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
3992 HikesBlack Canyon
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 8.0 miles of trails
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,224 feet
On this hike you’ll experience the renewal of life after a devastating fire as you climb a canyon through bunch grasses, wildflowers and regenerating stands of aspen to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the distant Cascades.
Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,270 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,070 feet
Granite Creek courses through the gorge between Mailbox Peak and Russian Butte. Ascend through the creek’s ravine, immersed in mountain rainforest, alongside whitewater rapids, waterfalls, wildflowers, and mushrooms, while you take in majestic views of the mountains of the Middle Fork valley. Seasonal treats include berries and fall colors.
Oxbow Loop Trail
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 1.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 56 feet
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Highest Point
- 920 feet
Follow a loop trail around Oxbow Lake in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River valley, where solitude intersects with calm lake waters, ever-present river murmurs of the Middle Fork, mountain views, and Snoqualmie rainforest. Depending on the season, fall colors, wildflowers, or fresh berries may be present for your enjoyment.
Nooksack Cirque
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 640 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,840 feet
This unique, low-elevation hike follows the North Fork Nooksack River to spectacular scenery near the base of Mount Shuksan. This is a great late summer or early fall hike when Ruth Creek is low enough to ford. Keep in mind the limited maintenance this trail sees -- you may be in for a brushbash.
Wallace Falls State Park
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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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.
Lake Serene
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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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.
Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 2.2 miles of trails
-
Highest Point
- 1,500 feet
This park is just outside the city of Ellensburg along the Yakima River. The park is a long, narrow parcel that stretches between the river and I-90 with a parking area at both ends.
Beckler Peak
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 7.6 miles, roundtrip
-
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.
Upper Dungeness River
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 6.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,100 feet
The Upper Dungeness River trail is an easy stroll along a roaring river and among towering trees. It’s great for all ages (as long as the trail is snow- and ice-free), and the shelter at Camp Handy is a welcome and dry lunch destination on rainy days.
Teneriffe Falls
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,585 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,370 feet
You'll work up a sweat on this easy to moderate hike to the spectacular Teneriffe Falls. Go in the spring when the tread is snow-free and the waterfall is flowing at full volume. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with views of the surrounding Snoqualmie valley and nearby peaks.
Palouse to Cascades Trail - The Tunnel
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 5.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,100 feet
Washington State has a plethora of amazingly beautiful trails for the avid hiker to tread, but how many take you through an old train tunnel more than two miles long? The Snoqualmie Tunnel is part of the 250-mile Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (formerly the John Wayne Trail and Iron Horse State Park) and this section is a must do for everyone! Views for most of your trip will be determined by the power of your headlamp, but there will be some sights on the other side. The attraction of this hike is the mysterious, dramatic tunnel itself. However, note that the tunnel is closed November 1st through May 1st, so plan your trip accordingly.
Juanita Bay Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 2.0 miles of trails
-
Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
Birdwatchers will delight in the wide variety of winded beasts to see at Juanita Bay Park. The 110-acre urban wildlife habitat area consists of five major plant communities, including wet meadow, marsh, open water and wetland.
Lewis River Falls
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 8.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 450 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,300 feet
Step into the moss-cloaked forest of the Lewis River, where giant cedars, nurse logs, ancient stumps and rushing water abound.
Bandera Mountain
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,240 feet
There are two sides to Bandera Mountain – gentle and well groomed on the one hand, rough and untamed on the other. Together, they make for a very satisfying hike along a rocky ridge to a false summit (Little Bandera) with views impressive enough to dissuade most from completing the final half mile of informal trail to the “real” summit.
Mount St. Helens - Monitor Ridge
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 4,500 feet
-
Highest Point
- 8,365 feet
Permits are required to summit Mount St. Helens. Find details about acquiring them in the hike description.
Mount St. Helens is a peak that should be on every life list. And because it is an active volcano, it is best not to put it off for too long. Climbing to the crater rim is an opportunity to see not only amazing views in every direction, but to see geology raw, unformed and in its making.
Whistler Cutoff
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 6.3 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,320 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,480 feet
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
This trail is an essential link for access to the west and central Pasayten wilderness. It allows hikers to avoid the steepest parts of the Buckskin Ridge Trail and the minimally maintained West Fork Pasayten Trail. Or, it can be part of a multi-day loop trip on any of the four major north-south trails: Pacific Crest Trail, West Fork Pasayten Trail, Buckskin Ridge Trail, and Robinson Creek (Middle Fork Pasayten) Trail.
Silver Lake
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 10.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,950 feet
Trail closed: Buckskin Ridge trail is closed north of Silver Creek to Robinson Creek junction due to wildfire activity
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
There are few places where you start your hike at 7,000 feet without any effort. Spectacular views, a dizzying array of wildflowers and larch groves -- this hike is simply gorgeous and a pure Pasayten experience.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - Hart's Pass to Holman Pass
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 14.4 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,900 feet
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
Stunning section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Starts high and stays high, going from Hart's Pass to Windy Pass to Holman Pass.
Slate Peak
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 0.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,440 feet
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
This is a road hike on Forest Service Road 5400 from the gate to the lookout on top of Slate Peak.
Buckskin Ridge
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 33.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Highest Point
- 7,300 feet
Trail closed: Buckskin Ridge trail is closed north of Silver Creek to Robinson Creek junction due to wildfire activity
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
Alpine lakes, high ridge traverses, wildflower-filled meadows, and a stroll along the Pasayten River await hikers who elect to visit the Buckskin Ridge Trail.
Windy Pass
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 7.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 6,900 feet
Trail closed: The PCT from Windy Pass to the Canadian border is closed due to wildfire
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
Experience a breathtaking section of the PCT packaged into a great dayhike.
West Fork Pasayten River
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 33.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 7,200 feet
Trail closed: Wildfire
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
Hike through alpine meadows and descend into a valley following the West Fork Pasayten River.
Trout Creek
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,420 feet
Hart's Pass road is impassible and the gate is closed until further notice due to scouring and rutting.
This former stock driveway was maintained by sheep herders so they could drive their sheep to the beautiful sloping meadows of grass & flowers above the South Fork Trout Creek. After the 2003 Needle Creek Fire, the maintenance effectively stopped. So, until a significant effort is made to clear the tread, this is a very difficult trail to precisely follow.
North Twentymile Peak
North Cascades > Pasayten
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Length
- 12.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 4,387 feet
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Highest Point
- 7,437 feet
Forest Road 5010 is impassible at the Twentymile Creek ford. See the driving directions for more details on a better route.
On this little used trail, hikers can see history, both natural and man-made. Large sections of the forest are recovering from the 2006 Tripod Complex Fire, and the two lookouts on the summit provide a glimpse of the 1920's and 1940's construction.
War Creek
North Cascades > Methow/Sawtooth
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Length
- 9.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 3,840 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,840 feet
Until further notice, the road to the trailhead is closed at a locked gate and impassible due to debris and washouts.
The War Creek Trail starts out along the Twisp River, just outside the town of Twisp. It is one of the many great options for accessing the northern shores of Lake Chelan from the Twisp River Road. Although this trail officially ends at the ridge overlooking the lake it connects with the Purple Pass Trail, which descends to the shore.
Big Tree Ridge
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 4.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,340 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,430 feet
This is the most direct entry to Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park from Seattle, Issaquah and Bellevue. WTA has done lots of work on Cougar Mountain since 2009, but signage may not be entirely up-to-date.
Little River
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 16.0 miles, roundtrip
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Highest Point
- 5,600 feet
Enjoy this delightful trail in Olympic National Park. You'll climb 8 miles up from a valley and end at the Hurricane Hill Trail.
Birth of a Lake Interpretive Trail
South Cascades > Mount St. Helens
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 0 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,500 feet
This trail is currently inaccessible due to a road closure
A short boardwalk at Coldwater Lake, the Birth of a Lake trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly, and provides interesting information about the creation of this lake thanks to the 1980 eruption.
Wildside Trail-De Leo Wall
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 4.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 489 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,122 feet
A trail closure here between June 5 and 30 will close the section of this trail between Rainbow Town trail and the Marshalls Hill trail. The spur trails leading off Wildside to the Steam Hoist viewpoint/interpretive area will also be inaccessible during the closure.
A moderate, year round loop trail in the Issaquah Alps that is popular with hikers, dog walkers and trail runners. Entering the large parking area at the Red Town trailhead (one of several in this 3,100-acre regional park) it’s hard to imagine that what is today a lush green forest was once a busy coalmine operation. Now all that remains are nearly forgotten place names, a few carefully preserved artifacts and caution signs warning of the hazards of travel off established trails.
Wildside Connector
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 1.4 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 800 feet
A trail closure here between June 5 and 30 will close the section of this trail between Rainbow Town trail and the Marshalls Hill trail. The spur trails leading off Wildside to the Steam Hoist viewpoint/interpretive area will also be inaccessible during the closure.
The Wildside Trail runs through the northwest corner of Cougar Mountain Park and offers many connections to other trails.