Best Backpacking Destinations in Seattle, United States

1. Olympic National Park

A vast, ancient forest featuring mountains, coastline, and glaciers. Experience diverse ecosystems ranging from rainforests to alpine meadows.

Wilderness Adventure: Ideal for backpackers seeking solitude and a wilderness experience.
Diverse Flora & Fauna: Home to wildlife such as black bears, cougars, and rare plants like the Lady Fern.
Rugged Terrain: Challenging terrain with steep elevation changes makes it suitable for experienced backpackers.

Explore the highest peak in Washington state and its surrounding wilderness, including glaciers, meadows, and old-growth forests.

Scenic Backpacking: Offers spectacular views of the mountain and its surroundings.
Variety of Trails: Caters to backpackers of all experience levels with various trail options available.
Alpine Meadows: Features beautiful alpine meadows that bloom in summer, attracting a variety of wildlife.

Experience the rugged beauty of the North Cascade Range, with its glaciers, wild rivers, and old-growth forests.

Remote Wilderness: Ideal for backpackers seeking a remote, untouched wilderness experience.
Mountain Peaks and Glaciers: Home to numerous mountain peaks and glaciers, providing stunning landscapes for photography.
Backcountry Camping: Offers opportunities for backcountry camping in the heart of the wilderness.

Hike part of the 2,650-mile trail that traverses the United States, with stunning views of mountains, forests, and wildflowers.

Long-Distance Hiking: Ideal for long-distance hikers seeking an epic adventure.
Diverse Landscapes: Offers diverse landscapes including deserts, mountains, and forests.
Wilderness Immersion: Provides an immersion in the wilderness, with opportunities to encounter wildlife and experience solitude.

Explore a series of alpine lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Scenic Beauty: Known for its breathtaking views and crystal-clear alpine lakes.
Backcountry Camping: Offers opportunities for backcountry camping with stunning lake views.
Popular Destination: A popular backpacking destination, so plan ahead to secure permits and avoid crowds.

Explore the remote wilderness surrounding Glacier Peak, with its glaciers, alpine meadows, and old-growth forests.

Remote Backpacking: Ideal for backpackers seeking a remote, challenging wilderness experience.
Glaciers and Volcanoes: Features numerous glaciers and an active volcano, offering unique landscapes and opportunities for photography.
Backcountry Exploration: Provides ample opportunities for backcountry exploration and adventure.

Hike to a beautiful alpine lake nestled in the shadow of Mount Baker, offering stunning views and potential for climbing.

Scenic Hiking: Offers scenic hikes with stunning views of Mount Baker.
Alpine Lake: Features a picturesque alpine lake that is perfect for photography and relaxation.
Mountain Climbing: Provides opportunities for mountain climbing on Mount Baker.

Explore the historic site where the Klondike Gold Rush began, learning about the impact of the gold rush on Seattle and the Yukon.

Historical Education: Offers an opportunity to learn about the history of the Klondike Gold Rush and its impact.
Urban Backpacking: Allows for urban backpacking within Seattle, exploring historical sites and neighborhoods.
Easy Access: Easily accessible from downtown Seattle, making it a convenient option for backpackers.

Explore Seattle's largest park, featuring forested trails, sandy beaches, and views of the Puget Sound.

Urban Wilderness: Offers an urban wilderness experience within Seattle.
Beach Access: Features sandy beaches along the Puget Sound, perfect for relaxing or picnicking.
City Views: Provides stunning views of Seattle and the Puget Sound.

Visit a rainforest education center featuring guided trails, exhibits, and birdwatching opportunities.

Educational Experience: Provides an educational experience about the Pacific Northwest rainforests.
Guided Trails: Offers guided trails through the rainforest, led by knowledgeable guides.
Birdwatching Opportunities: Provides opportunities for birdwatching, with over 300 species found in the area.

Visit a picturesque waterfall located just east of Seattle, with hiking trails and a historic powerhouse.

Natural Beauty: Offers stunning natural beauty in the form of a picturesque waterfall.
Historical Sites: Features historical sites such as the historic powerhouse.
Easy Access: Accessible by car, making it a convenient option for backpackers.

Hike to a popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains.

Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking scenic views.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal for photography enthusiasts seeking stunning landscapes.
Popular Destination: A popular destination, so plan ahead to avoid crowds.

Hike through forests and meadows on Tiger Mountain, offering views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Scenic Hiking: Offers scenic hikes with beautiful views.
Variety of Trails: Features a variety of trails suitable for backpackers of all experience levels.
Urban Backpacking: Allows for urban backpacking within the Seattle area.

Visit Lake Crescent, a deep glacial lake, and hike to the stunning Marymere Falls located nearby.

Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning natural beauty in the form of a deep glacial lake and waterfall.
Hiking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for hiking to scenic destinations.
Accessible by Car: Accessible by car, making it a convenient option for backpackers.

Hike the Ozette Lake Loop on Olympic National Park's coastal wilderness area, featuring ocean views and ancient Makah Indian village ruins.

Coastal Wilderness: Offers a unique coastal wilderness experience.
Historical Sites: Features historical sites such as the Makah Indian village ruins.
Scenic Ocean Views: Provides scenic ocean views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.