Being a resident of Oregon means that Washington is my second home. Home to four national parks, hiking in Washington state is truly incredible. From the Olympic Peninsula to the North Cascades, there is so much terrain to be explored. On this blog post you will find hiking trails in Washington to add to your list, and what to expect before you go.
First, it is important to Leave No Trace when you’re hiking. It is important to know if there is a bathroom, what the backcountry rules are for pooping in the woods (yes, you can’t do that in protected environments!), permits and regulations, and parking. Be sure to leave it better than you found it: if you see trash on the trail, pick it up. Do not litter a single thing (even fruit) as that is going to impact the ecosystem more than you know.
20 Epic Hikes To Do In Washington
These hikes are not rated in any particular order! I have personally done every single one of these Washington hikes!
1. Barclay Lake Trail
Located just an hour and 35 minutes outside of Seattle in Baring, Washington, Barclay Lake is a popular trail for hiking and backpacking. When I did this hike we did it on a Tuesday so we were able to camp at the lake. The road driving up to the trailhead is suitable for most vehicles, but it is important to use your best judgement. Sedans are able to make it up slowly and parking and turn around space is limited. As far as Washington hikes go, this one isn’t that hard to hike with a high reward!
Elevation: 387 feet
Distance: 4.3 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Allowed on Leash
2. Park Butte Lookout Trail
Located in Mount Baker Wilderness, Park Butte Lookout is a popular trail for backpacking and day hiking. The trail has expansive views all around for most of the trail on a clear day. You can even sleep in the lookout tower, which is what we did when we visited.
Elevation: 2,020 feet
Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Allowed on Leash
3. Mount Storm King
Located in Port Angeles, Washington in the Olympic Peninsula, Mount Storm King is a popular trail for those willing to earn the view. It is important to note that there is a rope section of this trail towards the top that is unmaintained-so use your best judgement if your using the rope to guide you up the ridge.
Elevation: 2,106 feet
Distance: 4.1 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Not Allowed
4. Plummer Peak
Want epic views of Mount Rainier? In the summertime this hike is accessible and is one of the most well maintained trails I’v ever hiked in Washington. Be prepared with bug spray at the top, mosquitos after snowmelt at the cairns at the top are quite brutal, but worth it.
Elevation: 1,443 feet
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Permit: Discovery Pass or park pass paid at the gate
Dogs: Not Allowed
5. Blue Lake Trail
Located in the beautiful North Cascades National Park and only accessible while North Cascades Scenic Highway is open, it does close for the winter season. This hike is incredible to do in the summertime and fall and isn’t extremely long, with a gorgeous lake and mountain at the end. In the summertime this trail is going to be quite busy, so prepare in advance for that by starting early or hiking during the week.
Elevation: 921 feet
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Allowed on a leash
6. Colchuck Lake
I did this trail as part of a backpacking trip as we won a permit through the lottery system it takes to backpack here. If you’re up for the challenge, you’re able to do this hike as a day hike, as many people will do. It is important that you use pit toilets along the trail and do not go to the bathroom anywhere else-as this is a major problem in the Enchantment wilderness.
Elevation: 2,316 feet
Distance: 7.9 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Not Allowed on a leash
7. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
A popular trail due to the close proximity to Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge offers gorgeous views of Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascade mountain range in the distance. This is a great trail to do if you’re looking for something not too far from Seattle or have new gear your looking to test out.
Elevation: 1,459 feet
Distance: 5.3 miles round trip
Permit: None required
Dogs: Allowed on a leash
8. Artist Point
Located near Mount Baker, Artist Point is a popular hiking trail to do in all seasons. I did this hike in the wintertime in snowshoes and it was absolutely spectacular. The views from the top are incredible.
Elevation: 853 feet
Distance: 2.9 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Allowed on a leash
9. Tolmie Peak
Tolmie Peak Lookout tower is a popular hike inside of Mount Rainier National Park. Seasonally the road is closed due to snow, so be sure to read my blog post to plan accordingly!
Distance: 7.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 1,100 feet
Open: late-spring, summer, early fall
Dogs: not allowed
Pass: National Park Pass
10. Scenic Hot Springs
Popular hot springs, Scenic is on private land so you must pay and book ahead of time if you want to visit. I visited in the summertime and I believe it would be best enjoyed in the snow or rainy season. The hot springs aren’t very well kept, which made our experience alright! The hot springs are extremely hot, which is a bonus in the cooler months!
Elevation: 1,100 feet of gain
Miles: 4 miles round trip
Dogs: allowed on leash
Permit: book online in advance through the property owners
11. Colchuck Lake
Arguably one of the most popular alpine lakes in Washington, Colchuck Lake is a part of the Enchantments wilderness. If you’re up for the hike, it is quite strenuous for a day hike! If you’re lucky enough to win a permit like I did, sleeping here is a once and a lifetime experience.
Elevation: 2,316 feet
Distance: 7.9 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: not allowed
12. Eightmile Lake
Located in the Enchantments wilderness just outside of Leavenworth this is a great day hike. If your lucky like I was and won a permit to camp here overnight, even better!
Elevation: 1,427 feet
Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Not allowed
13. Tuck and Robin Lakes
This is easily one of the most beautiful backpacking trips I have ever done. Despite hiking into a snowstorm and now being able to sleep at Robin Lakes, it was still worth it. Luckily for us we woke up to sunshine and still got to enjoy the entire area. My blog post outlines my trip so you can plan your own.
Elevation: 4,343 feet
Distance: 13.7 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Not allowed
14. Staircase Rapids Loop
If your looking for an easier, more relaxed hike and find yourself in the Hood Canal area of the Olympic Peninsula-add this hike to your list. Especially in the fall this hike was stunning! If your looking to plan your trip I spent and entire weekend in the area and wrote my recommendations.
Elevation: 213 feet
Distance: 2.1 miles round trip
Permit: Olympic National Park Entrance Fee, $20
Dogs: Not allowed
15. Snow Lake Trail
While I haven’t completed this hike myself, a number of friends have over the years. Snow Lake is a stunning place for backpacking or a day hike. Not to be confused with Snow Lake in the Enchantments, this hike is near Snowqualmie Pass. Keep in mind due to the length of this hike it is quite popular so it is best to hike during the week to avoid crowds.
Elevation: 1,699 feet
Distance: 6.7 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Allowed on leash
16. High Hut
Located outside of Mount Rainier National Park, this was a winter hike that I completed. High Hut is a rentable cabin that is maintained by volunteers. We rented it for one night and hiked up in a cloud to this warm hut equipped with beds, a stove, and heat! It was quite glorious. Be sure to book your winter adventure in advance as it books up.
Elevation: 2,375 feet
Distance: 7.9 miles round trip
Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Dogs: Allowed on leash but not in the buildings
17. Wallace Falls
Not too far outside of Seattle, the Wallace Falls State Park area is a great place to explore without having to drive so far. Not only is it a stunning forested area that you hike through, there is a stunning waterfall on the trail. Keep in mind that this is a very popular trail and you’ll most likely see other people.
Elevation: 1,489 feet
Distance: 4.9 miles round trip
Permit: Discover Pass
Dogs: Allowed on leash
18. Skyline Trail
If your able to visit Mount Rainier National Park in the summertime, Skyline Trail should be on your list. Even if you don’t want to complete the full hike, the views continue to get better and better as you climb. August is the most ideal time to visit for the wildflower bloom. Read my blog post on additional trip ideas!
Elevation: 1,788 feet
Distance: 6.2 miles round trip
Permit: National Parks Pass
Dogs: Not Allowed
20. Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail
Located in North Bend Washington, this hiking trail takes you through a stunning forest and meanders along the river. Keep in mind that this is a popular mountain biking trail. Moreover, it is also known for having many bears in the area so stay aware!
Elevation: 3,375 feet
Distance: 24.7 miles round trip
Permit: None
Dogs: Allowed on leash
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