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. 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.
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 Pilchuck Lookout
Location: Mountain Loop hwy
Distance: 5.4 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 2300 ft
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
The fire lookout always caught my attention and this is one that you should not miss, you will have views of mt baker, mt rainier and the Olympics mountains, but be patient, the road to get to the trail is not in good condition and you will have to go very slow.
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. Lake Serene
Location: Steven Pass
Distance: 8.2 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 2000ft
Difficulty: Moderate
You can dedicate a whole day to this hike if you decide to see Bridal Veil Falls (1 extra mile). If you go in spring the waterfall will be so strong that you will get wet but it is an indescribable sensation, then you have to go up to the lake but it is worth it, it is a very nice hike through the forest and then you start to have views of the mountains. When you finally get to the lake take your time and enjoy.
8. Snow Lake
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Distance: 7.2 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 1800ft
Difficulty: Moderate
For me it is the most beautiful hike near Seattle, the one that you can do escaping an afternoon during the week, it is the most visited alpine Lake so I recommend you to go on a weekday.
9. Ingalls Lake
Location: Salmon Le Sac
Distance: 9 Miles Round trip
Elevation gain: 2500 ft
Difficulty: Hard
For me this hike is a Hidden gem, I did it in spring and the lake was thawing leaving some amazing colors, I also recommend you to do it in the fall for the larches, take your time and take a few good breaks but it is worth to complete it.
10. 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.
