8 Scenic Washington Hiking Trails That Are Unbelievably Underrated
Summer has finally arrived, and that means our beautiful hiking trails are all open for business (and mostly snow-free). If you’re a hiker, you’ve probably heard of our more popular trails, like Rattlesnake Ledge and Naches Peak. But there are also plenty of hiking spots that don’t always get the credit they deserve. These are a few of them.
Located near Cle Elum, this challenging 7-mile hike takes you to a breathtaking alpine lake with plenty of scenery along the way. It has a steep incline and a few tough spots, so it's only intended for experienced hikers.
This 7-mile hike in the Mt. Rainier area is incredibly scenic. From the glimpses of the mountain to the wildflowers and the shimmering lake, you'll want to take plenty of pictures along the way. You may even spot some wildlife on the trail.
Eastern Washington has its own hidden gems, and Bead Lake is definitely one of them. Although the trail is over 10 miles long, it's a nice, easy trek through cedar groves to a beautiful turquoise lake.
Located in the North Cascades near Concrete, this 6-mile trail features a series of lakes and mountain views. The best time to visit is late summer or early autumn when the leaves are just beginning to turn.
The best part about some of the trails on the Olympic Peninsula is that they sometimes involve hiking right onto the beach. This 3.8 mile trail is located near Forks and takes you straight to the ocean and back.
The Chain Lakes Loop Trail is another hike best for experience outdoor lovers. Located near Maple Falls, the 5.5 mile trail is full of stunning views, especially on a clear, sunny day.
The Kendall Katwalk in the Cascades is a thin ridge that involves a 6-mile hike (so it's 12 miles round trip) to reach. You'll find this stunning, challenging trail on Snoqualmie Pass, and you should go in late summer if you want to avoid snow.
Located in Beacon Rock State Park on the Columbia River Gorge, this 7-mile loop leads to a waterfall... but it's so beautiful the entire way that there isn't a true highlight (other than the trail itself).
These hikes are all amazing, but some of them can be pretty challenging. If you’re more of a novice, check out our list of beautiful hikes for mere mortals.
