Underrated National Forest Hikes in Washington That Rival the Famous Skyline Loop

Washington is famous for its natural landscapes and the trails leading to or crossing over them. Due to this, locals have become quite protective of the land, and there are many rules for visiting and permits to obtain. However, this has not deterred travelers who flock to Washington for frosted mountains, miles of evergreen forests, and alpine lakes. One of the most famous hikes, the Skyline Loop in Mount Rainier National Park, has all of these things—a bit of everything, so to speak. But, Washington’s national parks aren’t the only places to have this "bit of everything" quality. Their national forests can shock and amaze you with the trails they offer!

1. Mount Townsend Trail

• Distance: 8.5 miles
• Location: Olympic National Forest

‘The hills are alive, with the sound of’ hikers doing their best Julie Andrews impressions. Why? It’s because parts of this trail look like something straight out of "The Sound of Music," with dramatic mountain ranges and wide expanses of grass and trees. Taking over five and a half hours to complete, this out-and-back trail makes you work for your reward, with steep inclines and multiple switchbacks. 

2. Quinault Loop

• Distance: 3.9 miles
• Location: Olympic National Forest

Although this hike is one of the flattest and easiest to traverse on this list, it is by far the most unique. Taking around an hour and a half to complete, this loop hike winds through a temperate rain forest with some of the highest levels of biodiversity in all of Washington. With the addition of a lake, streams, and waterfalls, this area seems like something out of fantasy (or, more specifically, "Twilight"). 

3. Maple Pass Trail

• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

This is perhaps one of the most challenging hikes on this list, mainly due to the dramatic ascent up the mountain and the hard-to-manage switchbacks along the way. And yet, the overused saying "no pain, no gain" is highly applicable here, with beautiful views of the Northern Cascades, as well as lakes, rivers, and forests. Taking about four hours to complete, hikers proclaim that this difficult hike is one of the best trails to view fall foliage.

4. Snow Lake Trail

• Distance: 6.6 miles
• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

The similarity of this hike to that of many on Mount Rainier (mountain views, alpine lakes, wide expanses of evergreen forests, meadows of flowers, etc.) means that it is a particular favorite of locals. It is also a place where you can swim, which hikers mention as being very helpful due to the challenging rocky terrain leading to the lakes, as well as the lack of shade in some areas. An out-and-back hike, this trail takes around three hours and forty minutes to complete, but this can depend on how long one relaxes by the lake. 

5. Lower Falls Creek Trail

• Distance: 3.2 miles
• Location: Gifford Pinchot National Forest

A great family hike, this trail is long enough to keep parents involved, but easy enough and with a big enough payoff to keep kids interested. Taking about an hour and forty-five minutes, this out-and-back hike winds through the forest and leads to a charming waterfall where the mist is heavy in the air and cools hikers off on hot days. 

6. Bead Lake Trail

• Distance: 10.6 miles
• Location: Colville National Forest

A wide, easy trail that follows the lake and has multiple campground options, this hike is a favorite for locals who want to hike in Washington, but desire small crowds. This trail can take almost four hours and forty-five minutes to complete, although some claim that the hill before the parking site claims most of this time. Luckily, hikers say that the sound of water accompanies you on this peaceful walk, all with gorgeous lakeside views, of course. 

Do you have any hikes you would have added to the list? Visit our nomination form and tell us all about them!