The 9 Trails In Washington You Absolutely Have To Hike This Summer
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Jessica Wick
Author
Hiking is pretty much a year-round activity here in Washington, but if you want a sunny experience that’s completely free of snow, your best bet is to hit the trail in mid-later summer. And if you’re looking for a great workout with beautiful scenery, these 9 hikes happen to have it all.
Wildflowers and stunning views make this 5.6-mile trail near Skykomish well worth the hike. To reach it, you'll take Highway 2 to mile marker 50.5, just east of the Skykomish Ranger Station, head south on Foss River Road, and follow the signs.
Looking for a challenging hike? The 8.2-mile Church Mountain trail, which is located in Whatcom County near Maple Falls, is recommended for experienced hikers only. But the scenery includes a panoramic view of the North Cascades and Skyline Ridge.
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If you love wildflowers and breathtaking views, check out the 5-mile Tiffany Mountain Trail, which you'll find near the town of Winthrop. The trail itself is ranked as moderate, but remember, you'll be at a high altitude and may get winded easily.
Located near the small town of Toutle in Cowlitz County, the Hummocks Trail is a short and sweet 2.5-mile loop with great views of the area. It can be a little treacherous in the winter, but during the summer, it's nothing but smooth sailing (and hiking).
The beaches of the Olympic Peninsula are so uniquely beautiful, and the Rialto Beach Trail offers an opportunity to hike right next to the ocean. The trail starts near Forks and is 13 miles in length, but you can always just hike the first half, which is a nice, easy beach walk.
This challenging trail is only recommended for experienced hikers, and only in the summer. But if you're up for it, you'll love the scenic 7.2-mile loop, which offers views of the Kettle River Range.
This 7.8-mile trail near Mt. St. Helen's is extremely underrated. Not only will you get a panoramic view of the devastation from the Mt. St. Helen's eruption, but the wildflowers and views of Spirit Lake are a nice touch.
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Hurricane Ridge is one of the most popular hikes in Olympic National Park, and for good reason -- it's spectacular. The 3.1-mile hike is located near Port Angeles and showcases the unique beauty of the peninsula.
The 5-mile Oregon Butte Trail is located near the town of Dayton in the Umatilla National Forest. There's a pretty large elevation gain on the trail, but that just makes for even more amazing views of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness.
These hiking trails are all fantastic, especially in the summertime — and if you’ll be bringing any young hikers along with you, these trails all happen to be totally kid-friendly.
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