In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Washington Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
Whether or not you’re the resolution-making type, setting a goal to hike more of Washington in the year to come is always a good idea. Whether you’re a total novice or an experienced outdoor adventurist, the Evergreen State has trails to suit your skill level. To get you started, we found a beautiful hike for each month of the year. Change or modify the trails we selected to fit your needs, or hike them in order and report back at the end of the year. Enjoy!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
This short and sweet hike is located near Snoqualmie Pass, and it's a fantastic trail to take in any season. But seeing that waterfall frozen and surrounded by snow will truly take your breath away... and not just because of the chill in the air.
Discovery Park is located in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, but you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, not a major city. The main four-mile loop trail is a peaceful, scenic trek, and it's both sparsely populated and beautifully quiet in late winter.
Located near Winthrop, this 8.6-mile canyon hike will get you into great hiking shape quickly. Despite its long length, it's not terribly strenuous, and any hiker that can handle long distances will love it. But since there's not much shade in the canyon, it's best to complete this loop before the sunnier seasons arrive.
In April, head down to the Columbia River Gorge, where you'll find this lovely five-mile loop near the small town of Stevenson. The path leads you through beautiful old growth forests to a multi-tiered waterfall that tends to flow its hardest in the spring.
This hike is about six miles in length, and it's a real leg-burner -- you might want to skip it if you're a novice. That being said, the visual rewards, especially during wildflower season, are absolutely amazing. This trail is another Columbia Gorge trek, located near the small city of Carson.
Celebrate summer's imminent arrival with a trip to Eastern Washington. Located in Spokane's Riverside State Park, this two-mile loop follows the Little Spokane River on an old railroad grade.
Summer is the best time to check out the Mt. Rainier trails, and this 3.3-mile loop has it all: vibrant wildflowers, a family-friendly path, and unparalleled views of Mt. Rainier. As you can imagine, this is a popular trail in the summer, so go on a weekday morning if you prefer peace and quiet.
The beaches of Olympic National Park are majestic and otherworldly. Second Beach is located near La Push, and the two-mile trail is almost entirely oceanside.
Late September is the perfect time to head to the Mt. Baker area and find this eight-mile trail, which is located near Maple Falls. By early fall, the flower meadows start to blaze orange and red, and the insects of summer are almost entirely gone.
There are quite a few hikes in Washington that will allow you to take in all the beautiful fall foliage. Mt. Rainier's Alta Vista Trail is an underrated gem. And at just under two miles in length, it's an easy day hike as well.
Naches is a tiny town surrounded by nature you'll find on the outskirts of Yakima. The nearby Tieton Nature Trail is a 6.6-mile river walk that features cottonwoods, aspen, and willows adorned with autumn hues.
You'll find plenty of places to snowshoe in Washington. But for a breathtaking winter sunset (minus the snow), head to Whidbey Island and hike at Fort Ebey State Park in Coupeville. The seven-mile loop is pleasant in any season, but in December, it's both secluded and serene.
Where will you go hiking this year?
Address: Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USA
Address: Mt. Baker, Seattle, WA, USA
Address: Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
Address: Columbia River, Columbia River
Address: 4427 N Aubrey L White Pkwy, Spokane, WA 99205, USA
Address: Fort Ebey State Park, 400 Hill Valley Dr, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA
Address: Naches, WA 98937, USA
Address: Second Beach, Washington, USA
