Top Ten Hikes In Washington State

Washington state is a paradise for hikers and backpackers with its diverse landscapes, ranging from the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula to the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains. As always these are debatable, but here is a great collection of beautiful destinations in Washington state for both experienced and inexperienced hikers of all fitness levels!

Mount Rainier National Park - Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile trail that circles around Mount Rainier, offering stunning views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildlife. This trail is a backpacking trip that can take anywhere from 10 to 14 days to complete, depending on your pace. You can find more information about the trail and how to obtain permits at the Mount Rainier National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wonderland-trail.htm

Olympic National Park - Hoh River Trail
The Hoh River Trail is a 17.3-mile roundtrip hike through the lush Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park. The trail follows the Hoh River and offers opportunities to see wildlife and ancient Sitka spruce trees. You can find more information about the trail at the Olympic National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hoh-river-trail.htm

North Cascades National Park - Maple Pass Loop
The Maple Pass Loop is a 7.2-mile loop hike that offers stunning views of the North Cascades mountains, including peaks like Glacier Peak and Mount Baker. The trail passes through alpine meadows, wildflower fields, and over a high mountain pass. You can find more information about the trail at the North Cascades National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/maple-pass-loop.htm

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls
The Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls hike is a 7.2-mile roundtrip hike through old-growth forests, past waterfalls, and up to a pristine alpine lake. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. You can find more information about the trail at the USDA Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recreation/recarea/?recid=79492

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Harry's Ridge
Harry's Ridge is a 8.2-mile roundtrip hike that offers stunning views of Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape. The trail passes through the blast zone of the 1980 eruption and offers a unique glimpse into the volcanic history of the area. You can find more information about the trail at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31374

Mount Adams Wilderness - South Climb
The South Climb of Mount Adams is a challenging 12.4-mile roundtrip hike that takes you to the second highest peak in Washington state. The trail is steep and requires some mountaineering skills, but the views from the summit are breathtaking. You can find more information about the hike at the Washington Trails Association website: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/south-climb

Mount Baker Wilderness - Skyline Divide
The Skyline Divide hike is a 9.6-mile roundtrip hike that offers stunning views of Mount Baker and the surrounding mountains. The trail passes through meadows of wildflowers and alpine lakes. You can find more information about the trail at the Washington Trails Association website: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/skyline-divide

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Eagle Creek Trail
The Eagle Creek Trail is a 12-mile roundtrip hike that takes you through the lush forests and stunning waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge. The trail follows a crystal clear creek and offers views of several waterfalls, including the famous Punchbowl Falls. You can find more information about the trail at the US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29988

Mount Si
Mount Si is a popular 8-mile roundtrip hike that offers stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and the surrounding mountains. The trail is steep and requires some scrambling, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort. You can find more information about the hike at the Washington Trails Association website: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-si

Deception Pass State Park - Rosario Head Trail
The Rosario Head Trail is a 3.2-mile roundtrip hike that takes you along the rugged coastline of Deception Pass State Park. The trail offers stunning views of the Deception Pass Bridge and the surrounding islands. You can find more information about the trail at the Washington State Parks website: https://parks.state.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/1875/Rosario-Head-Trail

These top 10 hikes in Washington state offer something for everyone, from challenging mountain climbs to easy coastal strolls. Be sure to research each trail before embarking on your adventure and always practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve these beautiful natural areas!