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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 Hikes

Summit Lake

Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
 
Length
6.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,300 feet
Highest Point
5,800 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.47
(74 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Summits
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
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
 
Length
5.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
450 feet
Highest Point
705 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.81
(52 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
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
 
Length
2.5 miles of trails
Rating
Average rating:
2.00
(3 votes)
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
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
 
Length
0.53 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
70 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.50
(2 votes)
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
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
 
Length
4.5 miles of trails
Highest Point
360 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(2 votes)
  • Wildlife
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers
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
 
Length
2.75 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
300 feet
Highest Point
130 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.67
(3 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Coast
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
 
Length
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
200 feet
Highest Point
200 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.40
(62 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Coast
  • Good for kids
  • Established campsites
  • Rivers
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
 
Length
0.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
100 feet
Highest Point
100 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(1 vote)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Waterfalls
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
 
Length
6.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
325 feet
Highest Point
380 feet
Rating
Average rating:
0.00
(0 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
  • Dogs allowed on leash
Walk along an old-railroad-track-turned-trail through the city of Bellingham.
 
 

Weowna Park

Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
 
Length
3.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
600 feet
Highest Point
320 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.29
(7 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Wildlife
  • Fall foliage
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
 
Length
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
400 feet
Highest Point
2,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.19
(111 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Rivers
  • Good for kids
  • Waterfalls

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
 
Length
0.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
14 feet
Highest Point
1,614 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(1 vote)
  • Good for kids
  • Waterfalls
This short trail leads to an observation area overlooking the waterfall on the North Fork Nooksack River.
 
 

Wagon Road Trail

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
 
Length
1.9 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
353 feet
Highest Point
2,604 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.67
(6 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Rivers
  • Good for kids
  • Fall foliage
  • Waterfalls

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
 
Length
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,345 feet
Highest Point
3,642 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.09
(66 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Waterfalls
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers

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
 
Length
0.25 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
90 feet
Highest Point
290 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(2 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
A small park tucked into the Crown Hill neighborhood of Ballard.
 
 

Spruce Railroad Trail

Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
 
Length
5.0 miles, one-way
Elevation Gain
250 feet
Highest Point
700 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.87
(39 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
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
 
Length
1.5 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
350 feet
Highest Point
360 feet
Rating
Average rating:
5.00
(1 vote)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
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
 
Length
8.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,000 feet
Highest Point
2,521 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.45
(376 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Waterfalls
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
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
 
Length
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,000 feet
Highest Point
1,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(76 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Waterfalls
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
 
Length
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
50 feet
Highest Point
80 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.00
(1 vote)
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Coast
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
 
Length
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
53 feet
Highest Point
33 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.00
(5 votes)
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Dogs allowed on leash
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
 
Length
1.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
250 feet
Highest Point
1,050 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.91
(23 votes)
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Waterfalls
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
 
Length
1.85 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
292 feet
Highest Point
515 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.36
(14 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Good for kids
  • Rivers
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
 
Length
11.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.75
(8 votes)
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Established campsites
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
 
Length
4.8 miles of trails
Elevation Gain
588 feet
Highest Point
1,790 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.67
(3 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Rivers
This is a lovely urban trail system outside of Spokane and near the Little Spokane River.
 
 

Lake 22

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
 
Length
5.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,350 feet
Highest Point
2,400 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.24
(337 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
  • Waterfalls
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Lakes
  • Rivers
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
 
Length
4.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
325 feet
Highest Point
480 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.07
(28 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Wildlife
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs allowed on leash
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
 
Length
0.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
100 feet
Highest Point
4,650 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.75
(8 votes)
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Rivers
  • Good for kids
  • Waterfalls
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
 
Length
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
375 feet
Highest Point
3,250 feet
Rating
Average rating:
4.33
(3 votes)
  • Established campsites
  • Waterfalls
  • Old growth
  • Good for kids
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Rivers
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
 
Length
0.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
185 feet
Highest Point
5,600 feet
Rating
Average rating:
3.50
(6 votes)
  • Wildflowers/Meadows
  • Mountain views
  • Wildlife
  • Waterfalls
  • Dogs not allowed
  • Good for kids
A good, short destination just outside of the main Paradise visitors area, Myrtle Falls is a beauty.