Hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Activities in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is one of the premier outdoor adventure destinations of Washington State, comprising over 1.7 million acres of pristine scenery. The forests are anchored by the towering Mount Baker and Glacier Peak, which rise thousands of feet above the adjacent peaks. With wide carpets of colorful wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and old-growth forests, this park is a dream for hikers and adventurers of all ages and one of the most visited sites in the Pacific Northwest. With 62% of the state’s population living within a 112.7 km drive of the forest, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is the most visited national forest in the country. Hikers, bikers, snowshoers, and campers flock here.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest was established beginning in 1897 and finalized in 1974. Sections of the park, mostly the north and east, are exceptionally rugged and protect over 600,000 acres of old-growth forest. With protected wilderness areas covering nearly half of the forest’s area, the natural beauty of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie can be preserved for generations to come and the flora and fauna of the region can enjoy a permanent haven.
All you have to do now is pick your adventure! With a wide array of trails to hike, we’ve put together a list of our favorite hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to help you plan your trip. This is just the start, though- there’s so much to see here!
12 Epic Hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
There are so many hikes to choose from in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it can be daunting to try and choose! We’ve picked out some of our favorite trails in all corners of the park to help you start to plan your adventure.
There is a trail for every hiker here. There are family-friendly trails, ADA-accessible trails, more challenging hikes, and long multi-day backpacking trips on offer, so you’ll be able to choose the right one no matter what you’re seeking. With lots of ancient trees to see and plenty of waterfalls hidden in the forests, you’ll enjoy a distinctly Pacific Northwest feel on most of these hikes. If you’re looking for an epic summit ascent, you can find that too! Or, if you’re just wanting to get some steps in with a stroller, you can do just that.
No matter which hike you take, you’ll be treated to splendid views of the Cascades, countless flowers, waterfalls, clear lakes, and mossy forests.
- Lake 22 Trail: The hike on Lake 22 is a popular choice in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, and for good reason. This moderate hike is doable for many skill levels, the lake is serene, and the forest leading up to the lake is mature and beautiful.
- Franklin Falls Trail: Waterfall hikes are some of the best to enjoy in Washington, and Franklin Falls Trail is hugely popular with locals and visitors to the area alike. This simple, quick trail is a joy for families and hikers of all levels. With no difficult or technical sections and only modest elevation gain, little ones and beginners are especially likely to enjoy this trail.
- Rattlesnake Ledge Trail: This trail begins at the calm shores of Rattlesnake Lake and climbs up the side of Rattlesnake Mountain to a ledge with a jaw-dropping view. The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a bang-for-your-buck outing and a great choice for hikers who want elevated views. While delivering a great viewpoint, you won’t need to contend with any technically difficult sections.
- Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene: Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene are two stunning viewpoints that occupy the same trail, making for a very impressive hike. While this hike is considered strenuous by many, the cascading falls and the peaceful lakeshore are worth the effort.
- Wallace Falls via Woody Trail: Wallace Falls is a gorgeous set of 9 waterfalls in the lush forest, offering a tranquil slice of paradise. The falls are a massively popular destination in the state, and they see plenty of visitors each week as a result. Don’t let this sway you- if you’re able to go outside of peak hours, you’re almost guaranteed to have a wonderful trip.
- Mailbox Peak Trail: What’s in the mailbox? Besides the trail register, sometimes it’s toys, sometimes it’s beer, sometimes it’s just some ants looking for shelter. The Mailbox Peak Trail leads you to a viewpoint adorned with a sticker-clad mailbox where hikers from all over leave goodies for the next groups up.
- Snow Lake: Some days you want to sweat it out, but some days you just want the views without needing to exhaust yourself, right? Snow Lake is perfect for hikers who want a maximum reward for a moderate effort. This is the most visited lake in the region, and its crystalline waters flanked by a mountain ridge will enchant you.
- Blanca Lake: Blanca Lake is mesmerizing, with that classic alpine opaque aqua-green color (thanks to the minerals in the water) and a grand frame of mountains behind it, including Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes mountains. It’s a beautiful spot that draws plenty of hikers.
- Granite Mountain: The summit of Granite Mountain offers excellent views, and the trail to the top is sure to deliver in terms of a workout. While we don’t recommend this trail for newer hikers because of the consistent, hefty elevation gain, if you’re ready to sweat, you’ll be rewarded.
- Summit Lake Trail: Summit Lake is a local go-to for hikers looking to take their visiting friends and family out, a testament to its accessible but still rewarding nature. With a moderate effort required, you can savour views of Mount Rainier rising over the blue waters of the lake. An endless panorama of peaks surrounds this view, making it a knockout objective.
- Mount Si Trail: A truly staggering number of people hike Mount Si Trail every year, and for good reason- it’s beautiful, and it’s reasonably close to Seattle. This hike is a solid workout, gaining 945 m in just under 6.4 km. It’s enough of a challenge for stronger hikers, but many novice hikers choose Mount Si as their first “hard” hike.
- Kendall Katwalk Trail: Kendall Katwalk Trail is an undeniably impressive hike. This 19.3 km trail climbs a catwalk (er, katwalk) blasted onto the side of a mountain for unbelievable views of Gold Creek Valley and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It’s a favorite for adrenaline junkies and hikers perpetually on the hunt for the next-best views.
Scroll down to see the full list of hiking trails in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest experiences warm, mild summers and cool winters with lots of precipitation. Certain roads in the park close in the late fall and remain closed through the spring, so we recommend visiting in the summer months of June through September for most hikes, unless you’re seeking snowshoeing routes. If you’re hoping to catch the wildflower blooms in their full glory, a trip between mid-July and mid-August tends to be the best option.
While the summer months offer the best weather, they do also bring the heaviest crowds. If you’re okay with occasionally cooler or wetter conditions, visiting in June or mid-September can give you more privacy on the trails while still offering suitable hiking weather.
If you’re seeking to enjoy winter activities in the park, like snowshoeing, visiting between December and February will be your best bet. Just come prepared as certain services may be unavailable. Take care to plan your visit carefully since some roads in the park are subject to seasonal closures.
Other Outdoor Activities in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Hiking and walking are by far the most popular activities in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, but they’re definitely not the only way to spend your time here. The park is a fantastic spot to camp, with a plethora of frontcountry and backcountry campsites available. Some should be pre-booked and some shouldn’t, giving you the flexibility to work around your plans.
In the winter months, snowshoeing is very popular. Many hiking trails are suitable for snowshoeing, and some have special winter routes to use.
For downhill skiing and snowboarding, Mount Baker Ski Area is a huge resort with great snow suitable for all levels. There are also over 191.5 km of cross-country ski trails to use in the forest.
How to Plan a Trip to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
A hiking trip in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is a must-do adventure, but you’ll want to put enough time and energy into planning to make sure your trip runs smoothly. Whenever you’re planning a trip to a national forest, there are fees, permits, transportation requirements, and day-to-day logistics to consider. The official website of the forest is a great resource for trip planning that also provides up-to-date info on passes, permits, closures, events, and more. If you plan on camping, make sure you plan out your campsites beforehand and check which ones are walk-up and which require advance booking.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Adventure Tours
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Do I need a pass or permit to enter Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
You’ll need a pass for most trailheads, picnic areas, and boat launches in the forest. The most commonly needed permit is the Northwest Forest Pass, but check the specific requirements of your destination as other passes may be required, like the Alpine Wilderness Pass.
How many days do you need in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
Most visitors come for one day or a weekend, but some devoted backpackers spend a week or more in the area. We recommend two full days to have the time to enjoy several different hikes in the park.
Which city is closest to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
The closest major city to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is Seattle (117.5 km), which also has the closest international airport, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Can you camp in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
There are both frontcountry and backcountry campsites in the park. Make sure you book your spot ahead and get all the necessary permits before you pitch your tent.
Are dogs allowed in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
Dogs are allowed on most trails in the park but must be kept on a leash.
Do you need a car in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest?
We recommend either driving your own car, renting a car, or booking a tour that includes transportation. There are some public transportation options in the forest but they are largely focused on the towns inside the boundaries of the forest and may not service trailheads.
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Route guides for Hiking in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
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Lake 22 Trail Route Guide
Lake 22 Trail is a 6.8mi heavily trafficked route in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This hike is a popular choice in the area and is best done earlier or later in the day to avoid the crowds. The trail climbs through a mature forest and wraps around Lake Twentytwo (22), making it a nice choice on a hot day if you want to dip your feet. Dogs can be brought on this trail but must be kept on leash.
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Franklin Falls Trail Route Guide
Franklin Falls Trail is a 2.0mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that features a waterfall. This is an easy trail suitable for families with children and it is accessible in most seasons. The waterfall is beautiful and refreshing to enjoy on a hot day, and many families and beginner hikers will find this trail enjoyable and simple. Note that the road to the trailhead can be closed during winter, so we recommend checking on its status before coming in the off-season.
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Rattlesnake Ledge Trail Route Guide
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is an 5.3mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. This popular hike leads you from the blue shores of Rattlesnake Lake up to an impressive viewpoint with broad views over the lake and the surrounding mountains of the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area. While the trail does require a bit of a climb on steeper sections, it’s technically simple and favored by intermediate hikers. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.
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Rattlesnake Lake Trail Route Guide
Rattlesnake Lake Trail is a 1.4mi moderately trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as easy. This trail provides a route around the southeastern lakeshore, where people come to swim, fish, slackline, have picnics, and rest up after hiking the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail. This is a simple, easy, family-friendly walk with no real challenges to take on. Enjoy the peace of the lake and the cheerful ambiance of its adventurers.
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Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene Hike Route Guide
The hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene is a heavily trafficked hike in Mount-Baker Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as hard. While this hike is considered strenuous by many, the cascading falls and the peaceful lakeshore are worth the effort. If you’re armed with good boots and poles, this hike is a very memorable outing. We particularly like it on hot days and midweek when the trail is a bit less busy.
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Wallace Falls via Woody Trail Route Guide
The Wallace Falls via Woody Trail hike is a heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. Wallace Falls is one of Washington’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. Nine impressive falls cascade through the greenery, and the trail is enjoyable the entire way along. While presenting a moderate incline and fair length, the elevation gain is never strenuous, making this a fitting trail for families with adventurous children and newer hikers. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and the beauty of nature is on full display here.
We do recommend arriving at this trail early as it sees significant traffic on the weekends.
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Mailbox Peak Trail Route Guide
The hike on Mailbox Peak Trail is no small task, but it’s a very popular pick for hikers feeling ready to take on more difficult trails. The views from the top are very rewarding, and yes, there is a mailbox to be found at the top! The old trail was fraught with injuries and rescues, so the Department of Natural Resources stepped in to create a new, safer trail to the top. This new trail is much easier to navigate. Once you make it to the top, see what else is in the mailbox beside the trail register—sometimes, interesting things get left in there for the next group up!
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Mailbox Peak Loop Route Guide
The hike on Mailbox Peak Loop is no small task, but it’s a popular pick for hikers feeling ready to take on more difficult trails. The views from the top are very rewarding, and yes, there is a mailbox to be found at the top! The old trail was fraught with injuries and rescues, so the Department of Natural Resources stepped in to create a new, safer trail to the top. Some hikers still choose to use the old trail, making a loop out of the old and new. This requires careful navigation of the old trail, which is very steep, not maintained, and rather difficult. Hey, if you want a challenge, you found it!
Once you make it to the top, see what else is in the mailbox beside the trail register- sometimes, interesting things get left in there for the next group up!
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Blanca Lake Trail Route Guide
The Blanca Lake Trail is a 8.1mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness that is rated as hard. This trail requires that you climb 30 or so steep switchbacks, but the aqua-green waters of Blanca are framed by Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes peaks. The views on the way up don’t disappoint, either! With peeks of Columbia Peak guiding you up, you should be at least partially distracted from the effort required.
This trail is sometimes rocky, rooty, or muddy (despite continual efforts by the WTA), so good boots and poles are very helpful. The road to the trail has its fair share of potholes, so drive carefully. Additionally, the parking lot here only has room for about 20 cars, and this is a very popular hike. We strongly recommend arriving early on a weekend or hiking on a weekday if you can.
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Heather Lake Trail Route Guide
The Heather Lake Trail is a heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. This is a great trail for beginners looking to advance their fitness or families with children who are growing more adventurous. The elevation gain is just challenging enough and the distance is just right, making it an enjoyable outing. The lake itself is stunning, with calm, clear waters and a jagged ridge framing the lake. With greenery climbing the mountains and snow patches holding on through summer, this lake is a picturesque objective.
The road that leads to the trailhead has numerous potholes to avoid, so we recommend taking a higher clearance vehicle if possible.
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Granite Mountain Hike Route Guide
The Granite Mountain hike is a heavily trafficked out and back trail near Snoqualmie Pass that is rated as hard. This trail offers unbelievable views of Mount Rainier, Kaleetan Peak, Crystal Lake, and more. However, you’ll need to take on almost 1000ft of elevation gain per mile to see it all! If you’re up for a leg burner, this trail will astound you at the summit.
Please note that there is an avalanche chute that crosses the Granite Mountain trail. If you’re hiking in the snow, you should have a solid understanding of avalanche safety and the proper equipment.
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Summit Lake Trail Route Guide
The Summit Lake Trail is a 5.7mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Clearwater Wilderness that is rated as moderate. This pretty trail offers excellent views for relatively little effort, and the numerous camping spots along the way make it an ideal first backpacking trip. You can extend your trip by heading down the nearby Bearhead Mountain Trail, or just stick to Summit Lake for a satisfying day hike. This hike actually features two lakes, but the star of the show is Mount Rainier peaking over Summit Lake.
The road to the trailhead is covered in large potholes and can become overgrown, so we recommend a high-clearance vehicle and a slow approach.
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Gold Creek Pond Loop Route Guide
The Gold Creek Pond Loop is a 1.2mi heavily trafficked loop hike atop Snoqualmie Pass that is rated as easy. This short loop is ADA accessible, making it a great option for hikers with mobility limitations. The path is also stroller-friendly, making it a common choice for families looking for a quick outing with the kids. This hike features a picturesque mountain pond surrounded by green forest and a frame of mountains.
Note that this trail is also used for snowshoeing, but the pass requirements for access are different in the winter.
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Mount Si Trail Route Guide
The Mount Si Trail is a 7.5mi out and back trail that sees heavy traffic and is rated as hard. This hike is completed by upwards of 100,000 people per year, partly because of its proximity to Seattle and partly because of its wild beauty. On a trail this well-used, exercising good trail etiquette is essential.
The hike itself is fairly demanding, not just for the elevation or length, but because of the Haystack, a scramble that leads to the mountain’s true summit. While it’s worthwhile to climb the Haystack if you feel comfortable doing so, many hikers enjoy the great views just below the true summit, making this a somewhat easier hike.
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Goldmyer Hot Springs Trail Route Guide
The Goldmyer Hot Springs Trail is an out-and-back trail near Snoqualmie Pass that is moderately trafficked and rated as easy. This hike passes through lush forest alongside the Snoqualmie River to a wonderful set of hot springs. Make sure you do the legwork before you go, though! The springs are on private property and only 20 permits per day are given to access them. Permits are available at www.goldmyer.org. Please don’t try to hike this trail without a reservation as you will be disappointed. The perk of this system is that you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs without the crowd!
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Little Si Trail Route Guide
The Little Si Trail is a 3.6mi out and back trail that sees heavy traffic and is rated as moderate. Little Si provides access to the longer, more difficult Mount Si trail, so it sees both newer and more experienced hikers. The two peaks together are sometimes called “Resolution Peaks” due to the number of hikers that come after January 1st, but this is a wonderful hike no matter the time of year or end goal. Little Si has the unique advantage of being mostly sheltered from inclement conditions, so it is usually hikeable all year long.
While the trail begins and ends with steeper sections, they are relatively short-lived and the remainder of the hike is moderate, making this trail suitable for many levels.
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Goat Lake Trail Route Guide
Goat Lake Trail is a 10.5mi heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. This trail may be longer, but it’s mostly flat or very gently inclined, making it a great choice for a low-resistance nature walk. This hike is popular with both day hikers and backpackers, who enjoy the camping areas near the lake. With tons of variety (lake, mountains, forest, river, waterfalls) to enjoy, you’ll be spellbound the entire way.
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Iron Goat Trail Route Guide
The Iron Goat Trail is a 5.9mi heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as moderate. This trail doesn’t offer the panoramic views typical of the area, but it has its own special charm. It’s a history-rich walk along the old Great Northern Railway built over the Cascades in 1893. The hike leads up one of the switchbacks that once helped trains up the Cascades. Active children who like trains will love this one!
The first section of this trail, about three miles’ worth, is ADA-accessible.
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Heybrook Lookout Trail Route Guide
The Heybrook Lookout Trail is a 2.6mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as easy-moderate. This hike is short, and while a bit of climbing is required (literally), it’s a great ratio of effort to reward. The Heybrook Lookout is a metal structure outfitted with steps that gives you a fantastic view over the surrounding mountains. For this reason, it’s a top choice for locals with visiting friends and family, beginner hikers, or those somewhat short on time.
Dogs are allowed on leash on this trail but may have some difficulty getting up the lookout depending on their size.
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Lime Kiln Trail Route Guide
Lime Kiln Trail is a 6.7mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Washington that is rated as moderate. This trail is very unique; you won’t be seeing sprawling mountain vistas, but you will be finding hints of the area’s history hidden in a mossy river canyon. The hike features an old kiln used to make lime from limestone, and a few artifacts from a long-gone railroad and community remain. The river canyon itself is very pretty, with lush greenery surrounding the calm waters. For a break from the usual, this is a great hike.
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Lundin Peak View and Red Mountain via Old Commonwealth Trail Route Guide
Lundin Peak View and Red Mountain via Old Commonwealth Trail is a 8.6mi hard hike in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that provides two mountaintops with a scrambling section. Expect several river crossings, great views, and some hard work.
There is some overgrowth at the beginning of this hike, but it’s nothing impassable. We don’t recommend Red Mountain for those who are uncomfortable with heights or exposed scrambles. While dogs are allowed on this trail, we do not recommend trying to bring them up Red Mountain, Lundin Peak is a bit more forgiving up to the false summit.
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Smithbrook Trail Route Guide
Smithbrook Trail is a quick 2.4mi hike in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. With one little sprint of steep trail and a more relaxed ending, it’s a good way to enjoy the moss-covered trees of the forest and stretch your legs.
This trail can be used as part of a longer hike in conjunction with other intersecting routes.
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Scout Patrol Peak Route Guide
Scout Patrol Peak is a trail that you can hike in all seasons, and it offers some solitude no matter the time of year. The hike isn’t too long and involves less than a low elevation gain, making it a moderate trip. From the viewpoint, you’ll be able to see Granite Mountain, Humpback Mountain, and more. There is some scrambling required on this hike.
There are some bigger potholes on the road in so drive carefully.
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Lake Elizabeth Trail Route Guide
Lake Elizabeth Trail is more of a walk on the road to a gorgeous lake than a hike, but this is the ideal path for those who don’t want too much of a challenge, don’t want to route find, and prefer a nice even walking surface. It’s family-friendly and simple, and the lake is a pretty spot for a picnic.
You can hike this trail in the winter, but we’d recommend bringing snowshoes if you have them.
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Gold Creek Trail to Joe Lake Route Guide
Gold Creek Trail to Joe Lake is not a hike for the faint of heart. This lightly trafficked trail is what we’d call intrepid. A good number of hikers don’t make it to the lake, much less past the 5.0mi mark. The trail is overgrown and hard to follow. Hey, if you feel like bushwhacking, you’ll probably get the lake to yourself!
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Hyak Creek Trail Route Guide
Hyak Creek Trail is an easy 1.9mi trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This lightly trafficked trail is used most for snowshoeing as the trail is not very well-defined in the summertime. You could still find your way to the lake, but you’d be making your way through the foliage or using another nearby path.
In the winter, this is a nice trip with a pretty viewpoint.
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Lakes Dorothy, Bear, Deer, and Snoqualmie Hike Route Guide
The Lakes Dorothy, Bear, Deer, and Snoqualmie Hike provides access to Lake Dorothy, Bear Lake, Deer Lake, and Snoqualmie Lake. Four lakes on one hard hike makes for a great day! You’ll cover 13.0mi on this moderately trafficked route. Beware that some of the trail is subject to washout and the road to the trailhead is closed in certain weather conditions. Additionally, this trail is buggy, so bring a good spray.
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Snow Lake Hike Route Guide
The Snow Lake hike is a heavily trafficked out-and-back trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness that is rated as moderate. This trail gives access to the most visited lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, providing a beautiful objective with no serious effort required. Tucked underneath the 2000ft Chair Peak and boasting crystal-clear water, this lake is captivating to visit.
This hike is very popular, and so you may need to share the trail with more hikers than you’re used to. Try to visit midweek or early in the morning/later in the afternoon if you can for a quieter experience.
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Kendall Katwalk Trail Route Guide
Kendall Katwalk Trail is a 15.0mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as hard. This trail is a full-day affair, but it’s one you’ll want to come back to over and over. Kendall Katwlak itself is a narrow trail blasted into a steep rock face underneath Kendall Peak. While it’s not for those afraid of heights, it’s a spectacular vantage point over the field of summits beyond. With a good bit of distance to cover and fair elevation to climb, you’ll feel like you worked for your views.
There is camping available at Ridge Lake just beyond the catwalk if you want to make this a backpacking excursion.
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Mason Lake via Ira Spring Trail Route Guide
Mason Lake via Ira Spring Trail is a 6.8mi heavily trafficked out and back trail that is rated as hard. This trail is named after one of the most steadfast advocates for Washington’s trail system, nature photographer and conservationist Ira Spring. The trail is very popular, especially in the summer months when remarkable wildflower blooms line the route. The hike culminates at Mason Lake, a very popular backcountry camping site. Whether you take this trail as a day trip or a backpacking adventure, you’ll have a wonderful time.
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Barclay Lake Trail Route Guide
Barclay Lake Trail is a 4.4mi heavily trafficked out-and-back trail that is rated as easy. This trail doesn’t require too much effort but offers lovely views, so it’s a top pick for families and new hikers in the area. This trail is best hiked during the week if you can manage it because of its popularity, and it receives a lot of precipitation, so take care if the trail is wet and muddy.
Barclay Lake is just part of the fun—you’ll enjoy Barclay Creek and Baring Mountain in their glory.
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Mount Pilchuck Trail Route Guide
The Mount Pilchuck Trail is an 5.2mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Pilchuck State Park that is rated as hard. This hike is on the more moderate side of hard, but you may experience delays in your ascent due to the sheer number of people who complete this trail in a year. Plan to visit during the week if you can! The reason for the congestion is obvious, as sprawling views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and the Olympics await at the little lookout on top. Hikers also vie for the chance to camp out in the first-come, first-served lookout.
This trail is also helped out by a high-elevation trailhead, which knocks significant distance and elevation gain off the hike while still delivering 5300ft panoramas. Getting there is rough though—you’re going to want a very capable vehicle to reach the trailhead.
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Three Fingers Hike Route Guide
The hike to Three Fingers is a 16.0mi lightly trafficked out and back trail in Snohomish county that is rated as difficult. This hike is an epic adventure, but it may be intimidating to some. It’s long, steep, and requires hands-on climbing on exposed rebar ladders to reach the very exposed summit. Casual hikers can turn around before this section, but thrill-seekers will love this out-of-the-box hike.
Please come prepared for this trail and don’t be afraid to turn around if it feels like too much. The mountain will always be there!
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Talapus Lake and Olallie Lake Hike Route Guide
The Talapus Lake and Olallie Lake hike is a heavily trafficked moderate hike in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This hike is suitable for families and beginner hikers and offers great views, a cool forest, and a calm lake. The trail is wide and easy to follow, but it does get busy, making an early start or midweek visit a smart choice.
There is spotty reception at the trailhead and to the lake, so make sure you have your permit and GPS ready before arriving.
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Annette Lake Trail Route Guide
Annette Lake Trail is a 7.8mi heavily trafficked out and back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. This trail is very beautiful, with a variety of scenery to enjoy year-round (though best experienced in the summertime). You’ll see waterfalls, shady forest, alpine lakes, and mountains in all their glory. This hike is an excellent moderate outing, making it suitable for older children and beginner-intermediate hikers, or more experienced adventurers seeking a more relaxed adventure. This is also a popular trail with backpackers hiking in to camp at the lake.
Bring bug spray for this trail.
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Granite Falls-Fish Ladder Trail Route Guide
The Granite Falls-Fish Ladder Trail is a 0.7mi moderately trafficked out-and-back trail near Granite Falls that is rated as easy. This exceptionally short trail is more of a quick walk to a viewpoint than a true hike, but that makes it a suitable pit stop on a road trip or chance to stretch your legs when you’re short on time. The trail is friendly for all ages and very easy to follow.
Note that there is some damage to the safety fence, but there are stairs to get closer to the water if you wish to access the shore.
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Keekwulee Falls via Denny Creek Trail Route Guide
The hike to Keekwulee Falls on Denny Creek Trail is a 3.8mi heavily trafficked trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness that is rated as moderate. This trail is beautiful and isn’t too challenging for beginners or younger adventurers, making it a nice choice for families or those with out-of-town visitors who haven’t hiked before. The falls are great, and the trail does provide the opportunity to continue hiking past them if you want to extend your trip.
This trail gets busy, so we recommend starting early or visiting during the week if possible.
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Twin Falls Trail Route Guide
Twin Falls Trail is a heavily trafficked out and back trail in Olallie State Park that is rated as easy-moderate. This trail is family-friendly and offers the opportunity to length or shorten your hike a bit depending on the length of adventure you want. The falls are some of the prettiest close to Seattle, making this a very popular route. Try to arrive early or hike midweek to avoid the crowds!
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Thompson Lake Trail Route Guide
Thompson Lake Trail is a 11.0mi moderately trafficked out-and-back trail in Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area that is rated as hard. This trail is demanding in distance and elevation, but it’s a journey that culminates at a wonderful alpine lake tucked into the mountains, with islands of trees seemingly floating in the water. If you’re seeking a bit of a longer trail but want to avoid heavy crowds, this trail could be the perfect pick.
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Teneriffe Falls via Mount Teneriffe Trail Route Guide
Teneriffe Falls via Mount Teneriffe Trail is a heavily trafficked out-and-back trail in the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area that is rated as moderate. These falls are gorgeous when flowing, but that’s part of the trip planning-try to hike this trail earlier in the season as the falls can dry up later into the summer. While this isn’t a very challenging hike, it does get rocky and a bit harder to follow near the end, so good boots and GPS will be helpful.
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Teneriffe Falls via Mount Si Trail Route Guide
Teneriffe Falls via Mount Si Trail is a heavily trafficked lollipop trail in the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area that is rated as moderate. Teneriffe falls are gorgeous when flowing, but that’s part of the trip planning needed for this hike: try to hike this trail earlier in the season as the falls can dry up later into the summer. While this isn’t a hard hike, the trail can get a little rocky or overgrown in spots.
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Deception Falls Interpretive Trail Route Guide
The Deception Falls Interpretive Trail is a 0.6mi moderately trafficked loop trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as easy. This is a pleasant stop off the highway, with a kid-friendly hike featuring waterfalls and a nice picnic area. While it’s brief, it’s very pretty!
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Mount Washington Hike Route Guide
The hike to the summit of Mount Washington is a 9.0mi moderately trafficked out-and-back trail in Olallie State Park that is rated as hard. This trail is not a hugely popular choice, so it enjoys much less traffic on the weekends despite its proximity to Seattle. Truthfully, some hikers enjoy this trail and some find the payoff underwhelming for the condition of the trail, which can be overgrown and rocky and isn’t well-signed. While the summit experience on other nearby mountains might be better, this is still a good experience and a refreshing break from the heavily trafficked trails nearby.
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Lake Dorothy Trail Route Guide
Lake Dorothy Trail is a moderately trafficked out-and-back trail in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that is rated as moderate. This hike leads through the East Fork of the Miller River valley to Lake Dorothy. If you want to press on a bit further, you can also access Bear Lake and Deer Lake on this trail. This is also a popular choice for short backpacking trips.
Note that the last 4.0mi of the road to the trailhead has been washed out for long stretches of time in the past, necessitating an additional walk in. This adds a long, less exciting pre-hike to your day. We recommend bringing bikes if you have them to shorten this stretch.
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Boulder River Trail Route Guide
Boulder River Trail is a 8.8mi moderately trafficked out and back trail in Boulder River Wilderness that is rated as moderate. This hike delivers the best of Washington’s natural beauty: a hidden waterfall, old-growth trees, and a backdrop of mountains. You’ll need to be very careful on the road leading to the trailhead (potholes galore!), but this is a wonderful hike.
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