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    Snoqualmie National Forest

    Hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

    Region in Washington State, United States

    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

    Not so excited about hashing out the details of your itinerary? Letting the pros plan your adventure in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest takes the stress out of your trip, letting you focus on your experiences. Check out some incredible adventure tours in the Pacific Northwest, including Mount Baker-Snoqualmie.

    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.

    Explore other great hiking regions in Washington State:

    Mount Rainier National Park

    North Cascades

    Olympic National Park

    Or check out other amazing hiking regions to explore in the United States.

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    Best Hikes in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

    Open details for Lake 22 Trail

    Lake 22 Trail

    Moderate
    10.9 km
    449 m
    3-4.5h

    Lake 22 Trail is a 10.9 km 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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    Open details for Franklin Falls Trail

    Franklin Falls Trail

    Easy
    3.2 km
    111 m
    1h

    Franklin Falls Trail is a 3.2 km 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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    Open details for Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

    Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

    Moderate
    8.5 km
    445 m
    2.5-4h

    Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is an 8.5 km 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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    Open details for Rattlesnake Lake Trail

    Rattlesnake Lake Trail

    Very Easy
    2.3 km
    12 m
    0.5h

    Rattlesnake Lake Trail is a 2.3 km 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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    Open details for Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene Hike

    Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Serene Hike

    Hard
    12.2 km
    820 m
    4.5-6h

    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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    Open details for Wallace Falls via Woody Trail

    Wallace Falls via Woody Trail

    Moderate
    8.0 km
    452 m
    2.5-3.5h

    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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    Open details for Mailbox Peak Trail

    Mailbox Peak Trail

    Hard
    16.6 km
    1,219 m
    6.5-9h

    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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    Open details for Mailbox Peak Loop

    Mailbox Peak Loop

    Hard
    12.6 km
    1,221 m
    5.5-8h

    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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    Open details for Blanca Lake Trail

    Blanca Lake Trail

    Hard
    13.0 km
    1,041 m
    5-7h

    The Blanca Lake Trail is a 13.0 km 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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    Open details for Heather Lake Trail

    Heather Lake Trail

    Moderate
    8.7 km
    369 m
    2.5-3.5h

    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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