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
1341 HikesSummit Lake
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 6.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,800 feet
This popular summer trail offers wildflower-filled meadows, a glistening alpine lake, big mountain views and wildlife sighting aplenty.
Cherry Creek Falls
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 450 feet
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Highest Point
- 705 feet
Hike along old logging roads to a 25-foot tall waterfall on Cherry Creek just outside of Duvall. Note that access to this area is part of an agreement with nearby homeowners, and part of the trail is on private land, so please remain on the main path, observe leash laws and keep noise to a minimum as a courtesy to homeowners along trail. There are no toilets at the trailhead. Plan ahead.
Hoodsport Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 2.5 miles of trails
A set of short trails off Highway 119 between Hoodsport and Lake Cushman. With a trailhead kitted out with picnic tables and a restroom, it's a great spot for a picnic, too!
Gorge Lake Overlook
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 0.53 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 70 feet
This very short trail provides astonishing views of nature’s beauty as well as humanity's technological “improvements” upon it. The first section of this loop is paved, allowing an out-and-back for all family members, while the remaining graveled loop section is never steep nor too challenging.
Fairhaven Park and Hundred Acre Wood
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 4.5 miles of trails
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Highest Point
- 360 feet
You don't have to drive far to hike in the forest — start in Fairhaven Park and explore the several miles worth of trail in the Hundred Acre Wood.
Barnum Point
Puget Sound and Islands > Whidbey Island
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Length
- 2.75 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
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Highest Point
- 130 feet
Enjoy a series of easy forest trails in this new Island County park. Descend to the beach at both ends of the bluff. Optionally, tide permitting, hike the entire length of the mile-long beach. Either way, finish your hike on more forest trails.
Shi Shi Beach and Point of the Arches
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 8.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 200 feet
This stunning Olympic coastal hike is one of the more photographed places in Washington for good reason.
Ludlow Falls Interpretive Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 0.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 100 feet
This is a lovely trail year-round. If you don’t live in the area, it makes an excellent quick stop if you’re in the vicinity of the Hood Canal Bridge.
Railroad Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 6.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 325 feet
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Highest Point
- 380 feet
Walk along an old-railroad-track-turned-trail through the city of Bellingham.
Weowna Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 3.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
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Highest Point
- 320 feet
Hike an urban park near Bellevue through extensive old-growth forest (yes, really)! Marvel at the many large conifers and deciduous trees. View a small creek in a steep canyon. Listen for, and perhaps see, abundant bird life. And, in season, note a few wildflowers.
Franklin Falls
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,600 feet
This trail is closed through the summer of 2023 due to trailhead construction.
Hiking with kids, new to hiking, or just looking for an easy day hike with a spectacular endpoint? Look no further then Franklin Falls! At just 2 miles with 400 feet in elevation gain it is the perfect destination for any hiker looking for something easy and beautiful!
Nooksack Falls
North Cascades > Mount Baker Area
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Length
- 0.1 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 14 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,614 feet
This short trail leads to an observation area overlooking the waterfall on the North Fork Nooksack River.
Wagon Road Trail
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 1.9 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 353 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,604 feet
This trail is closed through the summer of 2023 due to trailhead construction.
This comfortable, easy to follow trail winds through intermittent old growth, occasional remnants of the past, and alongside a sometimes babbling and other times a crashing creek. You will follow the original Snoqualmie Pass Wagon Road, and it is possible to connect with the trail to Franklin Falls for a scenic and delightful 2-mile loop.
Denny Creek
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 6.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,345 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,642 feet
Access to this trail via the Denny Creek road is closed through the summer of 2023 due to trailhead construction.
A popular trail, thanks to its gentle, family friendly grade with amazing destinations. The natural water slide area at Denny Creek is a must visit for families! Keekwulee Falls offers a stunning viewpoint that is easily accessible. Snowshoe Falls maybe a bit elusive and more difficult to see from the trail, but is also a beautiful natural wonder.
Sunset Hill Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 0.25 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 90 feet
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Highest Point
- 290 feet
A small park tucked into the Crown Hill neighborhood of Ballard.
Spruce Railroad Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 5.0 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 700 feet
Hop aboard the Spruce Railroad Trail for a scenic and historic hike along the sparkling shores of massive Lake Crescent. With a microclimate of warmer and drier conditions than areas just a few miles away, this trail is a good hiking choice on an overcast afternoon.
Fauntleroy Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.5 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 350 feet
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Highest Point
- 360 feet
Fauntleroy Park, in West Seattle, is a few blocks southeast of the Vashon Island Ferry dock. The park offers some impressively tall trees, both conifers and deciduous trees. There is a good system of short trails, with boardwalks, rustic stairs and viewing platforms. Wildflowers are common in spring, and many wild birds make the park their home.
Lake Serene
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 8.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 2,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,521 feet
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls compete for attention on this 7.2 mile trip. Either would be a worthy destination by themselves and combined they are a great day on the trail.
Bridal Veil Falls
Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,600 feet
A beautiful waterfall flows out of Lake Serene and cascades below the rugged east wall of Mount Index at the end of a trail on the west side of Bridal Veil Creek. Take time to see and enjoy a stunning view of Bridal Veil Falls and climb flights of steps paralleling the falls.
Craft Island
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 50 feet
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Highest Point
- 80 feet
Take a short hike to the best views of the Skagit flats and the bay, as well as the Cascades to the east, the Olympics to the west, and Rainier to the south.
Union Bay Natural Area
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 53 feet
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Highest Point
- 33 feet
Seattle has many pocket parks and natural areas where native species of floral and fauna make their home. The Union Bay Natural Area is one of these wonderful little spots that offers a natural environment within easy reach of many city dwellers.
Murhut Falls
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 1.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 250 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,050 feet
This short trail in the Hood Canal Ranger District on the east side of the Olympics takes hikers to a relatively unknown waterfall that delivers its reward -- a captivating 130-foot plunging waterfall -- in just under a mile.
Ranger Hole - Interrorem Nature Trail
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
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Length
- 1.85 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 292 feet
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Highest Point
- 515 feet
A short hike through history, the Ranger Hole trailhead features a ranger’s cabin built over 100 years ago, a short trail through a re-growing forest, and a walk down to the turquoise waters of the Duckabush River.
Bead Lake
Eastern Washington > Selkirk Range
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Length
- 11.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
Hug the shoreline for a lovely out-and-back trek along the undeveloped side of Bead Lake.
Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve
Eastern Washington > Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
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Length
- 4.8 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 588 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,790 feet
This is a lovely urban trail system outside of Spokane and near the Little Spokane River.
Lake 22
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,350 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,400 feet
The curiously-named Lake 22 is the center of an oasis of alpine wetland nestled on the northern shoulder of Mount Pilchuck. The hike to the lake combines the best of mountain rainforests, old-growth, wetlands, and mountain views, yet it is readily accessible. In winter the route lends itself to snowshoeing.
Evans Creek Preserve
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 325 feet
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Highest Point
- 480 feet
Evans Creek Preserve features a WTA-built trail system in an ecologically diverse enclave. Wetlands, meadows, and hillside forest can be found in this 179-acre farmstead-turned-suburban nature preserve that will thrill both the hiker and the birdwatcher. Not only that, this gem has ADA-accessible trails and is reachable by public transportation.
Narada Falls
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 0.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,650 feet
If you’ve been to Mount Rainier’s Paradise, you may be familiar with Narada Falls, and the short hike down to its popular viewpoint. But are you aware of the other trails this short hike connects to? Do you wonder what ‘Narada’ means? Read on to find out.
Stafford Falls via Deer Creek
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 375 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,250 feet
The hike to Stafford Falls drops steeply from the road, requiring a climb to return to your vehicle. But after 0.4 miles, it follows crystal-clear Chinook Creek as it cascades down a gentle slope, with small plunges, narrow chutes, beautiful blue-green pools, and a 25-foot punch-bowl waterfall. Such beauty and serenity are seldom this easy to get to.
Myrtle Falls
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 185 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,600 feet
A good, short destination just outside of the main Paradise visitors area, Myrtle Falls is a beauty.