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Six Top Hiking Routes in Washington

Some individuals know that Washington State provides world-class hiking trails. The routes traverse diverse landscapes, including rugged coastline on the western border, arid high desert terrain in the eastern regions, and multiple mountain ranges in between.

The Skyline Trail, a primary hiking route in the Paradise hiking zone of Mount Rainier National Park, consists of a 5.5-mile path heavily enjoyed during the summer season and revered for its breathtaking vistas of Washington's iconic peak, Mount Ranier. Individuals can access the trail from the historic Paradise Inn parking area and winds through expansive subalpine meadows. Skyline Trail offers remarkable scenery and serves as the starting point for many adventurers aiming to summit Mount Rainier.

Next, the Cascade Pass Trail is one of the most accessible routes in the remote expanse of North Cascades National Park. Accessing the trail requires a 23-mile drive on Cascade River Road from Highway 20 near Marblemount. Recognized as one of the premier hikes in the region, it covers relatively easy terrain and offers stunning vistas of the rugged mountain peaks and the glaciated valleys below. The seven-mile round-trip involves navigating several switchbacks, gaining nearly 2,000 feet in elevation along the way. The Sahale Arm Trail suits advanced hikers and extends from the Cascade Pass Trail. It features additional panoramic views of subalpine meadows and majestic mountains.

Goat Rocks Crest Trail is a highlight along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in Washington. Spanning approximately 28 miles with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, the hike typically requires at least one night of camping. Hikers should prepare for varying weather conditions and expect to travel rugged terrain that winds along an exposed ridgeline dotted with large boulders. The route offers breathtaking views of iconic Cascade peaks like Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens.

Hoh River Trail sits on the northwest side of Olympic National Park and showcases the diverse landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington. The national park boasts rugged coastlines, snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains, and a captivating rainforest. Stretching over 17 miles, the trail maintains a relatively flat terrain, and its width accommodates summer crowds. Permits are available for camping along the trail for backpackers seeking an overnight stay. As the trail ends, hikers reach breathtaking vistas of Blue Glacier and Mount Olympus.

The Wallace Falls Trail in Wallace Falls State Park is one of Washington's most famous hiking routes. Just an hour from Seattle, the popularity of the hike stems from its accessibility and breathtaking scenery. The 5.6-mile round-trip trail passes by nine distinct waterfalls along the Wallace River. Hikers should prepare for intermittent slippery conditions, particularly when navigating the rushing waters. With an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, the trail's steepest climbs occur between the middle and upper falls.

Lastly, located in the eastern part of Washington State, the Steamboat Rock Trail near Electric City in Steamboat Rock State Park covers six miles in a loop and has an elevation gain of 700 feet. This trail sits 800 feet above Banks Lake, a sprawling reservoir spanning 600 acres. A moderate climb is necessary to ascend this route. During springtime hikes, wildflowers adorn the trail and offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.