Best Hikes in Washington (According to Locals)
As local Washingtonians, we’ve hiked more than 100 trails in the state, and we’ve narrowed down some of our favorites!
This list has all the details you need to know about each trail, including which passes are needed to seasonal availability. Grab your boots and get hiking!
First and foremost, please follow all leave no trace principles when you’re adventuring. This means staying on trails — no cutting switchbacks as it erodes the trail or trampling wildflowers for a selfie — and packing out your trash. Only bring dogs on trails that allow them, and park in designated areas. Thank you for helping make our trails an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Parking passes
Most trails in Washington require you to hang a parking pass on your windshield. There are three different passes and some overlap in coverage. Each vehicle that you have parked at a trailhead will need a pass. Most trailheads don’t have places to purchase passes, so get them beforehand at your local REI, ranger station, or online.
Free days: There are free days for Washington state and national parks too. Check here to see the list of dates for state parks, and here for national parks, or visit your local library to borrow a Discover Pass.
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The Discover Pass covers all of Washington’s state parks. They’re $12 for a day pass or $35 for the annual pass. This is the only pass that covers state parks.
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The America the Beautiful Pass covers parking in all U.S. national parks, but also national forests as well. This is the pass we use most often because it covers such a broad range of areas. It costs $80 for an annual pass.
You can also buy national park passes specific to the national park you’ll be visiting. This costs $30 for a seven-day pass or $55 for an annual pass per park. These passes don’t provide national forest coverage, and since there are three national parks in Washington, the America the Beautiful Pass is a great investment.
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The National Forest Pass is $10 for a day pass or $30 for the annual pass. They’re valid in Washington and Oregon and are required for so many hikes. If you plan on buying an America the Beautiful Pass, it covers national forest land too, so you don’t need both.
Leave no trace
Washington’s wilderness has a highly sensitive ecosystem. It’s so important to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. Please stay on trails and do not cut switchbacks — this erodes the trail.
Know where you want to hike? Click on the region below to skip to that section.
Olympic Peninsula
Mount Storm King
This is one of our all-time favorite hikes in Washington. The views of Lake Crescent are unbeatable, and we love that it’s available year-round. It’s steep, so be prepared for a workout, and bring trekking poles (really, they prevent knee injuries on steep declines).
Note: This hike is not recommended for those with a strong fear of heights or vertigo. There is an unmaintained section of trail to reach the final viewpoint. In this section, you’ll be using ropes to scramble up loose scree and dirt near the edge of a cliff. It’s still possible to hike up until this point and turn around if ropes aren’t your thing.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,065 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Cape Flattery
Hiking here feels like you’re at the edge of the world. The trail itself is enchanting — walk down a small hill to boardwalk trails amongst coastal trees to four viewpoints. Once there, watch the waves come in and keep your eyes out for otters, seals, and birds.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Makah Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Rain Shadow Loop aka Blue Mountain
A well-kept secret, Blue Mountain has views of the Olympic Mountains that compete with Hurricane Ridge’s. The catch? To get there, you’ll have to drive up a windy, one-lane forest road with steep drop-offs and blind corners. If this isn’t your cup of tea, head to Hurricane Ridge to hike Hurricane Hill instead.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 170 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Maple Glade Nature Trail
We stumbled upon this trail at the Lake Quinault Ranger Station, and it’s been one of Meghann’s favorite trails ever since. It’s like the Hall of Mosses trail but has a little less moss and none of the crowds. Walk to the Kestner Homestead if you have the time or take one of the shorter loops (map onsite). Although it’s beautiful year-round, we especially love it during the rainy season when the river is flowing. Expect to walk through mud.
Trail description: Alltrails
Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 40 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Mt Baker Wilderness
Artist Ridge – Huntoon Point
This is likely one of Washington’s most well-known hikes. It’s popular for a good reason, too. The views start on the way to the trailhead and only get better the closer you get. Once there, head to the corner with the bathrooms to find the trail to Huntoon Point. From there you’ll be in awe of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the surrounding mountains.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Season: July to September
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Table Mountain
This hike is great for those who love to wander! Once you get to the top of the hike, you’ll be on top of “the table”, and there is a ton of space to explore. Stay on the trails and hard surfaces to follow the leave-no-trace principles. If you’re here early in the season, you’ll find lots of small reflecting ponds amongst the rocks, but if you visit late in the season, you can find blueberries.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 725 feet
Season: July to September
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Chain Lakes Loop
This hike is awesome for so many reasons. First, it’s a loop, so you’re never doubling back and seeing the same views. Second, it has multiple lakes and mountain views, so there is always something to ogle. We like to hike this one counterclockwise. To do so, park at Artist Point and find the trail to Heather Meadows below the bathrooms.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 6.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,820 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Yellow Aster Butte
The views of the surrounding mountains fight for your attention with the wildflowers here (and beautiful autumn colors in the fall). This hike is nearly completely exposed, so bring sun protection and expect the parking to fill up at the trailhead quickly. This hike is very popular, and the trailhead is very small.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,550 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
North Cascades
Heather Maple Pass Loop
This hike has a bit of everything — a lake, mountain views, forests, wildflowers, and an incredible show of colors in the fall. Hike counterclockwise for the best views of Black Peak while you approach the pass.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,020 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Cutthroat Pass
This hike is especially popular in October when the larch trees begin changing color, but it’s gorgeous any time of year. Most of the hike is in the forest, but when you start going up the switchbacks you know you’re close to the views! From the top of the pass you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If you’re short on time, hike to Cutthroat Lake instead.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 10 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Falls Creek Falls
The path to the lower viewpoint of the falls is flat, paved, and only half a mile long – and this is where the best views are! It’s possible to hike past it for another 1.25 miles for more views of waterfalls, but the trail gets steep and narrow.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Location: North Cascades
Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
Elevation gain: 750 feet
Season: April to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Sourdough Mountain
This is the hike with the infamous views of Diablo Lake from above. Visit in August to see the meadows full of wildflowers, just know that to reach the viewpoint, you’ll be gaining 3,000 feet of elevation in the first two miles. It’s steep, but worth it!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Location: North Cascades
Distance: 10.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 4,870 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Hidden Lake Lookout
On a clear day you’ll be able to see between Mount Baker all the way to Mount Rainier from the top of this hike, but that’s not all. Enjoy the lookout, which is open to explore, and views of the lake below.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Location: North Cascades
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 3,300 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: None
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Mount Rainier National Park
Comet Falls
Comet Falls is Zach’s favorite hike. The parking lot is tiny so get here very early or late in the day. The hike follows an icy blue river, so you’re treated to gorgeous smaller waterfalls and the sound of running water for most of the hike. Boucher Falls is the second largest waterfall you’ll see on this hike, but don’t be tempted to turn around here — you’re almost at Comet Falls with its 300-foot drop!
Once you reach Comet Falls, you can extend your hike to Van Trump Park for views of Rainier amongst wildflowers or go to Mildred Point for some steeper gains. Be on the lookout for wild blueberries on your way!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 3.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,250 feet
Season: July to October
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Skyline Trail Loop
This trail is most known for it’s wildflower meadows and views of Rainier. Visit in August to see the meadows in peak bloom and don’t skip the side trail to visit Myrtle Falls.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 5.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,450 feet
Season: July to October
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Third Burroughs
Fair warning: this hike is completely exposed — meaning you’ll be out in the elements or harsh sun this entire hike. I’d advise starting early (like sunrise early) to avoid the heat of the day and be prepared with sunscreen and sun hats.
This trail starts at the Sunrise Visitor Center, where you’ll have fantastic views from the parking lot. You’ll be with the crowds heading to the Fremont Lookout (also an incredible hike) up until the five-way trail junction at Frozen Lake. Once on the Burroughs Mountain trail, you’ll have stretches of trail all to yourself and views of Mount Rainier as close as you can get without summiting.
Make this trail a loop by starting your hike at the south side of the Sunrise parking lot. You’ll pass by Shadow Lake, a scenic overlook, and hike on part of the Wonderland Trail. It adds 1.4 miles to your trip, but it’s a fun detour.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 9 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,500 feet
Season: Late May to October
Parking Pass needed: Mount Rainier Entrance Fee or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Columbia River Gorge
Hamilton Mountain
Hamilton Mountain is such an ideal hike. You’ll be spoiled with Rodney Falls miles into your trek, hike through lush forests, and have views of the Columbia River Gorge from the top.
Personally, we love hiking this one in the spring when the waterfall flows are at its highest and the forest is most vibrant, but it’s a worthwhile destination year-round.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,198 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Discover Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Dog Mountain
This trail is full of wildflowers in spring. It’s so popular that on weekends (and Memorial Day) between April 23rd and June 12th you can only hike here with a permit. They are available for sale beginning March 1st for the 2023 season.
Parking is crowded as well, and having a permit doesn’t mean you have a parking spot reserved so it’s shuttle here using the Columbia Area Transit is recommended. It runs every 30 minutes from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm picking up and dropping off in the gravel parking lot at 518 Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 6 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
Season: March to November
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Enchantments Thru Hike
If you don’t win one of the precious backpacking permits to the Core Zone in the Enchantments, this is the way to do it. It’s a long day hike to say the least — taking us 15 hours to complete — and shouldn’t be done on a whim. Read this blog that breaks down this strenuous hike if you’re up for the challenge!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 18 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
Season: July to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Colchuck Lake
If the 18 miles thru hike mentioned above is too much, hike to Lake Colchuck instead. It’s one of the more scenic, and of course, popular alpine lakes in the state. This trailhead is full by 7:00 am on weekends so hike here on a weekday or start at sunrise for a tranquil setting. If you’re one of the first to reach the lake you’ll likely see mountain goats (give them lots of space), eagles fishing, and still waters reflecting Dragontail, the mountain looming in the background.
When you reach the lake head to the left and scramble your way to the shore. There is a large rock that’s perfect for jumping off into the lake. It’s worthwhile to wander to the right of the lake for different views as well.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 2,280
Season: July to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Central Cascades
Navaho Pass
This hike is for wildflower lovers! When we hiked here in August, saw more varieties of wildflowers on this one hike than we did all summer. If the view of Mount Stuart at the end of the trail isn’t enough for you, route find your way up to Navaho Peak.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 11 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
Season: June through October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Bridal Veil Falls
We’re big fans of waterfalls you can walk right up to and you’ll get close enough to get soaked by Bridal Veil Falls. This trail offshoots from the trail leading Lake Serene, so continue on the trail if you want a longer hike.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
Season: June to October
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Franklin Falls
This trail follows a picturesque river. Hiking here in the summer is fun because you can play in the water at the edge of the falls, but we especially love snowshoeing here in the winter. If you time it with a cold spell, you can see the entire falls frozen over!
Trail description: Summer: Washington Trails/Alltrails, Winter: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: Summer: 2 miles roundtrip, Winter: 6.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: Summer: 400 feet, Winter: 700 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass, and a Sno-Parks Permit in winter
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Gold Creek Pond
This is the perfect spot to picnic in the summer months, but we love visiting in winter most. In winter, the trail is usually packed down so all you need is microspikes, not snowshoes. Make your way around the manmade lake and enjoy!
Trail description: Summer: Washington Trails/Alltrails, Winter: Washington Trails
Distance: Summer: 1 miles roundtrip, Winter: 2.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: Summer: 10 feet, Winter: 10 feet
Season: Year-round
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or the America the Beautiful Pass, and a Sno-Parks Permit in winter
Dogs allowed on a leash: Yes
Gold Creek Pond in early winter
Gold Creek Pond in late summer
Mount St. Helens
Harry’s Ridge
While hiking through Mount St. Helen’s blast zone, your attention will be torn between finding huckleberries, looking for wildflowers and checking out the dome smoking volcanic dome. When you reach Harry’s Ridge, you’ll be able to see for miles in every direction, making this an excellent spot for a snack break.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Location: South Cascades
Distance: 8.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 970 feet
Season: June to November
Parking Pass needed: National Monument Fee or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Lava Canyon
You’ll start this trail by crossing a 125-foot suspension bridge over the Muddy River. From there, you’ll wind your way through the river canyon, passing waterfalls and climbing down metal ladders. It’s adventurous and beautiful the whole way!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Location: South Cascades
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 1,600 feet
Season: May to November
Parking Pass needed: National Monument Fee or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Ape Caves
Hiking here is by permit only. Tickets are $2, charged per vehicle. You can reserve them here.
At 2.5 miles long, this is the third longest lava tube in America! The hike goes through most of the cave, and you’ll be able to walk comfortably in parts, while other sections require scrambling around boulders. You’ll need good knees and ankles to tackle this one.
Temperatures stay at 43 degrees in the cave so it’s a great escape on hot summer days, and a nice, sheltered hike in the rainy season. Do bring a jacket and headlamp. We also recommend wearing a baseball cap, or some sort of hat as a buffer in case you bump your head on the cave of the ceiling.
Specific rules for the caves: There are no pets, food, smoking, or rock collecting allowed in the caves and refrain from touching the walls which harms the caves ecosystem.
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Location: South Cascades
Distance: 2.8 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 350 feet
Season: May to October
Parking Pass needed: National Monument Fee or the America the Beautiful Pass
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
Climb Mount St. Helens
Did you know that you can climb to the ridge of an active volcano!? This is more of a hike than a climb, considering during the summer season you don’t need any technical skills to summit.
Most of the hike you’ll be scrambling over boulders, with a mile long trek through ash to reach the summit. It’s long and exposed, but standing at the rim of the crater is incredible!
Hiking here is by permit only. Permits are released for sale one month in advance and go quickly!
Trail description: Washington Trails/Alltrails
Distance: 10 miles roundtrip
Elevation gain: 4,500 feet
Season: June through September
Location: Mount St. Helens
Parking Pass needed: Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful pass
Route finding: Yes
Dogs allowed on a leash: No
No matter where you choose to hike, it helps to do your own research. Use Washington Trails Association (WTA) and their app as a resource. Save trails to your “backpack” to view their descriptions offline. This can be helpful in case routes are confusing and you don’t have cell service.
Look at recent trip reports to get better insight on trail conditions for any hike you’re interested in as well. If there aren’t recent trip reports on WTA and it’s the beginning of the season for that hike, it may not be accessible yet. Wait for snow to melt, or roads to be cleared and check the trip reports again in a couple of weeks.
What to pack for your hike
If you’re wondering what you should pack for a hike, check this list. It has all our favorite hiking gear, with recommendations on what to look for when shopping for yourself.
What other trails would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “hiking”, “road trip”, or “Washington”.
