6 of the Most Beautiful Hikes in Washington You Can’t Miss

You can find some of the most scenic hikes in the great Western Pacific in Washington State. Washington is known for having some of the most phenomenal hiking trails that span the mountainscapes. It doesn’t matter whether you’re interested in seeing the rocky trails, wildlife, or even just challenging yourself while hiking; there’s sure to be a trail that piques your interest.

Here are 6 of the most beautiful hikes in Washington that you can’t miss and should consider for your next hike:

1. Skyline Trail Loop – Mount Rainier Area
2. Stuart Lake Trail – Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area
3. Maple Pass Trail – North Cascades
4. Mount Storm King – Olympic National Park
5. The Enchantments Trail – Central Cascades
6. Mount Fremont Lookout Trail – Mount Rainier Area

1. Skyline Trail Loop – Mount Rainier Area

The Skyline Trail Loop is one of the most frequented hiking trails in Washington State. It’s conveniently located on the southern side of Mount Rainier. The trail spans 5.6 miles (9 km) and is adorned with waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, this is one of the top picks that you should consider.

Walking the pathway, you’ll come across Glacier Vista along with Nisqually Glacier. Following the glaciers, you’ll hit the Skyline trail. The trail overlooks the surrounding landscape and loops around to Panorama point. Here, you’ll find views overlooking the forest and surrounding glaciers.

You’ll have two options: either continue down the Skyline trail or use a shortcut to reach the park entrance. If you choose to continue on the path, you’ll run into the Stevens Van Trump Historic Monument before reaching Myrtle Falls. However, if you find that you don’t want to complete the whole trail, you can cut straight through the park and reach the entrance.

Basic Information

• Length: 5.6 miles (9.01 km)
• Elevation: 1,788 feet (544.98 m)
• Route type: Loop
• Parking: National Park Pass
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

2. Stuart Lake Trail – Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area

The Stuart Lake Trail is another popular option when it comes to hiking in the summertime. Here, you’ll get the chance to see amazing views of the Dragontail and Colchuck Peak Mountains. However, the trail is only suitable for intermediate or professional hikers, as it’s a rocky terrain and an uphill elevation.

Walking along the pathway, you’ll experience wildlife, lakes, and rivers. Other significant attractions include Creekside Trail, Colchuck Lake, and Mountaineer Creek. The path then extends upwards towards a trail junction that separates the two lakes.

If you head to the right, the trail will lead to the rocky mountains on an incline. Once on the peak, you’ll have a fantastic view of the surrounding area and will be able to see the beautiful peaks and Aasgard Pass. In the other direction, you’ll be able to view Colchuck Lake.

Basic Information

• Length: 9.0 miles (14.48 km)
• Elevation: 2,283 feet (695.86 m)
• Route type: Out & back
• Parking: Recreation Passes
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate

3. Maple Pass Trail – North Cascades

Maple Pass Trail is a popular trail for the late summer and fall seasons. It’s conveniently located next to Heather Pass and Maple Pass Loop. Maple Pass is one of the more challenging trails, so it’s only recommended for professionals or intermediate hikers.

Walking along the pathway, you’ll start at Rainy Lake Trailhead. From here, you’ll have two options on which way you can take the loop either clockwise or counterclockwise. If you hike counterclockwise further into the trail, the incline will slowly start to increase. Then, once you head deeper into the trail, you’ll begin to see views of the Black Peak Mountains, surrounded by open fields of wildflowers.

After that, you can loop back around the trail, which opens into Lake Ann. Continue walking on the trail, and you’ll then begin your descent back into Maple Pass. The pass then descends into the Rainy Lake Trail parking area.

Basic Information

• Length: 7.2 miles (11.59 km)
• Elevation: 2,145 feet (653.8 m)
• Route type: Loop
• Parking: Recreation Pass
• Level of Difficulty: Expert

4. Mount Storm King – Olympic National Park

For those who desire a more challenging hike, Mountain Storm King is a good choice. The trail is perfect for experienced hikers who understand the technicalities of rocky terrains. For hikers planning to take the entire trail, we recommend you bring your hiking gear.

As you begin hiking up the pathway, the trail will seem relatively easy. However, as you progress further, the elevation will start to rise. After a bit of time later, the trail will turn from an open pathway into a one-person trail. Here, you’ll have to move across a rope section.

The further up you hike, the more challenging it’ll be. However, the trail provides impressive views of the surrounding area, and alongside the route, you’ll also be able to see the forest and wildlife. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be able to see the overlooking Lake Crescent and the surrounding area.

Basic Information

• Length: 5.3 miles (8.53 km)
• Elevation: 2,076 feet (632.76 m)
• Route type: Out & back
• Parking: Free
• Level of Difficulty: Expert

5. The Enchantments Trail – Central Cascades

The Enchantment Trail is perfect for experienced hikers who are looking for beautiful mountain scenery. The trail is known for being one of the most challenging hikes, but it’s well worth the trip. Most visitors find themselves enjoying the surrounding landscapes during the summer and fall seasons.

To start the route, you’ll begin at Stuart Lake or the Snow Lake entrance. From there, you’ll need to loop around the path until you reach the Dragon Tail and Colchuck Peaks. After you encounter the peaks, the course extends upwards towards Aasgard Pass. After that, the real challenge begins.

But as you hike up the path, you’ll come across the landscape with glacial cirque lakes, streams, and even tundra. Once you head up the mountain further, the experience becomes more surreal, as the mountaintops will allow you to view the surrounding area and forest.

In the Lower Enchantments, you’ll come across Perfection Lake, McClellan Peak, and Lake Viviane. In the descent, you’ll also pass Snow Creek Falls and Snow Lakes.

Basic Information

• Length: 18 miles (28.97 km)
• Elevation: 4,816 feet (1467.92 m)
• Route type: Point to point
• Parking: Northwest Forest Pass
• Level of Difficulty: Expert

6. Mount Fremont Lookout Trail – Mount Rainier Area

Mount Fremont Lookout Trail is a popular trail for the summer and fall months. It’s located next to Paradise Inn, Washington, and is suitable for intermediate hikers. If you want high vantage points to look onto the surrounding peaks, this trail is an excellent peak.

When you first walkout, you’ll start at the Sunrise Visitor Center. The center is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and has an open meadow. From there, the trail then spans upwards into the hills. This is where the trek gets tricky, as the surrounding trails are rocky and lead to Mount Rainier.

The higher you climb, the more the terrain starts to shift from surrounding forests into hillsides surrounded by wildlife. Many trekkers have encountered deers, marmots, and even mountain goats alongside the trails.

Once you reach the summit of Mount Fremont, you’ll be able to see the whole trail. The summit is perfect for sunrise and sunset pictures and has a fantastic view overlooking the entire area. To descend the mountain, you’ll need to head straight back down the trail.

Basic Information

• Length: 5.7 miles (9.17 km)
• Elevation: 1,118 feet (340.77 m)
• Route type: Out & back
• Parking: National Park Pass
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate