Hiking in Washington

I have been wanting to explore hikes in Washington State for a long time! While hiking in California (where I am from) has been amazing, I decided to spend 10 days in Washington State this past August. Choosing what trails to hike is difficult because the state has 3 national parks, a plethora of alpine lakes, and 5 major volcanoes to choose from! With the help of some local friends, I embarked on 8 beautiful day hikes. These hikes are of varying miles and difficulty level. There’s something here for everyone!

Before you start driving to your hike destination, make sure you check the Washington Trails Association website for trail conditions.

Hikes in Washington

• Hikes in Washington – Colchuk Lake

Colchuk Lake is arguably Washington’s finest lake hike. This stunning alpine lake lies beneath the twin spires of Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks located at the far end of the lake. The 8-10mile round trip trail is rated moderate because the final ascent is steep and rough in places. The overall elevation gain of 2,300 feet makes it accessible though to hikers of any ability. Colchuck Lake is also one of the two gateways to the Enchantments, the alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Sounds divine doesn’t it? 🙂

Pro Tip: In summer, cars fill not only the trailhead parking lot, but the road leading to it. Avoid weekends and get to the parking lot by 6:30am to ensure a spot!

• Hikes in Washington – Twin Falls

Twin Falls is a great option for those who want a quick hike close to Seattle. Just 30 minutes from the city, this hike is 3 miles round trip with about 500 feet of elevation gain. Your reward is a stunning waterfall from two different viewpoints. The lower viewpoint in my opinion is the prettier one but I would highly encourage you to go up to the bridge and to the upper viewpoint as well. The hike itself is quite pretty as it leads you through a beautiful forest, and a river. Pack a lunch or snack because there are lots of spots along the river where you could take a break. This trail is steep in places, but overall it is well maintained. There are sections of rock and mud but no drop offs.

Twin Falls is on the homeland of the Snoqualmie People.

Pro Tip: You will need a Discover Pass to park in the lot. This can be obtained in the kiosk machine at the parking lot.

• Hikes in Washington – Snow Lake

Snow Lake Trail is a 6.7 mile round-trip trail, with 1,300ft of elevation gain, located near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington that ends in a lake and is rated as moderate. This is one of the most popular hikes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The route starts by climbing alongside the South Fork Snoqualmie River with Snoqualmie Mountain on your right. You’ll pass by numerous waterfalls and follow steep switchbacks on your way up to the destination. Take it slow and you’ll be fine. It wasn’t that crowded on a Monday, so I would highly recommend weekdays over weekends. Wilderness Permits are required for day use and overnight trips in Alpine Lakes Wilderness from May 15 to October 31. Permits are free and available on a self-issue basis at trailheads. A valid Recreation Pass is required at Snow Lake trailhead. Parking is easily available (at least during weekdays) as there is a large lot near the trailhead.

Pro Tip: If you’re into backpacking, you can even camp the night at Snow Lake and hike the few extra miles (approximately 2 miles) to Gem Lake for a quick half-day trip to explore more.

• Hike in Washington – Gem Lake

Gem Lake is a 11 mile out and back trail via Snow Lake, with an elevation gain of 1,800ft. You can either do this as a day hike or camp overnight. The junction from Snow Lake to Gem Lake may be a bit confusing but once you’ve caught the trail, it’s a pretty climb to the lake! The views are awesome, but the trail itself is a bit rocky and steep, so I highly recommend ankle-support hiking boots. Many choose to camp overnight at Gem Lake but know that there are only a few campsites at Gem lake as most of the lake’s edge is sloped by cliffs or rocks. You can alternatively setup camp at Snow Lake and hike the 2 miles or so to Gem Lake. Even though it’s steep and rocky, it is an established trail with no drop offs.

Pro Tip: This trail can be packed on weekends so try to go on weekdays or even better try to camp overnight so you can wake up to some peace and quiet.

• Hikes in Washington – Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington state’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall. The free parking and free viewing area are open from dawn until dusk. Leashed pets are allowed. This falls is in part so popular because you don’t really need to hike to see it. The distance between the free parking lot and the viewing platform is approximately 200 feet and is wheelchair accessible.

Pro Tip: If you are up for hiking, follow the trail for a little more than half a mile before you get to the lower viewpoint. You will see a totally different perspective of the falls. The climb up is steep. The total miles you will hike is 1.4, with an elevation gain of 250ft. Alternatively you can drive to the lower viewpoint parking lot.

• Hikes in Washington – Skyline Divide Trail

Skyline Divide Trail is located in the Mt. Baker Wilderness area and I found it to be a stunning hike! You have the option to do it as a 7 mile out and back day hike or camp overnight. You do not need a permit to camp. The hike starts off through the forest for the first 1.6 miles, switchbacking relentlessly through the trees. After entering the Mt. Baker Wilderness, the trees begin to thin; a tenth of a mile later, top the ridgeline and enjoy your first stunning views of Mt. Baker. To continue along Skyline Divide, turn right toward Mt. Baker. The ridgeline undulates gently as the trail wanders through alpine meadows and wildflowers in season. At 3.7 miles from the trailhead, a trail will descend off the ridgeline; turn right to stay on the ridgeline and continue along Skyline Divide. You can camp anywhere there seems to be an already established campsite spot. The elevation gain is approximately 2,500 feet depending on high you decide to go.

Pro Tip: $5 per day fee to park at the Skyline Divide Trailhead. Purchase pass at the 24-hour kiosk at the ranger station in Glacier, or display your Interagency or National Forest pass in the windshield of your vehicle.

• Hikes in Washington – Christine Falls Trail

Christine Falls is inside Rainier National Park and in my opinion one of the prettiest falls inside the park. This signature view of the lower falls is framed by the historic, arching Christine Falls Bridge. The falls drop 69 feet in drops of 32 and 37 feet respectively and are notorious for being nearly impossible to photograph together. The upper tier of the fall is not as easily viewed. Limited parking at the falls is available. The lower tier is a quick walk down to the viewing point from the parking lot.

Pro Tip: Find the upper tier of the falls by parking at the Comet Falls trailhead and following that trail along for about .3 miles or so before you come to a stout bridge. You can see the upper tier of Christine Falls from this viewing point before continuing on via the bridge to Comet Falls if you wish.

• Hikes in Washington – Narada Falls Trail

Narada Falls, located inside Mt Rainier National Park, is located on the road from Longmire to Paradise, just one mile west of the entrance to the Paradise area. At 176 feet high, the falls have two distinct features: the top tier, and tallest at 159 feet is a horsetail fall, so described because it has multiple channels down the rock face. You can simply view this from the parking lot. The lower tier is a 17-foot plunge to a pool. Reached by a short, but often wet and slippery path, the best viewing is after the hike. You can also hike down to the very bottom of the falls. The entire hike is 2.4mi out and back, with an elevation gain of 862ft.

Pro Tip: Parking is convenient and you can either see the top tier from the parking lot viewpoint (unimpressive in my opinion) or hike down below the falls. You can also hike down to the bottom of the falls (this is a steep, slippery downhill section, best enjoyed during the drier summer months).

Conclusion

And there you have it, 8 beautiful hikes for you to try the next time you’re in Washington State! Remember, in order to keep these places beautiful, we need to take responsibility and pack out all our trash. The responsibility and ownership starts with us. If you are unfamiliar with outdoors hiking etiquette, please read up on the Leave No Trace principles. Looking forward to your comments in the comments section below – have you been to any of these hikes?!