Last summer I started really hiking on my own, but it was difficult for me to find hikes or get recommendations because the only hikes my friends were doing were Rattlesnake Ridge and Mount Si. It was unpredictable if I would enjoy different hikes or not. Fortunately, Washington is a beautiful state where hiking can hardly ever go wrong.
I am writing this list for those of you that want to explore our state, but aren't exactly sure where to start. Everything from a coastal hike, to your first backpacking trip, these hikes will fulfill your budding hiking desires. Check out part one of this list for more info!
1. Boulder River – for your dose of waterfalls
North Cascades
8.6 mi. roundtrip, 700 ft. elevation gain, approximately 1.75 hr. from downtown Seattle
TLC says don’t go chasing waterfalls, but who are they kidding, waterfalls are spectacular. This hike is an easy jaunt through the woods that passes two waterfalls and ends at a camping spot near the river. The first, a double waterfall, is definitely the star of the show -- but the second is quite spectacular as well. They aren’t very powerful, but tall and still magnificent to behold. When I did Boulder River, I chose to only do part of it and turn around at the second waterfall. Although the Washington Trail Association website says the second waterfall is 1.5 miles into the trail (making the total distance I covered about 3 miles), my FitBit tracked a total of 5 miles. Whether that portion of the hike is 3 miles or 5, the great thing about shorter hikes is having more time to explore your surroundings. I highly recommend taking the time to sit and investigate the riverbank by either the first or second waterfalls. The high cliffs beside the river give the riverbed a gorge-like feel that is rather breathtaking.
2. Gothic Basin – for the perfect one night backpacking trip
North Cascades
9.0 mi. roundtrip, 2840 ft. elevation gain, approximately 2 hr. from downtown Seattle
Gothic Basin is a spectacular area in the North Cascades that day hikers never want to leave, making this the perfect spot for an overnight trip. I will not lie to you – this hike is long and difficult. There is climbing and scrambling over rocks, but the effort worth the reward. Gothic Basin is incredible in itself – an interesting landscape of soft green grass with large rock faces peeking through – but do not miss the diversion up to Foggy Lake. Unlike many western Washington lakes, which are usually backed by green mountains, sharp cliffs surround this lake. To reach the lake, head right and follow the most worn footpath.
This hike may be described as 9 miles, but this does not include the endless exploring you will want to do once you reach the top or the diversion to Foggy Lake. For this reason, I definitely recommend taking two days to hike and travel through Gothic Basin. Aim to get to the top early to find a campsite and set up, then do your exploration the next day.
3. Poe Mountain – for when you just gotta climb a mountain
Central Cascades
6.0 mi. roundtrip, 2250 ft. elevation gain, approximately 3 hr. from downtown Seattle
Not everyone gets to say, “I climbed a mountain today,” but do this hike and you will be able to say that and mean it. However, they don’t have to know that this hike isn’t actually that difficult. There are two paths up to the top of Poe Mountain, however I recommend the (easier) trail via Irving Pass. This trail climbs up to Irving Pass then travels over ridgelines from which views, Mount Rainer to the left and deep green valleys to the right, can be seen. At about 2.5 miles the trail turns left past what wta.org describes as a “6000-foot knoll.” Be careful not to follow the boot beaten path that travels straight onto the knoll – many hikers mistake this as the summit and never reach the jaw dropping 360-degree views at the top of Poe Mountain.
4. Spider Meadow and Phelps Basin – for something incredible
Central Cascades
13.0 mi. roundtrip, 1900 ft. elevation gain, approximately 3.75 hr. from downtown Seattle
At 13 miles roundtrip, this hike is definitely a trek. But for those who make it all the way, it’s incredibly worth it. Spider Meadow is expansive, verdant, flocked by sharp peaks, and popular for backpackers (keep that in mind if you plan an overnight trip here). Phelps Basin is only a short bit further past the meadows. Take your time observing the scenery here; the hills flanked in a pattern of green brush, talus slopes, and melting, late-season snow are something to be admired. Careful on this hike early in the season, snowmelt from the basin can be dangerous and there are many stream crossings.
5. Spray Park – for wildflowers and those insta-perfect shots of Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier Area
7.5 mi. roundtrip, 1600 ft. elevation gain, approximately 2.5 hr. from downtown Seattle
You know the pictures I’m taking about: purple, red and yellow wildflowers in the forefront and Mount Rainier closer and in more detail than you’ve ever seen it. Spray Park, part of the wonderland trail that circumnavigates Mount Rainier, is an incredible spot for taking in the views and snapping these pictures. Visit this park in late July to truly experience all Mount Rainier has to offer. The expansive meadows, lush lupine, babbling brooks, and the sounds of whistling marmots will overtake you. Give yourself plenty of time to take it in, snap pictures, and picnic between wildflowers.
6. Cape Flattery – for reaching the most northwestern point in the continental United States
Olympic Peninsula
1.5 mi. roundtrip, 200 ft. elevation gain, approximately 6.5 hr. from downtown Seattle
A list of Washington hikes is incomplete without a coastal trail. Cape Flattery is a beautiful oasis of sea stacks and deep ocean water. Here, where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean, is the most northwestern point in the continental United States. Look closely and you'll see caves hidden in the sharp cliff faces, sea otters bobbing happily on the water's surface, birds swooping between sea stacks, and even the occasional whale further out in the water. Though this trail is short, it is still not to be missed.
7. Ancient Lakes – for exploration of Central Washington
Central Washington
12.0 mi. roundtrip, 625 ft. elevation gain, approximately 2.5 hr. from downtown Seattle
Ok, real talk now, I'm a hardcore PNW lover, but to me the pacific northwest is characterized by trees and green and rain. Where does the desert of central and eastern Washington fit into this? I don't know. But if you want to find out, try this trail. The Ancient Lakes were formed by the Missoula Floods at the end of the Ice Age. In this age, the lakes would flood over when an ice dam ruptured, then the ice would reform until another rupture would occur. This frequent flooding caused this unique landscape to form. This hike journeys through the desert landscape, moving eastward through what was once the floods' path from the lakes to the Columbia River.
I hope from this list you are able to explore some of the beauty our incredible state has to offer, and are inspired to find your own favorite hikes!
