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 treaty 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
3935 HikesOlympic Peninsula -- Northern Coast
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 130 ft.
Highest Point: 130 ft.
Rating:
This narrow strip of land just east of Port Angeles in the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a gorgeous place to explore miles upon miles of sandy beach, spy shorebirds wheeling, and even get a little shot of greenery at the beginning and end of your trip. But remember, while the beach is usually a good place for dogs to get some exercise, this particular one is closed to pups, since it’s a National Wildlife Refuge.
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
3.7 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1300 ft.
Highest Point: 1550 ft.
Rating:
Companion piece to neighbor and big brother Mount Si, the small rocky bluff known as Little Si is a moderate grade 3.7 mile trail located in the hike rich North Bend area. Although relatively steep inclines bookend this hike, this primarily North/South route is perfect for beginners who are looking to get back in shape, while still accommodating veterans with opportunities to cut away on the Boulder Garden Loop (at .3 miles and .5 miles) to merge with the more challenging Mount Si trail. Expect crowds, even in winter, as New Year’s resolutions (the two Si mountains are sometimes colloquially referred to as the “Resolution Peaks” for the deluge of hikers that appear after January 1st), proximity to the city and a degree of refuge from the elements often divert heavy foot traffic to this mini-mountain to keep it busy year round.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
5.0 miles of trails
Rating:
This forest is tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Bothell. A series of short trails wander through forested ravines, and provide opportunities to see birds and other wildlife.
Olympic Peninsula -- Pacific Coast
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 500 ft.
Highest Point: 650 ft.
Rating:
Take a short but very scenic hike starting from the Altair campground in Olympic National Park. Traverse along the edge of the Elwha River, recently free-flowing thanks to the removal of the Glines Canyon Dam.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
1.5 miles of trails
Highest Point: 25 ft.
Rating:
This park sits at the southern end of Lake Washington in Renton. With a network of paved trails, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the lake and get some miles in.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Rating:
Explore a part of the King County trail system in Kent.
Puget Sound and Islands
30.5 miles, one-way
Rating:
A 30.5 mile long paved trail follows a historic rail line through Snohomish to Skagit county. Take a short walk, use it to connect to another trail, or undertake the whole thing in a day!
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
5.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 10 ft.
Highest Point: 10 ft.
Rating:
Formerly known as the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and renamed to honor the memory of a noted activist, this an excellent year-round destination for wildlife viewing and photography.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
21.0 miles, one-way
Rating:
This trail runs from Puyallup to Buckley, along the way passing along the Carbon River and offering up great views of Mount Rainier. It is popular with cyclists, walkers and horseback riders.
Olympic Peninsula -- Olympia
22.0 miles, one-way
Highest Point: 500 ft.
Rating:
Log some easy trail mileage by hopping on this family-friendly trail anywhere between Woodard Bay and Vail for a relaxing stroll any time of year.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
3.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 13 ft.
Highest Point: 13 ft.
Rating:
Spend some time in the quiet countryside on a wide gravel trail just a few miles away from the city of Everett.
Puget Sound and Islands -- San Juan Islands
2.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 280 ft.
Highest Point: 250 ft.
Rating:
Washington Park sits at the northwestern tip of Anacortes. When viewed from the sea the area is referred to as Fidalgo Head. The terrain varies from rain forest on the north to open, stony hillsides with few trees on the south.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Bellingham Area
4.9 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 300 ft.
Highest Point: 800 ft.
Rating:
Take a stroll through 350 acres of undisturbed old-growth forest and thriving wetland ecosystem at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, a quiet place where hikers can experience the intricate grandeur of nature. Interpretive signs encourage adults and children to discover the nature of the reserve.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - West
3.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1100 ft.
Highest Point: 5100 ft.
Rating:
Dramatic mounds of snow, a frozen lake and sweeping views into the Alpine Lakes and Glacier Peak Wildernesses await snowshoers at Skyline Lake. Easily accessed from the Stevens Pass ski area, this steep and rewarding ridge walk is a classic on a sunny day.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
7.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1500 ft.
Highest Point: 5050 ft.
Rating:
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.
Southwest Washington -- Vancouver Area
4.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 350 ft.
Highest Point: 400 ft.
Rating:
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.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
0.3 miles, roundtrip
Rating:
Within walking distance of the Bainbridge Island ferry dock, this short loop hike follows Winslow Ravine.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
2.6 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 300 ft.
Highest Point: 460 ft.
Rating:
Big Gulch includes a system of forested trails in Mukilteo.
North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
27.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 0 ft.
Highest Point: 1200 ft.
Rating:
The Whitehorse Trail runs for 27 miles along an old railroad grade, connecting the towns of Arlington and Darrington. The route generally follows Highway 530 and the North Fork Sauk River as it approaches the cascade foothills.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
0.6 miles, roundtrip
Rating:
While there is another park of the same name in Redmond, the Viewpoint Park in Bellevue serves as a natural buffer separating the neighborhoods from the businesses in the area. There are wooded trails to explore, including a trail leading to Bridle Trails State Park.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
45.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 13500 ft.
Rating:
This is a super-challenging trek that requires extra pre-planning and likely some route-finding experience, but promises a rugged, gorgeous few days in the landscape south and east of Stevens Pass.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
0.3 miles, roundtrip
Rating:
Play with the family on trails here, or if rain strikes, head indoors to check out the facilities at South Bellevue Community Center.
North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
6.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 0 ft.
Highest Point: 150 ft.
Rating:
This six mile stretch of the Whitehorse Trail is the only passable section, currently. However, the trail is slated to stretch 28 miles, connecting to the Centennial Trail in Arlington and terminating in the trail town of Darrington.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
2.5 miles, roundtrip
Rating:
The Bayview Trail is a segment of paved trail that runs along a powerline corridor in a residential area in Marysville.
Southwest Washington -- Columbia River Gorge - OR
14.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 4000 ft.
Highest Point: 4050 ft.
Rating:
A viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side.
Eastern Washington -- Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
4.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 800 ft.
Highest Point: 2425 ft.
Rating:
Dishman Hills Natural Area's Eagle Peak Loop takes hikers to the highest point in the Natural Area for outstanding views of the surrounding area.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 235 ft.
Highest Point: 250 ft.
Rating:
Hike along a steep-sided ravine with some highly eroded banks. Enjoy the deciduous forest with a few large trees, and appreciate the moss and ferns along the creek. There's also an option to extend your hike to include the historic district of Des Moines Beach Park, and stroll out onto the Des Moines Public Fishing Pier for the view.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
117.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 26351 ft.
Highest Point: 6600 ft.
Rating:
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.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - West
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2700 ft.
Highest Point: 4900 ft.
Rating:
From towering old-growth giants to placid lakes with craggy mountain views, this hike has everything you want in a trail. Put this one on your list of places to explore along Highway 2.
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
13.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3800 ft.
Highest Point: 4585 ft.
Rating:
Mountains to Sound Greenway did this road to trail conversion in order to create a more sustainable, safer route for hikers to a summit on the I-90 corridor. Hike through second- and third-growth forest, pass a lovely waterfall, and enjoy a slightly less-crowded trail than the nearby Mount Si.
