22 Best Day Hikes in Washington (That Are Actually Worth It)

Washington is full of good hikes — but this list is for the great ones.
No filler, no “gravel path around a lake,” no uninspired viewpoints. These are the trails that deliver every time: waterfalls, alpine lakes, fire lookouts, wildflower meadows, and ridgelines that make you stop mid-step.

Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready for something bigger, every hike here earns its spot. Some are close to Seattle. Others require a longer drive. All of them reward the effort.

This guide is organized by the type of experience you’re looking for — easy wins, waterfalls, alpine lakes, fire lookouts, wildflowers, and the truly epic loops.

Recommended Gear for Washington Day Hikes

Washington trails can be snowy, muddy, rocky, or rooty — sometimes all in the same mile. A few pieces of gear make most hikes safer and more comfortable:

These are the same essentials that cover 90% of Washington day hikes.

Easy Wins (Big Payoff, Less Effort)

Franklin Falls

📍 Snoqualmie Pass
👣 2 miles round trip
⛰️ 400 ft gain
Difficulty: Easy | Trail Info (WTA)

Franklin Falls is one of the most accessible waterfall hikes in the state and a reliable crowd-pleaser. The trail follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River through mossy forest before ending at a 70-foot waterfall that roars in spring and freezes into photogenic ice in winter.

Why it’s worth it:
Short, scenic, and fun for families — and the waterfall never disappoints.

Good to know:
The trail can be slick in winter but one of the biggest payoffs in Winter. Bring microspikes if you go December–March.
Pass required: NW Forest Pass

Boulder River Trail

📍 Arlington / Mountain Loop Highway | 👣 4.4 miles round trip | ⛰ 400 ft gain Difficulty: Easy | Trail Info (WTA)

Old-growth forest, multiple waterfalls, and low elevation that makes it hikeable almost year-round. The trail follows the Boulder River through towering trees with Feature Show Falls and Boulder Falls along the way. This is where you go when everything else is snowed in.

Pro Tip: Great rainy day hike — the forest canopy keeps you dry. No pass required.

Naches Peak Loop

📍 Chinook Pass, Mount Rainier NP | 👣 3.2 miles loop | ⛰ 600 ft gain Difficulty: Easy | Trail Info (NPS)

One of the easiest ways to experience Rainier’s wildflower meadows without a brutal climb. The loop circles Naches Peak with constant views of the mountain, plus a beautiful tarn for reflection photos. In late July and August, the meadows explode with lupine, paintbrush, and aster.

Pro Tip: Hike it counterclockwise for the best Rainier views early. NP entrance fee required. Highway 410 closes in winter.

Waterfall Hikes

Twin Falls

📍 North Bend (Olallie State Park) | 👣 2.6 miles round trip | ⛰ 500 ft gain Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

A real hike that beginners can actually do. You’ll gain some elevation but it’s manageable, and the payoff is two legitimate waterfalls. The trail follows a creek most of the way, so there’s always something pretty to look at.

Pro Tip: Gets muddy in winter and spring. Wear hiking shoes. Discover Pass required.

Bridal Veil Falls

📍 Index | 👣 4 miles round trip | ⛰ 1,000 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Trail Info (WTA)

A proper hike with a proper waterfall payoff. The last section gets steep and rocky, but the destination is one of Washington’s most dramatic waterfalls — spilling over massive granite slabs with enough mist to cool you down. The viewing platform puts you close enough to feel the spray.

Pro Tip: Connects to Lake Serene if you want more. The falls alone are plenty of adventure. NW Forest Pass required.

Denny Creek Falls + Keekwulee Falls

📍 Snoqualmie Pass | 👣 5 miles round trip | ⛰ 800 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

This hike has everything: creek crossings, natural rock water slides, and multiple waterfalls. Kids love it because there’s always something interesting happening. The rock slides are the highlight — smooth granite carved by water.

Pro Tip: Bring water shoes for sliding in summer. Expect to get wet from creek crossings. NW Forest Pass required.

Wallace Falls

📍 Gold Bar | 👣 5.6 miles round trip | ⛰ 1,300 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

Three tiers of falls with multiple viewpoints along the way. The Middle Falls viewpoint is the most dramatic — 265 feet of whitewater crashing down. You can stop at the lower falls for a shorter day or push to the top for the full experience.

Pro Tip: Start early on weekends — this one gets packed. Discover Pass required.

Alpine Lakes

Barclay Lake

📍 Stevens Pass | 👣 4.4 miles round trip | ⛰ 200 ft gain Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

Classic mountain lake hike that’s not too brutal for beginners. The trail is gentle but long enough to feel like a real hike, winding through beautiful old-growth forest. The lake at the end sits right below a dramatic mountain face.

Pro Tip: Pack lunch to eat by the lake — you’ll want to hang out. NW Forest Pass required.

Lake 22

📍 Mountain Loop Highway | 👣 5.4 miles round trip | ⛰ 1,400 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Trail Info (WTA)

A legitimate mountain lake hike. You’ll gain over 1,000 feet through beautiful old-growth forest, cross several creeks on wooden bridges, and end up at a stunning lake surrounded by granite cliffs with waterfalls pouring into it. This is the hike that converts people into mountain lovers.

Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks — you’ll earn it. NW Forest Pass required.

Heather Lake

📍 Mountain Loop Highway | 👣 4.4 miles round trip | ⛰️ 1,100 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

A gorgeous mountain lake tucked beneath the cliffs of Mount Pilchuck. The trail climbs through old-growth forest with massive root systems and mossy boulders before opening to the lake basin. In winter, the lake freezes and the whole scene transforms.

Why it’s worth it: Accessible enough for motivated beginners, beautiful enough for everyone. One of the best “first alpine lake” hikes near Seattle.

Good to know: Trail can be muddy and rooty — wear hiking boots. Snow lingers into early summer. NW Forest Pass required.

Blue Lake

📍 North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) | 👣 4.4 miles round trip | ⛰ 1,050 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

A stunning turquoise alpine lake tucked beneath Liberty Bell and the Early Winters Spires. The color is unreal — that glacial blue that makes you stop and stare. Short enough for families but dramatic enough to feel like a real mountain adventure.

Pro Tip: Highway 20 closes in winter. Best July–October when road and trail are clear. NW Forest Pass required.

Lake Serene

📍 Index | 👣 8 miles round trip | ⛰️ 2,000 ft gain Difficulty: Hard | Trail Info (WTA)

One of the most dramatic alpine lakes near Seattle. The trail climbs relentlessly through forest, passing Bridal Veil Falls along the way, before opening to a stunning lake surrounded by sheer granite walls. Mount Index towers above, and on calm days the reflections are unreal.

Why it’s worth it: This is the hike that makes people fall in love with the Cascades. The lake feels like a hidden world.

Good to know: The last mile is steep with granite stairs. Start early — parking fills fast on weekends. NW Forest Pass required.

Lake Valhalla

📍 Stevens Pass | 👣 5.5 miles round trip | ⛰ 1,100 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

An alpine lake sitting in a dramatic cirque beneath Lichtenberg Mountain. The trail climbs through forest then opens to meadows and granite before dropping to the lake. Classic Cascades scenery without the brutal elevation gain of some alpine lakes.

Pro Tip: Start from Smithbrook Road trailhead for the easier approach. Gets buggy in July — bring head nets. NW Forest Pass required.

Fire Lookouts

Heybrook Lookout

📍 Index | 👣 2.6 miles round trip | ⛰ 850 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

Short, steep hike to a fire lookout tower with amazing 360-degree views. The trail switchbacks up through forest, then you climb the wooden tower that puts you above the treeline. On clear days you can see Mount Baker to Mount Rainier.

Pro Tip: Check the weather — clouds kill the whole point. NW Forest Pass required.

Fremont Lookout

📍 Sunrise, Mount Rainier NP | 👣 5.6 miles round trip | ⛰ 900 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (NPS)

One of the most rewarding hikes in Rainier for the effort. The trail rolls through wildflower meadows with Rainier towering in front of you the entire time. The historic fire lookout at the end sits on a rocky perch with 360-degree views.

Pro Tip: Sunrise lot fills by 9 AM on summer weekends. Arrive early. NP entrance fee required.

Goat Peak Lookout

📍 Mazama, Methow Valley | 👣 5 miles round trip | ⛰ 1,400 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

A historic fire lookout with panoramic views of the Methow Valley and North Cascades peaks. The trail climbs steadily through forest before opening to wildflower meadows near the top. One of the best sunset views in Eastern Washington.

Pro Tip: Combine with breakfast at the Mazama Store. NW Forest Pass required.

Wildflower Hikes

Dalles Mountain Ranch

📍 Columbia Hills State Park | 👣 6.4 miles round trip | ⛰ 1,200 ft gain Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

Rolling hills covered in wildflowers with Mount Hood in the distance. If you’ve seen that iconic photo of a rusted truck in a field of yellow balsam root — this is the place. Best in late April through May when the hills explode in color.

Pro Tip: Windy — bring a jacket. Discover Pass required.

👉 More wildflower hikes: Best Spring Wildflower Hikes in Washington

Skyline Trail

📍 Paradise, Mount Rainier NP | 👣 5.5 miles loop | ⛰ 1,700 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Trail Info (NPS)

The most iconic hike in Mount Rainier National Park. The loop climbs through wildflower meadows to Panorama Point, with Rainier filling your entire view. Marmots, wildflowers, glaciers, and some of the best scenery in the state.

Pro Tip: Go counterclockwise for the best views on the climb. Paradise is packed on summer weekends — arrive before 8 AM. NP entrance fee required.

Epic Loops & Big Adventures

Goat Lake

📍 Mountain Loop Highway | 👣 10.4 miles round trip | ⛰️ 1,400 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate | Trail Info (WTA)

A beautiful alpine lake tucked beneath Foggy Peak with waterfalls cascading into it from the surrounding cliffs. The trail follows an old mining road through forest before reaching the lake basin. Long but gentle — more about distance than difficulty.

Why it’s worth it: One of the prettiest lakes on the Mountain Loop. Great for a long day hike or easy overnight.

Good to know: The upper trailhead shortens the hike significantly if the road is open. Mosquitoes can be brutal in early summer. NW Forest Pass required.

Colchuck Lake

📍 Leavenworth / Alpine Lakes Wilderness | 👣 8 miles round trip | ⛰️ 2,200 ft gain Difficulty: Hard | Trail Info (WTA)

One of the most stunning alpine lakes in Washington. The turquoise water sits in a granite bowl beneath Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier — it looks like something out of Patagonia. The climb is relentless but the payoff is unmatched.

Why it’s worth it: This is the lake that ends up on everyone’s bucket list. The color, the drama, the scale — it delivers.

Good to know: Permit required May 15–October 31 (reserve on Recreation.gov). The last mile is steep and rocky. Start early — parking fills fast. NW Forest Pass required.

Grand Park

📍 Mount Rainier NP | 👣 13 miles round trip | ⛰ 2,400 ft gain Difficulty: Hard (long) | Trail Info (NPS)

A massive wildflower meadow that feels like another world. The hike is long but relatively gentle grade-wise. Grand Park is a flat, open expanse of subalpine meadows with Rainier looming above. One of the most spectacular destinations in the park.

Pro Tip: Start from Lake Eleanor trailhead for shorter approach. Full-day commitment — bring plenty of food and water. NP entrance fee required.

Cascade Pass

📍 North Cascades National Park | 👣 7.4 miles round trip | ⛰️ 1,800 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Trail Info (WTA)

A true North Cascades classic. The trail switchbacks through wildflower meadows to a high pass with jaw-dropping views of glaciers, jagged peaks, and the Stehekin Valley below. This is the hike I’ve done more than any other — it never gets old.

Why it’s worth it: The views at the pass are some of the best in the state. Add Sahale Arm for even more drama.

Good to know: Snow lingers into July. No pass required — it’s national park land.

Chain Lakes Loop

📍 Mt Baker Ski Area | 👣 7.5 miles loop | ⛰ 1,800 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Trail Info (WTA)

One of the most scenic loop hikes in Washington. You’ll pass multiple alpine lakes, cross wildflower meadows, and hike beneath the dramatic face of Mount Shuksan. The views are constant and jaw-dropping. A must-do for anyone ready to level up.

Pro Tip: Snow lingers late — often not clear until late July. Start early and bring layers. NW Forest Pass required.

Maple Pass Loop

📍 Rainy Pass, North Cascades Highway | 👣 7.5 miles loop | ⛰ 2,000 ft gain Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Trail Info (WTA)

One of the best fall hikes in the entire state. The loop climbs to a high ridge with views of Lake Ann below and golden larch trees everywhere in late September. Even without the larches, the views are staggering — deep valleys, jagged peaks, and alpine lakes.

Pro Tip: For fall larches, aim for late September to early October. Go counterclockwise for easier climbing. NW Forest Pass required.

Planning Tips

Passes You’ll Need

  • Northwest Forest Pass ($30/year) — Most national forest trailheads
  • Discover Pass ($35/year) — Washington state parks
  • National Park Entry ($30/vehicle or $80 America the Beautiful pass)

The annual passes pay for themselves quickly if you hike regularly.

Start Early

Popular trailheads fill by 9 AM on summer weekends. Arriving by 7:30 AM almost guarantees parking and smaller crowds. Weekdays are always better.

Check Conditions

A quick check can save you from driving to a snowed-in trailhead.

Layer Up

Western Washington weather changes fast. Even on sunny summer days, mountain temps can swing 30 degrees. Always pack more layers than you think you need.

Final Thoughts

These 22 hikes aren’t filler — every one delivers. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, summit views, or wildflower meadows, there’s something here for every fitness level.

Start with the easier ones if you’re new. Work your way up. The mountains will always be there.

Need more inspiration

Have a favorite hike that should be on this list? Drop a comment below.

Tag me @the.trekking.mama on Instagram — I love seeing where you explore!

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