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
1522 HikesCarbon River Rain Forest Nature Trail
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 0.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,780 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 Carbon River Rain Forest Nature Trail is a pleasant and easy stroll that offers two short segments which can be combined to create a 0.6 mile roundtrip walk. Both paths penetrate primeval rain forest where giant ferns, maples, and spruce tower above charming cedar puncheon bridges and babbling brooks. This hike is great in any season, and takes on particular wildness in winter. Interpretive signs and photo opportunities abound.
Carbon 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.
Canyon Creek
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,994 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,732 feet
When looking for solitude or a quiet, cool creek to ramble along, look no further than Canyon Creek. This trail’s gentle tread and easy grade were cut long ago for horse-pack trains. Along this old supply route to the mines there are numerous babbling brooks, and other natural wonders to keep you entertained. Once this river trail could be followed all the way to Chancellor and then into the Pasayten Wilderness or towards Harts Pass. Alas, wash outs now close the trail five miles in at Mill Creek.
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.
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.
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.
Brown's Point Lighthouse Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 0.25 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 15 feet
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Highest Point
- 15 feet
Visit this wheelchair-friendly trail on the north side of Tacoma with views of Commencement Bay, Vashon Island and close up of a lighthouse!
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.
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.
Blue Lake
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,050 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,254 feet
At 6254 feet, Blue Lake sits quietly a little over two trail miles from Highway 20. With towering granite peaks, forests, meadows, wildflowers, and of course the beautiful mountain lake surrounded by granite that reaches for the sky, this short hike is easily a classic and should be on your must-hike list. With only 1050 feet of elevation gain this hike is doable for almost everyone. If you’re driving over Highway 20 and don’t have all day, stop for this mountain gem.
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.
Big Four Ice Caves
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 220 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,938 feet
Never go into or climb on top of the Ice Caves.
This is an easy walk on a wide gravel and boardwalk path to views of Big Four Mountain and the caves beneath the snow. Hikers of all ages and abilities can enjoy this trail.
Big Finn Hill Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 9.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 450 feet
Big Finn Hill Park is the lesser-known cousin to the adjoining Saint Edwards State Park in Kirkland. Its expansive 220 acres are worth exploring and getting to know for their miles of meandering trails fit for mountain biking and casual strolling. Chock-full of tall Douglas-firs, ferns and bright green mosses, it offers possibilities to spot eagles, deer and owls.
Berthusen Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 2.4 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 111 feet
Berthusen Park offers up plenty of great opportunities to get outdoors and explore. This beautiful park, the site of a homestead from the late 1800s, has antique farm machinery, a historical cabin, a big red barn and a great playground with a wonderful swing set for kids.
Beckler Peak
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 7.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,240 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,026 feet
Hike a re-built trail adjacent to the Wild Sky Wilderness. The Beckler Peak trail opened in September of 2011, and with it, the Jennifer Dunn trailhead. The trail takes you through an old-growth forest to summit views of Glacier Peak, Baring, Index, the Monte Cristo Range, and Evergreen Mountain. It's easy to get to and provides great rewards for your effort. The trail has a gentle grade, it is well built, and suitable for kids. Be sure to take water with you, because there is no reliable water along the trail.
Beaver Lake Preserve
Issaquah Alps
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 460 feet
Hike a 1.2 mile loop trail through this forest preserve. Appreciate the exceptionally tall trees, both deciduous and coniferous. Pass some swampy areas with standing water, and note the exuberant growth of ferns and hanging moss.
Beaver Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Discover this quiet ramble along the Wild and Scenic Sauk River as you follow the site of an old railroad grade. The trail is more about the journey than the destination, but this mellow walk can be enjoyed any time of year. The lake itself is small and more of a pond.
Barclay Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,423 feet
Barclay Lake offers something for almost everyone: a well-maintained trail that is accessible to beginners and children, stunning mountain views, mycology, camping, a serene alpine lake, and a staging area for challenging adventures in the 106,000-acre Wild Sky Wilderness. Keep your camera charged, as this popular pathway in the shadow of Baring Mountain offers many photo opportunities.
Banner Forest
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 430 feet
Banner Forest Heritage Park is one square mile of undeveloped forest and wetland on the Kitsap Peninsula with an extensive trail network. An easy grade and well maintained trails invite all ages and abilities to enjoy this prime section of land.
Baker River
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 900 feet
Take a mellow walk on a trail that wanders among large old trees and huge mossy boulders. The trail alongside Baker River takes you on a path of gentle up and downs, splashing your way through stream crossings and past open areas filled with young alder, huckleberry and salmonberry. On a quiet spring day, your chances of seeing wildlife are excellent.
Baker Lake - Maple Grove
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Magnificent old growth forests, stellar views of Mount Baker, turbulent tributaries, and, of course, a beautiful lake make this trail a great path to travel.
East Bank Baker Lake
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
This hike along Baker Lake is a busy, popular trail in summer. It is a nice off season walk though, and is perfect on a crisp, clear winter day. With the leaves off the trees, views that aren't possible in summer emerge; the surrounding peaks and the mossy green silhouettes of the leafless maple trees cover the hillside. A bonus any time of year are the many creeks, quaint bridges, large old-growth trees and of course, Mount Baker as the main attraction.
Bagley Lakes
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,300 feet
Bring the family for this easy hike at Heather Meadows. Two sparkling alpine lakes, an abundance of wildflowers, an impressive mountainous backdrop and a year-round snowfield make this a hike that will please everybody. What's more, this trail gets a fraction of the foot traffic that the trails at Artist Point get in late summer.
