Discover Washington's Top Hiking Trails
Washington is full of natural beauty and adventure, so it's no surprise it's also one of the top hiking destinations in the country. From the challenging Wonderland Trail to Seattle’s Fauntleroy Park, take a tour of the 10 best hiking trails in Washington.
Bygone Byways Interpretive Trail, Leavenworth, WA
The Bygone Byways Interpretive Trail is a short, self-guided trail that follows the old route of the Great Northern Railway, taking about 8 minutes to loop. Explore the lesser-known history of the area and experience a rewarding hike while you're at it.
Bowl and Pitcher Trail, Spokane, WA
Trek through some of Eastern Washington's best scenery while traversing the Bowl and Pitcher trail in Riverside State Park. This moderately rated trail is one of the most picturesque hikes in the area, taking about an hour to complete.
Whites Ridge Trail, Yakima, WA
Hiking through Whites Ridge Trailhead in Ahtanum State Forest leads visitors through forested areas and near creeks. The moderately rated trail takes about 3.5 hours to complete and provides views of Mount Adams and the Yakima Valley.
West Tiger Mountain (Dwight’s Way Trail), Issaquah, WA
Dwight's Way Trail in West Tiger Mountain is a rewarding hike, taking hikers through second-growth forests and mountain meadows. Yet, it can be considered one of the tougher hikes on our list — one that takes about two hours to complete.
Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford, WA
The Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier State Park is a challenging hike, with elevation gain and loss, from woodland gullies into high-alpine areas. It takes 7-10 days to complete, making camping along the route essential.
Easy Pass/Fisher Creek Trails, Stehekin, WA
The Easy Pass/Fisher Creek Trails is like a choose-your-own-adventure book, except you're choosing which trail to hike. Go easy or hard depending on your preference, and say hello to the mountain goats along the five-hour journey.
Weatherwax Trail, Ocean Shores, WA
The Weatherwax Trail winds through the seaside woods of the Weatherwax Preserve. The hike is quick, so it's excellent for families with children to discover the joys of the outdoors.
Fauntleroy Park, Seattle, WA
Seattle delivers opportunities if you're looking for a good hike. Fauntleroy Park is lush and right on Puget Sound — offering hiking trails equipped with boardwalks, rustic stairs, and viewing platforms.
Crawford Ranch Trail, Lyle, WA
Columbia State Park is alive with color in the springtime when trailheads are dotted with wildflowers. Washingtonians love Crawford Ranch Trail within the park for its loop that ascends into the Columbia Hills complex.
Viewpoint Trail, Bellingham, WA
Larabee State Park in Bellingham offers some of the best trails in the state. Viewpoint Trail, which takes four hours to complete, is an excellent choice for hikers looking for a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Washington is full of natural beauty and adventure, making it a top hiking destination in the country.
- Bygone Byways Interpretive Trail in Leavenworth offers a short, self-guided hike following the old route of the Great Northern Railway.
- Bowl and Pitcher Trail in Spokane is a picturesque hike in Riverside State Park, taking about an hour to complete.
- Whites Ridge Trail in Yakima provides views of Mount Adams and the Yakima Valley, taking about 3.5 hours to complete.
- Dwight's Way Trail in Issaquah offers a rewarding hike through second-growth forests and mountain meadows, taking about two hours to complete.
- Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is a challenging hike that takes 7-10 days to complete, with camping along the route essential.
- Easy Pass/Fisher Creek Trails in Stehekin offer a choose-your-own-adventure hike with options for easy or hard trails, taking about five hours to complete.
- Weatherwax Trail in Ocean Shores is a quick hike through seaside woods, perfect for families with children.
- Fauntleroy Park in Seattle offers lush hiking trails with boardwalks, rustic stairs, and viewing platforms right on Puget Sound.
- Crawford Ranch Trail in Lyle is alive with wildflowers in the springtime, offering a loop hike ascending into the Columbia Hills complex.
- Viewpoint Trail in Bellingham at Larabee State Park is a challenging yet rewarding hike that takes about four hours to complete.
