One of the best things about living in Washington is the abundance of outdoor attractions. From gorgeous waterfalls to craggy coastlines and hardwood forests, the Evergreen State is nothing if not naturally beautiful. With that in mind, we’ve handpicked some of the best hiking trails in Washington that will give you a newfound appreciation for our state. The following 9 trails offer the perfect introduction to hiking in Washington.
- Sleeping Beauty Trail
Szymon Stas / alltrails.com Located near the town of Stevenson and the Columbia River Gorge, this 2.5-mile trail is surrounded by beautiful forest. Sleeping Beauty is the perfect name for this pretty, peaceful hike. Plus, the overlook allows for an unobstructed view of four surrounding mountains. While the climb is consistently steep, rest assured that your efforts will be well rewarded.
- Tolmie Peak Trail
James L / alltrails.com Mount Rainier National Park is full of pristine trails, but this one is especially magnificent. Every moment of the 5-mile hike is beautiful, complete with alpine lakes and a fire tower lookout. If draw-dropping views are what you’re after, Tolmie Peak is easily one of the best hiking trails in Washington.
- Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail
Joshua Hofmann / alltrails.com This 1-mile hike is absolutely otherworldly. The easy, short loop starts at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and is full of old-growth trees covered in moss. It’s an experience like no other. While it may not be one of the most remote places in Washington, it’s certainly one of the most unique.
- Shi Shi Beach Trail
Bryan Wahl / alltrails.com Iconic sea stacks, secluded beaches, and perfect views await you on this 6.7-mile Olympic Peninsula trail. Even though the trail leading down to the beach can be muddy, there’s no denying that the trek is a gorgeous one. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and be mindful of water levels along the way.
- Colchuck Lake Trail
Mary Hare / alltrails.com A true alpine lake wonderland, the Colchuck Lake Trail spans 8 miles, and the views are endlessly beautiful. Without a doubt, this trail belongs at the top of the list of incredible outdoor adventures in Washington. It’s considered to be a difficult hike, so it’s best to leave the kiddos at home for this one.
- Ape Canyon Trail
Micky Metch / alltrails.com This challenging but rewarding hike is best left for the experienced and fit. If you manage to make the 9-mile trek, know that there’s nothing quite like this anywhere else in the country. You get to climb through a forest that somehow survived the blast of Mt. St. Helens.
- Skyline Loop Trail
Kurt Myers / alltrails.com You’ll find this 5-mile trail inside Mount Rainier National Park, and the mountain view is just one of the perks. You’ll see a waterfall on your hike, and depending on the time of year you go, you could be surrounded by colorful wildflowers.
- Hurricane Hill Trail
Kara S / alltrails.com This 3-mile hike is considered to be fairly easy, but that’s not the reason it’s so popular. The gorgeous views on the way to the trail’s main viewpoint are truly epic. Whether you’re hiking with the family or trekking solo, you won’t forget your experience on this trail anytime soon.
- Royal Basin Trail
Lezli Hume / alltrails.com Royal Basin Trail is located near Sequim, which is a spectacular part of the state. The hike isn’t easy — it’s about 13 miles in its entirety — but the scenery of glacial mountains breathtaking. You’ll find several places to sit and enjoy the scenery of this trail along the way, so be sure to pack a camera and plenty of food and water to sustain your journey.
What are your thoughts on this list of some of the best hiking trails in Washington? Are there any trails that you would add to the list? If so, be sure to share them with us in the comments below!
Szymon Stas / alltrails.com
Located near the town of Stevenson and the Columbia River Gorge, this 2.5-mile trail is surrounded by beautiful forest. Sleeping Beauty is the perfect name for this pretty, peaceful hike. Plus, the overlook allows for an unobstructed view of four surrounding mountains. While the climb is consistently steep, rest assured that your efforts will be well rewarded.
James L / alltrails.com
Mount Rainier National Park is full of pristine trails, but this one is especially magnificent. Every moment of the 5-mile hike is beautiful, complete with alpine lakes and a fire tower lookout. If draw-dropping views are what you’re after, Tolmie Peak is easily one of the best hiking trails in Washington.
Joshua Hofmann / alltrails.com
This 1-mile hike is absolutely otherworldly. The easy, short loop starts at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and is full of old-growth trees covered in moss. It’s an experience like no other. While it may not be one of the most remote places in Washington, it’s certainly one of the most unique.
Bryan Wahl / alltrails.com
Iconic sea stacks, secluded beaches, and perfect views await you on this 6.7-mile Olympic Peninsula trail. Even though the trail leading down to the beach can be muddy, there’s no denying that the trek is a gorgeous one. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and be mindful of water levels along the way.
Mary Hare / alltrails.com
A true alpine lake wonderland, the Colchuck Lake Trail spans 8 miles, and the views are endlessly beautiful. Without a doubt, this trail belongs at the top of the list of incredible outdoor adventures in Washington. It’s considered to be a difficult hike, so it’s best to leave the kiddos at home for this one.
Micky Metch / alltrails.com
This challenging but rewarding hike is best left for the experienced and fit. If you manage to make the 9-mile trek, know that there’s nothing quite like this anywhere else in the country. You get to climb through a forest that somehow survived the blast of Mt. St. Helens.
Kurt Myers / alltrails.com
You’ll find this 5-mile trail inside Mount Rainier National Park, and the mountain view is just one of the perks. You’ll see a waterfall on your hike, and depending on the time of year you go, you could be surrounded by colorful wildflowers.
Kara S / alltrails.com
This 3-mile hike is considered to be fairly easy, but that’s not the reason it’s so popular. The gorgeous views on the way to the trail’s main viewpoint are truly epic. Whether you’re hiking with the family or trekking solo, you won’t forget your experience on this trail anytime soon.
Lezli Hume / alltrails.com
Royal Basin Trail is located near Sequim, which is a spectacular part of the state. The hike isn’t easy — it’s about 13 miles in its entirety — but the scenery of glacial mountains breathtaking. You’ll find several places to sit and enjoy the scenery of this trail along the way, so be sure to pack a camera and plenty of food and water to sustain your journey.
If you’re just getting started on your hiking career, these easy trails for mere mortals are the perfect places to begin.
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Address: Sleeping Beauty Trail, Trout Lake, WA, USAAddress: Tolmie Peak Trail, Ashford, WA 98304, USAAddress: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USAAddress: Shi-Shi Beach, Washington, USAAddress: Colchuck Lake, Washington 98826, USAAddress: Ape Canyon, Washington 98616, USAAddress: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USAAddress: Hurricane Hill Trail, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USAAddress: Sequim, WA 98382, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In Washington May 11, 2020 Beth C. Are there any other places I should go hiking in Washington? Whether you’re a newcomer to Washington or have lived in the Evergreen State for most of your life, there are trails that will undoubtedly impress you. In addition to some of the best hiking trails in Washington that we’ve outlined in this article, there are countless others worth trying. Some of these additional trails include Horseshoe Basin, Anderson and Watson Lakes, Spider Meadow, Larch Lake, Mount Angeles, and South Coldwater Trail. What are the best outdoor adventures in Washington? Washington State is home to 100 mountains, and therefore, the outdoor activities are nearly endless. In addition to hiking, outdoor adventures in Washington include ziplining, diving, surfing, paddling, biking, rock climbing, and more. The best part of all is that there are adventures suitable for every skill level. Looking for a few ideas that will inspire your itinerary for exploring the great outdoors? Check out these 8 incredible outdoor adventures in Washington. What are the most remote places in Washington? While Washington is known for its bustling cities, it’s perhaps most famous for its expansive pockets of wilderness. Whether you’re looking for solitude along the coast or in the woods, there are places where you’ll truly feel worlds away from it all. Stehekin is one of the most isolated communities both in the state and in the U.S. 55 miles away from the nearest town, it’s secluded in almost every way imaginable. You can find out more about this unique community by clicking here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking Trails In Washington
May 11, 2020
Beth C.
Are there any other places I should go hiking in Washington? Whether you’re a newcomer to Washington or have lived in the Evergreen State for most of your life, there are trails that will undoubtedly impress you. In addition to some of the best hiking trails in Washington that we’ve outlined in this article, there are countless others worth trying. Some of these additional trails include Horseshoe Basin, Anderson and Watson Lakes, Spider Meadow, Larch Lake, Mount Angeles, and South Coldwater Trail. What are the best outdoor adventures in Washington? Washington State is home to 100 mountains, and therefore, the outdoor activities are nearly endless. In addition to hiking, outdoor adventures in Washington include ziplining, diving, surfing, paddling, biking, rock climbing, and more. The best part of all is that there are adventures suitable for every skill level. Looking for a few ideas that will inspire your itinerary for exploring the great outdoors? Check out these 8 incredible outdoor adventures in Washington. What are the most remote places in Washington? While Washington is known for its bustling cities, it’s perhaps most famous for its expansive pockets of wilderness. Whether you’re looking for solitude along the coast or in the woods, there are places where you’ll truly feel worlds away from it all. Stehekin is one of the most isolated communities both in the state and in the U.S. 55 miles away from the nearest town, it’s secluded in almost every way imaginable. You can find out more about this unique community by clicking here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Whether you’re a newcomer to Washington or have lived in the Evergreen State for most of your life, there are trails that will undoubtedly impress you. In addition to some of the best hiking trails in Washington that we’ve outlined in this article, there are countless others worth trying. Some of these additional trails include Horseshoe Basin, Anderson and Watson Lakes, Spider Meadow, Larch Lake, Mount Angeles, and South Coldwater Trail.
What are the best outdoor adventures in Washington?
Washington State is home to 100 mountains, and therefore, the outdoor activities are nearly endless. In addition to hiking, outdoor adventures in Washington include ziplining, diving, surfing, paddling, biking, rock climbing, and more. The best part of all is that there are adventures suitable for every skill level. Looking for a few ideas that will inspire your itinerary for exploring the great outdoors? Check out these 8 incredible outdoor adventures in Washington.
What are the most remote places in Washington?
While Washington is known for its bustling cities, it’s perhaps most famous for its expansive pockets of wilderness. Whether you’re looking for solitude along the coast or in the woods, there are places where you’ll truly feel worlds away from it all. Stehekin is one of the most isolated communities both in the state and in the U.S. 55 miles away from the nearest town, it’s secluded in almost every way imaginable. You can find out more about this unique community by clicking here.
