Best Hikes in Washington State
Christine Falls: A Quick, Stunning Must-See Stop at Mount Rainier
If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, there’s a hidden gem you can’t miss—Christine Falls. This quick, scenic stop offers a perfect glimpse of the beauty the park has to offer, all without having to embark on a lengthy hike. Whether you’re just passing through or making a day out of exploring…
Read MoreMount Rainier in One Day: Best Hikes and Scenic Stops for a Day Trip
Mount Rainier National Park is absolutely stunning with its many breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls, beautiful meadows of wildflowers, and awe-inspiring glaciers. This gem in the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer residents and visitors alike. This magnificent place can be visited over and over again and explore new trails each time. But if you are planning a one-day trip and see the best sites that you can in a limited window I have created a one-day itinerary to make it easy to have an amazing day packed with many of the must-see spots and hikes.
Read MoreLake 22: Great Early Season Hiking In Washington State
Looking to experience the beauty of Lake 22 without the crowds? For a quieter trek, consider exploring Lake 22 early in the season. Although you won’t have the trail entirely to yourself, an off-season hike is a fantastic way to enjoy its beauty. April and May are ideal times, as the trail is less crowded compared to peak summer months. Covering 5.4 miles roundtrip with a moderate elevation gain of 1,350 feet, this hike is perfect to explore before the busiest season hits.
Read MoreHiking to Maiden Peak from Deer Park in Olympic National Park
Discover Olympic National Park’s hidden gem: the Deer Park to Maiden Peak hike. Spanning 7.2 miles round-trip via the Obstruction Point Trail, it boasts a 2,100-ft elevation gain. Revel in 360-degree mountain panoramas, vibrant wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. An enchanting hike that’s quickly become a personal favorite.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Backpacking to Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park
Discover the captivating beauty of Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park. Tranquil and stunning, this hidden gem offers a peaceful hiking experience with panoramic mountain views. Crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and abundant wildlife make it a hiker’s paradise. Join us for a comprehensive guide to hiking and backpacking to this enchanting destination in Olympic National Park.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in Washington State
Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness?
Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.
Snowshoe Snoqualmie’s Gold Creek Pond Trail
New to snowshoeing? Or just need a fun day-trip getaway? Try snowshoeing the Gold Creek Pond Trail east of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State. With easy access just off I-90 at Exit 54, you can start snowshoeing through the tall evergreen trees on the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just minutes after parking…
Read MoreA First-timer’s Guide to Snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier
Looking to escape the gray skies and get outside? The Paradise area at Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State is a great place for snowshoeing for several reasons.
Read MoreHigh Rock Lookout – Hiking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.
Read MoreBackpacking Upper Lena Lake – Olympic National Park
Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination.
Read MoreMilk Lake: Beautiful Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park
Milk Lake is a Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park Just a Short Hike Past Upper Lena Lake.
If you have hiked all the way out to Upper Lena Lake and are still up for more hiking make sure you don’t miss Milk Lake. This tiny glacier-fed lake is absolutely stunning with its turquoise blue waters. The vibrant colors of the lake in contrast with the lush green meadow filled with Avalanche Lillys is definitely an Olympic National Park must-see for those who are up for the challenge of backpacking for miles over rugged terrain.
25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip
Ready to start planning your summer backpacking adventures? Check out these 25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip! If these pictures have convinced you that this is a destination you want to go backpacking to this summer and you want to read more info, check out this post on Backpacking to Upper Lena Lake.
Read More5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall
Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.
Read MoreHow to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend
How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend. Mt. Townsend is one of my most favorite day-hiking destinations that I have found in Olympic National Park “so far”. There is just something about the top of Mt. Townsend that reminds me of the epic mountain landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings. It has that unreal fantasy vibe that feels as though it could be the filming location for a different world. The larger than life peaks have always been absolutely stunning to me during the day. So when my younger brother and his friend recently asked if I would like to do a sunrise hike up to this incredible place my answer was a definite “Hell, yes.” Below I will be sharing my experience and some tips I have gathered on How to Successfully do a Sunrise Hike up Mt. Townsend so you can plan your own pre-dawn hiking adventure to this gorgeous spot.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide To Hiking Mailbox Peak
If you are in search of a good leg-burner, Mailbox Peak is the hike for you! With over 4,000 feet of elevation gain this hike is flat-out brutal. Despite being a quad and knee killer, the panoramic 360 degree views from the top are beautiful. There is also the fun novelty of checking the mail…
Read More25 Fantastic Outdoor Books for Hiking In Washington State
Are you interested in getting outside and hitting the trail but don’t know where to start? Whether you are new to Washington state or a longtime resident just looking for inspiration of what trail to crush next. We have gathered together 25 Fantastic Outdoor Books for Hiking In Washington State. 100 Classic Hikes in Washington…
Read MoreMarymere Falls – Easy Hike in Olympic National Park
Marymere Falls – Easy Hike in Olympic National Park Marymere Falls is a 90-foot-high waterfall located near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, Washington State. This easy 1.5 mile round trip hike is an extremely beginner friendly trail with a great payoff. My hiking group was able to walk at a leisurely pace, with plenty…
Read MoreFranklin Falls Easy Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle
Franklin Falls – Easy, Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle Franklin Falls in the winter is absolutely stunning! If you live in Western Washington, this easy winter hike is definitely one to add onto your bucket list. This winter wonderland is truly incredible. I have been hearing about this hike for years but did not get…
Read MoreNarada Falls (Paradise Mt. Rainier Hikes)
Narada Falls
(Paradise / Mt. Rainier Hikes) Narada Falls should be a priority stop on your way to see Mount Rainier. This stunning horsetail waterfall is only a 0.1 mile walk downhill to the viewpoint and 0.2 mile total round trip. Just an easy 5-10 minute trek for one incredible view.
Myrtle Falls & Edith Creek – Paradise Mt. Rainier
If this is your first time visiting Paradise at Mount Rainier, make sure you don’t miss Myrtle Falls and Edith Creek. This stunning waterfall and mountain creek is just an easy 0.4 mile paved trail from the Paradise Inn parking lot. Even if you have been to Mount Rainier dozens of times, this is a sight you can see over and over again yet still be awed and amazed each and every time.
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