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
4211 HikesLake Valhalla
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,050 feet
Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. Wildflowers abound in early summer, berries in late summer and fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn.
Lake Padden Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 7.7 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 800 feet
Enjoy a stroll on the main loop trail that goes around Lake Padden or lengthen your trip by exploring some of the short trails at the east end of the park. To find a little solitude take a turn off the beaten path to rise above the south side of the lake on a less-trodden upper trail.
Lake Michael
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 17.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,190 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,240 feet
A challenging climb in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness rewards backpackers with a night or two at a picturesque lake between the Cle Elum River and Waptus Lake.
Lake Lillian
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,300 feet
The Alpine Lakes Wilderness may be reached from numerous trail heads along the I-90 corridor. This little trail-gem sparkles, hidden in Snoqualmie Pass. It varies in terrain from abandoned logging road, through clear cut, all the way up to pristine alpine lake(s) nestled into a glacier scoured cirque. Seasonal changes make this medium difficulty hike worth returning to time and time again.
Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 16.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,525 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,550 feet
A stroll north on the Pacific Crest Trail to tranquil Lake Janus and neighboring Grizzly Peak offers panoramas of the Central Cascades’ finest peaks and undulating meadows blanketed with wildflowers as far as the eye can see. Traveled by sauntering day hikers, first-time backpackers and dedicated thru-hikers bound for Canada, this well-graded trail has a little something for everyone.
Lake Elizabeth
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 0.75 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 69 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,890 feet
This is a short, mostly level trail around a small tranquil lake that has the potential to be a great family hike. However, in its current condition it is best for adventurous adults and older kids.
LaCrosse Basin
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 18.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 5,588 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,400 feet
Nestled deep within the heart of the Olympics, LaCrosse Basin is steeped in rich history as well as views that never relent.
Lacamas Park - Lacamas Creek
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 400 feet
Lacamas Lake Park is a diverse natural area with a surprisingly 'wild' feel for a park this close to town. Picnic by the lake, check out the Camas meadow in bloom, or explore the forest and creeks along the many trails. This hike describes a "lollipop" loop starting at the south end of the park, visiting the Lower Falls, then circling around through the park past Round Lake and returning along Lacamas Creek.
Lacamas Heritage Trail
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 700 feet
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Highest Point
- 250 feet
This is a well used trail for trail runners and some bikers. Mostly gravel, it is wide and well-groomed.
Thorp Mountain via Knox Creek
Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,734 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,854 feet
This short, steep in places, route to Thorp Mountain has flowers, berries, and views along the way. The big payoff is the grand vista from the lookout, as befits its location as the highest point for many miles in all directions.
Kloochman Butte Trail
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 4.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,340 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,780 feet
This route is a section of the Chinook Trail System, a yet-to-be-completed 300-mile bi-state loop encircling the Columbia River Gorge. The #180B section connects the Tarbell Trail to the Silver Star Trail. Many still refer to this section as the Kloochman Butte Trail.
Klondike Swamp
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 110 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,270 feet
The Klondike Swamp Trail traverses much of what is special about Cougar Mountain Park, utilizing old logging roads and railroad grades that take you through charming second growth forest. The loop is easily accessed from the Sky Country Trailhead in Bellevue, and offers a nearly level grade for most of the journey.
Klickitat Loop Trail
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 26.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 6,463 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,275 feet
Overgrown, rugged and likely difficult to navigate at times, the Klickitat Loop Trail links together multiple trails (including the eponymous trail itself) to create a large loop just outside of the Goat Rocks Wilderness.
Klickitat Trail
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 17.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,500 feet
A former Native American route into the high country of the South Cascades, the Klickitat Trail traverses a ridgetop between Kilborn Creek to Elk Peak. Views of Mount Adams and the south Cascades are breathtaking on clear days. From the ridgeline, hikers can spot Castle Butte, Jackpot Lake, St. Michaels Lake, and St. John Lake.
Carlton Ridge
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 8.8 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,600 feet
This 9-mile, rugged trail trail delivers hikers into the remote William O. Douglas Wilderness at mile 3.5 and offers excellent views of Mount Rainier. It's also a great way to access the deep woods off of Highway 12, where you can loop hike to your heart's content.
Killen Creek to High Camp
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,900 feet
Take this remote, flower-filled trail up the north side of Mount Adams to the rocky alpine terrain of giant glaciers.
Kettle Crest North
Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range
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Length
- 29.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 5,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,135 feet
With 12 named peaks along a route that starts and stays high, hikers can expect big views, no crowds and excellent stargazing.
Kelly Butte
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 3.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,409 feet
This is a nice, short hike to a recently repaired fire lookout. Guidebooks do not include recent upgrades to the trail and road to the trailhead. The trail is no longer only accessible via a scramble, but trail that switchbacks through wildflowers and interesting rock walls which was constructed in 2007. The lookout itself has been repaired, making it a nice lunch stop.
Kelley Creek
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
An old access point to an infrequently-maintained route up Scorpion Mountain. There is no parking available at this trailhead and has not been maintained in years.
Kalama Ski Trail
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 7.0 miles, one-way
The Kalama Ski Trail is a ski route near Mount St. Helens that connects the Cougar Sno-Park with the Kalama Horse Camp. Visitors should expect to share the area with snowmobilers on weekends, though it is often very quiet on weekdays.
Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 25 feet
If the tide is high, or you just want to see a different side of the Olympic Peninsula while you're visiting the coast, cross Highway 101 from the Kalaloch campground and take a peek into the deep Olympic forest.
Kalaloch - Browns Point
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 25 feet
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Highest Point
- 25 feet
Wild and mercurial, the Olympic Coast has a special appeal in the spring and fall. Grassy bluffs, cliffside caves and tidal pools are all to be found along this four-mile beach hike near the Kalaloch Campground. So shrug on your rain gear and enjoy the bird watching, sense of solitude and stunning seascapes.
Kachess Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,300 feet
The Kachess Lake Shore trail is a short, one-mile jaunt along Kachess Lake, good for campers in the summer or a short snowshoe in winter.
Juniper Ridge
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,611 feet
Boasting views of massive Cascade volcanoes, constellations of wildflowers, and an embarrassment of huckleberries, the Juniper Ridge Trail offers an excellent opportunity for a backpacking trip, complete with views or shorter day hikes from the ridge.
June Lake
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 2.86 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 445 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,140 feet
This sweet little hike on the south side of Mount St. Helens is a good destination for families seeking a short day hike, but it is also one access point for the round-the-mountain Loowit Trail, and a popular snowshoeing location, so it sees a fair amount of traffic year-round.
Jug Lake
South Cascades > White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
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Length
- 7.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,485 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,480 feet
A quiet lake surrounded by healthy forest and marshy meadows invites hikers to find a seat on its shoreline and rest the soul.
John Tursi Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
Discover the natural history of South Fidalgo Island on this beautiful forested trail. The trail traverses past meadows and rocky balds, a red rock quarry, a miner’s shack, the “rock” of artist Morris Graves’ lore, and views of Pass Lake, Campbell Lake, and Mount Erie.
Jacobson Preserve
Central Washington > Wenatchee
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 340 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,440 feet
Located just outside of the Wenatchee city limits, Jacobson Preserve is part of the just 3 percent of historic, undisturbed shrub-steppe in Washington. Here you'll find rabbitbrush, Sagebrush, Arrowhead balsamroot and antelope bitterbrush, all main sources of food for muledeer. The area is so important, in fact, that it has been established as important habitat for the deer, and there are three monitoring points in the preserve to observe the shrub steppe as it is being reclaimed to native habitat.
Jackson Creek
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 10.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,600 feet
This meandering trail through old-growth forest follows Jackson Creek, connecting the Shedroof Divide in Washington to Hughes Meadows in Idaho.
Island Center Forest
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 10.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 425 feet
With lovely Douglas-fir forest, wetlands, and a great network of trails, Island Center Forest is one of King County's best-kept secrets. Birds are abundant on the wetlands, and the forest is lush, with large, second-growth trees, a testament to the effort that several groups have put into managing this forest in order to restore the health of this area.