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 HikesHorn Rapids Park
Central Washington > Tri-Cities
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Length
- 5.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 433 feet
A collection of paved trails, dirt trails, and gravel roads provide easy access to a shrub steppe
and riparian habitat along the Yakima River.
Sammamish River Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 9.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 317 feet
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Highest Point
- 75 feet
The Sammamish River Trail is a 9.5-mile trail with one end at Marymoor Park in Redmond, passing through Woodinville, and the other end at Blythe Park in Bothell. At Blyth Park, it connects with the Burke-Gilman Trail and continues another 18.8 miles ending at Golden Gardens in Seattle.
Dry Creek Falls
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
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Length
- 4.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 860 feet
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Highest Point
- 870 feet
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) runs from Mexico to the Canadian border through the Columbia Gorge. While it is well-known for traveling along the waterfall-filled Eagle Creek Trail, purists know that it is an alternate route; the actual trail runs a bit south closer to the Bridge of The Gods. Here, the PCT leads you to the secluded gem of Dry Creek Falls just a few miles away from the noise and bustle of I-84.
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge - Leadbetter Point
Southwest Washington > Long Beach Area
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Length
- 10.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
-
Highest Point
- 35 feet
Enjoy a flat, sandy stroll to the mouth of Willapa Bay on the Long Beach Peninsula.
Weldon Wagon Road
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,290 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,900 feet
Oregon white oak woodlands with open ridgetop meadows, wildflowers, and views of the White Salmon Valley make this a delightful hike that is off the beaten track.
Wahclella Falls
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
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Length
- 2.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 350 feet
This is a hike to a two-tiered waterfall located in a fairyland grotto with many large moss covered boulders.
Big Tree Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 1.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 400 feet
This sweet little trail on the Kitsap Peninsula makes a wonderful winter hike when the high country is snowed in.
Chief Joseph Wildlife Area - Green Gulch
Eastern Washington > Palouse and Blue Mountains
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
Hike down into a canyon starting at 1000 feet of elevation and descending. The trail is an old road that goes for several miles.
Wenatchee Confluence State Park - Horan Natural Area
Central Washington > Wenatchee
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
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Highest Point
- 640 feet
Horan offers two miles of graveled trails and 15 viewing stations where visitors can watch local wildlife and learn about the flora and fauna that surround them.
Seminary Hill Natural Area
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 2.5 miles of trails
-
Elevation Gain
- 450 feet
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Highest Point
- 550 feet
Just east of Centralia, Seminary Hill offers hilltop wandering and views of Centralia, Chehalis and the Chehalis or Skookumchuck River Valley.
Castle Rock Riverfront Trail
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 4.3 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 317 feet
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Highest Point
- 100 feet
This ADA-accessible trail built on a dike on the edge of this small town is a lovely jaunt, clocking in at just over three miles roundtrip, along a section of the Cowlitz River. A mountain bike course, playground, and several picnic areas dot the trailside, and with various access points to the town of Castle Rock, it’s easy to duck off for a quick bite in town.
Beach 4
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 0.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 150 feet
This trail is a short, well-maintained descent to Beach 4 in the Kalaloch area of the Olympic coast. While there are many possible entry points to this stretch of PNW beach, this well-established interpretive trail provides a great location for a variety of visits: a quick stop at the viewpoint, day-use to explore the beach and tide pools or as a launch point for a multi-day adventure.
Columbia Hills State Park - Crawford Oaks
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
This trail in Columbia Hills is one of three excellent destinations in this location. Do an out-and-back, or a loop hike! Visit in winter for great views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood, or in spring for a stunning wildflower show.
East Bank Ross Lake
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 31.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
You'll enjoy moderate elevation gain and fabulous views on this lakeside trail that stretches more than 30 miles north -- nearly to Canada.
Highlands Loop - Newcastle
Issaquah Alps
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Length
- 2.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 285 feet
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Highest Point
- 583 feet
The Highlands Trail forms a loop around the Highlands neighborhood in the city of Newcastle.
Waterline Trail
Issaquah Alps
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Length
- 0.8 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 153 feet
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Highest Point
- 463 feet
The Waterline Trail is part of the extensive trail network in the city of Newcastle. It connects to the May Valley Trail, passes by Lake Boren Park and ends at Newcastle Way with connections on to various other trails.
Marshall's Hill
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 2.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 550 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,095 feet
A connector trail between Wildside and De Leo Wall trails on Cougar Mountain.
Tolt Pipeline Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 12.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 1,060 feet
-
Highest Point
- 535 feet
Take an urban hike with plenty of up-and-down as you follow the Tolt pipeline easement, a 12-mile corridor with wildflowers, berries, and occasional wildlife on a multi-use trail for equestrians, dog walkers, mountain bikers, joggers, and hikers.
Ravensdale Retreat Natural Area
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 3.25 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 767 feet
The Ravensdale Retreat Natural Area is a 145-acre park in historic Ravensdale, south of the Issaquah Alps. The natural area borders Rock Creek to the south, below Ravensdale Ridge. It's primarily intended for foot traffic, but you may see an occasional equestrian rider. Mountain bikes are discouraged but not disallowed; the nearby Black Diamond Natural Area has trails that are specifically designed with proper tread and pitch on turns for bikes. While there are several trails across the natural area, this entry describes a lollipop loop to catch the highlights.
Old Mine Trail
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 3.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 425 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,150 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.
An infrequently-visited trail off the Carbon River Road, the Old Mine Trail follows a short but steep roadbed to a mineshaft. It's a good outing for kids, if they're willing to make the short push up the steep section.
Green Lake
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 9.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,270 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 Green Lake Trail is a moderately strenuous but relatively short hike to a pocket lake set among a rare high-elevation rain forest. The trail's wide, ambitious grade rewards accordingly for your efforts, ascending through stands of humbling firs, passing a picturesque waterfall, and ending on the shore of a lovely mountain lake.
Carbon Glacier
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 18.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,500 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.
The Carbon Glacier is a dramatic expanse of slow-moving ice beneath the shadow of Mount Rainier’s north face. While the glacier sits at a relatively low elevation, the approach is long due to the additional 5 miles of road that must be walked or biked to reach the trailhead. The trail to reach the glacier is equally as exciting as the scenery along the way, including seasonal foot logs and a suspension bridge over the raging Carbon River.
Fairfax Ghost Town
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 2.35 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 104 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,446 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.
Once a booming coal town, Fairfax Ghost Town is an adventure of exploration and discovery. Expect thick vegetation and undefined trails once you arrive at the town site, so pack a good sense of direction, plenty of time and a thirst for exploration is highly recommended.
Grand Ridge Park - Water Tower Loop
Issaquah Alps
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Length
- 3.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 283 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,175 feet
Perched high on a hill in the Issaquah Highlands, Grand Ridge Park offers hiking opportunities for both residents of the neighborhood and visitors.
Peshastin Mill Trail
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,171 feet
Try this trail for riverside Ponderosas and a low-key walk.
White River Trail - Auburn
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 115 feet
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Highest Point
- 155 feet
The White River Trail in Auburn is a paved, multi-use trail that starts at the East Valley Highway and runs through Roegner Park and Game Farm Wilderness Park before ending at Stuck River Road.
Steamboat Mountain
South Cascades > Mount Adams Area
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Length
- 1.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 625 feet
Enjoy great views of Mount Adams from the site of a former fire lookout tower.
Burke-Gilman Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 20.0 miles, one-way
This trail is a main thoroughfare through Seattle and beyond. It is popular with cyclists, runners and walkers.
Cispus Braille Trail
South Cascades > Dark Divide
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Length
- 0.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 80 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,388 feet
The Trail for The Blind is a level grade trail adjacent to the Cispus Learning Center in foothills of the Cowlitz Valley. It is a part of the Covel Creek Trail System and is designed to allow easier access and highlight natural features in the forest for those who are visually challenged. This is also a great hike smaller children and those with less mobility.
Redmond Watershed Preserve
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 580 feet
Explore 800 acres of wooded area right in Redmond’s backyard.
