Backpacker Magazine: Seattle: Backpacking and Camping Trips, Hikes, Adventures, Topo Maps, Aerial Photos.

Seattle: Rachel Lake

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
This 7.4-miler scrambles the best of the eastern Cascades: waterfalls, fragrant forests, and a sprawling alpine lake.

Mount Rainier National Park: Skyscraper Mountain

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Snow-fed cascades, vibrant wildflower meadows, and dizzying Cascade vistas highlight this 7.9-mile out-and-back in Mount Rainier National Park.

Seattle, WA: Scorpion Mountain via Johnson Ridge

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
This 7.7-miler in the northern Cascades climbs through wildflower-dotted meadows along Johnson Ridge en route to awe-inspiring views from Scorpion Mountain.

Seattle: Chuckanut Bay to Larrabee State Park

BACKPACKER Review
This multiday paddle tours a small island, scenic coves, and tops things off with a 4.8-mile hike to a lake in Larrabee State Park.

Seattle: Hamilton Buttes

BACKPACKER Review
Grab shotgun views of four volcanoes on this lonely 6.2-mile out-and-back in Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Seattle: Noble Knob

BACKPACKER Review
This pleasant 7-mile round-trip hike into Norse Peak Wilderness offers sublime views of volcanic summits without the area's usual knee-breaking ascent.

Margaret Lake

Take this 5-mile jaunt out to Margaret Lake, nestled quietly beneath Margaret Mountain.

Squak Mountain - East Ridge to Phil's Creek

Lodge and Beaver Lakes

Enjoy this gentle hike as it crosses snow-free ski areas and winds through aged forests on its way to historic Lodge Lake.

15 Mile Creek - Tiger Mountain

Forgo the peaks and explore some of wilder areas of Tiger Mountain State Forest on this 10 mile round-trip trek to 15 Mile Creek.

Snow Lake & Source Lake Overlook

Take this hike to stunning Snow Lake, one of the most popular and easily accessible lakes within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This 8.5-mile out and back includes a side trip to Source Lake.

Local Hikes: Seattle, WA

BACKPACKER Review
The best hikes near Seattle, WA.

Local Hikes: Northwest

BACKPACKER Review
The best hikes in Northwest, as suggested by the best local hiking clubs.

Swimming Hole Hikes

BACKPACKER Review
Time to cool down. Hike to these refreshing swimming holes and settle right into summer.

Mt. Rainier National Park

BACKPACKER Review
A small taste of Washington's mighty mountain.

Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more.

Photos + Videos

Packing for a Backcountry Ski Day Kristin Hostetter shows you the essential gear, and how to pack it, for a day of backcountry skiing.	Adjust Your Pack Straps on the Trail Maximize your pack's comfort with a few easy, on-trail strap adjustments.

What makes a backpacker a backpacker? It's not the garage full of gear or piles of guidebooks--it's the experiences, from thru-hiking a long trail to pushing your personal envelope to inspiring a child's love of wilderness. Here we present BACKPACKER's new Life List: 10 experiences to add to your tick-listnow--and the key skills you need to nail them.