Seattle Trails

Be prepared for perfection, this 12-miler has it all: wildflowers, old growth trees, roaring creeks and gorges, and a quiet lake rimmed by ridges.

Camp near a picturesque lake then daytrip past huckleberry fields to a pointy summit with massive views above the North Cascades.

Hike through mixed forest to a sparkling alpine lake and crest a rocky ridgetop with panoramic views on this 6.1-mile trek in the North Cascades.

Seasonal wildflowers, a remote mountain lake, and plenty of solitude highlight this 8.6-mile hike that winds through forest and meadows in the Cascade Mountains.

This 3.4-mile hike to Minotaur Lake boasts huckleberry-filled meadows and seasonal wildflowers, not to mention five-star views of two alpine lakes.

Meander along a wildflower-lined trail, then grind up a wooded ridge to a former lookout site where views extend into the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

This ambitious 12.4-mile dayhike runs along a creekbed raged by two major floods, through fragile wildflower meadows, and visits a pod of backcountry lakes.

An abundance of rugged peaks, vibrant wildflowers, and verdant meadows make this 14.2-mile hike a must-do in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

This 2.5-mile climb up huckleberry hillsides and a fir-dotted ridgetop leads to expansive views of Glacier Peak Wilderness from the top of Poe Mountain.

The 8-mile out-and-back to Horse Lake Mountain passes pristine mountain views, vibrant wildflowers, and a diverse bird population.

Travel by boat to a 7.2-mile loop in the North Cascades that features vibrant wildflowers, a rocky overlook above Lake Chelan, and a 300-foot waterfall.

This 10.2-miler heads into a wildlife refuge with 250 species of birds to the New Dungeness Light Station, a historic lighthouse with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains.

Climb above the Stehekin River Valley, passing rugged cliffs and bird's-eye views, to a remote mountain lake at the foot of McGregor Mountain.

This lifelist trip packs in two adventures: an outrageously scenic ferry ride and a remote 14-mile out-and-back hike in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

This lower-elevation hike in Wenatchee National Forest traces a roaring creek and reveals brilliant displays of lupines, paintbrush, and red columbine.

Follow in the footsteps of one of the region's earliest explorers.

Hike a ridgetop trail into the heart of the North American Alps.

Wander a ridgetop trail through peaceful Cascades meadows.

Link lush, mossy forests with alpine lakes and meadows on this 35.2-mile backpacking trip in Olympic National Park.

Hammer up a steep ravine in Wenatchee National Forest to the stunning, upper reaches of Icicle Ridge where grand views, rocky mountains, and a sparkling lake await.

Brilliant wildflowers, a rugged gorge, and two mountain lakes highlight this 6.6-mile out-and-back in Wenatchee National Forest.

Rushing rivers, brilliant wildflowers, and high mountain meadows are abundant on this moderate, 14.4-mile lollipop loop in the Entiat Mountains.

An ideal family trip, this 2.6-mile hike is short on miles, but big on scenery. You'll encounter spectacular rock formations, spring wildflowers, and two peaceful lakes.

Travel past fragrant wildflowers and stately old-growth forest en route to a stunning backcountry lake in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Discover an untouched alpine lake tucked between the high ridges west of the Chiwawa River Valley on this spectacular 8.5-mile out-and-back.

Climb through lush vegetation to a lakeside wonderland.

Traipse from lake to lake in Washington's high country.

Climb to dizzying views of the Glacier Peak Wilderness on this strenuous, 13.5-mile trek that traces a knife-edge ridge and ascends the rocky summit of Mount David.

Tour wildflower-filled meadows and trace the tops of rugged, basalt cliffs on this picturesque, 9.6-mile loop in Wenatchee National Forest.

Go off the beaten path to witness the forging of this new trail and get your first taste of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Recreation Area.

This 4-mile out-and-back in Tiger Mountain State Forest climbs through lush forest to Poo Poo Point, a grassy perch overlooking the Issaquah Alps.

Dip your toes in an alpine lake in the shadow of towering mountain crags on this 8-mile Cascades classic in Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

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

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.

Explore the wilder side of Tiger Mountain State Forest on this 10-mile out-and-back that winds through lush forest, passes artifacts from a 1920's train wreck, and visits the banks of Fifteenmile Creek.

Tag the highest peak in Washington's pristine Tiger Mountain Forest on this crowd-free trail just 30 miles east of Seattle.

Less than an hour's drive from Seattle, this 8.2-mile out-and-back visits a scenic overlook with five-star views of Mount Rainier and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Climb to a picturesque fire lookout perched above the Cascades on this challenging, hike-bike combo in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Trek through a wildflower-filled basin to the summit of Norse Peak on this 8.3-mile Cascades dayhike with front-row views of Mount Rainier.

You'll gain 3,700 feet of elevation in 3.4 miles--and pass a spectacular waterfall--on this stiff ascent of Mount Teneriffe, a 4,788-foot peak less than an hour from Seattle.

This grueling, 7.8-mile dayhike crests two summits above the Snoqualmie River valley and features stunning panoramas of nearby peaks and mountains.

Take a walk through the woods on this tour of the Snoqualmie Forest near North Bend's Mt. Si. Access lakes and enjoy a view of Mt. Si's Moon Wall from the top of Fuller Mountain.

A stunning backcountry basin, two mountain lakes, and scores of wildflowers highlight this 7.1-mile out-and-back in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

This family-friendly dayhike in Mount Rainier National Park circles Naches Peak, passing mountain lakes, wildflower meadows, and picture-perfect views of Mount Rainier.

Explore the once-bustling Carbon River Road by foot on this 11.2-mile hike that winds through mossy forest and visits a multi-tiered waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park.

A locals' favorite, this challenging dayhike up Mount Si is less than an hour from Seattle and features eagle-eye views of the Snoqualmie River valley and Mount Rainier.

Travel a trail lush with old-growth forests to four majestic lakes nestled in Snoqualmie National Forest.

Explore Silver Peak and Twin Lake on this challenging 9-mile loop.

Take this short, little-known scramble up to the top of Guye Peak in the Alpental Ski Area.

A great out and back that covers just over 14 miles, through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area that will be sure to not disappoint, as you will pass 4 lakes, numerous streams, and huge views of the surrounding mountains and jagged peaks that make this close in section of wilderness a fan favorite.

Think of this hike as a five-star gourmet meal for the price of a cheeseburger, the crescendo will leave you utterly speechless, yet leave you wondering how you attained so much for so little effort.

This short trail between Gorge and Diablo Lakes climbs steadily to a small pocket lake filled with floating "gardens" and great views of Pyramid Peak.

Hike this short trail between two Cascades passes to the foot of a brilliant blue lake in a stone amphitheater beneath the towering Early Winters Spires and Liberty Bell Peak.

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.

A challenging 3 day journey into the Chain Lakes area. On this 31 mile lollipop loop, see several lakes, cross 3 passes, and trek through forests and meadows back to the beginning.

Pack for a quick overnight in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and discover hidden alpine lakes and the stunning panorama of peaks that is the Central Cascades.

Experience this world-class, glaciated peak in a day on an 8.4-mile out-and-back that climbs 4,600 feet to a high-altitude camp above the Muir Snowfield.

Take this 10-mile trek up to Mt. Defiance, enjoying long views, access to a number of lakes, and lush alpine meadows.

Cruise huckleberry meadows and tackle steep, switchbacking turns on this 2.8-mile out-and-back to Mt. Catherine's summit and a survey-worthy perch above Keechelus Lake and Snoqualmie Pass.

Follow this hike up to the top of Kendall Peak for magnificent views of the surrounding landscape before continuing on to the popular Katwalk.

A 15 mile out and back into Big Heart Lake. Along the way, you'll pass Trout Lake, Copper Lake, Little Heart Lake, and then Big Heart. The lakes are full of large trout, and the views of the ruggedness of the Alpine Lakes area is worth the effort it takes to hike into this wild part of Washington.

Three days is all you need for this memorable, 33.2-mile circuit on the northern flanks of Rainier, which connects Natural Bridge, the Yellowstone Cliffs, and Grand Park, a string of must-see landmarks bypassed by the Wonderland Trail.

Granite Mountain is the classic Snoqualmie Pass summit hike. Popular for it's plentiful and rewarding views, this trail switchbacks up the mountainside to an active fire lookout.

Follow this fledgling trail under Deception Crags to find great views of the Snoqualmie Valley from Hall Point. Continue on to the summit of Mt. Washington.

Take this 5-mile route to the top of McClellan's rocky spire for 360-degree views of the surrounding Cascades.

This short hike is a great introduction to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area, see two of the most popular of the 700 lakes in the region; Talapus and Olallie Lakes.

This challenging trek follows winding logging roads to a 5,028-foot summit overlooking the Cascades.

On this 6.1-mile lollipop loop, you'll crest two summits on Burroughs Mountain, trace the Sourdough Mountains' ridgeline, and take in views of Mount Rainier, the Emmons Glacier, and 11,138-foot Little Tahoma Peak.

Pack a week's worth of classic Northwest scenery (coastal rainforest, glittering lakes, thundering falls, and toothy peaks) into just three days on this 23.1-mile loop.

This 6.5-mile counterclockwise loop starts at Rainy Pass and crests the 7,000-foot ridge above the lake for eagle-eye views of the glacier-topped Cascades.

Hike to prolific wildflower displays and up-close views of Mount Rainier on this 8.4-mile out-and-back in Mount Rainier National Park.

Soak up five-star views of the snow-capped Cascades and Seattle's skyline from a 6,280-foot summit on this 8.5-miler in Olympic National Forest.

A 3 day trip into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, that encompasses Rachel Lake, Rampart Lakes, Lila Lakes, and Alta Mt.

Track beneath waterfalls and icicle-hung trees to a soothing soak.

Follow the fledgling Change Creek Trail from Deception Crags to Hall Point on this 2.3-miler serving up huge Snoqualmie Valley panoramas.

This 25-mile point-to-point in North Cascades National Park weaves past electric wildflower displays and climbs to an airy, 6,525-foot alpine pass.

Come for the sheer, glaciated peaks, but be mesmerized by rain-fed waterfalls that pour down on all sides along this weeklong trip in North Cascades National Park.

This little-known 8.8-mile trail an hour outside of Seattle weaves through lush forest to the stunning and secluded Rainy Lake beneath the east face of Preacher Mountain.

Stroll through root-wrapped rocks, venerable hemlocks, and moss carpeted undergrowth on this 4.4-mile hike to Barclay Lake in the Washington Cascades' new Wild Sky Wilderness.

Take this beloved and well-maintained 6.6-mile trail through abundant greenery and past the enchanting Bridal Veil Falls to arrive at the snowy peaks of Mount Index reflecting in Lake Serene.