10 Best Hikes in Washington
Hello everyone, Washington is a unique state in the country where you will find beaches, volcanoes, alpine lakes, forests, waterfalls, desert. This is my top 10 favorite hikes in Washington, they are not in order of preference. If it is your first time hiking I recommend you to train a few weeks before doing them because they are a bit long hikes and with elevation. These are all official hikes where you will find parking and restrooms available. Take advantage that summer is just around the corner and prepare your list of hikes.
Hiking Essentials
The most important thing when hiking is to have the corresponding pass. I recommend you to have the America The Beautiful Pass which includes the Northwest Forest Pass and the entrance to all the National Parks. We must also have the Discover Pass which includes the Washington State Parks.
Skyline Loop Trail
Location: Mt Rainier National Park
Distance: 5.5 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 1450ft
Difficulty: Moderate
The Skyline Loop is one of the most popular hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, it starts from the Paradise area inside the park, if you do it on a clear day you can see Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams and if you are lucky you can even see Mount Hood which is in Oregon. It is also impressive to hike around Mount Rainier and you will always be amazed at how huge it is, plus you will be able to see waterfalls and glaciers up close. When you're done I recommend going to Reflection Lake.
2. Maple Pass Loop
Location: North Cascades Hwy
Distance: 7.2 Miles
Elevation gain: 2020ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
The Maple Pass Loop is one of the best hikes in Washington no matter what time of year you do it (as long as it is accessible) it will always surprise you, wildflowers in spring-summer. Falls colors and larches in the fall I recommend doing it counterclockwise, it's a little easier to climb, you will pass through an area inside the North Cascades National Park and if it's a nice day the sunset will blow your mind. I recommend you to go very early, the parking lot is small and fills up fast.
3. Chain Lakes Loop
Location: Mt Baker
Distance: 6.5 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 1820ft
Difficulty: Moderate
It's such a short summer that this is a must do hike, you have several ways to start, I always start from heather meadows so the end is downhill. The best part is when you get to Herman saddle where you will have a view of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan.
4. Tolmie Peak Lookout
Location: Mt Rainier National Park
Distance: 7.5 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 1100ft
Difficulty: Moderate
The view from the Tolmie Peak fire lookout to the mt rainier and Eunice lake is magical. It is a hike you should do at sunset and you won't regret it. Remember to bring lamps.
5. Mt Fremont Lookout
Location: Mount Rainier National Park - Sunrise Area
Distance: 5.7 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 1200 ft
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
One of the easiest lookouts in the state, the entire trail has incredible views of Mount Rainier. It is perfect to do it at sunset.
6. Mt Storm King
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Distance: 4 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 2000ft
Difficulty: Hard
Mount Storm King is one of my favorite hikes on the Olympic peninsula, it is short but a bit steep, you can take a detour to Marymere falls (don't miss it). Be careful at the end of the trail where you have to climb with the help of ropes. Do not do it if the weather is bad.
7. Vesper Peak
Location: Mountain Loop Hwy
Distance: 86.8 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 4094ft
Difficulty: Hard
It is one of the most difficult hikes of my top 10, I recommend you to do it if you have a good physical condition because it is very high, and to get to the top is very easy to get lost if you have no knowledge of navigation.
8. Barclay Lake
Location: Baring
Distance: 4.3 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 426ft
Difficulty: Easy
For me it is the most beautiful hike near Seattle, the one that you can do escaping an afternoon during the week.
9. Picture Lake
Location: Mt Baker
Difficulty: Easy
It is not a hike, but it is one of my favorite places in Mt Baker, it is on the road to Artist Point. It is a must stop for one of the best views of Mount Shuksan.
10. Colchuk Lake
Location: Leavenworth Area
Distance: 8 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 2280 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
The colchuck Lake is a real hidden gem, it may be a little difficult but it is worth it, the views all along the trail transport you to another place, you have to arrive very early because parking is limited.
