BEST BACKPACKING TRIPS IN WASHINGTON
An Epic list + Ultimate Guide from a Washington Local.
If you’re eager to add some fantastic backpacking adventures to your list for next summer, you’re in the right place. As someone who has explored Washington’s backcountry for years, I’ve compiled a selection of some of the best overnight backpacking trips in the state of Washington. Each of these hikes has something truly special to offer!
Before You Head Out (and a few affiliate faves I use myself):
Backpacking and hiking are incredible ways to unplug—but being prepared makes all the difference. Always bring solid navigation tools: I love using AllTrails+ and Gaia GPS (affiliate links), but I also carry a paper map just in case the battery dies or there’s no signal.
Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back—it’s a simple habit that could save your life. And no matter how short or mellow your hike seems, pack the Ten Essentials. They’re not just for long backcountry trips—they’re about being ready for the unexpected.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I genuinely use and love. Thanks for supporting my adventures!
Wait, what are the Ten Essentials again?
They’re the must-haves for safety, survival, and self-reliance outdoors. Everyone’s list might vary slightly depending on where you’re going and the season, but here’s the standard breakdown:
The Ten Essentials (with a few of my favorite go-to pieces of gear):
- Extra Layers: I pack a lightweight puffy like the REI 650 Down Jacket and a good rain shell.
- Navigation: I use AllTrails+ and Gaia GPS, but also carry a waterproof map and compass.
- Headlamp: Reliable options: Black Diamond Spot or Petzl Actik Core, plus extra batteries.
- Sun Protection: I love the Sun Bum SPF 50 stick, Goodr sunglasses, and a solid sun hat.
- First Aid Kit: I carry an Adventure Medical Ultralight kit and restock it with blister pads and ibuprofen.
- Knife or Multi-tool: My go-to is the compact Leatherman Squirt or a sturdy pocket knife.
- Fire Supplies: I pack a tiny Bic lighter, waterproof matches, and firestarter tabs.
- Shelter: Even on day hikes, I bring a SOL Emergency Bivvy or ultralight tarp.
- Extra Food: I always carry an RX Bar or Trail Butter. For overnights, Good To-Go meals are my favorite.
- Extra Water + Treatment: A Smartwater bottle paired with a Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Peak Squeeze Gravity, plus electrolyte packs.
Leave No Trace isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being thoughtful. Pack out your trash (yes, even the tiny stuff like food bits and toilet paper), stay on trail, and set up camp away from lakes and fragile plants. If you need to wash up, do it away from water sources, and keep things low impact so others can enjoy the same wild beauty. These places feel like magic, and it’s on all of us to help keep them that way.
Best Overnight Backpacking Trips in Washington
Rampart Lakes + Alta Mountain
Location: North Cascades National Park
Distance: 12 miles (varies if you add Black Peak)
Elevation Gain: 3,800 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
Trail Guide: Rampart Lakes and Alta Mountain
Rampart Lakes is one of those places that makes you want to stay a while—hidden campsites, alpine views, sunrise reflections, and plenty of cold, clear water for swimming. It’s perfect for staying up for a few days.
The trail starts off mellow through the forest, then gets steeper and more rugged as you climb toward Rachel Lake. It’s a perfect spot to take a break and jump in—cold, refreshing, and exactly what you need before the final push.
From there, it’s a short climb to Rampart, where a chain of alpine lakes spreads out across a rocky basin. Wildflowers, granite slabs, and quiet corners to pitch your tent. It’s kind of hard to leave.
Bonus: You can make a an afternoon out of a hike to Alta Mountain. From Rampart Lakes, follow the unmarked but well-worn path that ascends steeply towards the summit. The climb is demanding, but the panoramic views from the top are INCREDIBLE. From the summit of Alta Mountain, you’ll enjoy 360-degree vistas of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Pro-Tip: If you have the time, add Lila Lakes to your itinerary making it more of a multi day backpacking trip. Lila Lake is just a pretty as the Rampart Lakes so you cant go wrong!
Lewis + Wing Lake
Location: North Cascades National Park
Distance: 9 miles (varies if you add Black Peak)
Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
Trail Guide: Wing Lake
Tucked high in the North Cascades, Wing Lake feels like a secret you earn. The hike starts mellow enough on the Maple Pass Loop, but things get real after a couple miles—boulder fields, a quiet pass by Lewis Lake, and then a golden tunnel of larches that feels like it was made for fall. But it’s the lake that makes you stop. Cold, clear, and ringed in gold, Wing Lake is the kind of place you want to stay for a while. Pitch your tent on a little rise above the shoreline, watch the larches light up at sunrise, and wake up to still water reflecting jagged peaks. It’s quiet, it’s wild, and it’s absolutely worth the climb.
Pro-Tip: Walk around to the far side of the lake for the best views. Campsites are scattered along the shoreline, but the farther back you go, the better the scenery. This is one epic spot for a backpacking trip!
Gothic Basin + Foggy Lake
Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 9.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,139 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
This one’s a grind—but Foggy Lake and the view of Del Campo and Gothic Peak make it all worth it. The trail kicks off at Barlow Pass and climbs fast through thick forest before spilling out into classic North Cascades drama: jagged peaks, open ridges, and rocky everything. There are so many rocks on this trail. Did I add rocks?
It’s tough going in spots, but when that blue lake finally comes into view beneath Del Campo Peak, you forget all about your legs. Foggy Lake is cold and wild and unbelievably beautiful, especially in the morning when the peaks reflect off the surface like glass. For the best camp spot, head to the far end of the lake—less traffic, more views, and the kind of stillness you hike this hard to find.
Bonus: Catch sunset from Gothic Peak if you have the energy!
Ptarmigan Ridge + Goat Lake
Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 11.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,480 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
Goat Lake sits tucked into a rugged bowl beneath Mount Baker, and getting there feels like walking through a postcard that keeps outdoing itself. The trail starts at Artist Point with sweeping views right out of the gate, then winds past Table Mountain and weaves through rocky terrain that feels more alpine with every step. Around mile 4, Goat Lake comes into view—deep blue, cold, and absolutely stunning. It’s the kind of spot that begs you to stay the night, with glacier-fed water perfect for a polar plunge and stars that seem to double when they hit the surface. If you’ve still have some energy, push a little farther to the edge of Coleman Glacier—where Mount Baker looms so close, it feels like you could reach out and run your hand along the ice.
Camp at Goat Lake for an unforgettable sunset behind Mt. Baker. For even better views, head to the saddle between Goat Lake and Mt. Shuksan, where you’ll get Baker on one side and Shuksan on the other.
Goat Rocks Wilderness – Old Snowy Via Snowgrass Flats
Location: Goat Rocks Wilderness
Distance: 13.6 miles (+ Knife’s Edge detour)
Elevation Gain: 3,850 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
Goat Rocks feels like stepping into a dream—wide open ridges, wildflowers everywhere, and views that stretch all the way from Rainier to Adams to St. Helens. The trail winds through high meadows before climbing toward Goat Lake, a clear little gem tucked beneath craggy cliffs. Camp here and you’ll wake to quiet water and soft morning light on the peaks—pure magic. From there, the real fun begins. The Knife’s Edge is everything it’s hyped up to be: narrow, wild, and wide open, with mountain views in every direction and wind that makes you feel alive. Old Snowy is right there if you’re craving a scramble, but honestly, just being up here is enough.
Pro-tip: Ridge below Old Snowy, offering sunrise and sunset views of Mounts Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens.
Gem Lake via Snow Lake
Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,670 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
Just beyond the crowds at Snow Lake, Gem Lake lives up to its name—a quiet, crystal-clear alpine pool tucked into the mountains. The trail starts from the same busy trailhead, but once you pass Snow Lake and start climbing toward the ridge, the crowds thin out and the views get even better. Gem Lake appears like a secret—clear, cold, and perfect for a dip if you’re brave enough. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a while, perched on a rock in the sun with your feet in the water. If you’ve got extra time (and energy), a quick hike up Wright Mountain gives you the full panorama—jagged peaks, endless ridges, and a bird’s-eye view of the lakes below.
Pro-tip: There are campsites by the lake, but the best ones are on the east side, with lake views and easier access. Plus, you’ll catch the most amazing sunrises and sunsets from there!
High Divide Seven Lakes Basin
Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 19.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,387 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: National Park Pass / Overnight Permit
Trail Guide: High Divide Seven Lakes Basin
Seven Lakes Basin isn’t easy to get to—and I don’t just mean the hike. Permits go fast, and getting the right camps lined up can feel like a game of Tetris. But if you pull it off, it’s so worth it. Big alpine views, quiet lakes, and a real sense of being out there. Mt. Olympus shows up above Heart Lake like something out of a storybook, and you might spot a bear or two snacking on berries along the way (they’re usually not interested in people—just give them space).
We did it in 3 days and 2 nights, which felt like a sweet spot—enough time to take it in without rushing. Starting counterclockwise gave us early views and saved our knees on the way out. The trail begins in classic Olympic rainforest: mossy, green, and soaked in waterfall sounds. Sol Duc Falls is an early highlight and kind of sets the tone—lush, wild, and deeply Pacific Northwest.
Camping up in the basin is something else. Quiet mornings, cold lakes, and peaks that catch the light just right. It’s not the easiest trip to plan, but once you’re out there, it’s exactly where you want to be.
Pro-tip: There are several campsite locations along the loop to book but I found Lunch Lake and Heart Lake to take the cake! You have to book the specific campsite and stay at these designated sites.
Thunder Mountain via Tunnel Creek Trail
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,940 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail Guide: Thunder Mountain
Thunder Mountain feels like discovering a hidden oasis. Just as you’re wondering, “Where is this place?” you round a corner to find a stunning blue lake cradled by rugged peaks. Unlike most trails, parts of this route aren’t clearly defined—you might scramble over rocks or weave through small trees, but you’re still on track. Much of the hike follows the heavily traveled PCT, contrasting with these wilder sections.
Starting at the Tunnel Creek Trailhead, the trail climbs steadily through dense forest. Though relentless at first, it rewards persistence. You’ll reach Hope Lake before continuing north on the PCT, where steep, rocky terrain offers jaw-dropping views of surrounding peaks. After about 3.5 miles, take the junction to Thunder Lakes, nestled in an alpine basin surrounded by cliffs and meadows. It’s pure magic.
As part of the fragile Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this area deserves your care— please stay on the trail and avoid trampling plants to help preserve its beauty.
Pro-tip: You have many options here, on the lake, above the lake, its really hard to go wrong. I stayed down by the lake but if I could do it again I would sit up a little bit hight to enjoy the sunset just a little longer.
Cascade Pass / Sahale Arm Glacier
Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 12.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,029 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail Guide: Cascade Pass
If you’re building a Washington backpacking list, Sahale Arm needs to be on it. It’s one of those hikes that just keeps getting better the farther you go—switchbacks, meadows, glaciers, and finally, a ridgeline that feels like you’ve stepped into another world.
The day starts with 23 switchbacks (yep, I counted), but they’re shaded and steady, and once you hit Cascade Pass, the views start showing off. From there, it’s all alpine—open meadows, jagged peaks, and if you’re lucky, a bear or two doing their thing way off in the distance. I once turned a corner and came face to face with one—about 14 feet away. Heart-pounding and totally unforgettable.
As you climb higher toward the glacier, the trail gets steeper, but so do the views. The real magic kicks in at Sahale Arm. If you can snag a permit, camping up there feels unreal—perched above it all, with stone-ringed tent spots, sweeping mountain views, and mountain goats that occasionally wander through like they’re checking in. Sunset hits different up there, and morning light? Forget it. You’ll never want to leave.
It takes effort to get there, but trust me—this one stays with you.
Pro tip: If you don’t win the lottery, try for a walk-up permit at the Marblemount Ranger Station. Same-day and next-day spots pop up, and it’s worth checking Recreation.gov too. I slept in the parking lot and was second in line at 7am—it worked. Waking up at Sahale Glacier under the stars was one of the most unforgettable nights I’ve ever had in the mountains.
Robin + Tuck Lakes
Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Distance: 12.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,389 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Trail Guide: Tuck and Robin Lakes
If there is a destination that really make you work for it, this is it. Getting to Robin Lakes with a pack is no easy feat. It is at times a haul that makes you grab onto whatever you can find to hoist yourself up the next rock. But that is part of the fun and the reward. You gotta love Type II fun. Always.
The sunrises and sunsets up at Robin Lakes are unbeatable. And the views of Mt.Daniel just as epic. Remind yourself of this when the going gets tough. It helps.
The good thing with this one is that there is Tuck Lake down below Robin Lakes. And if you think the climb is too much, set up camp at Tuck, go for a swim, (the lake is amazing) then day hike up to Robin. Leave the pack and all the heavy stuff behind. Its an option lots of people take.
If you do make it up to Robin and are craving more, hike up Granite Mountain. Its a fun small scramble that has large views all over the cascades including Mt.Rainier. Its worth every step.
Pro-Tip: If you hike up to Granite Mountain, don’t take the same trail down. There is an AWESOME boot path the heads around the East side of the lake which has stunning views of Mt.Daniels. And in the fall it’s ALL RED! And a pretty easy and more mellow way down.
The 10 best backpacking trips in Washington, in conclusion.
In truth this list could be 5x longer as options in Washington are endless. I always say there is no such think as an ugly hike in the state of Washington. However, start with these 10 of the best backpacking trips in Washington and go from there. You wont be disappointed with any of them and they are all doable for both seasoned and less seasoned backpackers alike.
I would love to hear if you have ever done any of these hikes and what you thought of them! For more mountain adventures follow along with me on Instagram @thetrekkingmama. Happy trails and happy hiking!
