Washington State is a hiker’s paradise — towering evergreens, misty mountains, and some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the country. Whether you’re a weekend adventurer or planning your dream Pacific Northwest getaway, these hikes offer unforgettable views and fresh mountain air. Below are 10 of the best hikes in Washington for 2025, each offering a mix of scenic trails, waterfalls, and that wild Washington magic we all crave.
1. Rattlesnake Ledge – North Bend, WA
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,160 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, forested trail, dog-friendly
Just a 45-minute drive from Seattle, Rattlesnake Ledge is the perfect introduction to hiking in Washington. The well-maintained trail steadily climbs through a dense pine forest before opening up to a jaw-dropping overlook of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding Cascade peaks. It’s especially popular for sunrise and sunset — bring a thermos of coffee and enjoy nature’s show.
2. Wallace Falls – Gold Bar, WA
- Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,300 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: 265-foot waterfall, three viewpoints, lush old-growth forest
If you’re chasing waterfalls, Wallace Falls is a must. This trail follows the Wallace River and passes several cascades before reaching the stunning 265-foot main waterfall. There are three primary viewpoints (Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls), so you can choose your turnaround based on your energy.
Local Tip: Bring rain gear—this area sees more moisture year-round, which is part of what keeps the mossy forest so vibrant.
3. Mount Storm King – Olympic National Park
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~2,100 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Highlights: Lake Crescent views, challenging climb, ropes section
Looking for a short hike with a big payoff? Mount Storm King delivers. After a steep, heart-pumping ascent through dense fir trees, you’ll reach a rugged ridge with sweeping views of turquoise-blue Lake Crescent below. There’s even a rope section near the summit for a little extra thrill.
⚠️ Warning: This trail is steep and not ideal for those afraid of heights. Wear sturdy shoes and avoid on wet days — it can get slick.
4. Colchuck Lake – Leavenworth, WA
- Distance: 8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~2,280 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Alpine lake, jagged peaks, gateway to The Enchantments
Tucked within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Colchuck Lake might be the most photogenic destination in Washington. With its icy-blue water, granite peaks (like the iconic Dragontail and Aasgard Pass), and peaceful alpine atmosphere, it’s like hiking into a dream. This trail is part of the Enchantments system, so it’s busy — but worth every step.
Permits: You don’t need an overnight Enchantments permit for a day hike, but arrive early — the lot fills up by 6 AM during peak season.
5. Sol Duc Falls Trail – Olympic National Park
- Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Old-growth rainforest, wooden bridges, iconic waterfall
If you’re looking for something accessible yet magical, Sol Duc Falls is a perfect choice. Located in the heart of Olympic National Park, this short trail leads through moss-draped trees to one of the most famous waterfalls in the state. It’s family-friendly, great for kids, and ideal for anyone wanting a gentle walk with a big reward.
Fun Fact: The area around Sol Duc is rich in thermal activity—consider soaking in the nearby Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort after your hike!
6. Twin Falls Trail – North Bend, WA
- Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~500 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Twin cascading waterfalls, lush forest, family-friendly trail
Nestled just off I-90, the Twin Falls Trail is a fantastic quick hike that delivers big rewards. The well-marked trail hugs the South Fork Snoqualmie River, leading to not one but two dramatic waterfalls that plunge into mossy gorges. This is a great pick for families or anyone wanting a peaceful afternoon escape.
Trail Tip: Visit in spring (April–June) when water flow is strongest, and wildflowers bloom along the trail.
7. Hurricane Hill – Olympic National Park
- Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~700 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Olympic Mountains, wildlife spotting, paved trail
If you want stunning alpine views without an intense climb, Hurricane Hill is your trail. Located at the top of Hurricane Ridge, this paved hike offers sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks, with occasional sightings of black-tailed deer and marmots. It’s an excellent choice for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Note: Bring a jacket even in summer — the winds up here are no joke!
8. Snow Lake Trail – Snoqualmie Pass, WA
- Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,800 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Turquoise alpine lake, wildflowers, rocky switchbacks
Snow Lake is one of the most popular day hikes in the state — and for good reason. After a steady climb and some rocky switchbacks, hikers are rewarded with views of a stunning glacial lake surrounded by rugged peaks. On clear days, the water glows a surreal blue-green.
Insider Tip: This trail gets extremely crowded on weekends. Arrive before 8 AM or hike midweek for a more peaceful experience.
9. Bridal Veil Falls & Lake Serene – Index, WA
- Distance: 7.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~2,000 ft
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Highlights: Thundering waterfall, serene mountain lake, dramatic cliffs
This two-for-one hike combines the power of Bridal Veil Falls with the tranquil beauty of Lake Serene. The trail begins with a steep but manageable climb to the falls, followed by a more strenuous ascent to the lake, where dramatic rock faces and icy water await.
Trail Warning: It’s a leg-burner! Bring trekking poles if you have knee issues.
10. Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park
- Distance: 5.5 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: ~1,450 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Glacier views, wildflower meadows, up-close views of Mt. Rainier
This is one of the crown jewels of Mount Rainier. Starting at Paradise, the Skyline Trail offers an unforgettable loop through alpine meadows, rushing streams, and panoramic views of Mt. Rainier’s glacier-covered summit. During late July and August, the wildflowers explode into color.
Don’t Miss: The viewpoint at Panorama Point — one of the best photo ops in the park.
11. Blue Lake Trail – North Cascades, WA
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: ~1,050 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Crystal-clear alpine lake, jagged peaks, golden larches in fall
Tucked away off Highway 20 in the North Cascades, the Blue Lake Trail is a hiker’s dream. The trail winds through subalpine forest and granite outcrops before arriving at a serene turquoise lake backed by spires of Liberty Bell Mountain. In October, the golden larches make this hike truly magical.
Fall Pro Tip: This is one of the best hikes in Washington for larch season — bring your camera!
12. Naches Peak Loop – Mount Rainier Area
- Distance: 3.5 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: ~650 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Mount Rainier views, wildflower meadows, scenic loop trail
The Naches Peak Loop is the definition of scenic and accessible. Starting from Tipsoo Lake, this loop wraps around open meadows with jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier almost the entire way. It’s popular in July and August when wildflowers like lupine and paintbrush bloom.
Pro Tip: Hike the loop clockwise for the best Rainier-facing views toward the end of the trail.
13. Palouse Falls Trail – Eastern WA
- Distance: ~2 miles round trip (exploratory, unmarked paths)
- Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
- Difficulty: Easy (but caution advised)
- Highlights: Washington’s state waterfall, dramatic basalt canyon, photo-worthy sunset spot
Though short and more of a viewpoint trail than a full hike, Palouse Falls is a true geological wonder. At 198 feet, it’s Washington’s official state waterfall, plunging into a dramatic basalt canyon. Sunset here is surreal, with golden hour lighting up the canyon walls.
⚠️ Safety Note: Stay behind all barriers — cliffs are unstable and can be dangerous.
14. Mailbox Peak – North Bend, WA
- Distance: 9.4 miles round trip (new trail)
- Elevation Gain: ~4,000 ft
- Difficulty: Very Hard
- Highlights: Epic workout, summit mailbox tradition, sweeping mountain views
Looking for a fitness challenge with major bragging rights? Mailbox Peak is it. With relentless switchbacks and serious elevation gain, this trail is a quad-burner. But at the top, hikers are greeted by panoramic views — and yes, a literal mailbox where you can leave notes or find trail goodies.
Tip: The “old trail” is shorter and steeper; most hikers now use the new, safer route.
15. Cape Alava Loop (Ozette Triangle) – Olympic National Park
- Distance: 9.4 miles loop
- Elevation Gain: ~200 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Coastal forest, boardwalks, sea stacks, tide pools
Want something totally different? The Cape Alava Loop (also known as the Ozette Triangle) is one of the most unique hikes in Washington. Starting in dense rainforest, the trail follows boardwalks out to the rugged Pacific coast where you’ll see sea stacks, driftwood-covered beaches, and tidal pools teeming with marine life.
Timing Tip: Hike the beach portion at low tide.
Final Thoughts
Washington is blessed with a landscape that feels too beautiful to be real. These 15 hikes offer a mix of challenge, serenity, and jaw-dropping views — whether you’re standing on the edge of Storm King or hearing the roar of Wallace Falls. And with 2025 shaping up to be a big year for nature travel, there’s never been a better time to explore.
So lace up your boots, pack your trail mix, and chase those peaks and waterfalls. Washington’s wild heart is calling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best month to hike in Washington?
A: Late June through early October offers the best weather. July and August are typically the driest.
Q: Do I need a permit for these hikes?
A: Some do require a Northwest Forest Pass or a National Park Pass. Always check individual trail requirements on official websites.
Q: Are these hikes family-friendly?
A: Yes! Sol Duc Falls and Wallace Falls are great for families. Mount Storm King and Colchuck Lake are more suitable for experienced hikers.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
