WTA Hiking Guide
March 2010 Update: Select content from the Mountaineers Books'
six "Day Hiking" guidebooks, Snowshoe Routes Washington and Desert Hikes
Washington is now incorporated into the WTA Hiking Guide. Sales of the books
from this website benefit WTA and help protect and maintain our trails.
Search for a hike...
Locate hike descriptions and trip reports for more than 2700 hikes in Washington. Use hike name or region for most comprehensive results. And please consider adding missing descriptions and hike data to the Hiking Guide to help make this the most useful online resource for hiking in Washington!
Showing
2773
hikes
|
|
||||
|
Rachel Lake
(20 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
(Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Cle Elum Ranger District)
Rachel Lake (#1313)
|
The condition of the trail to Rachel Lake and the lake's environs exhibit what can happen when too many nature-loving hikers are unleashed on a fragile landscape. Though you'll enjoy spectacular views at the lake and en route, closer examination reveals a web of way trails stomped into the fragile meadows around the lake. And heavy use and poor trail planning have left the trail in rough condition. You'll splash up a track marred by mud and water, with seasonal streams running down the middle of the trail at times.
|
|
Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Mountain views, Established campsites
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Mount Dickerman
(21 votes)
North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
(Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)
Mount Dickerman (#710)
|
One of the most popular hikes off of the Mountain Loop Highway, the Mount Dickerman Trail delivers jaw-slacking views of a ring of rugged peaks near and far. Big Four and Del Campo practically leap out at you, while Glacier mesmerizes off in the distance. Though well-built and well-maintained, the trail is not easy. It starts low and heads high, wasting little time on the way to the 5723-foot summit. Come in September and Dickerman's legendary blueberry patches will slow your momentum even more than the steep trail. You'll likely end up looking like an "indigo girl"with all your picking and sampling.
|
|
Old growth, Fall foliage, Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Summits, Established campsites
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Tatie Peak and Grasshopper Pass
(11 votes)
North Cascades -- East Slope
(Okanogan National Forest, Methow Valley Ranger District)
Grasshopper Pass (#2000)
|
Ranking among the supreme ridge-running, cloud-probing, peak-peering jaunts in all of the North Cascades, the trek to Grasshopper Pass will have you hopping with joy with its nonstop horizon-spanning views of jagged ridges and colossal summits. Best of all, this alpine rapture is achieved with minimal effort. The trail starts high and stays high. And with the trail's gentle ups and down, most hikers young and old, two and four legged will have no problem making the journey.
|
|
Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Summits, Ridges/passes
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Annette Lake
(33 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
(Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District)
Annette Lake (#1019)
|
Dense forest drapes the lower trail, keeping hikers cool on the hottest August afternoons. At trail's end, a deep lake waits to kill off the last of the summer heat--for those brave enough to dive into its icy waters. Between the thick second-growth forest stands and the high alpine lake, the trail rolls along Humpback Creek, offering tantalizing views now and again of pretty waterfalls along the tumbling creek.
|
|
Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Old growth, Established campsites
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Ray Westberg was the popular wrestling coach in Ellensburg who died in 1997 at the young age of 47. This trail was built and dedicated to him, with a memorial placed at the high point on the ridge. The route isn't heavily used by hikers, but it is popular with birds--birds on the ground and in the air.
|
|
Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Wildlife, Ridges/passes
|
||
|
|
||||
|
Kendall Katwalk
(20 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
(Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District, North Bend office)
Kendall Katwalk (#2000)
|
The Katwalk offers a remarkable hiking experience--striding on a narrow shelf hundreds of feet in the air. The trail, blasted into the cliff face by dynamite crews hanging suspended from ropes, is perfectly safe once the winter's snow has completely melted off. There is, of course, more to this hike than the just the Katwalk. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) climbs from Snoqualmie Pass through old-growth forests, dances through a log-littered avalanche slope (a perfect place to see just how powerful an avalanche can be), and traverses broad, steep-sloped wildflower meadows.
|
|
Fall foliage, Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Ridges/passes
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Submit your image
|
The Tarbell trail is a 24.75 mile loop that connects recreation sites and scenic viewpoints in the Yacolt Burn Recreation area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Denny Creek
(22 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
(Snoqualmie Ranger District (425) 888-1421)
Denny Creek to Melakwa Lake (#1014)
|
Denny Creek may be the most family-friendly trail in the region. The popular path leads to a series of waterfalls and to a smooth natural waterslide - a massive rock face over which the creek flows, providing a slippery summertime escape from the heat of the lowlands. Just beyond, hikers will find a couple more falls--most notably the beautiful Keekwulee Falls.
|
|
Rivers, Waterfalls, Old growth
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Granite Mountain
(28 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
(Mount Baker -Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District, North Bend office)
Granite Mountain (#1016)
|
One look at the parking lot midday on any summer weekend, and the obvious will jump out and bite you: the Granite Mountain Trail is the most heavily traveled summit path in the Snoqualmie Pass corridor. Of course, there is a good reason for that: it's spectacular. But it's also steep. Mind numbingly, thigh-burning steep. You'll climb a heel-blistering 3800 feet in 4.3 miles to an old fire lookout at the 5600-foot summit, with awesome views in all directions. Pack plenty of water, as there is no good source along the trail.
|
|
Fall foliage, Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Summits
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Twin Falls run year-round for one very good reason: the area around North Bend receives more than 90 inches of rain each year. Seattle--just 35 miles west--gets half that much. The South Fork Snoqualmie River takes that massive amount of rainfall and puts it to use entertaining hikers. The river squeezes into a narrow rocky gorge before tumbling over a very impressive stairstep falls. Then, when the water has been churned into a frothy torrent, it plunges over a 150-foot rock wall, creating the stunning cascade of the Lower Twin Falls.
|
|
Rivers, Waterfalls, Old growth
|
||
|
|
||||
|
Mount Si
(66 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
(Department of Natural Resources, South Puget Sound Region)
|
Mount Si should be experienced at least once by every hiker. In fact, a significant number of Puget Sound residents do just one hike per year, and these annual hikers almost invariably turn to Mount Si every time. In the early spring, mountain-loving backpackers and climbers use the trail as a tune-up for the coming season. Others come because the trail is one of few that becomes snow-free early in the year. And Si's payoff is incredible: views of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley, the Puget Sound basin, and far beyond.
|
|
Mountain views, Summits
|
|
|
|
||||
|
If you've hiked to Rattlesnake Ledges and beyond from Rattlesnake Lake, this is a delightful alternative. Thanks to the handiwork of our colleagues in the trail community, you can now reach Rattlesnake Mountain from the west, starting from a new trailhead at Snoqualmie Point.
|
|
Mountain views, Summits, Ridges/passes
|
||
|
|
||||
|
Rattlesnake Ledge
(40 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
(Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District, North Bend office)
|
You won't find better views anywhere else this close to Seattle. Rattlesnake Ledge is a monolithic block of rock on the eastern end of Rattlesnake Ridge, towering high over the cool waters of Rattlesnake Lake and the Snoqualmie River valley. Looking up from the trailhead, the site is daunting--the rock face looks sheer and impregnable. Fortunately, the cliff face isn't too broad, and hearty Washington Trails Association volunteers have carved a path through the steep forests flanking the rock face.
|
|
Lakes, Old growth, Mountain views, Ridges/passes
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Mailbox Peak
(51 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
(Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest - Snoqualmie District)
|
If you think you've got the goods to scramble up more than 1000 feet per mile, read on. Mailbox Peak brings a serious burn to the thighs of even the best-conditioned athletes, but the rewards make it all worthwhile. From the top of this jutting lump of rock, you'll enjoy spectacular views of the lower Snoqualmie River valleys. The entire Issaquah Alps range sprawls at your feet, with the rocky-topped Mount Si directly across the Middle Fork Valley and the sheer wall of Rattlesnake Ledge just across the South Fork Valley.
|
|
Rivers, Old growth, Mountain views, Summits, Wildlife
|
|
|
|
||||
|
An excellent loop that doesn't really go anywhere, unless you count miles of brilliant alpine meadows and rugged glacial moraine slopes as worthy destinations. Enjoy a scenic journey at the base of Mount Baker, complete with breathtaking close-ups of the hulking volcano as well as sweeping views of the surrounding sea of North Cascades peaks.
|
|
|
||
|
|
||||
|
Little Si
(22 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
(Department of Natural Resources, South Puget Sound Region)
|
Rock climbers use the first half of this trail to get to the rock faces on the east end of Little Si. Hikers use the full trail to sweep around the west end and climb the tall knob on the easier (though still a bit rocky) route. Like its big sibling, Mount Si, Little Si offers phenomenal views of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley after a nice hike through forests and over rocks. The trail is steep initially, then mellow, then steep again as it scrambles straight up the northern spine to the 1576-foot summit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Tomyhoi Lake
(5 votes)
North Cascades -- Mount Baker Highway
(Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Glacier Public Service Center)
Tomyhoi Lake and Gold Run Pass (#686)
|
Gold Run Pass is a great picture spot and awesome lunch rest area. Also, about a quarter mile from the pass there is a new trail over to Yellow Aster Butte.
|
|
Lakes, Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Wildlife, Ridges/passes
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Submit your image
|
Chief Joseph Wildlife Area - Green Gulch
(4 votes)
Eastern Washington -- Inland NW
(Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
|
This corner of the state is a very wild land and makes you feel very small in God's creation. This is one of the most remote parts of Washington, with a small human population in the immediate area but a huge population of wildlife and birds.
|
|
Wildflowers/Meadows, Wildlife
|
|
|
||||
|
Lake Janus and Grizzly Peak
(6 votes)
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
(Okanogan-Wenatchee Natiomal Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District, Leavenworth)
|
A warm, inviting lake, a gentle summit carpeted in flowering meadows, entrancing views, and deep, soothing wilderness are all yours on this hike. Easy to reach, Lake Janus beckons its fair share of anglers and beginning backpackers, while Grizzly's bear of a distance culls all but the strongest hikers. Those who do push on, however, will be rewarded with continuous panoramic viewing, all while
under the watchful guise of majestic snow- and ice-crowned Glacier Peak.
|
|
Wildflowers/Meadows
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Nice forested access through the Maple Valley region. Allows a hike with easy access if you don't have a car. Area serviced by bus routes (143, 168, 912). The trail has off shoots to Lake Wilderness, The Lake Wilderness Arboretum, and the Maple Valley Community Center, as well as others.
|
|
Fall foliage, Wildflowers/Meadows, Wildlife
|
||
|
|
||||
|
Amble aimlessly along an easy ridge on the edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Scrounge for berries or lounge in sun-kissed meadows. Then follow a faint path to a long-ago lookout site still flush in stunning alpine views. Come in summer for dazzling floral displays or in autumn for carpets of crimson unfurled along the way. But no matter the season, come during the week, for Sawyer's admirers are legion.
|
|
Fall foliage, Summits, Ridges/passes
|
||
|
|
||||
|
Benchmark Mountain
(4 votes)
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
(Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Skykomish Ranger District)
Benchmark Mountain (#1054.1)
|
Benchmark is the benchmark in the Central Cascades when it comes to supreme alpine meadows. At this high point on West Cady Ridge, one of the most spectacular ridgeline hikes in this guidebook, the only thing superseding the flowers is the views. The hike is long and there's quite a climb involved, but excellent views begin at 4 miles, making a shorter trip a satisfying option.
|
|
Wildflowers/Meadows
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Lake Twentytwo - Lake 22
(74 votes)
North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
(Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District)
Lake 22 (#702)
|
Perched in a spectacular basin at the base of Mount Pilchuck's sheer northern face, sparkling Lake Twentytwo is a stunning sight. But there's more to this popular hike than the picturesque lake and its backdrop of waterfalls and avalanche chutes. For much of the way the well-constructed trail follows cascading Twentytwo Creek through an exemplary ancient forest of gargantuan cedars. An excellent hike to acquaint children and neophytes with the natural world-just don't expect to be alone on this favorite of many a Puget Sound hiker.
|
|
Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Old growth
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Goat Lake
(37 votes)
North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
(Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District)
Goat Lake (#647)
|
A spectacular backcountry lake - one of the largest in the area - awaits those who walk this way. Once the site of a bustling mining operation, complete with company town and lakeside hotel, Goat Lake boasts plenty of history along with its fine views. Waterfalls too!
|
|
Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Old growth, Established campsites
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Enchantment Lakes
(43 votes)
Central Cascades -- Leavenworth Area
(Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District)
Enchantment Lakes (#1553)
|
A high alpine basin full of lakes, larch, mountain goats, and fantastically stark granite that is considered by many to be the best hike in the state. Options abound - plenty of places to camp, side trails, summits, and more ensure that you will be wishing you had marked a few extra days on your backpacking permit!
|
|
Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls, Old growth, Fall foliage, Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Summits, Wildlife, Ridges/passes, Established campsites
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Kachess Ridge
(4 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
(Cle Elum Ranger District)
Kachess Ridge (#1315)
|
Starting a hike with a serious climb is a good way to limber up your muscles and shake off any casual hikers. \You'll also find panoramic views that encompass the peaks of the Cle Elum Valley and reach south to Mount Rainier.
|
|
Lakes, Mountain views
|
|
|
|
||||
|
A secluded tarn tucked in a cleft high on Mount Constance, this little lake's setting is awesome. Gaze into turquoise waters reflecting sheer cliff faces spiraling to the heavens. But to reach this stunning scene, you too must spiral to the heavens. The trail is a climber's path, re-quiring stamina, sure footing, and the use of hands. The elevation gain is insane: 3300 feet in 2 miles. To those prepared and skilled, this hike can be rewarding; to others it can be dangerous.
|
|
|
||
|
|
||||
|
Esmeralda Basin (Esmerelda)
(13 votes)
Snoqualmie Pass -- Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
(Okanogan - Wenatchee National Forest - Cle Elum Ranger District)
Esmeralda Basin (#1394)
|
A wonderland of wildflowers (and one of the most diverse selections you'll find on any one hike) will greet you, especially June through August.
|
|
Wildflowers/Meadows, Mountain views, Ridges/passes, Established campsites
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Blanca Lake
(49 votes)
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - West
(Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest)
Blanca Lake (#1052)
|
Set in a large cirque in the rugged Monte Cristo peaks and fed by the Columbia Glacier and icy snowfields hanging and clinging to the surrounding steep slopes, Blanca's location is as dramatic as any in the Cascades. But what really strikes all who toil up the steep trail to witness this marvel is the lake's cobalt blue water. Its sheen and tone constantly change, depending on the amount and angle of sunlight shining down on it.
|
|
Lakes, Waterfalls, Old growth, Mountain views, Summits, Established campsites
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Silver Lake
(6 votes)
North Cascades -- Methow Valley
(Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Darrington Ranger District)
Silver Lake (#708)
|
Admire nearby lofty peaks while roaming miles of parkland meadows on a high ridge that parts two forks of the wild Pasayten River. Walk this way in midsummer and be dazzled by a wide array of blossoming beauties. Lupine, paintbrush, cinquefoil, aster, monkey flower, and an array of louseworts all add their strokes to this alpine easel. And Silver Lake? It's a wonderful backcountry body of water tucked in a basin beneath 7850-foot Pasayten Peak.
|
|
Lakes, Old growth, Wildflowers/Meadows
|
|
|
|
||||
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
Forgot your
New user?
