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
144 HikesHeather Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 4.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,034 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,430 feet
After you've explored a few trails with your little one, the Heather Lake trail makes a wonderful next step. It's the perfect place to take children on their first ‘real’ hike. The trail is short, but steep and challenging--it'll give a child a real sense of accomplishment once they reach the lake. The lake itself is a scenic little lake located on the northeastern slope of Mount Pilchuck.
Lake 22
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,350 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,400 feet
The curiously-named Lake 22 is the center of an oasis of alpine wetland nestled on the northern shoulder of Mount Pilchuck. The hike to the lake combines the best of mountain rainforests, old-growth, wetlands, and mountain views, yet it is readily accessible. In winter the route lends itself to snowshoeing.
Monte Cristo Ghost Town
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 700 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,800 feet
Mountain Loop Highway is closed from Deer Creek (milepost 24) to Bedal Creek (milepost 36) for the winter.
Hike to an old mining town by heading up a long-closed road along the South Fork Sauk River. This route largely sticks to the old route taken by miners over a century ago.
Mount Pugh
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 5,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,201 feet
Mount Pugh -- also known by its native name "Da Klagwats" -- has one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the North Cascades, offering a vista that includes Glacier and Sloan Peak, Mounts Baker, Shuksan, and Rainier, the Olympics, Monte Cristo, Three Fingers, and White Chuck. The first fire lookout here was established in 1916; a lowly tent perched on the peak until a cabin with a cupola was built in 1922. This was hit by lightning in 1927 and a second lookout was built, but it was subsequently destroyed in 1965 and never rebuilt. Remains of these structures can still be seen on the mountain, when you can tear yourself away from the view.
Squire Creek Pass via Eight-mile Trail
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,350 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,107 feet
Cascading waterfalls from the numerous streams and the frequent tarns located along the way make this an enjoyable hike. Mountain goats are known to frequent the area. During the late summer, ripe huckleberries can be found at the pass. But it comes at a cost -- a steep scramble on an unmaintained trail.
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 Boardman Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
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.
Bald Mountain via Ashland Lakes
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 20.0 miles, one-way
The Ashland Lakes trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
It used to be possible to traverse from Ashland Lakes to Bald Mountain, Cutthroat Lakes, and the Walt Bailey trail on trail. Now, the way is an overgrown, hard-to-follow bushwhack.
Ashland Lakes
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,000 feet
The Ashland Lakes trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
Hike a trail built mostly of boardwalk planking through peaty bogs beside three quiet little lakes. Established campsites with fire pits, benches and tent platforms await a weekend of camping with the kids. This trail also makes a pleasant weekday hike for those with creaky knees, as it is not difficult. As you hike, enjoy the many plants and animals that make the lowland bog environment home.
Bear Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 75 feet
The Bear Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
If the rugged trek to Pinnacle Lake is too much, but you still want a nice hike to an alpine lake, try Bear Lake. The Pinnacle Lake trail passes Bear Lake, which makes a great destination for new hikers, or those who just want a short stroll.
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
Big Four Ice Caves trail and the road to trailhead will be closed May 15 through June 30 for trail work.
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.
Pinnacle Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 3.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,800 feet
The Pinnacle Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
A short, but rough hike to two small lakes on the eastern slope of Mount Pilchuck. The first, Bear Lake is under a half mile from the trailhead on a good trail. Once on the way to Pinnacle, however, the trail changes to a rocky, rooty, muddy mess, slow going up, and slow coming down. The reward for putting up with this mess of a trail, is a nice quiet little lake ringed by rocks and trees, usually not crowded, even on a sunny Saturday.
Mount Pilchuck
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,327 feet
Road closed: An improvement project on the road accessing Mount Pilchuck has rendered the trail inaccessible until 2024
Despite its intermediate difficulty, hikers flock to Mount Pilchuck for its historic restored fire lookout with grand panoramic views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics.
Mount Pilchuck - Winter
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,000 feet
Road and parking area closed: Road construction on the Mount Pilchuck road has rendered this trail inaccessible until 2024
A popular summer destination, Pilchuck requires more experience with routefinding and snow gear in the winter. Be sure to have both should you venture here when snow or ice are present.
Old Sauk River Trail
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 800 feet
Take a hike within sight and sound of the wild Sauk River--part of the Skagit Wild and Scenic River System established to maintain the free flowing nature of Washington's rivers. You'll wander through a forest of moss-covered maple, cedar and fir, listening for wildlife and the sound of the river.
Old Sauk ADA Loop
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 800 feet
Try this early-season, ADA-accessible hike to enjoy big trees, rushing waters and glimpses of eagles, mergansers and river otters.
Big Four Ice Caves Snowshoe
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,800 feet
Never go into or climb on top of the Ice Caves.
Mountain Loop Highway is closed from Deer Creek (milepost 24) to Bedal Creek (milepost 36) for the winter.
The trail and road to trailhead will be closed May 15 through June 30 for trail work.
While this is a popular location to snowshoe in wintertime, there is high risk in winter from avalanches off the mountain that feeds these caves. Keep to the main trail, and do not venture onto the snowfields at the end of the route.
Gothic Basin
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 9.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,840 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
Mountain Loop Highway is closed from Deer Creek (milepost 24) to Bedal Creek (milepost 36) for the winter.
Rough and tumble is the trail, just like the miners that constructed this path. Though not always easy, the ascent to Gothic Basin, has tremendous rewards. Early on, one simply meanders along side the relentless South Fork of the Sauk. Quickly though this trail will turn to a no-nonsense bee-line to the basin with waterfalls, flowers, and views of the surrounding mountains to keep one distracted. The ultimate rewards come to those who have enough strength to explore the basin after the ascent.
Old Robe Canyon
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 4.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,050 feet
The trail is closed about a mile in due to landslides.
Short, easy trail to the Stillaguamish River and the site of the railroad town of Robe and great views of the Stilliguamish River as it races by. The trail switchbacks through a forest of alder down to a forest of big leaf maple draped with lush mosses, liverwort and licorice fern. The forest floor is thick with fern and colorful salmonberry. Watch the kids! The Stilliguamish runs swift and deep here, especially during periods of high water flow. It is not recommended to continue on to the old railroad tunnels due to trail washout, slope slump and rockfall.
Lime Kiln Trail
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 625 feet
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Highest Point
- 750 feet
Here's an unusual hike through a very mossy forest and along a narrow river canyon, past sites that were important in local history. A railroad once ran along the canyon, passing through small communities. Logging was done in the area, and lime once was produced from limestone here, in a kiln that still stands. The railroad and communities are gone now, and much has disappeared over the past eighty years. But a few artifacts still remain and can be seen near the trail.
Twin Lakes - Monte Cristo
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 17.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,939 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,300 feet
Mountain Loop Highway is closed from Deer Creek (milepost 24) to Bedal Creek (milepost 36) for the winter.
Take a nice long walk up the old Monte Cristo Road grade and stop by the townsite on your way. Rougher terrain begins on entering the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness area, and past Silver Lake, the trail becomes difficult to find. Trek along a steep mountain-side before finally cresting the ridge to look down on Twin Lakes and make the steep descent to the camp sites.
White Chuck Bench
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 360 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,240 feet
Hike a beautiful, flat 2.5 mile walk in the woods along the White Chuck River. The trail has been cleared its entire length thanks to WTA trail crews.
Mallardy Ridge Snowshoe
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,900 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,200 feet
On a clear day, some of the area’s most notable peaks are visible from the crest of Mallardy Ridge, reached by snowshoeing along an easy-to-follow route.
Segelsen Ridge Snowshoe
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,516 feet
Those new to snowshoeing will appreciate the easy access and groomed trails found at Segelsen Creek Sno-Park, along with the mountain views and options for extended exploration.
Perry Creek
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 10.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,250 feet
Mountain Loop Highway is closed from Deer Creek (milepost 24) to Bedal Creek (milepost 36) for the winter.
Perry Creek proves you can have it all in a single hike – old-growth forest, wildflowers, waterfalls, meadows, expansive mountain views, even lakes! Tread lightly, though-due to its unparalleled diversity of native plants, the area between the summits of Stillaguamish Peak, Mount Forgotten, and Mount Dickerman is a research natural area that could (in theory) be closed to all uses but scientific study.
North Fork Sauk River
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 18.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 5,078 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,949 feet
Some trails go to lakes, some to high viewpoints. This trail is all about the forest, and what a forest it is! Old-growth trees reach for the sky on either side of a brush-free trail, since understory is minimal when the big old trees block out the light. Find fantastic mushrooms here in the fall and forest wildflowers in the spring and early summer.
Suiattle River Trail
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 13.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,500 feet
Wildfire: Trail closed
The trail winds its way above the Suiattle River through old-growth forest and some mature forest recovering from an old burn from the 1920’s. The vegetation in the upper Suiattle watershed includes a wonderful mixture of west-of-the-crest/east-of-the-crest species.
Lost Creek Ridge
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 14.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 5,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,700 feet
A rugged trail that offers stunning views and access to several beautiful backcountry lakes.
Lake 22 - Winter
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,440 feet
A great day hike in summer, the route to Lake 22 can be avalanche prone in winter. It's best to wait until the snow is melted on this popular Mountain Loop Highway trail.
Mount Higgins
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 15.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,849 feet
A summit outside of Darrington without an official trail system. The approach is on private property. Hikers are requested to respect this and stay on the road if you elect to visit it.
