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
1785 HikesDeception Pass State Park - North Beach
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 1.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
A wooded hike from the West Beach area of Deception Pass State Park to the North Beach Parking area. Enjoy the numerous side trails to the wonderful beach and rock outcroppings along the way.
Deception Pass State Park - Goose Rock
Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island
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Length
- 4.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 484 feet
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Highest Point
- 484 feet
Deception Pass State Park is one of the most popular Washington state parks and it is easy to see why. There are beautiful beaches, mature woodlands, great views, lakes, and a beautifully built bridge high on rocks above two narrow waterways. This nice trail will take you through all of this.
Anacortes Community Forest Lands - Mount Erie
Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,300 feet
At 1300 feet, Mount Erie marks the high point of Fidalgo Island. While it's accessible via a road, the hike up to the summit is heart-pounding, and makes an excellent outing for the day, or just a few hours.
Admiralty Inlet Natural Area Preserve
Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island
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Length
- 2.3 miles of trails
This nature preserve represents the best of Washington all in one 86-acre parcel on the edge of Whidbey Island.
Green River Natural Area - Potter's Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.32 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 500 feet
The 1,000-acre Green River Natural Area is a wonderful gateway to the middle stretch of the Green River. Composed of steep valley walls and a broad valley floor, the natural area provides trails for hiking and horseback riding as well as access to the most dynamic reach of the Green River in King County.
Castle Rock Riverfront Trail
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 4.3 miles, roundtrip
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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.
Lake Sacajawea
Southwest Washington > Long Beach Area
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Length
- 3.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 191 feet
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Highest Point
- 43 feet
Known as the jewel of Longview, this man-made lake in Southwest Washington is a delightful way to spend a couple of hours. Maple trees blaze red, orange and yellow in autumn, willows provide shade in spring, and the stark skeletons of those trees stand out against grey skies in winter. With various bridges crossing it, it's possible to venture all the way around it, or create smaller loops as needed
Moulton Falls
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 90 feet
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Highest Point
- 570 feet
Moulton Falls Trail is an out-and-back hike along the Lewis River. The trail crosses a picturesque footbridge and then follows the Lewis River with the river to the right and a mossy cliff to the left. The wide hard-surfaced trail is mostly flat, making this a perfect year round hike for people of all ages.
Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach - Dike Trail
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 20 feet
Enjoy a hike or glimpse some native species of bird along the Washougal Dike.
Washougal Waterfront Park Trail - Columbia River Connector Trail
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 2.9 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 30 feet
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Highest Point
- 30 feet
A reclaimed industrial site converted to a showcase park offers trails linking local communities to nature.
Chelatchie Prairie Rail Trail
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 90 feet
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Highest Point
- 500 feet
The Chelatchie Prairie Rail Trail is the initial one-mile section of the planned 33-mile multiuse paved, ADA-accessible trail in Clark County which allows dogs on leashes.
Lewisville Regional Park
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 2.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 150 feet
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Highest Point
- 230 feet
As Clark County's oldest park, Lewisville Regional Park is a delightful place for families to visit and get a shot of history, since the park was developed by The Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression.
Oyster Dome
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,050 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,025 feet
Oyster Dome is a rocky promontory on the western slope of Blanchard Mountain, the grandest member of the Chuckanut Mountain range, an extension of the Cascades that rises directly from the ocean. The sheer cliffs of Oyster Dome offer year-round access to commanding views of the San Juans, Skagit River flats, Olympic Mountains, and Samish Bay.
Burnt Bridge Creek - Middle Section
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 7.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 120 feet
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Highest Point
- 190 feet
The middle section of the Burnt Bridge Creek trail extends from Devine Road to Leverich Park. In this section of the trail, the character becomes more urban and passes close to houses and soccer fields. Nonetheless, the trail passes through some open grassy areas where you may spot a raptor looking for lunch.
Burnt Bridge Creek - Western Section
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 60 feet
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Highest Point
- 190 feet
The western section of the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail follows the creek from Leverich Park to Fruit Valley Road. Stewart Glen is the highlight of this section of the trail.
Burnt Bridge Creek - Stewart Glen Section
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 2.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 548 feet
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Highest Point
- 111 feet
Peaceful is the best way to describe the Stewart Glen portion of the Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway. This hike begins at backwaters on the west end of Stewart Glen and follows the Burnt Bridge Creek upstream though thick woods, grassy bottom lands, and a meadow. You will be immediately immersed in the serenity of nature, making this the perfect break from city life.
Burnt Bridge Creek - Eastern Section
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 20 feet
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Highest Point
- 190 feet
The eastern section of the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail follows the creek from Meadowbrook Marsh to Devine Road. This section of the trail features meadows and wetlands which host a variety of wildlife, including beavers, deer, and assorted birds. The creek flows through willows, cottonwoods, and red osier dogwood. The understory includes wild roses, spirea, and thimbleberry.
Burnt Bridge Creek Greenway Trail
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 8.2 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 190 feet
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Highest Point
- 310 feet
This pleasant Vancouver trail follows Burnt Bridge Creek through a variety of landscapes, including open grasslands, wetlands, and forests. Nature lovers use the trail to watch waterfowl, listen to song birds, and perhaps spot a coyote or deer. The eight-mile greenbelt has multiple access points, allowing this hard-surfaced trail to be conveniently divided into sections.
Vancouver Lake - North Trail
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 2.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 132 feet
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Highest Point
- 54 feet
A gentle meandering barrier-free path leads through a mature cottonwood forest just west of Vancouver Lake. Although you can't see the lake through all the trees, there are other sights and sounds to enjoy along this route. Most notably the vibrant greens of the understory in spring, beautiful fall yellows and quite a few species of birds nearly all year.
Columbia River Renaissance Trail
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 5.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 10 feet
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Highest Point
- 50 feet
Explore the links between the Columbia River and Vancouver’s historic past and vibrant future on this paved accessible trail.
Vancouver Discovery Historic Loop
Southwest Washington > Vancouver Area
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Length
- 2.3 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 115 feet
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Highest Point
- 105 feet
As the oldest non-Native American settlement in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver celebrates its long history more than most Washington cities. Experience many historic and scenic attractions in close proximity on this inviting urban loop.
Cowiche Canyon Preserve
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 20.0 miles of trails
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Highest Point
- 1,844 feet
The Cowiche Canyon Preserve is a small pocket of wildlands near Yakima. It includes both the canyon itself and the canyon’s southerly uplands. There are approximately 20 miles of interconnected trails open to hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular when there is enough snow.
Turtleback Mountain Preserve: Ship Peak Loop
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 860 feet
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Highest Point
- 931 feet
Explore beautiful Turtleback Mountain Preserve and take in of the most breathtaking views on Orcas Island. Ship Peak, is a moderate loop full of views and a summit starting at the south end of the preserve.
Willapa Hills Trail
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 56.5 miles, one-way
The trail is closed between milepost 32 and 33 at trestles 32 and 32.5 west of the Pluvius area due to construction.
Once a railroad, this trail can visitors to travel between the towns of Chehalis and South Bend without having to drive! Do note though, the trail is in varying stages of development, so be sure you are prepared for pavement, gravel, dirt, or detours depending on your route.
Rockport State Park
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 750 feet
The family friendly trails of 670-acre Rockport State Park explore an ancient forest where dappled sunlight illuminates mossy trees and lush ferns — perfect for a springtime stroll.
Olmstead Place Historical State Park
Central Washington > Yakima
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Length
- 1.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 25 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,570 feet
Follow the footsteps of 19th-century homesteaders for a half mile along a scenic creek that connects historic buildings and surrounding nature to our present story.
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.
Griff Creek
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 10.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,800 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,200 feet
The trailhead for Griff Creek is behind the Elwha River washout, meaning hikers must do a short road walk to access this steep but quiet trail.
Smokey Bottom (West Lake Mills)
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 11.04 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,016 feet
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Highest Point
- 686 feet
Formerly a trail that bordered Lake Mills, the Smokey Bottom trail winds through the second-growth forest along the now free-flowing Elwha River.
Glines Canyon Overlook Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 7.15 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 652 feet
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Highest Point
- 802 feet
Formerly a short, two-mile trail, the washout of the Elwha River Road has made this a 7.15 mile roundtrip hike. Luckily, it's most flat road, and you're even allowed to take a bike the whole way, if you don't mind a rough ride.