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 HikesHobart - 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.
Mink Lake
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 5.2 miles, roundtrip
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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
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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.
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
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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
-
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.
Ashland Lakes
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 5.4 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 800 feet
-
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
-
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.
Big Four Ice Caves
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
-
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.
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.
North Creek Park Boardwalk
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.8 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 51 feet
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Highest Point
- 243 feet
This watershed hike offers water crossings, swaying bridges, beautiful views close to Bothell, and birds galore!
Schmitz Preserve Park
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 1.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 220 feet
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Highest Point
- 325 feet
This park, in the middle of West Seattle, has 1.7 miles of hiking trails in a natural forest setting, and offers the opportunity to see old growth conifers that once were common in Puget Sound forests.
Hall of Mosses
Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
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Highest Point
- 600 feet
A short rainforest loop from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center in Olympic National Park.
Lodge Lake
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
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Length
- 3.75 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 950 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,500 feet
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.
Japanese Gulch
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 4.0 miles of trails
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Elevation Gain
- 174 feet
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Highest Point
- 363 feet
Lots of access points to this network of trails right in the heart of Mukilteo makes for great hiking for all ages.
Skookum Flats
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 7.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 300 feet
-
Highest Point
- 2,550 feet
Choose between a shorter or longer river walk through old-growth forest to a 250-foot cascading waterfall.
Twin Falls
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 2.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,000 feet
Visit a trio (yes, trio) of waterfalls just off I-90 on this sure-to-please short trail, perfect for families.
Coal Mines Trail
Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area
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Length
- 5.5 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 453 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,375 feet
The Coal Mines trail is a mellow hike from Cle Elum, through Roslyn and on to Ronald with views of many different coal mining remains. This trail is great for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and running.
Mima Mounds
Olympic Peninsula > Olympia
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Length
- 2.75 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 10 feet
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Highest Point
- 225 feet
These mysterious mounds inspire imagination and speculation among visitors. With a half-mile ADA accessible path and another two miles of more rugged wandering, the Mima Mounds are a great destination for many hikers.
Little Mashel Falls - Pack Forest
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,100 feet
Three waterfalls, multiple viewing areas, and two different trailheads provide great choices for an excursion to Little Mashel Falls. The tallest waterfall plunges over 90 feet.
Garfield Ledges
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 830 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,860 feet
Built with the help of Washington Trails Association and Mountains to Sound Greenway crews, the trail to Garfield Ledges will offer visitors expansive views of the Middle Fork valley and a short but steep workout.
Gold Mountain
Olympic Peninsula > Kitsap Peninsula
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 1,087 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,687 feet
Gold Mountain is a beautiful hike from the Gold Creek Trailhead up a logging road and across country. With spectacular views of the Hood Canal and the Olympics to the west, as well as Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and Bremerton to the east, this is a definitely a half day hike you must experience.
Lake Whatcom Park - Hertz Trail
Puget Sound and Islands > Bellingham Area
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Length
- 6.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 100 feet
Enjoy lakeside views and the surrounding hills plus waterfalls and giant old Douglas-fir trees from an old railroad grade of the Bellingham Bay & Eastern Railway that borders the southeast shore of Lake Whatcom.
Heart O' the Forest
Olympic Peninsula > Northern Coast
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Length
- 4.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,900 feet
Heart O' the Forest campground and trail will be closed through June 2023.
This trail is a really nice accompaniment to your morning coffee, but bring a thermos -- it's long enough that the coffee might get cold by the time you reach the end!
Lake Ann (Rainy Pass)
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 3.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 700 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,500 feet
The trail to Lake Ann is a wonderful, short way to see the impressive glaciated valley encircled by the popular Heather - Maple Pass Loop. Lake Ann features views of ridgelines blanketed in wildflowers in summer, a lake ringed with golden larches in fall, and before the highway closes for the season, a dramatic place to experience early winter’s snows.
Ross Dam Trail
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 1.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 500 feet
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Highest Point
- 2,100 feet
This forested trail in the North Cascades National Park Complex leads down to Ross Lake and the network of trails in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. Look out over both Ross Lake and Ross Dam before making your way down to Ross Dam itself
Rainy Lake
North Cascades > North Cascades Highway - Hwy 20
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Length
- 2.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 70 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,800 feet
This one-mile long paved trail takes you to a beautiful alpine lake.