Going for a hike in Washington is amazing, especially on a beautiful Pacific Northwest day, and the best Washington hikes highlight our state’s stunning natural beauty. But not everyone has time to cover 10 miles or even five miles … and not everyone wants to (or is able to), either. The solution? A short and sweet little hike — perhaps something a few miles long; and believe us, there are many here in the Evergreen State! Check out the following nine three-mile trails (or under), which we happen to think are some of the best hikes in Washington.

1. Cape Flattery Trail
Cape Flattery Trail, Washington 98357, USA
Bill Watson / AllTrails - Jul. 13, 2005
Located at the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula near Neah Bay, this trail is only 1.2 miles. Because of the perpetually wet conditions, you'll be walking on raised boardwalks for much of the path.
2. Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
Bench and Snow Lake Trail, Packwood, WA 98361, USA
Karissa Ross / AllTrails - Jul. 27, 2015
You'll find this beautiful trail in Mount Rainier National Park near Paradise. It's an easy 2.5-mile long hike that feels heavenly indeed.
3. Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail
Bowl and Pitcher, Audubon-Downriver, WA 99208, USA
Jessica Shively/AllTrails - Apr. 6, 2021
This two-mile trek is located near Spokane in Riverside State Park. Your hike can start near the Spokane House of Riverside State Park or near Bowl and Pitcher.
4. Horan Natural Area
Horan Natural Area, Apple Capitol Recreational Loop Trail, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA
JillyBean9827 / TripAdvisor
You'll find this 2.5-mile trail located in Wenatchee Confluence State Park in East Wenatchee. The trail is easy to navigate, and there are some great viewing stations along the way.

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5. Franklin Falls
Beautiful Sunset Hike to Franklin Falls in Washington
Franklin Falls Trailhead, Parking lot, Denny Creek Trail, North Bend, WA 98045, USA
Jeremy Janus/Getty Images
The highlight of this two-mile trail is obviously the beautiful waterfall, but you'll see lots of amazing scenery along the way. The Franklin Falls Trail is located near Snoqualmie Pass.
6. Bagley Creek Loop Trail
Bagley Creek, Washington 98362, USA
Edmund Lowe Photography/Getty Images
The 1.4-mile-long Bagley Creek Loop Trail sits way up in Northern Washington near Maple Falls. It's quiet, peaceful, and easy to enjoy.
7. Nisqually Vista Trail
Nisqually Vista Trail, Washington 98304, USA
Samura Miller/AllTrails - Aug. 19, 2020
This mile-long trail is located near the Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park. While it's often covered in snow, during the summertime everything is green and beautiful.
8. Saddlerock Trail
Saddlerock Trail, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA
Erin Williams/AllTrails - Jun. 15, 2022
Saddlerock Trail is a 2.4-mile loop you'll find in the Wenatchee area. While parts of it are a bit steep, it's considered a great trail for beginners and advanced hikers alike.
9. Cowiche Canyon Conservancy Trail
Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, 302 N 3rd St #201, Yakima, WA 98901, USA
France Freeman / AllTrail - Apr. 28, 2013
Confession: The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy Trail is actually about 3.3 miles. But it's so peaceful and relaxing in this canyon, which is located just outside of Yakima, that you won't mind the extra steps one bit!

We hope you enjoy as many of these short, easy hikes as possible. So whether your’e looking for a 3 mile hike or one that’s a little longer, we’re sure you’ll appreciate all of the best Washington hikes available to you in our state.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes in Washington

Sarah M. | April 01, 2022

What are some beautiful overlooks to hike to in Washington?

With so many scenic places and hikes in Washington, there are some seriously spectacular overlooks you'll come across. If you are up for a hike, we recommend the Naches Peak Loop Trail, an easy pathway with an overlook where you can see a valley and Mount Rainier (although the mountain can be seen throughout the entire hike). One of our favorite overlooks is in the Columbia River Gorge. Lauded as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. Located on Highway 14 near Stevenson, Washington, the Cape Horn Lookout offers a glimpse of the unique beauty of southern Washington. While the windshield views are amazing, you should definitely take the time to stop and check out the overlook. And if you're feeling adventurous, lace up your boots and set out on the Cape Horn Loop Trail. This 7.5-mile loop trail is definitely an all-day hike, but the views along the way are well worth it!

Another beautiful overlook in Washington is the Washington Pass Overlook -- and it's one you don’t even have to hike to. Located along the North Cascades Highway, simply park the car in the parking lot and get out to have a look at the miles of scenery in front of you. You'll find some other overlooks in Washington with jaw-dropping views in this article.

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