Washington State, located in the Pacific Northwest corner of the United States, is a land of dramatic contrasts — from the rain-soaked temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic peaks of the Cascades and the arid shrub-steppe of the east. Home to Seattle, one of America's most dynamic cities, the state blends state-of-the-art technology culture with stunning wilderness, world-class food and coffee scenes, and some of the continent's most diverse outdoor adventure.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Skyline Trail (Mount Rainier)
The quintessential Mount Rainier hike, looping through spectacular wildflower meadows with close-up views of the Muir Snowfield and multiple glaciers. The 360-degree views of Rainier and surrounding Cascades are unparalleled.
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2
Hall of Mosses Trail (Hoh Rain Forest)
A magical loop through ancient big-leaf maple trees draped in vivid green mosses in the Hoh Rain Forest. One of the most photographed trails in the Pacific Northwest, enchanting in all weather conditions.
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3
Hurricane Hill Trail
A spectacular ridge trail offering panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Vancouver Island. Wildflowers bloom profusely in July-August and Olympic marmots are commonly seen.
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4
Cape Horn Trail
One of Washington's best Columbia River Gorge hikes, offering dramatic basalt cliffs, wildflowers, and sweeping views of the Columbia River and Oregon's Crown Point. A genuine Northwest hiking classic.
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5
Enchantments (Core Zone)
Washington's most celebrated and sought-after backcountry destination — a magical alpine landscape of granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and mountain goats. Permits are required and extremely competitive (lottery-based).
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6
Wonderland Trail
The complete circumnavigation of Mount Rainier is one of the most iconic long-distance trails in the Pacific Northwest, passing through diverse ecosystems including wildflower meadows, old-growth forest, glacial valleys, and subalpine terrain.
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7
Hoh River Trail
Follows the Hoh River deep into the Olympic backcountry through ancient temperate rainforest. Short day-hike options from the Hoh Visitor Center are flat and excellent for families; the full trail to Glacier Meadows is spectacular.
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8
Heather-Maple Pass Loop
Consistently rated among Washington's top 10 day hikes, this loop passes turquoise Rainy Lake and Lake Ann with stunning views of the North Cascades. Fall colors (October) are spectacular.
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9
Twin Falls Trail
A popular and accessible hike near Seattle through old-growth forest to a dramatic two-tiered waterfall on the South Fork Snoqualmie River. Excellent for families and those new to Pacific Northwest hiking.
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10
Snow Lake Trail
One of the most popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness hikes, leading through subalpine meadows to a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by ridges. Despite its popularity, the views are exceptional.
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11
Mount Constitution Summit
The highest point in the San Juan Islands at 734m, crowned by a stone observation tower offering views of the entire San Juan archipelago, Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and Vancouver Island.
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12
Padilla Bay Interpretive Trail
A flat dike trail through one of the most important estuarine habitats on the West Coast, excellent for birdwatching with views of the North Cascades and San Juan Islands. The 11,000-acre bay hosts massive flocks of migratory birds.
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13
Beacon Rock Trail
A short but thrilling switchback trail up the side of Beacon Rock — one of the largest monoliths in North America at 268m — with handrails all the way to the summit and spectacular Columbia River Gorge views.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Washington.
- Spring
- Lower-elevation trails accessible from March; wildflowers peak April-June; expect muddy conditions and snow at altitude; perfect for rain forest trails
- Summer
- Best season for high-altitude trails; Paradise wildflowers peak July-August; Enchantments permit lottery results in May; all trails accessible by July
- Fall
- Heather-Maple Pass and North Cascades spectacular October; fewer crowds; Cascade passes open until first major snowfall (typically October-November); excellent mushroom foraging
- Winter
- Low-elevation trails passable year-round; Hoh Rain Forest is dramatic in winter; high trails closed under snow; snowshoe trails at Hurricane Ridge and Crystal Mountain
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Rapidly changing mountain weather — storms can develop within hours even in summer; always carry rain gear and extra layers
Hazard: River crossings on unmaintained trails can be dangerous in spring snowmelt (May-June)
Hazard: Bears and cougars present in wilderness areas — carry bear spray and make noise while hiking
Hazard: Loose rock on mountain and ridge trails; appropriate footwear essential
Hazard: Hypothermia risk even in summer in the Olympic rain forests and at altitude — wet cold is more dangerous than dry cold
Hazard: Sun exposure at high elevation is intense — sunscreen and hat required
Hazard: Cell service unreliable in most wilderness areas — download offline maps and carry a paper map
Hazard: Ticks active in eastern Washington grasslands and low-elevation forests spring through early summer
Hazard: Wildfires can close trails in eastern Washington August-September — check trail conditions before departure