Best Backpacking Destinations in Washington, United States
1. Olympic National Park
Experience diverse landscapes ranging from rainforests to alpine meadows and rugged coastlines.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Home to various wildlife including black bears, cougars, and the Olympic marmot.
- Rainforests: The Hoh Rainforest receives an average of 14 feet (4.3 meters) of rain per year.
- Coastal Hikes: Explore scenic coastal trails like the Olympic Discovery Trail and Cape Flattery.
2. North Cascades National Park
Hike through some of the most rugged and beautiful mountain ranges in the contiguous United States.
- Mountain Peaks: Includes over 300 peaks above 7,000 feet (2,100 meters), including Mount Baker.
- Glaciers: Home to more than 300 glaciers, making it the most glaciated area in the contiguous U.S.
- Backcountry Campsites: Remote campsites offer opportunities for solitude and immersion in nature.
3. Mount Rainier National Park
Climb or hike around the iconic Mount Rainier, an active volcano covered with snow and glaciers.
- Active Volcano: Last major eruption was approximately 150 years ago.
- Variety of Trails: From easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, there's a trail for all skill levels.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot black bears, elk, mountain goats, and even cougars.
4. Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Discover over 500 alpine lakes set amidst towering peaks and verdant forests.
- Alpine Lakes: Each lake offers unique beauty, some with crystal-clear waters.
- Mountain Peaks: The area is home to over 70 named peaks, including Mount Stuart and Mount Forged.
- Backpacking Routes: Popular routes include the Enchantment Lakes Basin and Ingalls Lake.
5. Goat Rocks Wilderness
Hike through high alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and enjoy panoramic views of nearby peaks.
- High Alpine Meadows: Known for their vibrant displays of wildflowers in summer.
- Mount Rainier and Mount Adams Views: Offers stunning views of these two iconic peaks.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to spot mountain goats, marmots, and even black bears.
6. Hanford Reach National Monument
Experience the serenity of the Columbia River Gorge, with its diverse wildlife and geological formations.
- Columbia River Gorge: The monument protects the longest free-flowing stretch of the Columbia River.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot bald eagles, ospreys, and other raptors.
- Geological Formations: Includes basalt cliffs, lava flows, and wind-sculpted hills.
7. Leavenworth National Recreation Area
Explore the Wenatchee River Valley, with its diverse landscapes ranging from forests to alpine meadows.
- Wenatchee River Valley: Offers a variety of hiking and backpacking trails.
- Diverse Landscapes: Includes forests, alpine meadows, and waterfalls.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides opportunities for more experienced backpackers to push their limits.
8. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Hike along the Columbia River's rugged cliffs and waterfalls, with stunning views of both Washington and Oregon.
- Rugged Cliffs: Features basalt cliffs up to 2,000 feet (610 meters) tall.
- Waterfalls: Includes famous waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
- Geological Formations: Includes basalt columns, lava flows, and wind-sculpted hills.
9. Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Explore a vast wilderness with diverse landscapes ranging from rainforests to alpine meadows.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Includes rainforests, old-growth forests, and high alpine meadows.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot black bears, cougars, elk, and a variety of bird species.
- Backcountry Campsites: Remote campsites offer opportunities for solitude and immersion in nature.
10. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Hike through diverse landscapes surrounding Mount Baker, an active volcano.
- Active Volcano: Last major eruption was approximately 150 years ago.
- Variety of Trails: From easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, there's a trail for all skill levels.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot black bears, elk, mountain goats, and even cougars.
11. Pacific Crest Trail (Washington Section)
Hike through diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, and desert landscapes.
- Diverse Landscapes: Includes the steep slopes of Mount Rainier, the lava fields of Goat Rocks Wilderness, and the high desert plateaus.
- Long-Distance Hiking: Covers approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers) in Washington state.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots.
12. Wenatchee National Forest
Explore a diverse wilderness with landscapes ranging from forests to alpine meadows.
- Diverse Ecosystems: Includes old-growth forests, high alpine meadows, and waterfalls.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot black bears, cougars, elk, and a variety of bird species.
- Backcountry Campsites: Remote campsites offer opportunities for solitude and immersion in nature.
13. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Hike through the aftermath of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, observing its unique and evolving landscape.
- Active Volcano: Last major eruption was in 1980.
- Evolving Landscape: Continually changing as the volcano recovers and grows.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot elk, bighorn sheep, and a variety of bird species.
14. Mount Adams Wilderness
Hike through high alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and enjoy panoramic views of nearby peaks.
- High Alpine Meadows: Known for their vibrant displays of wildflowers in summer.
- Mount Rainier and Mount Hood Views: Offers stunning views of these two iconic peaks.
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to spot mountain goats, marmots, and even black bears.
15. Glenn Alps Trailhead
Start your hike into the Chugach National Forest, with its diverse landscapes and panoramic views of nearby peaks.
- Diverse Landscapes: Includes forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers.
- Challenging Terrain: Provides opportunities for more experienced backpackers to push their limits.
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot moose, black bears, and a variety of bird species.