The Whole U’s top 10 hikes in Washington state
No plans for the weekend? Why not take a hike? No, I don’t mean that sarcastically. There are tons of beautiful hikes in Washington! I’ve compiled a list of hikes, in order of difficulty, located on the west side of the state.
Not an avid hiker? That’s okay! Start out with the hikes at the beginning and challenge yourself to reach the more difficult routes over time. It’s all about setting goals!
(Photo: Jessie Hay, Flickr)
Wildside Trail
Location: Issaquah Alps (Cougar Mountain)
Distance: 4.2 miles
Gain: 489 ft.
Highest Point: 1122 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Notes: This route is great for running if you prefer to do so. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, but park visitors must stay on the official trails due to hazards from historical mining activities in this area.
Twin Falls State Park (Photo: Michael Matti, Flickr)
Twin Falls
Location: Snoqualmie Pass/North Bend
Distance: 2.0 miles
Gain: 500 ft.
Highest Point: 1000 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Notes: This hike is all about the views! The route follows the Snoqualmie River and Cascade Mountain forests. And of course, there are fabulous views of Twin Falls. Along the way, lookout for salmonberries, recently featured in our Guide to Berries of the Pacific Northwest.
Rattlesnake Ledge, Washington (Photo: Zach Taiji, Flickr)
Rattlesnake Ledge
Distance: 4.0 miles
Gain: 1160 ft.
Highest Point: 2078 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Notes: This particular hike is located on the Eastern edge of Rattlesnake Ridge. Views are absolutely unbelievable from the Cedar River watershed to Chester Morse Lake. Be sure to check out the monolithic rock!
(Photo: George Wesley & Bonita Dannells, Flickr)
Lime Kiln Trail
Location: Granite Falls/North Cascades
Distance: 7.0 miles (half day)
Gain: 625 ft.
Highest Point: 750 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Notes: This one is easy on the knees, as it is mostly a level path, despite a decline through the forest. The best thing is that you get peekaboo views of the river!
Parasailing at Poo Poo Point (Photo: msteins, Flickr)
Poo Poo Point
Location: Issaquah/Tiger Summit
Distance: 7.4 miles
Gain: 1858 ft.
Highest Point: 2021 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Notes: You get mixed scenery with this one: wildflowers, bushes, and creeks. The best part is that hang gliders and paragliders take off here from spring to fall!
Atop Bandera Mountain (Photo: Nikky, Flickr)
Bandera Mountain
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Distance: 8.0 miles (half day
Gain: 3400 ft.
Highest Point: 5240 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Notes: This one can be a little tough right at the end, but the view makes it 100% worth the challenge! Who doesn’t want gorgeous panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains? Also, be sure to bring extra water and some bug spray for this one!
(Photo: Alex Webster, Flickr)
Wallace Falls
Location: Central Cascades/Stevens Pass
Distance: 5.6 miles
Gain: 1300 ft.
Highest Point: 1500 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Notes: The Wallace Falls hike is perfect for a daytime picnic outing; there is even a covered picnic area at the bottom falls. Once you pass the picnic area, the hike gets a little bit tougher but the view makes it well worth it! Bring sturdy hiking shoes if you have them and don’t forget your camera!
(Photo: Sean Munson, Flickr)
Mailbox Peak
Location: Snoqualmie Pass/North Bend
Distance: 6.0 miles
Gain: 4000 ft.
Highest Point: 4822 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Notes: This very challenging hike is only open from May to November, as it is best when the weather is sunny and dry. With an elevation change of over 1,000 feet per mile, you definitely need to practice if you are not an experienced hiker. But hey, the 360 degree view should be enough motivation!
(Photo: Diana K, Flickr)
Loowit Falls
Location: Mt. St. Helens/South Cascades
Distance: 9.4 miles (full day)
Gain: 800 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Notes: This one is amazing for its flora; it’s beautifully covered in moss, wild flowers, and greenery. Tips: start early in the day, bring a headlamp in case it gets dark, and pack some sunblock because there is little shade.
(Photo: 0utdoorsgirl, Flickr)
Hannegan Peak
Location: Mt. Baker
Distance: 10.4 miles (multiple days)
Gain: 3100 ft.
Highest Point: 6200 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Notes: This route offers spectacular views right from the beginning with amazing waterfalls and flowers. The bugs are pretty prominent here, so don’t forget your bug spray! Once you get to the top, the views will make you speechless.
So grab your backpack, lace up your shoes, fill up those water bottles, and hit the trails—they’re waiting for you! Want more amazing hikes? UW alum and author Craig Romano, who earned a BA in History and a Master’s in Education, has written several books on hiking, including Backpacking Washington and Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula.
Have a favorite hike not shown here? Tell us about it in the comments!
Article originally published in July 2022. References: Notes and difficulty: AllTrails / Location and distance: Washington Trails Association.
3 Thoughts on “The Whole U’s top 10 hikes in Washington state”
On August 7, 2024 at 8:53 AM, Adreanna Riley said:
These look like fantastic hikes; thanks for curating this list for us!
On August 9, 2024 at 3:11 PM, Tiana Cole said:
Hidden Lake Lookout!
On August 14, 2024 at 11:54 AM, Peter Hendrickson said:
Grand hikes, no doubt. How about some Urban ‘Walks, so accessible to so many, especially if lacking a car? See The Mountaineers and search of Seattle Olmsted Circuit for 12, linked ~6-miles sections looping through Seattle.
Comments are closed.