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
3897 Hikes
Gold Creek County Park
Puget Sound and Islands -- Seattle-Tacoma Area
2.0 miles of trails
Rating:
Woodinville has struck gold with this park. Tucked away in the wine country, Gold Creek offers a multitude of hiking experiences on well-maintained trails.
Gobblers Knob
Mount Rainier Area -- SW - Longmire/Paradise
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2565 ft.
Highest Point: 5485.0 ft.
Rating:
A clear, sparkling lake, up-close views of Mount Rainier, and a historic fire lookout await you on the Gobblers Knob Trail. This route is an eastern approach to the lookout via Westside Road.
Goat Mountain
North Cascades -- Mount Baker Area
8.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3100 ft.
Highest Point: 5600.0 ft.
Rating:
From the top, you’ll marvel at vistas of icy peaks including Mounts Baker, Shuksan and Sefrit. Big alpine meadows with plenty of huckleberries in the fall!
Lodge Lake
Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie Pass
3.75 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 950 ft.
Highest Point: 3500.0 ft.
Rating:
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.
Carne Mountain
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
7.3 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3600 ft.
Highest Point: 7085.0 ft.
Rating:
Carne Mountain is a challenging, yet rewarding hike to the brilliant gold colors of the western larches. Against a backdrop of blue autumn sky and indigo mountains, they are a dazzling sight.
White Pine Creek
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - East
5.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 3200.0 ft.
Rating:
This brushy, but scenic, river bottom trail accesses the Wildhorse Creek Trail within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Steamboat Rock
Central Washington -- Grand Coulee
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 650 ft.
Highest Point: 2250.0 ft.
Rating:
Jutting 800 feet out of Banks Lake in Washington’s majestic coulee country, Steamboat Rock is the crown jewel of this area. The basalt butte has a rich history; first used by native people many years ago, and during the ice age, the Great Missoula Floods carved the canyons here, while the rock stood as an island in the raging river. Now, Steamboat Rock lies high and dry, offering excellent 360-degree panoramas of the landscape surrounding it.
Mount Si
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3150 ft.
Highest Point: 3900.0 ft.
Rating:
There are many reasons – besides its proximity to Seattle – why Mount Si is the most popular hike in the state: beautiful views, wildlife (some of it not so wild), old growth forest, and a dramatic summit worthy of a more remote peak. Rising dramatically above the Snoqualmie Valley, it serves as a literal and figurative gateway to the Cascades for thousands of hikers.
Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie Region -- North Bend Area
1.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 250 ft.
Highest Point: 450.0 ft.
Rating:
The 0.7-mile interpretive trail from the upper falls viewpoints to the lower falls viewpoint is family- and pet-friendly, good for beginners, teaches the basics of the flora and fauna near Snoqualmie Pass, informs about local Native American culture, and ends with impressive views of a Washington icon.
Goat Lake
North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
10.4 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1400 ft.
Highest Point: 3161.0 ft.
Rating:
A nice hike with plenty of variety. Beautiful forest, a rushing creek, waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, history, and of course a large blue-green lake surrounded by snowy peaks. At 10.4 miles, it can be either a day-hike or a quick early season overnight. You won’t be alone, though – this is a popular trail with both hikers and backpackers.
Goat Creek
South Cascades -- Mount St. Helens
11.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 2400.0 ft.
Rating:
Hike along a lush green valley wall above Goat Creek in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Because this part of the monument is so infrequently visited, it's possible you won't see another soul on the trail, meaning you'll get to have the incredible Cathedral Falls all to yourself.
Franklin Falls
Snoqualmie Region -- Snoqualmie Pass
2.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 2600.0 ft.
Rating:
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!
Fragrance Lake
Puget Sound and Islands -- Bellingham Area
5.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 950 ft.
Highest Point: 1050.0 ft.
Rating:
The year-round, dog-friendly day hike to Fragrance Lake in the Chuckanut Recreation Area is popular with college students and faculty from Western Washington University in nearby Bellingham, and with day visitors and car campers at Larrabee State Park. On a sunny weekend afternoon you could easily lose count of the number of smiles and “hullos” you’ll exchange!
Fort Casey State Park
Puget Sound and Islands -- Bellingham Area
2.5 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 200 ft.
Highest Point: 200.0 ft.
Rating:
This is more of a stroll than a hike . It is of historical interest with interpretive signs along the way. Beach walking is also present. Fort Casey was one of three forts chosen in 1896 to form a triangle for protection of Puget Sound. Fort Worden and Fort Flagler were the other two. All have become State Parks. Their use for coastal protection proved to be impractical so their use became a place for instruction and training of troops during both of the world wars.
Fishtrap Lake - North
Eastern Washington -- Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
4.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 126 ft.
Rating:
The Fishtrap area is part of the Channeled Scablands of eastern Washington. The deep coulees and canyons were carved by the Great Missoula Floods following the last Ice Age tens of thousands of years ago.
Excelsior Pass via Nooksack River
North Cascades -- Mount Baker Area
7.8 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3600 ft.
Highest Point: 5400.0 ft.
Rating:
This trail is a staircase of switchbacks that march ever upward through thick forest to deliver hikers to an iconic ridge walk in the North Cascades.
Entiat River
Central Cascades -- Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
15.25 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2690 ft.
Highest Point: 5760.0 ft.
Rating:
A long, rambling gateway into the eastern side of Glacier Peak Wilderness, the Entiat River Trail culminates at its namesake glacier with Mount Maude, Seven Fingered Jack and Mount Fernow towering above. Ravaged by wildfires over the years, the majority of the trail is exposed, dry and dusty. Both flora and fauna are slowly returning and the revealed panorama of bordering peaks makes for an extraordinary wilderness corridor.
Elwha To Hurricane Hill
Olympic Peninsula -- Northern Coast
11.6 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 5248 ft.
Highest Point: 5650.0 ft.
Rating:
Road Washout: The Elwha River Road is washed out, rendering this trailhead inaccessible by vehicle
Climb steeply out of the Elwha River Valley to impressive views of the Bailey Range and wide-open meadows on this trail that accesses Hurricane Hill the back way.
Emerald Park
Central Cascades -- Entiat Mountains/Lake Chelan
13.0 miles, one-way
Gain: 6250 ft.
Highest Point: 6700.0 ft.
Rating:
Emerald Park is a long trail connecting Lake Chelan to the east and the Entiat River Trail to the west.
Elk Lakes
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
4.9 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 1200.0 ft.
Rating:
This hiker-only trail makes for a quick way to sample the ecosystem on the east slope of the Olympic mountains. Plus, it's a decent starter backpacking trip for kids and makes for a nice day for birdwatchers.
Elbo Creek
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
9.6 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2880 ft.
Highest Point: 3700.0 ft.
Rating:
This steep but shady trail features a rhododendron forest, and numerous saprophytic plants. At the end, it connects to a Forest Service road, allowing for additional wandering, to find views of Hood Canal and more.
East Fork Lewis River
Southwest Washington -- Lewis River Region
8.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2500 ft.
Highest Point: 4000.0 ft.
Rating:
If you like rugged, primitive trails, creek crossings with no bridges and finding a great view at the end of the trail, this hike is for you.
East Fork Foss - Necklace Valley
Central Cascades -- Stevens Pass - West
18.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 3400 ft.
Highest Point: 5000.0 ft.
Rating:
The Necklace Valley makes a wonderful 2-3 night backpack trip for hearty hikers, and rewards with cool alpine lakes to swim and fish in, or just camp beside. Or take a day trip along the East Fork Foss River admire the amazing second-growth tree canopy.
Eagle Peak Saddle
Mount Rainier Area -- SW - Longmire/Paradise
7.2 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2910 ft.
Highest Point: 5720.0 ft.
Rating:
This hike contains all of what a classic Rainier outing should – a quiet canopy of old-growth forest, high alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in the summer, and in-your-face-views of glaciated Mount Tahoma (not to mention Mounts Adams, St. Helens, and even Hood on a crystal clear day).
Upper Dungeness River
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
6.8 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 600 ft.
Highest Point: 3100.0 ft.
Rating:
The Upper Dungeness River trail is an easy stroll along a roaring river and among towering trees. It’s great for all ages (as long as the trail is snow- and ice-free), and the shelter at Camp Handy is a welcome and dry lunch destination on rainy days.
Duckabush River
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
10.6 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2300 ft.
Highest Point: 1750.0 ft.
Rating:
Explore one of the quieter Olympic Peninsula river valleys. Quiet, that is, if you don't count the Duckabush River's constant belching, crashing, and churning as it tumbles over giant boulders and squeezes through narrow rocky clefts.
Dry Creek
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 800 ft.
Highest Point: 1600.0 ft.
Rating:
Climb through second-growth forest to a not-so-dry creek, while enjoying spring wildflowers and views of nearby Lake Cushman and surrounding peaks.
Dosewallips River Road
Olympic Peninsula -- Hood Canal
13.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 1200 ft.
Highest Point: 1550.0 ft.
Rating:
The Dosewallips River Road is the gateway to the eastern Olympic Mountains and it penetrates one of the deepest canyons in Olympic National Park. Now closed to vehicles, the old road bed allows hikers to explore true wilderness at a gentle grade. Backpackers, peak baggers, and horseback riders take advantage of the easy access to the trails beyond the road's end.
Dog Mountain
Southwest Washington -- Columbia River Gorge - WA
6.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 2800 ft.
Highest Point: 2948.0 ft.
Rating:
The stunning views and unparalleled springtime flowers make this one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge. On a good day, you can get a bird’s eye view of Mount Hood and the Columbia River. In the spring the top is carpeted with vibrant yellow balsam root. Although the trail is steep and sometimes crowded, this hike is unquestionably worth the effort.
Dishman Hills Natural Area - Nimbus Knob Loop
Eastern Washington -- Spokane Area/Coeur d'Alene
3.0 miles, roundtrip
Gain: 400 ft.
Highest Point: 2350.0 ft.
Rating:
This is a loop hike created in April 2013 to provide for a new hiking experience while preserving some areas of the natural area for wildlife.