The best walks and hikes around Washington

Washington offers incredible landscape diversity. In the west, expect lush rainforests and rugged, glacier-carved mountains in ranges like the Cascades and Olympics. Trails here can be muddy and feature significant elevation gain. Eastern Washington is much drier, with trails winding through dramatic canyons and rolling hills. Always check trail reports before you go, as conditions can change quickly, especially at higher elevations.

The prime hiking season is typically from July to September when most trails, especially in the mountains, are snow-free and the weather is warmest. Wildflowers in alpine meadows, like those at Mount Rainier, are a major highlight during this time. Spring (April-June) is great for lower-elevation hikes and waterfalls, while fall (October) offers beautiful colors, particularly in the North Cascades.

Yes, Washington has many trails suitable for families and beginners. For a classic waterfall hike that's highly regarded by locals, the Franklin Falls Trail is a popular and relatively easy walk. Many state and national parks, such as Wallace Falls State Park, also offer shorter, well-maintained paths perfect for a family outing.

Washington is famous for its waterfalls. Besides the popular Franklin Falls, you can find stunning cascades at Wallace Falls State Park, which features a trail system leading to lower, middle, and upper falls. For a more immersive rainforest experience, the trails to Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park or Bridal Veil Falls near Lake Serene are excellent choices.

Dog policies vary significantly. Dogs are generally welcome on-leash in Washington's State Parks and National Forests. However, they are not permitted on almost all trails within the three National Parks: Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike before bringing your dog.

It depends on where you hike. For Washington's State Parks, you'll need a Discover Pass. For trails in National Forests, a Northwest Forest Pass is often required at trailheads. If you're hiking in one of the three National Parks, you'll need to pay an entrance fee or have a National Parks Pass (like the America the Beautiful Pass). Always check the trailhead information for the specific pass required.

For experienced backpackers, Washington offers world-class terrain. The Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a legendary but highly competitive permit-only area. North Cascades National Park, known as the 'American Alps', provides rugged, remote wilderness experiences. The Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park offers a long trek through temperate rainforest to the base of Mount Olympus.

For incredible 360-degree views, trails leading to fire lookouts are a great bet, such as the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail at Mount Rainier. In the North Cascades, the Heather-Maple Pass Loop is famous for its continuous, stunning vistas of the surrounding jagged peaks. Hurricane Hill in Olympic National Park also provides sweeping views of the mountains and the sea.

Absolutely. The region has many excellent loop trails that prevent you from having to backtrack. The Naches Peak Loop near Mount Rainier is a classic, offering fantastic views for relatively little effort. For a more moderate challenge, the Mayor's Loop provides a great way to experience the local landscape on a circular path.

The hiking routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the incredible diversity, from the lush rainforests of the coast to the dramatic alpine scenery of the Cascade mountains.

There is a vast network of trails to explore. This guide features a curated selection, but there are nearly 50 routes in the immediate area available on komoot, ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes.