Summer Hikes

Long days and less snow in the mountains: for some, summer is the best hiking season. With so many possible destinations, how do you pick where to go? Let us help. These features highlight some of Washington's best locations, and some you may not have heard of, but are definitely worth a visit.

If you don't already have one, create an account with us so you can save hikes you're interested in while you're browsing. We promise you'll find more than one here you'll want to do. And if you're new to this whole hiking thing, we've got a handy Hiking 101 page you'll want to check out.

Hike Like a Pro

Where to Pitch Your Tent | How to Keep Cool | How to Read a Map | A Guide to Washington's Hiking Jargon

10 trails to view glaciers

Some of Washington’s most stunning landscapes were shaped by glaciers. Here are some trails where you can see, appreciate and learn about them. By Joseph Gonzalez and Kacee Saturay

10 Hikes in the Pasayten Wilderness

The vast and remote Pasayten Wilderness stretches across the northern border of our state and encompasses the east-west divide of the Cascades. As the largest Wilderness area in the state, it offers miles of expansive views, 150 peaks, and is home to a huge array of wildlife.

Hike the State 2021

Get inspired for hiking this summer! Discover new-to-you hikes from around the state, hand-picked by the staff of Washington Trails Association.

Summer Lake Hikes Near Snoqualmie Pass (That Aren’t Snow Lake)

The Snow Lake trail is certainly no secret to Washington hikers. According to the Forest Service, it’s hiked more than any other trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. If you're looking for alternatives, luckily, there are plenty of nearby trails that offer the same things hikers love about Snow Lake.

Mount St. Helens Hikes

Mount St. Helens National Monument is a destination that has something for everyone - short hikes and excellent visitor centers for families, moderate hikes with grand views for day hikers, and extremely difficult terrain and true solitude for backcountry enthusiasts.

Barrier-Free Trails

Finding a wheelchair-friendly trail can be challenging, but they are out there! While access for disabled hikers is a need that we're continually working to improve, there are some trails in Washington that allow wheelchair users to enjoy the natural beauty of the state. Here's a sampling.

21 Loop Hikes You Can Do in a Day

Everyone loves a loop hike—each new step leads to you to a new view, meadow, or forest. Luckily, Washington is brimming with loops to explore and we've compiled our favorites here

10 Sea Breeze Hikes for a Hot Day

When the weather gets hot, try refreshing with an ocean-side trek. Here are five hikes to enjoy a sea breeze this summer.

Shaping the Perfect Backpacking Route: From Loop-de-loops to Lollipops

Backpacking routes come in many shapes and sizes. This guide lays out a few general shapes that can help you plan your next trip and dream of even greater possibilities.

Backpacking trips on WTA-improved trails

Visit a remote trail that WTA's volunteer vacation and backcountry response teams have improved for hikers.

Essential Washington: 20 Must-Do Hikes

Whether you've just moved to Washington state or you just want to show off Washington's stellar hiking trails to your out-of-state visitors, this list of hikes shows off some of Washington's best trail diversity.

Tunes and Trails: Festival Hikes Around the State

In Washington, music festivals feature gorgeous landscapes as the backdrop to weekends packed full of music. Many of the venues that host these festivals have lots of hiking nearby. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic means these festivals are on pause.