Posted in Washington Hiking, Nature February 24, 2022 by

If There Are Only 5 Hikes You Ever Do In Washington, Make Them These

Washington and beautiful hikes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Peas and carrots. Avocado and toast. You get the idea. If you’ve lived here for more than a year and you’ve never gone hiking, it’s time to change that. So instead of searching for “hiking trails near me,” check out this list of the best hikes in Washington.

Now, claiming trails that are the best hikes in Washington is a big deal, since Washington is full of amazing hikes. So, it’s up to the individual to decide. But if you only do 5 hikes in the Evergreen State in your entire life, these trails are some of the most accessible and scenic hikes in Washington.

1. The Lake 22 Trail
William Clifford / Flickr
Richard Cassan / Flickr
The Lake 22 Trail is located near Granite Falls on the beautiful Mountain Loop Highway. It's a 6.7-mile loop, but the scenery is incredible. Learn more about the Lake 22 Trail here.
Lake Twenty Two, Unnamed Road, Granite Falls, WA 98252, USA
2. Franklin Falls
Anne Yopps / alltrails.com
Marcia Scott / alltrails.com
This picturesque 2-mile trail is located near Snoqualmie Pass. It's a great hike for all skill levels, and it comes with a beautiful reward. It is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Washington. Learn more about the unforgettable hike in Franklin Falls here.
Franklin Falls Trailhead, Parking lot, Denny Creek Trail, North Bend, WA 98045, USA
3. Trail of the Cedars
Amit Patel / Flickr
Wikimedia
This hike makes the top 5 list simply because anyone can do it (it's only a mile in length) and it's a beautiful, serene nature walk. It's one of the most stunning easy hikes in Washington. Learn more about Trail of the Cedars here and note that it is oftentimes not accessible in the winter due to highway closures.
Trail of the Cedars, Rockport, WA 98283, USA
4. Quartzite Mountain
Ed Suominen / Flickr
Ed Suominen / Flickr
Eastern Washington has plenty of incredible hiking trails with unique scenery. The Quartzite Mountain trail is a 3-mile hike located near Chewelah and takes you through beautiful wildflower meadows and forests. The gorgeous surroundings make it one of the best hikes in Washington.
Quartzite Mountain, Washington 99109, USA
5. Naches Peak Loop Trail
Lauren Jelle / alltrails.com
Mount Rainier National Park / Flickr
This popular hike in Mount Rainier National Park provides a range of alpine experiences in a short loop. At 3.4 miles in length, it's a simple day hike that features some of the most stunning scenery in the entire state. That's why it made our list of magnificent trails.
Naches Peak Loop Trailhead, Pacific Crest Nat'l Scenic Trl, Naches, WA 98937, USA

You don’t have to be an experienced outdoor enthusiast to tackle the best hikes in Washington, one of the most beautiful states. Check out these trails that any mere mortal can do.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in WA

March 01, 2022
Jessica Bohl

What are some scenic hikes in Washington?

Washington State is so chock full of beautiful scenery that almost any hike is incredibly scenic. From hikes along the Pacific Ocean to hikes in a temperate rainforest to hikes in an old-growth forest, there are so many amazing trails to explore. A hike in the Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses will truly knock your socks off. Home of the only temperate rainforest in North America, this 1.1 mile hike through Olympic National Park will astound you with its towering trees, lush greenery, and fern-laden ground. It’s truly a sight to behold. An incredibly peaceful, but beautiful hike can also be found at Ebey’s Landing Trail, which is located in Coupeville on Whidbey Island. Overlooking the lovely Puget Sound waters, this scenic trail definitely is one to check out. For more scenic trails, be sure to read this great article on 12 scenic trails to explore in Washington.

If I live in Seattle, what are some hiking trails near me?

Hidden in the middle of Washington’s largest city is a nature lover’s haven. A visit to Discovery Park in the Magnolia neighborhood will make you feel as though you are hundreds of miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park’s 3.3 mile loop trail takes you through densely wooded forests, along the beach of the Puget Sound, and even by old officers’ quarters from historic Fort Lawton. The park even has a stunning lighthouse, so don’t forget your camera. Learn more about this amazing urban hike in Discovery Park in this article.