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
3991 HikesWallace 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.
Beacon Rock State Park - Hamilton Mountain
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA
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Length
- 7.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,400 feet
This hike is full of the best things the Columbia Gorge has to offer: easy access and parking, well-maintained trail, wildflowers galore, two waterfalls, and views to knock off your sweaty socks. It’s a long journey at about 7.5 miles, and steep in places, but nothing a healthy dog, child or senior citizen can’t do. You’ll meet all of these smiling folks on this hike during the peak seasons.
Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge - Dungeness Spit
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 130 feet
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Highest Point
- 130 feet
This narrow strip of land just east of Port Angeles in the Strait of Juan de Fuca is a gorgeous place to explore miles upon miles of sandy beach, spy shorebirds wheeling, and even get a little shot of greenery at the beginning and end of your trip. But remember, while the beach is usually a good place for dogs to get some exercise, this particular one is closed to pups, since it’s a National Wildlife Refuge.
Mount Finlayson
Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands
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Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 408 feet
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Highest Point
- 290 feet
With expansive views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca contrasting with deep forest lagoons, the Mount Finlayson loop features the variety of ecosystems that San Juan Island offers in an easy and scenic trail. Options for shorter or longer routes make this a suitable destination for hikers of all ages.
Quillayute River Slough
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 1.8 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 60 feet
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Highest Point
- 50 feet
Experience a quiet woodland walk while camping at one of Olympic National Park's many campgrounds. Add it on to a day of exploration on the coast, or simply meditate in the cool forest with your morning coffee before heading out for the day.
Boulder River
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 8.6 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 700 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,550 feet
The Boulder River trail is a nice hike that can be done any time of year. Come in winter while the rain is dripping off the mossy trees, photograph the waterfalls filled with spring snowmelt. Take the kids out for a little picnic in the summer, or leaf collecting in the fall. Come anytime midweek for quiet contemplation.
Middle Tiger
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,127 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,607 feet
Be aware of temporary intermittent closures of the trail through Fall 2024.
A short trail on Tiger Mountain that makes up some of the Tiger Mountain Trail thru-hike.
Hobart - Middle Tiger Railroad Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 10.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,550 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,180 feet
Be aware of temporary intermittent closures of the trail through Fall 2024.
Hike the routes of two former logging railroads (the Iverson and the Hobart - Middle Tiger) to reach a remote section of Fifteenmile Creek. Follow a short, steep trail to connect with the Tiger Mountain Trail (TMT.) Return via the TMT and, on the way, look in on the site of a 1925 logging train wreck.
Tiger Mountain Trail
Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
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Length
- 15.2 miles, one-way
-
Elevation Gain
- 2,360 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,500 feet
Be aware of temporary intermittent closures of the trail through Fall 2024.
Do a thru-hike on the main Tiger Mountain Trail, also known as the TMT. Arrange a car shuttle and start at the southern end. Hike north more than fifteen miles over varied terrain and through different types of forest vegetation. Pass a large glacial erratic boulder, and visit some of the most remote places in the Tigers.
Mink Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,450 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,100 feet
The forest to Mink Lake is beautiful, packed full of Queen's Cup, lilies and bunchberry flowers in bloom. Depending on the season, you may see Western Coralroot orchids and Indian Pipe, or Beargrass, Anenomes and violets around the lake.
Golden Gardens Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 300 feet
Seattle's Golden Gardens Park is best known for its wide sandy beach; on summer weekends, the large parking lot may be full and the beach crowded. Less well-known is the extensive trail system on the steep slopes east of the railroad tracks, constructed as a WPA project in the 1930s, with wide trails and stone staircases. Today, some of the stonework shows signs of age but the main trails still are well-maintained and in good condition.
Lookout Mountain Lookout
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 9.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 4,500 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,719 feet
To get panoramic views of the North Cascades without fighting the crowds at Cascade Pass or Hidden Lake Lookout, look no further than Lookout Mountain, an arduous climb that often gets overlooked by hikers heading to North Cascades National Park. From the fire lookout on the summit, enjoy 360-degree views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and a panoply of other North Cascades giants.
Hidden Lake Lookout
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,900 feet
The Hidden Lake trail is one of the crown jewels of hiking in Washington State. No other trail offers so much as Hidden Lake Lookout: forest, wildflowers, a true alpine environment of stark granite well above treeline, breathtaking summit views of the heart of North Cascades National Park, and a fire lookout with a sweeping history almost as big as the mountainous landscape it gazes over.
Saint Edward State Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
-
Highest Point
- 400 feet
Hike through a diverse century-old second-growth forest with a dense canopy to the undeveloped shoreline of Lake Washington. This historic 316-acre state park, nestled in the midst of the Seattle metropolitan area, has playground facilities for children, picnic areas, trails for mountain bikers and fields for sports teams as well.
Coal Creek Trail
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 550 feet
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Highest Point
- 600 feet
Rich in historical artifacts, lush foliage, wooden bridges, and waterfalls, the well-groomed and well-traveled Coal Creek Trail is a satisfying hike for families, trail runners, history buffs, and avid hikers.
Enchanted Valley via East Fork Quinault River
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 27.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,700 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,035 feet
The East Fork Quinault River Trail is one of the most popular trails on the south portion of the park and hundreds of hikers visit Enchanted Valley to take in the tremendous views and see the famed chalet each year.
Boardman Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,050 feet
The Boardman Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
The trail to Boardman Lake is one of the most accessible hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway, offering old-growth forest and a two-for-one lakeside opportunity. If you are willing to hike a mile or so in with marginal elevation gain, you can find yourself marveling at peaceful azure waters deep in the verdant backcountry of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Mount Peak (Pinnacle Peak)
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 1.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,800 feet
There are many names for this short little hike. Mount Pete, Mount Peak, Pinnacle Peak Park, Cal Magnusson Trail.
Bald Mountain via Ashland Lakes
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 20.0 miles, one-way
The Ashland Lakes trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
It used to be possible to traverse from Ashland Lakes to Bald Mountain, Cutthroat Lakes, and the Walt Bailey trail on trail. Now, the way is an overgrown, hard-to-follow bushwhack.
Ashland Lakes
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,000 feet
The Ashland Lakes trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
Hike a trail built mostly of boardwalk planking through peaty bogs beside three quiet little lakes. Established campsites with fire pits, benches and tent platforms await a weekend of camping with the kids. This trail also makes a pleasant weekday hike for those with creaky knees, as it is not difficult. As you hike, enjoy the many plants and animals that make the lowland bog environment home.
Bear Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 75 feet
The Bear Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
If the rugged trek to Pinnacle Lake is too much, but you still want a nice hike to an alpine lake, try Bear Lake. The Pinnacle Lake trail passes Bear Lake, which makes a great destination for new hikers, or those who just want a short stroll.
Saddle Rock
Central Washington > Wenatchee
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Length
- 3.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 920 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,000 feet
This is an excellent location to get some conditioning in during the winter months, or to stretch legs after a long day behind a desk. Please respect trail closures for rehabilitation.
Lena Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 7.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,000 feet
The hike to Lena Lake is doable for nearly every type of hiker, and the traffic on the trail is evidence of it. A wide path switchbacks gently at first and then just a little more steeply uphill through old- and second-growth forest to a large lake ringed by silent sentinels--huge old-growth fir trees that keep watch over day hikers and campers who elect to stay overnight at this wilderness refuge.
Horseshoe Ridge
Southwest Washington > Lewis River Region
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Length
- 18.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,460 feet
South of Mt. St. Helens near Amboy, the Horseshoe Ridge Trail (#140) is an aptly named 7.3 mile trek off of well-traveled Siouxon Creek. Once easily accessed a mile from West Creek, attempts from the relocated main trailhead entail an 18.1 mile round trip.
Rye Creek to Camp Lake Snowshoe
Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
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Length
- 5.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,750 feet
This snowshoe route follows snow-covered forest roads to Camp Lake in the Teanaway Community Forest.
Big Four Ice Caves
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 220 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,938 feet
Big Four Ice Caves trail and the road to trailhead will be closed May 15 through June 30 for trail work.
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.
Pinnacle Lake
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 3.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,200 feet
-
Highest Point
- 3,800 feet
The Pinnacle Lake trail and road to trailhead are closed for a road improvement project. Tentative reopening in July.
A short, but rough hike to two small lakes on the eastern slope of Mount Pilchuck. The first, Bear Lake is under a half mile from the trailhead on a good trail. Once on the way to Pinnacle, however, the trail changes to a rocky, rooty, muddy mess, slow going up, and slow coming down. The reward for putting up with this mess of a trail, is a nice quiet little lake ringed by rocks and trees, usually not crowded, even on a sunny Saturday.
Mount Pilchuck
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,327 feet
Road closed: An improvement project on the road accessing Mount Pilchuck has rendered the trail inaccessible until 2024
Despite its intermediate difficulty, hikers flock to Mount Pilchuck for its historic restored fire lookout with grand panoramic views of Mount Baker, Mount Rainier and the Olympics.
Mount Pilchuck - Winter
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 11.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,600 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,000 feet
Road and parking area closed: Road construction on the Mount Pilchuck road has rendered this trail inaccessible until 2024
A popular summer destination, Pilchuck requires more experience with routefinding and snow gear in the winter. Be sure to have both should you venture here when snow or ice are present.
Chenuis Falls
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,200 feet
A long walk (or short mountain bike ride!) leads to a rolling falls that feeds into the rushing Carbon River.