Best Hikes in Washington: 10 Trails Every Local Should Know
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The best hikes in Washington offer everything from gentle forest strolls to technical alpine scrambles, making the Evergreen State a hiker's paradise. Living in Washington feels like winning the geographic lottery—where else can you access world-class trails within hours of major cities?
If you're searching for the best hikes in Washington, you've come to the right place. After years of exploring these incredible mountains, I've compiled the 10 trails that showcase why Washington consistently ranks among America's top hiking destinations. From easy day trips perfect for beginners to challenging scrambles that'll test experienced hikers, these best hikes in Washington represent the diverse terrain that makes our state special.
From gentle strolls that won't break a sweat to technical scrambles that'll have you questioning your life choices (in the best way possible), these trails showcase why the Evergreen State earned its nickname. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who considers a walk to the mailbox cardio, there's something here for you.
All driving times assume you're starting from Seattle—because let's be honest, that's where most of us are coming from.
The Best Hikes in Washington: From Beginner to Expert
These best hikes in Washington are organized by difficulty level, ensuring every hiker finds their perfect trail match.
1. Golden Creek Pond (1.2mi, 45ft elevation gain, 1h drive)
Let's start with something that won't require a training montage. Golden Creek Pond ranks among the best hikes in Washington for beginners—short, sweet, and guaranteed to make you feel good about yourself. This gentle trail near Snoqualmie Pass is perfect for those days when you want to say you "went hiking" without actually, you know, hiking.
The payoff? A peaceful pond surrounded by old-growth forest that looks like something out of a fairy tale. It's also fantastic for families with kids who have the attention span of a goldfish. Pro tip: This is an excellent "confidence builder" hike if you're trying to convince non-outdoorsy friends to join your mountain adventures.
2. Hurricane Ridge (3.4mi, 826ft elevation gain, 3h10min drive)
Okay, so the drive to Olympic National Park isn't exactly "quick," but Hurricane Ridge delivers views that make every minute of that Port Angeles trek worth it. This is one of those rare hikes where the parking lot views are already Instagram-worthy, and it only gets better from there.
The trail offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains that'll have you questioning why you ever complained about Washington weather. On clear days, you can see Mount Baker, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Canada. Fair warning: the drive includes some serious switchbacks, so maybe skip the extra-large coffee.
Best Hikes in Washington: Alpine Adventures
These intermediate to advanced trails represent some of the best hikes in Washington for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Skyline Loop (5.6mi, 1,771ft elevation gain, 2h25min drive)
Mount Rainier's Skyline Loop consistently ranks among the best hikes in Washington and serves as the gateway drug to serious mountain hiking. This trail in Mount Rainier National Park gives you a taste of alpine meadows, glacial views, and that thin-air feeling without requiring technical skills or a sherpa.
The wildflower displays in late July and August are absolutely ridiculous—like nature decided to show off and threw every color in the crayon box across the mountainside. You'll find yourself stopping every few steps to take photos, which is both a blessing and a curse for your hiking pace. Just remember, Mount Rainier National Park requires an entrance fee, so plan accordingly.
4. Chains Lake (7.1mi, 1,886ft elevation gain, 2h42min drive)
Located near Mount Baker, Chains Lake represents one of the best hikes in Washington for scenic diversity. This moderate hike takes you through diverse terrain—forest, meadows, and finally to a stunning alpine lake that perfectly reflects the surrounding peaks.
The trail can be a bit of a mud fest early in the season (welcome to Washington), but by mid-summer, it's absolutely magical. The lake itself is surprisingly warm for a mountain lake, though "warm" is relative when you're at elevation in the Cascades. Pack layers, because mountain weather has trust issues.
5. Yellow Aster Butte (8.5mi, 2,791ft elevation gain, 2h30min drive)
Yellow Aster Butte near the Canadian border earns its place among the best hikes in Washington for pure scenic impact. The trail starts innocent enough through forest, then opens up to alpine meadows that look like someone spilled a paint palette across the mountainside.
The butte offers 360-degree views of peaks stretching into Canada, and on clear days, you can see Mount Baker dominating the southern horizon. The alpine lakes scattered around the area are perfect for lunch breaks and existential contemplation about why you don't live in the mountains full-time.
Technical Challenges: Advanced Best Hikes in Washington
For experienced hikers seeking the ultimate challenge, these represent the most demanding best hikes in Washington.
6. Camp Muir (8.8mi, 4,665ft elevation gain, 2h30min drive)
Camp Muir on Mount Rainier stands among the most challenging best hikes in Washington and marks where casual hikers become mountain enthusiasts. This demanding day hike takes you to the base camp for Mount Rainier summit attempts, so you'll be sharing the trail with serious mountaineers carrying gear that costs more than your car.
The route follows the Muir Snowfield for most of the climb, which means snow conditions can vary dramatically by season. Summer hiking often requires navigation across snowfields, so bring appropriate gear and know how to use it. The views from Camp Muir—looking down at clouds and across to other Cascade peaks—are worth every burning step.
7. Wonderland Trail Section (17.8mi, 4,537ft elevation gain, 2h30min drive)
The Wonderland Trail easily ranks among the best hikes in Washington for serious backpackers. While the full trail around Mount Rainier is 93 miles requiring serious backpacking commitment, who says you can't sample the goods? Pick any section of this iconic trail for a taste of what makes it one of America's premier long-distance hikes.
The Tolmie Peak section is particularly stunning, offering views of Mount Rainier, Eunice Lake, and alpine meadows that'll make you seriously consider quitting your job to become a full-time trail wanderer. Speaking of extreme dedication to walking adventures, some people take this passion to extraordinary lengths. Discover the incredible travel story of a man who's spent 27 years walking around the world, proving that the walking spirit knows noThis gives you a perfect preview of multi-day hiking adventures—which we'll dive deeper into in future guides.
This gives you a perfect preview of multi-day hiking adventures. For detailed guidance on planning 5-7 day wilderness expeditions, explore our comprehensive guide to multi-day hiking routes near Seattle.
8. Sahale Arm (12.3mi, 5,065ft elevation gain, 2h32min drive)
Sahale Arm in North Cascades National Park represents one of the most spectacular best hikes in Washington for serious adventurers. This demanding trail rewards serious effort with some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the lower 48. The trail climbs relentlessly through diverse ecosystems before emerging onto the famous "arm"—a narrow ridge with views that'll make your Instagram followers deeply jealous.
The final push to Sahale Glacier overlook is steep and exposed, but the panoramic views of jagged peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes are absolutely worth the burning legs. This hike separates the casual weekend warriors from the mountain lovers, and there's no shame in either category.
9. Del Campo Peak - Class 3 Scramble (10.7mi, 4,350ft elevation gain, 2h15min drive)
Del Campo Peak represents the technical end of the best hikes in Washington spectrum. This isn't just a hike—it's a scramble that requires hands-on rock navigation and a healthy respect for exposure. This class 3 route demands technical movement, route-finding skills, and gear beyond your typical day hiking setup.
Important Safety Note: Scrambling involves real risk. Rock can be loose, weather can change rapidly, and a mistake can have serious consequences. Don't attempt scrambles without proper experience, gear, and ideally, guidance from experienced scramblers. Know your limits and respect the mountain.
That said, for those with appropriate skills, Del Campo offers an incredible introduction to technical mountain travel with stunning views of the Monte Cristo area.
10. North Twin - Class 3-4 Scramble (16.28mi, 4,711ft elevation gain, 3h drive)
North Twin concludes our list of best hikes in Washington with the most technical challenge available. This long, technical scramble tests your endurance, technical skills, and mental fortitude. This class 3-4 route requires advanced scrambling experience and shouldn't be attempted lightly.
The approach alone is a serious hike, and the technical sections demand respect, proper gear, and excellent judgment. For experienced scramblers, North Twin offers some of the most rewarding and challenging terrain accessible as a day trip from Seattle.
Scrambling Safety Reminder: These routes require technical skills, appropriate gear, and excellent judgment. Weather conditions can make even moderate scrambles dangerous. Always inform someone of your plans, carry emergency gear, and don't hesitate to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Planning Your Best Hikes in Washington Adventure
These best hikes in Washington offer year-round adventure opportunities, with peak season typically running from late June through October, depending on elevation and snowpack. Always check current trail conditions, as mountain weather can change rapidly and dramatically affect trail safety.
For longer adventures and multi-day exploration of Washington's incredible wilderness, you'll want to consider the transition from day hiking to backpacking. Our guide to waterfall hiking adventures offers additional inspiration for your next outdoor escape.
For those inspired by Washington's outdoor culture to explore beyond the mountains, discover our recommendations for the best beach vacations in Europe where dramatic coastlines offer a different kind of natural beauty.
Gear Up for the Best Hikes in Washington
Whether you're tackling the gentle Golden Creek Pond or pushing your limits on technical scrambles, having reliable gear makes all the difference when exploring the best hikes in Washington. A good backpack isn't just about carrying your stuff—it's about comfort, organization, and having confidence that your gear will handle whatever Washington weather throws at you.
For day hikes and weekend adventures around the Pacific Northwest, check out our Lightweight Waterproof Backpack. Designed to handle everything from Seattle's infamous drizzle to alpine snow flurries, it's built for adventurers who don't let weather dictate their plans.
What's your favorite among the best hikes in Washington? Share your hiking stories and trail recommendations in the comments below. And remember—the mountains will always be there, so hike smart, hike safe, and keep exploring.
