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 treaty 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
3897 Hikes
North Fork Loop
South Cascades -- White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 1800.0 ft.
Rating:
Visitors to the North Fork Loop Trail will see several different forests and enjoy views of the lush Cispus Valley. The trail is adjacent to the North Fork of the Cispus River, and departs from the North Fork campground, making it a great option for people staying there.
Grove of the Patriarchs Loop
Mount Rainier Area -- SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
1.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 50 ft.
Highest Point: 2200.0 ft.
Rating:
Some of the biggest, oldest trees in the Washington Cascades stand tall in the Grove of the Patriarchs. These silent old men of moss tower overhead, with a few lying down to show us just how massive the trunks really are. The Grove resides in a low, boggy area across the Ohanapecosh River, so you'll need to cross a sweet little suspension bridge to get there, offering you a chance to enjoy a bit of adventure on this simple little trail. Youngsters typically love the bridge, and kids of all ages marvel at the massive trees.
Teanaway Peak/Gene's Peak
Snoqualmie Region -- Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
Highest Point: 6779.0 ft.
Rating:
Great views of the entire Stuart Range on this scramble via the Beverly Turnpike trail.
Preston Trail
Issaquah Alps -- Tiger Mountain
5.0 miles, roundtrip
Rating:
Temporary closure: Effective on Tuesday July 6 2021 portions of this trail and others that access privately owned forest lands surrounding the summits of West Tiger Mountain will be temporarily closed until further notice while road work and timber harvesting occur. For your safety please respect the closure area.
Hike from a transmission line on the north side of Tiger Mountain to various trails on the mountain.
Lake Ann
Snoqualmie Region -- Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
8.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2200 ft.
Highest Point: 6500.0 ft.
Rating:
Discover a pleasant alpine lake alternative to nearby, crowded Lake Ingalls. Tranquil Lake Ann can't boast the same dramatic view of jagged Mount Stuart, but it has its fair share of scenery, especially during fall when the larches around it turn to gold.
West Defiance - Putrid Pete's Peak
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
5.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3020 ft.
Highest Point: 5220.0 ft.
Rating:
Hike through forest, then up steep, open slopes to a magnificent ridge top.
Grand Ridge Park
Issaquah Alps
7.0 miles of trails
Gain: 1100 ft.
Rating:
Grand Ridge Park includes 7 miles of WTA-built trail through western red cedar trees, sword ferns, nettles, berries and, at times, slugs. This trail is a little piece of the backcountry close to Seattle and is open to hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.
Beacon Rock State Park - Beacon Rock
Southwest Washington -- Columbia River Gorge - WA
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 600 ft.
Highest Point: 848.0 ft.
Rating:
9/12/21: Beacon Rock Trail is closed until further notice due to bridge damage.
Beacon Rock's native name is "Che-Che-op-tin," which translates to "the navel of the world." Native Americans weren't far off in their comparison, since the 848-foot basalt column once formed the core, or belly, of an ancient volcano.
Rattlesnake Mountain
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
10.5 miles, one-way
Gain: 2520 ft.
Highest Point: 3500.0 ft.
Rating:
If you've hiked to Rattlesnake Ledges and beyond from Rattlesnake Lake, this is a delightful alternative. Thanks to the handiwork of various groups in the outdoor community, hikers can now reach Rattlesnake Mountain from the west, starting from a trailhead at Snoqualmie Point.
Kaleetan Peak
Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie Pass
12.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 4500 ft.
Highest Point: 6224.0 ft.
Rating:
A peak near Melakwa Lake on the north side of I-90. Climbing experience and route finding necessary to gain the summit.
Tuck and Robin Lakes
Snoqualmie Region -- Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
16.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2900 ft.
Highest Point: 6300.0 ft.
Rating:
A beautiful granite basin housing two sparkling lakes and big views. Explorations abound with nearly a dozen lakes to look down upon or explore around.
Tonga Ridge / Mount Sawyer
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - West
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1200 ft.
Highest Point: 5495.0 ft.
Rating:
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.
Pipestone Canyon Rim Trail
North Cascades -- Methow/Sawtooth
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1700 ft.
Rating:
Explore a scenic and incredibly varied landscape near Winthrop where you are almost certainly guaranteed to see some of the region’s abundant wildlife.
Quinault Rainforest Nature Loop
Olympic Peninsula -- Pacific Coast
0.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 40 ft.
Rating:
Do a short interpretive loop that passes a crashing creek as it heads to the ocean, gaze up at dizzyingly tall trees, and soak it all in – literally. The Quinault rainforest can average 140 inches of rain each year, so bring your gear – there will be plenty of puddles to splash in on this hike!
Big Creek
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
4.3 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 850 ft.
Highest Point: 1850.0 ft.
Rating:
This low-key loop in the shadow of Mount Ellinor makes for a great respite on a hot summer day or a low-country winter ramble when it's rainy.
Mount Si - Old Trail
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
7.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3420 ft.
Highest Point: 3980.0 ft.
Rating:
The “old” trail that ascends Mount Si’s western flank offers a shorter, steeper, slightly more scenic, and if one dare say it — less crowded — route to the summit, where you can rejoin the rest of the people who flock to one of Snoqualmie Pass’s most popular hiking destinations.
Rock Creek - Red Pass Loop
Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie Pass
17.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 5600 ft.
Highest Point: 5400.0 ft.
Rating:
This is a long distance day hike that includes unmaintained trails. You should be an experienced route finder willing to hike trails less traveled, and prepared for a lonely hike. You may need crampons and ice axe.
Round Mountain
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
3.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1700 ft.
Highest Point: 5700.0 ft.
Rating:
The hike to Round Mountain is a good one for those looking for a shorter hike than heading all the way to Alpine Lookout. The views aren't quite as good, but you'll still enjoy a good workout and a classic central Washington ridge walk.
Lodge Lake
Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie Pass
3.75 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 950 ft.
Highest Point: 3500.0 ft.
Rating:
Snoqualmie Pass grows ever more developed each year. Condos go up left and right, the ski area plans new ski lifts (or replacements for existing chairs), and hotels pop up east and west. But even with the development, these are still mountains and there is still stunning mountain scenery to enjoy, even on the fringes of the developed areas. Lodge Lake stands as proof.
Mirror and Cottonwood Lakes
Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie Pass
2.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 870 ft.
Highest Point: 4200.0 ft.
Rating:
Nestled in a quiet basin only a stone’s throw from Snoqualmie Pass, pristine Mirror Lake is a destination to be enjoyed by the whole family. Rarely can you find such lovely sites with so little effort, but here, a short trek will take you through forests, across delicate streams, and past brightly colored wildflowers. Humming with butterflies, birds, bees, and babbling streams, this trail is not to be missed.
The Enchantments
Central Cascades -- Leavenworth Area
18.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 4500 ft.
Highest Point: 7800.0 ft.
Rating:
Parking Restriction on Road 7601: Parking allowed at trailheads and only on the right side of Road 7601 between Eightmile Lake and Stuart Lake trailheads. Parking anywhere else along Road 7601 is not allowed.
The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives.
Cape Disappointment State Park - North Head Trail
Southwest Washington -- Long Beach Area
1.8 miles, one-way
Gain: 420 ft.
Highest Point: 200.0 ft.
Rating:
For years, WTA has been coming to Cape Disappointment to work on trails in this area, including this trail, which leads hikers from the iconic North Head lighthouse down to the road that accesses the camping area and beaches at the south end of the park.
Willapa National Wildlife Refuge - Leadbetter Point
Southwest Washington -- Long Beach Area
10.6 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 50 ft.
Highest Point: 35.0 ft.
Rating:
Enjoy a flat, sandy stroll to the mouth of Willapa Bay on the Long Beach Peninsula.
Big Four Ice Caves
North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
2.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 220 ft.
Highest Point: 1938.0 ft.
Rating:
Trail closed: The bridge over the Stillaguamish River has been removed for repairs rendering the Big Four Ice Caves inaccessible
Never go into or climb on top of the Ice Caves
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.
Rattlesnake Ledge
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1160 ft.
Highest Point: 2078.0 ft.
Rating:
This is a fine hike on a well maintained, albeit busy trail through a cool forest with views of the Cedar River watershed, Mount Si, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Lake and Chester Morse Lake.
Upper Dungeness River
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
6.8 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 600 ft.
Highest Point: 3100.0 ft.
Rating:
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.
Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
8.8 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2270 ft.
Highest Point: 3070.0 ft.
Rating:
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.
Hannegan Pass and Peak
North Cascades -- Mount Baker Area
10.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3100 ft.
Highest Point: 6200.0 ft.
Rating:
The wide-open trail to Hannegan Pass and Hannegan Peak offers spectacular mountain views, glorious alpine wildflowers, waterfalls and glaciers. Choose to hike to 5050 foot Hannegan Pass (about 8 miles roundtrip) or press on to the 6200 foot summit of Hannegan Peak -- 10.6 miles roundtrip.
No Name Ridge - Thorp Mountain
Snoqualmie Region -- Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1000 ft.
Highest Point: 5854.0 ft.
Rating:
With wide open views at the top, Thorp Mountain is a worthwhile destination, even if the steep ascent to the peak might seem challenging.
Annette Lake
Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie Pass
7.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1800 ft.
Highest Point: 3600.0 ft.
Rating:
Waterfalls, wildflowers, sheltering forests, mountain views and an alpine lake are offered on this well-maintained trail. At the lake, enjoy the sights and relax for a while. If you backpacked in, stay at the campsites for a sunrise and sunset on the lake.