Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Washington, United States
1. Olympic National Park - Hoh Rainforest
Explore the largest temperate rainforest in the lower 48 states with miles of hiking trails through ancient forests, meadows, and along the Pacific coast.
- Lush Vegetation: Experience lush ferns, moss-covered trees, and unique wildlife in this temperate rainforest.
- Coastal Beauty: Hike along the ocean coastline for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and sea stacks.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Encounter diverse wildlife, such as black bears, cougars, and elk within their natural habitat.
2. Mount Rainier National Park - Wonderland Trail
Circumnavigate Mount Rainier on this 93-mile backpacking trail, exploring glaciers, meadows, and subalpine wildflower groves.
- Glacial Landscapes: Witness the beauty of Mount Rainier's numerous glaciers up close.
- Subalpine Wildflowers: Hike through colorful meadows filled with various wildflower species.
- Backpacking Adventure: Experience a challenging yet rewarding multi-day backpacking trip.
3. North Cascades National Park - Cascade Pass Trail
Reach stunning views of the Cascade Range at Cascade Pass via a moderate 8-mile hike with beautiful wildflower displays along the way.
- Alpine Meadows: Hike through alpine meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers.
- Mountain Scenery: Experience panoramic views of the Cascade Range from Cascade Pass.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various wildlife species such as marmots, pikas, and mountain goats.
4. Glacier Peak Wilderness - Suiattle Pass
Hike to Suiattle Pass for stunning views of Glacier Peak and explore the wildflowers in this remote alpine region.
- Remote Alpine Region: Discover a remote, pristine alpine landscape.
- Glacier Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Glacier Peak and its surrounding glaciers.
- Wildflower Paradise: Experience a variety of wildflowers in this remote wilderness area.
5. Mount Baker Wilderness - Coleman Glacier Trail
Hike to the Coleman Glacier at the base of Mount Baker for awe-inspiring views and opportunities to see crevasses.
- Glacier Views: Get close-up views of the Coleman Glacier and experience its blue ice.
- Mountain Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Mount Baker, one of Washington's highest peaks.
- Crevasse Exploration: Learn about glacier safety and safely explore crevasses along the trail.
6. Goat Rocks Wilderness - Indian Henry's Hunting Ground
Hike to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground for incredible views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and the surrounding wildflowers.
- Alpine Meadows: Wander through vibrant alpine meadows filled with various wildflower species.
- Mountain Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and other surrounding peaks.
- Backcountry Camping: Camp in the heart of the wilderness and experience solitude in this remote area.
7. Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Loowit Trail
Hike around the base of Mount St. Helens on the Loowit Trail, exploring lava fields and learning about volcanic activity.
- Volcanic Landscape: Explore a unique landscape shaped by a recent volcanic eruption.
- Lava Fields: Walk across ancient lava fields and learn about their formation.
- Volcanic History: Learn about the history of Mount St. Helens' eruption and its ongoing geological activity.
8. Pacific Crest Trail - Snoqualmie Pass
Begin or end your Pacific Crest Trail journey at Snoqualmie Pass, where you can enjoy nearby lakes and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Long-Distance Hiking: Experience long-distance hiking on one of the world's most famous trails.
- Scenic Mountain Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Cascade Range from Snoqualmie Pass.
- Nearby Lakes: Relax by nearby lakes or take a short detour to explore them.
9. Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snow Lake and Ingalls Peak
Hike to stunning Snow Lake and climb nearby Ingalls Peak for a challenging alpine adventure with incredible views.
- Alpine Scenery: Witness breathtaking alpine landscapes, including snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes.
- Challenging Climb: Climb the challenging Ingalls Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Backcountry Camping: Camp near Snow Lake and enjoy peaceful evenings surrounded by nature.
10. Olympic National Park - Hurricane Hill
Hike to Hurricane Hill for a short, easy hike with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Hurricane Ridge.
- Short and Easy: Experience a short and easy hike suitable for all ages and skill levels.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and Hurricane Ridge from the hilltop.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot various wildlife species, such as elk and deer, in their natural habitat.
11. North Cascades National Park - Diablo Lake
Hike to Diablo Lake for stunning views of the turquoise lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Turquoise Lake: Witness the unique, turquoise-colored waters of Diablo Lake.
- Mountain Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
- Short Hike: Experience a short, easy hike suitable for all ages and skill levels.
12. Mount Baker Wilderness - Picture Lake
Hike to Picture Lake for stunning reflections of Mount Shuksan and the surrounding peaks.
- Reflections: Capture beautiful reflections of Mount Shuksan and the surrounding peaks in Picture Lake.
- Easy Hike: Experience an easy, family-friendly hike to Picture Lake.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Mount Shuksan and the surrounding wilderness area.
13. Mount Rainier National Park - Skyline Trail
Hike the Skyline Trail for incredible views of Mount Rainier and explore meadows filled with wildflowers.
- Alpine Meadows: Wander through vibrant alpine meadows filled with various wildflower species.
- Mountain Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Rainier from multiple vantage points along the trail.
- Challenging Hike: Experience a challenging hike with steep elevation gains and uneven terrain.
14. Mount Baker Wilderness - Heliotrope Ridge
Hike to Heliotrope Ridge for incredible views of Mount Shuksan and the surrounding glaciers.
- Glacier Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Shuksan's glaciers from Heliotrope Ridge.
- Mountain Scenery: Experience stunning panoramic views of Mount Shuksan and the surrounding peaks.
- Challenging Hike: Experience a challenging hike with steep elevation gains and uneven terrain.
15. Goat Rocks Wilderness - Kapowski Lake
Hike to Kapowski Lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful wilderness experience.
- Peaceful Wilderness: Experience a peaceful, remote wilderness area with few crowds.
- Mountain Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
- Backcountry Camping: Camp near Kapowski Lake and enjoy peaceful evenings surrounded by nature.