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 treaty 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
3935 HikesSouth Cascades -- White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 1800 ft.
Rating:
Visitors to the North Fork Loop Trail will see several different forests and enjoy views of the lush Cispus Valley. The trail is adjacent to the North Fork of the Cispus River, and departs from the North Fork campground, making it a great option for people staying there.
South Cascades -- White Pass/Cowlitz River Valley
20.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2500 ft.
Highest Point: 6340 ft.
Rating:
Link together six trails for a fall color loop past numerous lakes of the Tumac Plateau and hike Tumac Mountain in the William O. Douglas Wilderness.
Southwest Washington -- Lewis River Region
1.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 30 ft.
Highest Point: 50 ft.
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Merrill Lake Conservation Area is a seasonal campground that includes a short and sweet loop trail around a lake. Along the way are 10 interpretative signs that supplement what hikers see around them.
Southwest Washington -- Lewis River Region
7.6 miles, roundtrip
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This 2.5 mile long horseshoe trail is part of a nice 8 mile lollipop loop in the Yacolt Burn State Forest. Expect a shaded section of trail and to share the way with mountain bikers.
Snoqualmie Region -- Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
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Exclamation Point Rock is a geological rarity in Washington, and part of the developing Teanaway Community Forest. Right now it is difficult to access this location without trespassing on private property. Hikers are discouraged from visiting this area.
Olympic Peninsula -- Northern Coast
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 10 ft.
Highest Point: 10 ft.
Rating:
An easy, pleasant four-season ramble along the Dungeness River, good for bird watching.
Southwest Washington -- Columbia River Gorge - OR
3.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 540 ft.
Highest Point: 581 ft.
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This is a short hike to a beautiful two-tiered falls along Mosier Creek on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. Continue on to get up to a plateau where views of the Gorge await you.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
2.0 miles of trails
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A beautiful destination along the Chief Sealth Trail, Kubota Garden is gorgeous oasis where Northwest native plants thrive in the style of Japanese garden, thanks to horticultural pioneer Fujitaro Kubota.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Bellingham Area
3.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 490 ft.
Highest Point: 220 ft.
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Explore roads and trails on, and around, Cap Sante, an impressive rocky headland at the northeast corner of Anacortes. Enjoy views extending from Mount Baker to Mount Rainier, plus the busy harbor.
Southwest Washington -- Columbia River Gorge - OR
14.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 4000 ft.
Highest Point: 4050 ft.
Rating:
A viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge on the Oregon side.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
117.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 26351 ft.
Highest Point: 6600 ft.
Rating:
By far the most difficult stretch of PCT in Washington, Section K puts hikers through a grueling 127-mile trek over harsh terrain and treacherous conditions. Yet those intrepid enough to attempt it are rewarded with a true wilderness experience in and among some of the country's most pristine and beautiful surroundings.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
7.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1500 ft.
Highest Point: 5050 ft.
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Lake Valhalla is a gem, tucked under Lichtenberg Mountain and Mount McCausland on the PCT North of Stevens Pass. The lake is a great day hike in summer or fall and accessible by snowshoe in the winter. Wildflowers abound in early summer, berries in late summer and fall colors make vivid surroundings in autumn.
Southwest Washington -- Vancouver Area
4.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 350 ft.
Highest Point: 400 ft.
Rating:
Lacamas Lake Park is a diverse natural area with a surprisingly 'wild' feel for a park this close to town. Picnic by the lake, check out the Camas meadow in bloom, or explore the forest and creeks along the many trails. This hike describes a "lollipop" loop starting at the south end of the park, visiting the Lower Falls, then circling around through the park past Round Lake and returning along Lacamas Creek.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
45.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 13500 ft.
Rating:
This is a super-challenging trek that requires extra pre-planning and likely some route-finding experience, but promises a rugged, gorgeous few days in the landscape south and east of Stevens Pass.
Puget Sound and Islands -- San Juan Islands
2.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 280 ft.
Highest Point: 250 ft.
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Washington Park sits at the northwestern tip of Anacortes. When viewed from the sea the area is referred to as Fidalgo Head. The terrain varies from rain forest on the north to open, stony hillsides with few trees on the south.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Bellingham Area
4.9 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 300 ft.
Highest Point: 800 ft.
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Take a stroll through 350 acres of undisturbed old-growth forest and thriving wetland ecosystem at the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, a quiet place where hikers can experience the intricate grandeur of nature. Interpretive signs encourage adults and children to discover the nature of the reserve.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
2.25 miles, roundtrip
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The trails in this park reveal the military history and natural wonder of this area. There are options for walking along the beach or through forested slopes.
Issaquah Alps -- Tiger Mountain
2.1 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 375 ft.
Highest Point: 480 ft.
Rating:
Hike a gently climbing trail along a forested hillside near Issaquah High School. It's a good bet for young hikers and, if you are so inclined, it leads to more ambitious ongoing trails. In spring enjoy a few wildflowers, and any time of year be alert for birds and wildlife sightings.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
1.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 40 ft.
Highest Point: 390 ft.
Rating:
Hike an almost level forest loop trail along a creek in this Snohomish County park. It's a welcome break from the surrounding suburbia, and offers large trees and ferns, plus a few wildflowers and birds. Optionally, check out a more urbanized trail that continues on far to the south.
Issaquah Alps
2.5 miles, one-way
Gain: 100 ft.
Highest Point: 250 ft.
Rating:
A conveniently accessed, easy walk through historical and picturesque downtown Issaquah and surrounding forests.
Issaquah Alps -- Tiger Mountain
0.8 miles, roundtrip
Highest Point: 2948 ft.
Rating:
Hike along a ridgeline to the summit of Tiger 1. Access from Tiger Mountain Trail, West Tiger 1, and Main Tiger Trail.
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
3.7 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1300 ft.
Highest Point: 1550 ft.
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Companion piece to neighbor and big brother Mount Si, the small rocky bluff known as Little Si is a moderate grade 3.7 mile trail located in the hike rich North Bend area. Although relatively steep inclines bookend this hike, this primarily North/South route is perfect for beginners who are looking to get back in shape, while still accommodating veterans with opportunities to cut away on the Boulder Garden Loop (at .3 miles and .5 miles) to merge with the more challenging Mount Si trail. Expect crowds, even in winter, as New Year’s resolutions (the two Si mountains are sometimes colloquially referred to as the “Resolution Peaks” for the deluge of hikers that appear after January 1st), proximity to the city and a degree of refuge from the elements often divert heavy foot traffic to this mini-mountain to keep it busy year round.
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
5.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 4000 ft.
Highest Point: 4822 ft.
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You may have heard Mailbox Peak mentioned in slightly hushed tones, the kind reserved for stories about some legendary storm or a bad accident. What inspires such reverence? The original route, which entails 4,000 feet of climbing in less than three miles. The newer, gentler trail takes twice as much distance to achieve the summit, but nothing will permanently erase the original trail's fearsome reputation.
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
9.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 4000 ft.
Highest Point: 4822 ft.
Rating:
The old trail up Mailbox Peak was the stuff of legend. It inspired potential Rainier climbers, challenged adventurous day hikers, and occasionally Mother Nature used the trail to bite back. The number of injuries and rescues on the old trail prompted the Department of Natural Resources to create a new trail to the top. While still relatively steep, this new route, built in part with help from WTA volunteers offers a more easily navigable way for folks to attain the summit of this formidable peak.
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
2.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 100 ft.
Highest Point: 1400 ft.
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Just west of the town of Leavenworth, the Tumwater Pipeline Trail offers a lovely riverside ramble at any time of year. Enjoy the high waters and flowers blooming in spring, photograph vivid color in fall, and try out your snowshoes in winter. Whatever the season, this is a beautiful, short walk for those looking for something easy and quick.
Issaquah Alps -- Tiger Mountain
0.6 miles, roundtrip
Rating:
Shave off 2.5 miles of distance with this 0.5 mile shortcut on the Tiger Mountain Trail. Also access the West Tiger Railroad Grade Trail just 0.1 miles off the TMT.
Olympic Peninsula -- Northern Coast
1.8 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 500 ft.
Highest Point: 1100 ft.
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Walk among old-growth giants as you travel to one of Olympic National Park's best-loved waterfalls.
Olympic Peninsula -- Northern Coast
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2065 ft.
Highest Point: 2600 ft.
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Hikers flock to Mount Storm King for that signature shot, standing on a rocky outcropping above Lake Crescent. But it's a grind to get there, and the climb to the summit can be dangerous in bad weather. Luckily, there are several outcroppings about halfway to the top offering similar views. It's still a steep hike to get to them, but at least it's shorter.
North Cascades -- Methow/Sawtooth
9.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 250 ft.
Highest Point: 1700 ft.
Rating:
Explore a scenic and incredibly varied landscape near Winthrop where you are almost certainly guaranteed to see some of the region’s abundant wildlife.
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
5.0 miles of trails
Rating:
This forest is tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Bothell. A series of short trails wander through forested ravines, and provide opportunities to see birds and other wildlife.