Whether or not you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can probably agree that a hike trumps the treadmill when you have the choice. And since there’s still some decent hiking weather ahead of us in Washington, you’ve got plenty of time to hit the trail. If you’ve done more poolside lounging than exercising over the summer, fear not – our state has plenty of paths you can take that won’t be too treacherous. Add these 10 hikes to your outdoor bucket list if you are looking for the best hikes in Washington.

1. Icicle Gorge, Leavenworth
Icicle Gorge Trailhead, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Winston_Orvis / TripAdvisor
The Icicle Gorge Trail is a 4.2 mile trek, but it’s a very gentle loop that doesn’t have any significant elevation gains. It’s a great trail for all skill levels, and there’s a lot of breathtaking scenery along the way.
2. Cape Flattery, near Neah Bay
Cape Flattery, Washington 98357, USA
Steve d / TripAdvisor
When it comes to hiking on the Olympic Peninsula, the 1.5 mile Cape Flattery trail gives you the "most bang for your buck" when it comes to stunning scenery. After a short walk through an old-growth forest, you’ll start to get glimpses of the ocean. When you reach the final outlook, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world which is what makes this one of the most scenic hikes in Washington.
3. Beezley Hills, near Quincy
Beezley Hills, Washington 98848, USA
Matt Lavin / Flickr
Beezley Hills is a 3 miles round trip hike best known for its beautiful wildflowers. The area is owned by the Nature Conservatory, and it’s one of the easiest hikes to reach from Quincy.
4. Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Pass
Franklin Falls, Washington 98045, USA
Ana Fano / alltrails.com
Ross Terry / alltrails.com
Franklin Falls is an easy hike in Washington and is one of the most popular hikes in the Snoqualmie area. It’s two miles round trip, it’s family-friendly, and it includes a beautiful waterfall. If you’ve never hiked in your life, this would be an amazing place to start.
5. Grove of the Patriarchs Loop, Mount Rainier National Park
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail, Eastside Trail, Packwood, WA 98361, USA
daveynin / Flickr
This might be one of the easiest hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, but it’s also one of the most memorable. The 1.5 mile loop is absolutely enchanting, taking you through some of the oldest forest in Washington on a boardwalked trail.
6. Bridal Veil Falls, North Cascades
Bridal Veil Falls, Washington 98251, USA
Dustin Stinnett / alltrails.com
Eugene McLaurin / alltrails.com
This trail leads to a draping cataract waterfall that resembles a tiered veil, hence the name. It’s a 4.4 mile hike that can get a little misty, but it’s a pretty easy path to walk.
7. Big Rock, Spokane area
Big Rock, Washington 99223, USA
Cassy Brown / allatrails.com
For breathtaking views of the Palouse and the Spokane Valley, hike the 2.5 mile Big Rock Trail near Spokane. To reach the trail, park in the Steven’s Creek parking lot and head right. Follow the old road for about half a mile, then take the winding path to the right.
8. Bagley Lakes Trail, near Maple Falls
Bagley Lakes Trailhead, Mt Baker Hwy, Deming, WA 98244, USA
Bill Watson / alltrails.com
This two mile out and back trail takes you through the Heather Meadows area past two sparkling alpine lakes with beautiful mountain backdrops. It’s almost surreal.
9. Discovery Historic Loop, Vancouver
Discovery Historic Loop, 115 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661, USA
Stephen Doerk / alltrails.com
This classic Southern Washington walking spot is a 2.3 mile loop, but you’ll probably be too distracted by the beautiful river views to notice the distance.

We have so many amazing hiking options in Washington. These 15 trails are absolutely breathtaking and are some of the best hikes in Washington.

 

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Best Hikes In Washington

SKS | May 27, 2022

What’s the most beautiful hike in Washington?

Colchuck Lake

The most beautiful hike in Washington has to be Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail, and it’s easy to see why! This 9 mile hike definitely isn’t the easiest hike in Washington, but the view will lead to you to the most beautiful view in all of Washington state. Located near Leavenworth, Washington, Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake Trail will take you up over 2,000 feet of elevation until you reach your destination—the beautiful Colchuck Lake. From the lake, you can see the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Stuart, towering overhead, which, depending on the season, may still be covered in a blanket of crisp white snow. Colchuck Lake is a glacier lake, giving it a beautiful blue color that is unlike any other lake you’ve seen before, and if you are looking to check off the most beautiful Washington hikes off your list, you better start with the best, the hike to Colchuck Lake!

What is the most popular hike in Washington?

Lake 22 Trail

Lake 22 trail is a moderate 7 mile loop hike outside of Granite Falls, Washington, and once you complete it, it will be easy to see why it is the most popular hike in the state. Found in Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, this trail will take you up nearly 1,500 of elevation gain to the beautiful alpine Lake 22. Along the way, you will pass through Washington forests with views of Mount Pilchuck towering above for some of the best views around.

 

What is the most scenic waterfall hike in Washington?

Franklin Falls Trail

Franklin Falls Trail is an easy 2 mile hike in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, and just so happens to be the most scenic waterfall hike in Washington. While this hike is popular in the summer, it is accessible throughout the year, and Franklin Falls Trail is absolutely breathtaking in the winter. There’s nothing quite like hiking along this snow-covered path through snow-covered trees, and reaching such a magnificent waterfall. Even when Franklin Falls freezes its still beautiful! Next time you are looking for a scenic waterfall hike, go check out Franklin Falls Trail.

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