Top 10 Hikes in Washington State
I am the type of hiker that loves high elevation. Not only do you get the best views, but you also get a great workout. Here are my favorite trails.
I am the type of hiker that loves high elevation. Not only do you get the best views, but you also get a great workout. Here are my favorite trails.
1.) Destination view – this is the biggest factor in my ranking system. The 10 hikes on this list have been my favorite views in all of Washington.
2.) Would I repeat it again? This is another big factor in what makes my list. While almost all hikes are enjoyable, there are many trails I feel I would not repeat. I would repeat all of the hikes below, plus a few honorable mentions!
3.) How’s the trail from start to finish? This ties into number two. If the trail is amazing from start to finish, I will always want to repeat it.
23.5 miles
Elevation gain: 4,914 feet
Point to Point route
Difficulty: hard
Since it is so difficult to land a backpacking permit, many people choose to thru-hike this trail. Yes, it is worth it. It’s a long day, but if you start early, you’ll be able to maximize your time in the core area.
You’ll need to drive two cars or purchase a shuttle ticket through a local company in Leavenworth.
Begin your hike by 6:30 AM.
Do it in the fall when the larch trees have turned yellow.
Download your GPS map through AllTrails PRO.
Map your route through Colchuck Lake then end at Snow Lakes.
Be prepared for a slog from Snow Lakes to your car. When you think you’re almost there, think again.
Hike to Colchuck lake only.
8.4 miles
Elevation gain: 4,606 feet
Out & Back
Difficulty: hard
Out of all the hiking I have done in Washington, I’ve repeated this hike the most. It’s probably the most difficult hike I have done (rating this 8/10 on difficulty). The snow field is the most challenging section. Enjoy glissading down! This hike is great because you get close up views of Mount Rainier throughout the entire hike.
Download a GPS map. Weather can turn quickly.
Bring a thick garbage sack to glissade down.
Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Reapply often.
Don’t forget your sunglasses for the snowfield.
Go on a clear day to enjoy views of Adams, Saint Helens and Hood!
Skyline Trail. You get fantastic views without having to take the trip up the 2 mile snow field.
12.1 miles
Elevation gain: 5,029 feet
Out & back
Difficulty: hard
Be prepared for a lot of switchbacks. I think there are over 50!
The scenery gets magical as you climb from Cascade Pass to Sahale Arm.
Jen’s Goal: spend the night up here.
12.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3,284 feet
Out & back
Difficulty: hard
This hike exceeds expectations. It starts out flat, takes you through a nice forest, then the climb begins. It’s steep, but offers great mountain views from a far. You’ll also cross beautiful stream crossings.
Venture up to Foggy Lake or Del Campo Peak.
14 miles
Elevation gain: 4,000 feet
Out & back
Difficulty: hard
Another Alpine Lakes Wilderness gem. You’ll get amazing mountain views from a far and will cross a fun boulder field as you venture up to Thunder Mountain.
Next time I will backpack here for one night. Be sure to download a map and do not make the mistake of making a right turn and merging onto the PCT trail.
5.7 miles
Elevation gain: 1,118 feet
Out & back
Difficulty: moderate
I love this hike because your views start at the parking lot.
Go at sunset or sunrise.
10.9 miles
Elevation gain: 3,057 feet
Out & Back
Difficulty: hard
This hike begins in a lush forest and ends with jagged mountain views. Thornton Lake is nice, but the magic begins at Trappers Peak. My favorite view was the close up of the Picket Range.
Use the Thornton Lakes Trailhead and continue up to Trappers Peak.
The road to the trailhead isn’t the best so a high clearance vehicle is ideal.
Be prepared for a little bit of a scramble up to Trappers Peak.
2.9 miles
Elevation gain: 1,299 feet
Out & back
Difficulty: moderate
Short and sweet, but somewhat steep. This hike offers 360 degrees of mountain views including Mount Baker.
The road to Winchester Mountain is the worst road I have been on in Washington. Be prepared.
10.4 miles
Elevation gain: 5,725 feet
Out & back
Difficulty: hard
If you are interested in summiting a mountain without needing mountaineering skills, this is the hike for you. Carefully peeking into the crater and glissading down was my favorite memory.
This is a permit only hike for certain months of the year. Start early if you want to hike on harder snow if hiking in the winter or spring.
6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,820 feet
Loop
Difficulty: moderate
I love a good loop trail. This hike has fantastic views of both Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.
One of my favorite fall hikes.