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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

4203 Hikes

Glacier Peak Meadows

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
25.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,350 feet
Highest Point
6,450 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: The Mountain Loop Highway is closed at milepost 37.5 (15.5 miles south of Darrington) due to a landslide. This restricts access to FR 49 and this trailhead.

The climb up the North Fork Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail is steep and often buggy, but vast meadows of wildflowers and alpine heaven are the well-earned reward.
 
 

Foam Creek Basin

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
21.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
5,794 feet
Highest Point
6,323 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.24.25: The Mountain Loop Highway is closed at milepost 37.5 (15.5 miles south of Darrington) due to a landslide. This restricts access to FR 49 and this trailhead.

This climber's access trail to Glacier Peak also offers backpackers a delightful morning meander out of White Pass after a very long approach hike.
 
 

Blue Lake High

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
 
Rating
Average rating:
3.50
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views

12.24.25: The Mountain Loop Highway is closed at milepost 37.5 (15.5 miles south of Darrington) due to a landslide. This restricts access to FR 49 and this trailhead.

The Blue Lakes High Route ascends a steep, cairn-dotted trail to a high pass with a beautiful view across to Johnson Mountain and down to a sometimes frozen Blue Lake in a rocky basin below.
 
 

Bald Eagle Mountain

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
 
Length
13.6 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
3,800 feet
Highest Point
5,800 feet
Rating
Average rating:
1.50
(4 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.24.25: The Mountain Loop Highway is closed at milepost 37.5 (15.5 miles south of Darrington) due to a landslide. This restricts access to FR 49 and this trailhead.

Enjoy a peaceful river walk followed by nicely graded switchbacks on the way to Bald Eagle Mountain. Views of Monte Cristo and surrounds will be the reward for your efforts.
 
 

White Pass - Pilot Ridge Loop

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
29.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
7,500 feet
Highest Point
6,360 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.85
(20 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers
  • Summits
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: The Mountain Loop Highway is closed at milepost 37.5 (15.5 miles south of Darrington) due to a landslide. This restricts access to FR 49 and this trailhead.

A loop hike, beginning and ending in the old-growth forests of the North Fork Sauk River that traverses high ridges and passes of the Pacific crest, visits beautiful alpine lakes, and finally follows the high and lonesome Pilot Ridge Trail before descending back down to the trail junction on the North Fork Sauk River.
 
 

Saddle Lake via Meadow Mountain

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
21.0 miles, roundtrip
Rating
Average rating:
4.50
(4 votes)

Tupso Pass Road is washed out 4.8 miles in and is permanently closed past Canyon Creek bridge (8 miles from the trailhead). Vehicles are prohibited past this point but foot and bike traffic is allowed. It is approx. 9 miles to the trailhead from this point.

Saddle Lake is along the route that accesses the Three Fingers Lookout. It requires an 8-mile road walk before the 2.5 miles to get to the lake. There is no camping allowed at this lake.
 
 

Goat Flats

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
25.0 miles, roundtrip
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(6 votes)

Tupso Pass Road is washed out 4.8 miles in and is permanently closed past Canyon Creek bridge (8 miles from the trailhead). Vehicles are prohibited past this point but foot and bike traffic is allowed. It is approx. 9 miles to the trailhead from this point.

Goat Flats is part of the route used to access Three Fingers Lookout.
 
 

Forks of Canyon Creek

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
3.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,400 feet
Highest Point
2,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.67
(3 votes)

Tupso Pass Road is washed out 4.8 miles in and is permanently closed past Canyon Creek bridge (8 miles from the trailhead). Vehicles are prohibited past this point but foot and bike traffic is allowed.

A primitive, difficult to navigate trail switchbacking downhill to the confluence of the forks of Canyon Creek, hence the name. Now situated behind the road closure on the Road 41 system, this trailhead is inaccessible by car.
 
 

Three Fingers

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
15.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,200 feet
Highest Point
6,854 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.60
(20 votes)

Tupso Pass Road is washed out 4.8 miles in and is permanently closed past Canyon Creek bridge (8 miles from the trailhead). Vehicles are prohibited past this point but foot and bike traffic is allowed. It is approx. 9 miles to the trailhead from this point.

A very challenging hike to a lookout in the Mountain Loop Area. Hike a road, then along a trail to gorgeous Goat Flats. From there, the route kicks up in difficulty as it accesses Tin Can Gap. The final push, up ladders rebarred into rock is exposed, and surefootedness is an absolute must at the lookout.
 
 

West Tiger 3

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
 
Length
5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,100 feet
Highest Point
2,525 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.53
(58 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Wildlife
This close-to-the-city wild land trail provides stunning views, great forestlands and ample opportunities to see birds and critters. Of the three peaks on West Tiger, this peak offers the best views, despite being the lowest of the triplets.
 
 

Newhalem Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
800 feet
Highest Point
2,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.33
(3 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

Hike towards the base of Klawatti and Austera Peaks along Newhalem Creek on this unmaintained North Cascades National Park trail. Years of blowdowns and overgrowth make this trail difficult to hike and navigate, but Newhalem Falls and the views of the mountains cannot be beaten. It's a great way to get into the North Cascades in the winter and still avoid the snow.
 
 

Damnation Peak

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Highest Point
5,639 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

The route to Damnation Peak is a Class 3 and involved exposed scrambling. Gear and experience are recommended.
 
 

Linking Trail

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
0.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Highest Point
515 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

This short trail connects the River Loop and The Trail of Cedars in the Newhalem Campground. If you are staying in the campground, this is a great alternative to walking the hot gravel campground road.
 
 

Ladder Creek Falls

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
0.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
359 feet
Highest Point
744 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.40
(5 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Waterfalls

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

Meander along this path to a loud and misty falls near Newhalem which offer a great respite from heat on hot summer afternoons.
 
 

West McMillan Spire via Goodell Creek

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
16.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
9,800 feet
Highest Point
8,000 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

The route to West McMillan Spire is a strenuous Class 3 and involved exposed scrambling. Gear and experience recommended.
 
 

Trail of the Cedars

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
0.3 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Highest Point
515 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.10
(10 votes)
  • Good for kids
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

A short, self guided nature trail near Newhalem. See a wide variety of native plants and animals along this hike that is great for kids.
 
 

To Know a Tree

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Highest Point
480 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

The short hike follows the river around the Newhalem Creek Campground on a mostly-level trail. The signs along the way denote the common trees and plants of the lush understory and tall trees surrounding the trail.
 
 

Skagit River Loop Trail

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
1.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
118 feet
Highest Point
597 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.33
(6 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Old growth
  • Rivers

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

This is a lovely little trail tucked behind the North Cascades Visitor Center outside of Newhalem. Learn about the area by exploring inside the Visitor Center, and then see some of the natural wonders for yourself by wandering down the River Loop Trail to the Skagit River.
 
 

Sterling Munro

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
0.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
0 feet
Highest Point
515 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Good for kids
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

The Sterling Munro Boardwalk is an accessible trail in North Cascades National Park.
 
 

Thornton Lakes and Trappers Peak

North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
 
Length
9.7 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,789 feet
Highest Point
5,832 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.37
(35 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Summits

12.24.25: Highway 20 is closed near Bacon Creek Road (milepost 113; located between Marblemount and Newhalem) until further notice.

Incredible views and beautiful alpine lakes are your reward if you can ascend this steep trail in the North Cascades. At the top, you can choose between taking in sweeping panoramic views of North Cascades National Park and the Pickets Range, or relaxing near the lowest of the Thornton Lakes, both of which make a rewarding destination.
 
 

Larrabee State Park - Rock Trail

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
 
Length
2.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,200 feet
Highest Point
1,820 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.23
(13 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Summits
The Rock Trail is one of WTA's signature projects, built from scratch thanks to WTA’s partnerships with various organizations, including Larrabee State Park and Chuckanut Conservancy. A dedicated group of enthusiastic WTA volunteers worked countless hours here, carving a connector trail out of the steep, rugged hillside from the top of Cleator Road to the South Lost Lake Trail. The Rock Trail provides hikers and trail runners a steep climb, gorgeous views, and a peek at the area's fascinating geology.
 
 

Two Dollar Trail

Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
 
Length
3.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
550 feet
Highest Point
1,100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.60
(5 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Old growth
  • Waterfalls
The Two Dollar Trail is one of three approaches to Fragrance Lake. It is popular with runners, bikers and hikers alike because of its good surface throughout. It traverses a west facing ridge through a forest of cedar, Douglas fir, hemlock, bigleaf maple and red maple with views out to the Salish Sea. The trail wanders through a groundcover of salal, Oregon grape and a variety of ferns and a small waterfall whose configuration changes with the seasons.
 
 

Lake Stuart

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Length
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,665 feet
Highest Point
5,065 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.96
(28 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road. The road is closed to all but local traffic following storm damage.

The Core Zone of the Enchantments may be one of the most popular destinations in Washington state, but those who venture to Lake Stuart may just get the extra-enchanting reward of relative solitude in a high traffic area. Most hikers heading into the Enchantments use the Lake Stuart trailhead, but make for the Core zone via Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass. However, taking the right-hand trail 2.2 miles from the trailhead leads you into an adjacent valley, with a large, shallow lake at the base of the imposing massif of Mount Stuart.
 
 

Lake Edna

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Length
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
5,065 feet
Highest Point
6,766 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.25
(8 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Fall foliage
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road beyond Eightmile Campground. The road is closed to all but local property owners following storm damage.

A small subalpine lake with backcountry campsites that can be accessed from Icicle Ridge Trail, Chatter Creek Trail or Chiwaukum Creek Trail.
 
 

Lake Caroline

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Length
11.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
3,100 feet
Highest Point
6,300 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.78
(9 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Lakes
  • Wildlife

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road beyond Eightmile Campground. The road is closed to all but local property owners following storm damage.

One of the lesser-visited lakes in the Enchantments, Lake Caroline is a hard-earned reward for those seeking a bit of solitude in this immensely popular region.
 
 

Klonaqua Lakes

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Length
10.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
2,700 feet
Highest Point
5,200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.67
(6 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Lakes
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Rivers
  • Waterfalls
  • Wildlife

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road beyond Eightmile Campground. The road is closed to all but local property owners following storm damage.

A handful of high lakes nestled in a forested cirque below Granite Mountain deep within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness
 
 

Jack Ridge

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East
 
Length
3.5 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
1,900 feet
Highest Point
5,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
2.75
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Rivers

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road beyond Eightmile Campground. The road is closed to all but local property owners following storm damage.

A trail to a ridgetop in the Icicle Creek area.
 
 

Jack Pine Trail

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Rating
Average rating:
2.75
(4 votes)

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road beyond Eightmile Campground. The road is closed to all but local property owners following storm damage.

An easy hike along Icicle Gorge.
 
 

Jack Creek

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Length
12.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
5,056 feet
Highest Point
6,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.25
(4 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Established campsites
  • Ridges/passes
  • Rivers

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road beyond Eightmile Campground. The road is closed to all but local property owners following storm damage.

Running like a spine through the Icicle Creek area, the Jack Creek Trail is 12 miles long, running from just outside Leavenworth to the Ingalls Creek valley and the northern border of the Teanway. Along the way, it offers a myriad of hiking options for visitors. Sections of this trail have burned in the past, so the odds of running into downed trees across the trail are high, especially in spring and early summer.
 
 

Icicle Ridge via Fourth of July Creek

Central Cascades > Leavenworth Area
 
Length
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
4,370 feet
Highest Point
7,020 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.62
(21 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Mountain views
  • Ridges/passes
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

12.19.25: Trailheads are inaccessible on Icicle Road beyond Eightmile Campground. The road is closed to all but local property owners following storm damage.

Visit this trail in the springtime and you can expect to see an explosion of wildflower color! At more than 4500 feet in 5.5 miles of trail, the route to the old Icicle Ridge Lookout site is quite an undertaking, but the views and the flowers are truly worth the energy it takes to get up there.