Washington Trails
Association
Trails for everyone, forever
Washington Trails
AssociationTrails for everyone, forever
Thirsty for a fun eatery after hitting your favorite local trail? Wet your whistle with these suggestions from WTA staff. By Joseph Gonzalez
Two things Washington is most known for are beautiful trails and hot caffeinated drinks. Unsurprisingly, we at WTA love both. We also know that some of the best parts of hiking are treating yourself to a cuppa on the way to trail or enjoying a satisfying meal on your way home. And that like local trails, local cafes are important spaces for community, renewal and memorable moments.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite cafes, teahouses and bakeries en route to trails statewide. Here are a few of the local eateries WTA staff visit to fuel our long days on trail:
Looking for high quality hot beverages in Southwest Washington? Cafe Guse is your spot. Photo courtesy of Cafe Guse
Longview — Cafe Guse
Background: Cafe Guse’s physical location has been a coffee shop for almost 40 years. These days, Cafe Guse wields the latest coffee equipment to develop their organic coffees into a variety of classic, signature and alternative beverages.
Try the: Seasonal lattes, an avocado toast brunch or a cookie from the bakery.
Nearby trails to consider: Lake Sacajawea has a bit of everything: a multi-use trail, beautiful fall colors, water features and even a “Solar System Walk”, which was dedicated in September of 2022 by the Friends of Galileo Astronomy Club.
WTA recommender:Anna Roth, digital content manager and media liaison
Kick your feet up at Campfire Coffee coming to and from trails in the south sound. Photo courtesy of Campfire Coffee
Tacoma — Campfire Coffee
Background: Campfire Coffee is everything you want before connecting with the outdoors: a warm, community-oriented coffee-roaster where you can kick back with great drinks and even greater company.
Try the: Seasonal latte flavors, like s’mores and eggnog. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of the coffee — co-owner Quincy roasts all the beans over a literal campfire low and slow, making it the equivalent of PNW coffee BBQ.
Nearby trails to consider: Located between Seattle and Tacoma, Dash Point State Park is great for beach explorers and birdwatchers. Look for crabs and sea stars on the shores during low tide, or enjoy the park's 8 miles of biking trails and 11 miles of hiking trails. Don't forget your Discover Pass!
WTA recommender: MJ Sampang, senior community partnerships and leadership development coordinator
Tacoma — The Antique Sandwich Co.
Background: Originally a grocery store built in 1916, the Antique Sandwich Co. has seen many changes over the years — but one thing has stayed the same: Their delicious baked goods and heaps of teas, coffees, ciders and fresh squeezed lemonades.
Try the: Veggie sandwich, built on thick slices of bread and piled high with cream cheese and sprouts.
Nearby trails to consider: Point Defiance Park is the largest urban park in Pierce County, so look forward to a network full of roads and trails meandering through forest preserves and picnic areas where you can enjoy your treats.
WTA recommender: Andy James, youth trail program coordinator
Grab a cup of hot caffeine — or a yummy treat — during your visit at the Wake 'n Bakery. Photo courtesy of Wake 'n Bakery
Glacier — Wake ‘N Bakery
Background: From the slopes of Mount Baker to the shores of B-Ham, Wake ‘N Bakery has been serving northwest Washingtonians for over 20 years.
Try the: Gluten- and dairy-free pumpkin scones. “They taste like magic. I’m incapable of hiking the vicinity of Mt. Baker without making a stop there, especially in the fall” says Laura Norsen, WTA’s development database coordinator. Bonus: in the summer, they now offer BBQ.
Nearby trails to consider: Horseshoe Bend (different from the the one in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area) is a Mount Baker Highway gem that’s low enough to be passable all year and gentle enough for the whole family.
WTA recommender: Laura Norsen, development database coordinator
Did we mention Foggy Tea is bike friendly? Ride on down! Photo courtesy of Foggy Tea
Seattle — Foggy Tea
Background: Community events, art evenings and all the tea you could possibly drink — what more could you ask for from this cute tea shop nestled in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square?
Try the: Apple turnovers (hello, Washington), lattes and — you guessed it — an assortment of various foggy teas. Seriously, if you like a good foggy tea, this is the place for you. It’s literally in the name!
Nearby trails to consider: the Elliot Bay Trail, which follows the shoreline of Elliot Bay for about 5 miles, connecting SODO to Magnolia.
WTA recommender: Joe Gonzalez, digital content coordinator
Chances are the Maltby Cafe offers some of the largest breakfasts you've ever seen. Photo courtesy of the Maltby Cafe
Maltby — The Maltby Cafe
Background: Three friends bought the Maltby Cafe in 1980 and never looked back. Today it’s known for its big portions, friendly staff and homemade country dishes.
Try the: The breakfast potatoes are divine — and consider the cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate as well.
Nearby trails to consider: the Brightwater Center offers three miles of family-friendly wetland hiking — plus the Environmental Education and Community Center.
WTA recommender: Linda Roe, volunteer Hiking Guide correspondent
Kettle Falls — Meyers Falls Market
Background: Part grocery store, part café, Meyers Falls Market bakes in-house muffins and cookies, plus excellent wraps and sandwiches.
Try the: Local honey and fresh local ice cream.
Nearby trails to consider: the Kettle Crest Trail is Eastern Washington’s premier long-distance, high-country route. Over its 44 miles, you’ll experience a virtual highlight reel of dry-side beauty, sage-scented meadows and subalpine parkland.
WTA recommender: “I always stop in on my way to the Kettle Crest & points west," said Holly Weiler, WTA’s senior eastern Washington regional coordinator.
Tonasket — The Taco Wagon - Pablo’s Tacos
Background: Get your authentic Mexican fix from this family-run business that’s been serving Oroville and Tonasket for over 25 years.
Try the: Lengua (or a veggie alternative) in whatever you want — taco, torta, burritos and more. Wash it down with a classic pairing of Jarrito or Coke.
Nearby trails to consider: the McLaughlin Canyon Trail is a beautiful destination in spring and summer, offering wildflowers, rolling hills and plenty of human history.
WTA recommender: “A visit to Pablo’s Tacos is not to be missed," said Holly Weiler, WTA’s senior eastern Washington regional coordinator
The focus at Anjou: Coffee over added flavors, which highlighting their awesome roaster partners, Caffe Vita. Photo courtesy of Anjou
Cashmere — Anjou
Background: This small production bakery is family-owned and inspired by European tradition mixed with American practices. They focus on naturally leavened products, including both sweet and savory items.
Try the: Croissant with a cappuccino. Their croissants are laminated to perfection, and their coffee is some of the best in the area. For the coffee, Anjou partners with Cafe Vita, using their Fiore organic roast for the espresso bar, and their Theo organic for their house-made cold brew. Other options include a house-made chai and other house-made lemonades. The focus: coffee over added flavors.
Nearby trails to consider: Wenatchee Confluence State Park - Horan Natural Area is down the road in Wenatchee and boasts riparian wildlife viewing and flora.
WTA recommender: Laura Norsen, development database coordinator
Remember to get a warm cup from D&M Coffee next time you're in town. Photo by D&M Coffee
Ellensburg — D&M Coffee
Background: The D and M in D&M Coffee stands for Donna and Mark — two former Central Washington University students who created this local coffee business in 1990.
Try the: Products might vary by location, but Anna likes the red eye coffee, Italian soda and paninis.
Nearby trails to consider: along the Yakima River sits Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, a fun stretch of trail offering a boat launch plus an off-leash dog park.
WTA recommender: Anna Roth, digital content manager and media liaison
Sequim — Black Bear Diner
Background: If you’ve hiked in the western US within the last 20 years, then chances are you’ve come across a Black Bear Diner. And while their initial location was created in Mount Shasta, CA, the Sequim location brings all the same mountain flavors to the table.
Try the: “Epic waffles and club sandwiches. My family and I stop here every time we drive out to the Olympic Peninsula,” said WTA CEO Jaime Loucky.
Nearby trails to consider: Railroad Bridge Park is a fun place to recreate and a part of the much larger Olympic Discovery Trail. Hike as little (or as far) as you like while seeing salmon spawn in the fall.
WTA recommender: Jaime Loucky, CEO
Refuel with Pioneer Coffee Co. on your way to trailheads along the I-90 corridor. Photo courtesy of Pioneer Coffee Co.
Cle Elum — Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company
Background: Located in historic downtown Cle Elum, Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company combines small batch coffee roasting with hand picked varietals from across the world.
Try the: Any cup of coffee, honestly, but also their from scratch made cookies and scones.
Nearby trails to consider: the multi-use Coal Mines Trail meanders through Roslyn and toward Ronald, showcasing remnants of different coal mines along the way.
WTA recommender: Anna Roth, digital content manager and media liaison
Caffeinated and ready to hike? Leave a trip report share your favorite spots to visit to and from trailheads (and we'd love to see a photo of your yummy drink or treat)!
