If you love fresh air, epic views, and the thrill of the trail, you’re going to want to lace up your boots for this one.
Washington is packed with stunning hikes, from waterfalls that roar, lakes so clear they look fake, and mountaintop views that stretch for miles.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we’ve rounded up the absolute best hikes in the state that you must try at least once.
Trust me, these trails are bucket-list material!
1. Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead
Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Rating: Moderate
Open: Year-round
Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead is about 40 minutes from Seattle, near North Bend, and is one of Washington’s most popular hikes thanks to its incredible views.
The trail leads you through lush forest up to a jaw-dropping rocky ledge that overlooks Rattlesnake Lake, Mount Si, and the Snoqualmie Valley.
It gets super popular during the spring and summer, and it’s a great pick for families, dogs (on leash), and even first-time hikers.
2. Skyline Trail (Mount Rainier National Park)
Distance: 5.5 miles (loop)
Rating: Moderate
Open: Year-round
If you’re ready for a hike that feels like stepping into a postcard, the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is an absolute must-do.
Beginning in the Paradise area, the trail winds through wildflower meadows, past waterfalls, and up close to glaciers with beautiful views of Mount Rainier.
Along the way, you might spot marmots or mountain goats, and on clear days, you can see as far as Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams in the distance.
3. Chain Lakes Loop Trailhead
Distance: 6.5 miles (loop)
Rating: Moderate
Open: Year-round (some road closures over winter)
Next up, the Chain Lakes Loop Trailhead near Mount Baker offers an unforgettable alpine adventure packed with gorgeous scenery.
The trail winds through wildflower meadows, rocky ridges, and past sparkling glacial lakes with crystal-clear reflections of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.
It’s especially stunning in the fall when the foliage turns fiery red and orange.
4. Naches Peak Loop Trail (Mount Rainier National Park)
Distance: 3.5 miles (loop)
Rating: Easy
Open: Seasonal (typically June through October, depending on snow conditions)
For a shorter but equally stunning adventure, the Naches Peak Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is like a greatest hits album of alpine beauty.
The trail starts at Chinook Pass and offers postcard-worthy views of wildflower meadows and serene lakes.
It’s most breathtaking at sunrise or sunset, when the sky lights up the whole landscape—no wonder it’s a top pick for hikers of all ages and skill levels.
5. Wallace Falls via Woody Trail (Wallace Falls State Park)
Distance: 4.7 miles (out-and-back)
Rating: Moderate
Open: Year-round
If you’re craving the sound of rushing water, Wallace Falls via Woody Trail in Wallace Falls State Park delivers in a big way.
The trail runs through mossy forest and along a roaring river, with multiple waterfall viewpoints including a 265-foot drop at the main falls.
With its shady paths, misty atmosphere, and mix of peace and adventure, it’s a go-to option for hikers throughout the year.
6. Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead
Distance: 8.2 miles (round-trip)
Rating: Moderate/hard
Open: Year-round
For a hike that gives you both waterfalls and an alpine lake, the Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls Trail is a total showstopper.
Located near Index, the steep trail takes you up to the dramatic Bridal Veil Falls, then continues to the calm waters of Lake Serene beneath Mount Index.
The contrast between the powerful falls and the stillness of the lake makes this trail feel like two incredible adventures in one.
7. Lake Twenty-Two Trailhead
Distance: 5.4 miles (round-trip)
Rating: Moderate
Open: Year-round
Please note: The trail will be closed on weekdays from July 15 through Oct 31 in 2025 due to maintenance work.
Next on the list is the Lake Twenty-Two Trail, a classic Pacific Northwest hike that’s pure mossy magic from start to finish.
Located near Granite Falls, the trail leads you through old-growth forest, across wooden boardwalks, and past waterfalls.
It ends at Lake Twenty-Two, a beautiful lake located in a bowl-shaped valley surrounded by mountains, with Mount Pilchuck towering above.
The lush greenery, dramatic scenery, and mirror-like lake makes this a beloved route no matter the season.
8. Hurricane Hill Trailhead (Olympic National Park)
Distance: 3.2 miles (out-and-back)
Rating: Easy/moderate
Open: Seasonal (road closures during winter are common)
Head over to the Hurricane Hill Trail in Olympic National Park to see one of the most breathtaking panoramic payoffs with minimal effort.
Beginning from the Hurricane Ridge area, the trail gently climbs to a ridge with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and Vancouver Island.
Look out for black-tailed deer and Olympic marmots along the path, and be sure to bring a jacket as Hurricane Hill is just as windy as it sounds!
9. Ancient Lakes Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles (loop)
Rating: Easy
Open: Year-round
The Ancient Lakes Trail in central Washington feels like hiking on another planet.
Located near Quincy, the route leads you through a canyon shaped by Ice Age floods, past basalt cliffs, and three desert lakes framed by waterfalls and greenery.
With cooler temperatures in early spring and late fall, this wide-open landscape provides a refreshing break from the usual forested trails.
10. Horsethief Butte Trail (Columbia Hills State Park)
Distance: 1.5 miles (loop)
Rating: Easy
Open: Year-round
For a hike packed with history and epic views, the Horsethief Butte Trail in Columbia Hills State Park is a must-see adventure in the eastern Gorge.
This short loop winds through basalt formations, ancient Native American petroglyphs, and sweeping vistas of the Columbia River backed by golden hills.
It’s an easy walk with a wild, otherworldly feel and is ideal for sunset strolls, scrambling around rocky outcrops, and soaking in the unique landscape.
11. Iller Creek Conservation Area Trail
Distance: 5 miles (loop)
Rating: Moderate
Open: Year-round
Tucked away just outside Spokane, the Iller Creek Conservation Area Trail is a local favorite that packs big scenery into a peaceful woodland escape.
The trail passes through pine forests and wildflowers, then leads to the iconic “Rocks of Sharon”.
This massive granite outcrop offers panoramic views of the Palouse and surrounding mountains.
Whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or just looking for a quiet spot to reconnect with nature, this route has a little bit of everything.
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