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
120 HikesLake Serene
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,521 feet
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls compete for attention on this 7.2 mile trip. Either would be a worthy destination by themselves and combined they are a great day on the trail.
Beckler Peak
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 7.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,240 feet
-
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.
North Fork Skykomish River
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,000 feet
The road to the trailhead is washed out 4.5 miles from the trailhead.
This hike is a tree hugger's paradise. Huge old growth Douglas firs and hemlocks soar into the sky from a lush green forest floor dotted with woodland flowers. The trail gently ascends only 700 feet in the first four miles, and the slope you hike up is laced by many clear flowing streams bridged by old puncheons.
Quartz Creek
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 8.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,000 feet
The road to the trailhead is washed out 4 miles from the trailhead.
Hike through shady forest, accompanied by the sound of Quartz Creek, little waterfalls, wildflowers and interesting things to see (and eat) on this trail.
Pass Creek
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,250 feet
The road to the trailhead is washed out 4.5 miles from the trailhead.
Pass Creek is an easy access point to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and provides opportunities for longer loop hikes open to stock when conditions permit.
West Cady Ridge to Benchmark Mountain
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 14.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,700 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,816 feet
The road to the trailhead is washed out 4.5 miles from the trailhead.
Climb through rich, old growth forest to miles of some of the finest ridge walking available in Washington, where alpine meadows and jaw-dropping views abound.
Blanca Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,600 feet
The road to the trailhead is washed out 2 miles from the trailhead.
Visit one of the most striking lakes in the Henry M. Jackson wilderness. The vibrant blue of the glacier-fed lake provides the perfect rest stop for hikers who have braved the thirty-odd, steep switchbacks that lead to the lake.
Wallace Falls State Park
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,500 feet
An accessible hike for seasoned veterans and neophytes alike, Wallace Falls provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Wallace River and the surrounding falls on a relatively low difficulty, scenic 5.6 mile round-trip. Although well attended and often busy, the trail stands as a true showcase of the diversity and majestic beauty that the Central Cascades can offer to hikers who journey into the heart of this sublime mountain range.
Cherry Creek Falls
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 450 feet
-
Highest Point
- 705 feet
Hike along old logging roads to a 25-foot tall waterfall on Cherry Creek just outside of Duvall. Note that access to this area is part of an agreement with nearby homeowners, and part of the trail is on private land, so please remain on the main path, observe leash laws and keep noise to a minimum as a courtesy to homeowners along trail. There are no toilets at the trailhead. Plan ahead.
Mount Persis
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,658 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,464 feet
A hefty workout, spectacular views, and very little company await you on this summit. Please note access to this trail is via private property. A recreational permit from Hampton Resources, a forest products company, is required.
Bridal Veil Falls
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,600 feet
A beautiful waterfall flows out of Lake Serene and cascades below the rugged east wall of Mount Index at the end of a trail on the west side of Bridal Veil Creek. Take time to see and enjoy a stunning view of Bridal Veil Falls and climb flights of steps paralleling the falls.
Iron Goat Trail - Winter Route
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
WTA does not recommend winter use on the Iron Goat Trail due to avalanche danger and lack of parking. The Iron Goat Scenic Interpretive Site is also closed in winter.
Deception Pass
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 28.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,500 feet
Accessible from Highway 2, I-90, or the iconic Pacific Crest Trail, Deception Pass is a gateway to alpine lakes, stunning mountain views or, if you're a thru-hiker, Mexico or Canada.
Sultan River Canyon Trail
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,700 feet
If you don’t mind descending first, then ascending later, the Sultan River Canyon trail is a nice alternative for the shoulder season when snow is still too deep in the mountains. Drop to the sparkling Sultan River, then climb back up on nicely graded switchbacks in the shade.
Heybrook Lookout
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 2.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 850 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,700 feet
Heybrook Lookout is a short and moderately steep hike through a fern and moss covered forest to a fun, staircase-ridden lookout with great views of the nearby mountains. If you are introducing someone to hiking, limited on time, or trying to add on another hike or activity in the area, this is the hike for you.
Wallace Falls - Lake Loop
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,544 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,844 feet
This fine loop trail gives you scenery, mileage, and some elevation gain, with the bonus of being hikeable year-round. Start by wandering along the Wallace River as it tumbles down from the famous falls. Get your pictures of the falls, then continue your hike by including the large forested Wallace Lake. Return through a green shag carpet of moss, sword ferns and hemlock, following the North Fork Wallace River as it rushes to meet the main Wallace River and your return trail.
Wallace Falls State Park - Jay Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 12.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,600 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,840 feet
Not so scenic but plenty peaceful, Jay Lake is one of a small handful of backcountry camping areas in a state park. Just be sure to get a permit before you head out!
Heybrook Ridge
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 3.3 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 775 feet
-
Highest Point
- 1,327 feet
The Leovy Trail, a testament to community land conservation, is a moderate ascent through second-growth Cascade rainforest to the summit of Heybrook Ridge. At the top, take in stunning views of Mount Index, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Skykomish Valley.
West Fork Foss River and Lakes
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 14.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,900 feet
Visit any of several beautiful alpine lakes, in rocky basins. The day can be as easy as a 3.6 roundtrip hike to Trout Lake, or as strenuous as the nearly 15-mile hike to Big Heart Lake as you like. Good options exist both for day-hikers and for backpackers.
Wallace Falls State Park - Greg Ball Trail to Wallace Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,500 feet
The Greg Ball Trail is a trail envisioned by and honoring one of the greatest trail advocates this state has ever had. Ball was a former board member and director of the WTA. In 1993 he launched the organization’s volunteer trail maintenance program which has since grown into the largest state-based program of its kind. He designed this trail to Wallace Lake and it was finished in his memory by volunteers from WTA and through support from the Spring Trail Trust.
Evans Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,700 feet
While Evans Lake may be less well-known than many of the other lakes nestled within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, it nevertheless offers a pleasant backcountry experience.
East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 18.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,000 feet
The Necklace Valley makes a wonderful 2-3 night backpack trip for hearty hikers, and rewards with cool alpine lakes to swim and fish in, or just camp beside. Or take a day trip along the East Fork Foss River admire the amazing second-growth tree canopy.
Tunnel Creek
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 1.6 miles, one-way
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 4,400 feet
Hike a steep trail to some high alpine lakes south of Highway 2.
Iron Goat Trail
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 700 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,800 feet
Take a hike through railroad history. The old tunnels, rusting relics, cement snow sheds and the big red caboose should appeal to kids of all ages, and the complex history of the railroad and those who built it, as well as the avalanche that wiped everything away will appeal to history buffs.
Deception Creek
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,150 feet
Everything that makes a river hike fun is here, cool bridges, waterfalls, big trees, lots of dripping moss, and mushrooms.
Barclay Lake
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,423 feet
Wildfire: trail closed
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.
Tonga Ridge Snowshoe
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,100 feet
The route up Tonga Ridge is not clearly marked for winter travel. Visitors to this area should have a route planned, a map, snow travel and avalanche travel skills.
Deception Creek Cutoff
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 0.6 miles, one-way
-
Elevation Gain
- 480 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,646 feet
This short connector trail goes to Deception and Fisher creeks, which lead to Deception Lakes, the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and Deception Pass. The trailhead also provides alternative access to other area highlights such as Tonga Ridge and Fisher Lake.
Deception Lakes
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 9.85 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,630 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,090 feet
This group of small lakes in the Alpine Wilderness sits along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) between Mac Peak and Surprise Mountain. It's a great rest stop for a multi-day backpacking trip along the PCT, a campsite for an overnight trip, or even a destination for a long day hike.
Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
-
Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 5,495 feet
An up and down meandering trail that leads through open forest, wildflower meadows and a side trip to some fantastic views. The road up does most of the work, so the climb is not too long, and can be easily done by most hikers.
