter Falls
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.16 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,150 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,750 feet
Lose yourself in second-growth forest as you traverse an old logging road that heads into quiet wilderness just an hour from the urban sprawl of Puget Sound. Enjoy the sounds of water rushing and birds singing. Explore mossy boulders and cross multiple burbling creeks, even do a small amount of cross-country travel on the way to the piece de resistance – a 1,200 foot waterfall that streams into tiny Lipsy Lake before draining to the Taylor River.
Olsen Creek
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,038 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,614 feet
Looking for a modest, mostly shaded climb with a view of the San Juan Islands as a mid-hike treat? Check out the Olsen Creek trail system, a part of the Washington Department of Natural Resources' 2019 Baker to Bellingham Non-motorized Recreation Plan. WTA is one of a few partners to have spent many hours helping build the trail system from the ground up.
Old Robe Canyon
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 4.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,050 feet
The trail is closed about a mile in due to landslides.
Short, easy trail to the Stillaguamish River and the site of the railroad town of Robe and great views of the Stilliguamish River as it races by. The trail switchbacks through a forest of alder down to a forest of big leaf maple draped with lush mosses, liverwort and licorice fern. The forest floor is thick with fern and colorful salmonberry. Watch the kids! The Stilliguamish runs swift and deep here, especially during periods of high water flow. It is not recommended to continue on to the old railroad tunnels due to trail washout, slope slump and rockfall.
Old Griz
Issaquah Alps > Squak Mountain
A connector trail on the east side of Squak Mountain. Make loops of Summit Trail and Phil's Creek or East Ridge Trail with Old Griz.
Observation Peak
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,460 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,207 feet
Visit a the site of an old fire lookout, where you'll have views for miles in all directions on a clear day. Along the way, you'll enjoy wildflowers of many varieties, beargrass, and plump huckleberries in the summertime.
Notch Pass
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,500 feet
Believed to be a former Native American trading route through the Olympics, this historic trail was rebuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps (the CCC) in the 1930s. It was relocated in the early 2000s and is a popular WTA volunteer work party site to this day. The route now goes through a notch easily spied from Highway 101 in the Quilcene Range, climbing steeply to the notch and then traversing the hillside.
Saint Edward State Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 400 feet
Hike through a diverse century-old second-growth forest with a dense canopy to the undeveloped shoreline of Lake Washington. This historic 316-acre state park, nestled in the midst of the Seattle metropolitan area, has playground facilities for children, picnic areas, trails for mountain bikers and fields for sports teams as well.
North Shorewood Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
At first glance, this small neighborhood park may not seem to have any trails -- the playground and picnic tables are most prominent, as is the off-leash dog park.
Larrabee State Park - North Lost Lake Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 9.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
One of the best ways to access the heart of Chuckanut Mountain is via the North Lost Lake Trail, entering from the Interurban Trail at Arroyo Park.
North Lake
North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
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Length
- 10.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,220 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,840 feet
Hike in to a small lake at the head of a valley with good campsites and many possibilities for exploration. Along the way, see the difference between the 2018 Crescent Mountain Fire impacted forest and the old growth forest.
North Fork Tieton to Tieton Pass
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,600 feet
This trail offers a nice wander through the woods to a low pass. While it's short on views, it offers an extended forested wander where you can creekhop to your heart's content.
North Fork Sullivan Creek
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 5.7 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 3,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,600 feet
Tucked deep into the heart of the infrequently-visited Colville National Forest is the North Fork Sullivan Trail. This trail has no trailhead of its own, but climbs steadily from its junction with the Halliday and Red Bluff Trails to Crowell Ridge, where you'll enjoy expansive views of the surrounding area.
North Fork Silver Creek Trail
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 7.7 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 4,078 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,308 feet
The longer, more scenic approach to Abercrombie Mountain, North Fork Silver Creek Trail is worth the extra effort involved for a hike to eastern Washington's second highest summit.
North Fork Quinault River and Halfway House
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 10.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 800 feet
The temporary bridge on North Shore Road has been removed for winter. The Graves Creek and North Fork trailheads are currently inaccessible due to both North Shore and South Shore roads being closed.
The hike to Halfway House follows the first five miles of the North Fork Quinault River along the same route taken by the Press Expedition of 1890. The trail passes through superb lowland rainforest before entering the canyon of the Quinault. Halfway House makes a good picnic spot for day hikers and is also a great camp site for backpackers on a longer journey.
North Fork Loop
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,800 feet
Visitors to the North Fork Loop Trail will see several different forests and enjoy views of the lush Cispus Valley. The trail is adjacent to the North Fork of the Cispus River, and departs from the North Fork campground, making it a great option for people staying there.
North Fork Bridge Creek
Central Cascades > Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
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Length
- 6.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 1,473 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,099 feet
The North Fork of Bridge Creek is a tucked-away gem of a hike in the North Cascades National Park. Accessible from both the Stehekin valley and Highway 20, many people blaze past this side trip on their way along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). But if you choose to explore this branch, you'll be rewarded with stunning mountain valleys at the base of Mount Logan, one of many striking peaks in the North Cascades. Of course, you'll have to share the trail with brush, bugs, and maybe even bears to get there.
Nooksack Cirque
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 640 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,840 feet
This unique, low-elevation hike follows the North Fork Nooksack River to spectacular scenery near the base of Mount Shuksan. This is a great late summer or early fall hike when Ruth Creek is low enough to ford. Keep in mind the limited maintenance this trail sees -- you may be in for a brushbash.
Noisy Creek
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
Hikers on the Noisy Creek trail can view exceptional old growth trees and also serves as the start of a cross country route into Noisy Diobsud Wilderness.
Noble Knob
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 950 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,011 feet
This hike up to a former lookout site provides spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape.
No Name
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 0.2 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 22 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,072 feet
A short connector trail between Bear Ridge and Shangri La trails that creates a loop out of the two. Also connect to Red Cedars via the No Name Trail.