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.

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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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Best Hikes in Washington

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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