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
4199 HikesRampart Ridge Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,080 feet
This short loop out of Longmire makes for a great, quick way to get some elevation gain, some forest views, and a fantastic vista of Mount Rainier, all in less than five miles!
Ohanapecosh Hot Springs
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 0.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,000 feet
SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.
This short, sweet little loop near the Ohanapecosh Visitors Center make a great visit for a leg stretch or a history hike with little ones. You can't get into the hot springs (and you probably wouldn't want to) but you can still have a nice short hike here.
Three Lakes via Laughingwater Creek
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 13.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,000 feet
SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.
The name "Laughingwater Creek" conjures up a nice stroll alongside a bubbling creek, but this trail mostly keeps hikers far above any running water. At several spots early in the hike, it is possible to hear the creek, but not to see it.
Stafford Falls via Deer Creek
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 375 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,250 feet
SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.
The hike to Stafford Falls drops steeply from the road, requiring a climb to return to your vehicle. But after 0.4 miles, it follows crystal-clear Chinook Creek as it cascades down a gentle slope, with small plunges, narrow chutes, beautiful blue-green pools, and a 25-foot punch-bowl waterfall. Such beauty and serenity are seldom this easy to get to.
Deer Creek to Tipsoo Lake
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,850 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,375 feet
SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) is closed between the junction with SR 410 to the north and the Mount Rainier National Park boundary (near Ohanapecosh Campground) to the south for the winter season.
This trail offers passage through magnificent old growth forest, and past sparkling clear streams. It may not be as scenic as other trails in the area, but it requires no parking pass or entrance fee to enjoy the beauty of Mount Rainier.
Carter Falls
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 2.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 660 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,650 feet
The trail is closed until further notice due to the log footbridge crossing the Nisqually River getting dislodged. There is no safe water crossing.
Cougar Rock to Carter Falls is a moderate and readily accessible segment of the Wonderland Trail that packs stunning mountain vistas, river views, waterfalls, wildflowers, old growth, and edible berries into just 1.3 miles of family-friendly hiking in Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Peak (Pinnacle Peak)
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 1.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,800 feet
There are many names for this short little hike. Mount Pete, Mount Peak, Pinnacle Peak Park, Cal Magnusson Trail.
Hansen Ridge
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 15.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,100 feet
In summer and fall this is a bikers trail but come winter it makes an excellent snowshoe or cross country ski trail.
Poo Poo Point
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,748 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,021 feet
Hike railroad grades dating from the logging era. Cross many small creeks, some seasonal. Pass tall trees draped with moss. Enjoy ferns and, in season, forest wildflowers and wild berries. Reach a viewpoint that's also a favorite launching spot for paragliders.
Chapin Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 0.25 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 13 feet
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Highest Point
- 225 feet
The Chapin Trail is part of the City of Bellevue’s Parks and Open Trails System. The short loop will take you through a charming forested area within a residential neighborhood.
Whatcom Falls Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
There are three and a half miles of trails in Whatcom Falls Park. Many routes wind through the forests, some overlooking the creek gorge and still pools. Some wind through open meadows, while others stay in deep forest.
Garfield Gulch
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 0.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
-
Highest Point
- 150 feet
Garfield Gulch is a deep ravine located in the north end portion of Tacoma with a short trail.
Scriber Lake
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Highest Point
- 360 feet
An easy walk around a small urban lake and wetland area.
Foothills Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 21.0 miles, one-way
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.
Twin Falls
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 2.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Visit a trio (yes, trio) of waterfalls just off I-90 on this sure-to-please short trail, perfect for families.
Grouse Basin Loop
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 1.0 miles, one-way
-
Elevation Gain
- 160 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Enjoy this low-key, child-friendly hike through aspen forest close to Seattle, just off the parking lot for Mailbox Peak.
May Creek Trail
Issaquah Alps
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Length
- 3.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 585 feet
-
Highest Point
- 398 feet
This pleasant woodland trail follows the historic route of the Seattle-Walla Walla Railroad, which transported coal from the mines once operating in present-day Cougar Mountain Park.
Wahkeena-Multnomah Falls Loop
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
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Length
- 5.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,060 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,678 feet
Hike a delightful, somewhat rugged trail past several waterfalls to views of the Columbia River and the stunning Gorge, capped off by a stop by the most popular recreation area in the Northwest: Multnomah Falls.
Artist Ridge - Huntoon Point
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,150 feet
The last 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway/SR 542 (from Heather Meadows to Artist Point) is closed for the winter season.
This spectacular, short trail gets lots of love during its short hiking season. Accessible for less than three months each year, hordes of hikers and tourists take to it as the snow finally begins to melt.
Table Mountain
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 2.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 725 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,700 feet
The last 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway/SR 542 (from Heather Meadows to Artist Point) is closed for the winter season.
Table Mountain trail offers a variety of nice views, and opportunities to get away from the parking lot crowds at Artist Point. But heed the cautions before you set out.
Mount Si
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,150 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,900 feet
There are many reasons – besides its proximity to Seattle – why Mount Si is the most popular hike in the state: beautiful views, wildlife (some of it not so wild), old growth forest, and a dramatic summit worthy of a more remote peak. Rising dramatically above the Snoqualmie Valley, it serves as a literal and figurative gateway to the Cascades for thousands of hikers.
Little Mashel Falls - Bud Blancher Trail
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,100 feet
Three waterfalls, multiple viewing areas, and two different trailheads provide great choices for an excursion to Little Mashel Falls. The tallest waterfall plunges over 90 feet.
Skyline Trail Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 5.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,450 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,800 feet
The Skyline Trail is the main route for hiking out of Paradise, Mount Rainier’s south side hub and most popular destination, providing visitors a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of Washington’s grandest mountain.
East Peak
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
East Peak is a slightly longer, more challenging hike than the extremely popular route to Rattlesnake Ledge. Allow a little more time, and be sure to bring a map of the area!
Juanita Woodlands Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 2.0 miles of trails
Juanita Woodlands is a small, 35-acre forested neighborhood park between Kirkland and Kenmore.
Trautman Ranch Conservation Area
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
The Trautman Ranch Conservation Area sits in the middle of Riverside State Park.
Mount Spokane State Park - Entrance Loop
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 1.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 370 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,600 feet
The Entrance Loop at Mount Spokane State Park is a short loop that is great for both hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter.
Cheasty Natural Area
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
This strip of green space in the middle of the Mount Baker and Columbia City neighborhoods of Seattle offers mountain bikers and hikers reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city.
St. George's Trail (Trail 503)
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,200 feet
This trail starts and ends within the Little Spokane Natural Area, with a short stint near St. George's School.
Whipple Creek Hollow Natural Area
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 0.5 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 300 feet
This natural area is 40 acres of beautiful forest just north of Vancouver.
