11 Epic Hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway (Washington Trail Guide)
The Mountain Loop Highway is a spectacular 55-mile scenic drive through the heart of the North Cascades that connects some of Washington’s most incredible hiking. This historic route winds from Granite Falls to Darrington through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, giving you access to everything from family-friendly waterfall walks to challenging alpine climbs that’ll test your mountain legs.
What makes the Mountain Loop Highway special is the sheer variety—you can hike to a ghost town in the morning, tackle an alpine lake in the afternoon, and still have energy for sunset views from a fire lookout. I’ve been exploring these trails for years (it’s practically in my backyard), and I’ve hiked every single one with kids, friends, or solo. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first mountain adventure or an experienced hiker seeking your next challenge, this scenic highway delivers.
The best part? Most trailheads are just 1-2.5 hours from Seattle, making these perfect for day trips when you want real mountain experiences without the drive to the deeper Cascades.
Just to note the Mountain Loop Highway is paved for 34 miles (55 km) from Granite Falls to Barlow Pass (2349′) where the highway becomes unpaved for 13 miles (21 km), and then paved again for the remaining 9 miles (14 km) to Darrington.
Mountain Loop Highway at a Glance
🗺️ The Route
- Length: 55-mile scenic drive, Granite Falls to Darrington
- Driving Time: 2-3 hours total (without stops)
- Road Conditions: Paved for most sections, 13 miles unpaved past Barlow Pass
🥾 The Hiking
- Trail Count: 11 hikes covered (easy to very challenging)
- From Seattle: 1-2.5 hours depending on trailhead
- Season: Year-round access (some trails better in specific seasons)
📋 Logistics
- Permits: NW Forest Pass required at most trailheads ($30/year)
- Vehicle Needs: Most accessible by regular car, some require higher clearance
- Facilities: Limited, plan accordingly
⛰️ What You’ll Find
Ice caves and unique geological features
Alpine lakes surrounded by granite cliffs
Historic ghost town and mining remnants
Spectacular 360° summit views
Cascading waterfalls through old-growth forest
How to Plan Your Mountain Loop Highway Adventure
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April-June): Lower elevation hikes are snow-free, waterfalls at peak flow, wildflowers starting. Roads may be rough from winter damage.
Summer (July-August): Peak season with all trails accessible, warm weather, and alpine wildflower displays. Expect crowds on popular trails like Lake 22.
Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn colors. Some higher elevation trails may have early snow.
Winter (November-March): Lower elevation trails like Heather Lake become magical winter wonderlands, but require different preparation and gear.
Road Conditions and Vehicle Requirements
The Mountain Loop Highway is mostly paved, but 13 miles between Barlow Pass and Darrington are unpaved gravel road. Most cars can handle it fine, but higher clearance helps for some trailhead access roads. Check current road conditions on the Forest Service website before heading out.
Trailhead Strategy
Popular trails fill up fast on weekends. Start early (before 8 AM) for better parking and fewer crowds. Most trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass—buy the annual pass if you’ll hike more than 6 times per year.
What to Pack for Mountain Loop Highway Hikes
Washington weather is famously unpredictable. Here’s the gear I always bring for a safe, enjoyable day on these trails:
- La Sportiva Nucleo Hiking Boots – Lightweight, breathable, great traction
- La Sportiva Bushido III Trail-Running Shoes – Lightweight + great for when the trail is dry
- Osprey Tempest Osprey Sirrus 24 Pack – Comfortable, versatile, hydration compatible
- REI Rain Jacket – Packable, waterproof, essential for surprise showers
- Osprey Hydraulics Reservoir – Easy hydration on the move
- Sun Hat – Sun protection that stays on during wind
Note: These are affiliate links. Purchasing through them supports this blog at no extra cost to you.
Easy Mountain Loop Highway Hikes (Perfect for Families)
1. Big 4 Ice Caves
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 305 feet | Difficulty: Easy
This is the perfect introduction to Mountain Loop Highway hiking. The wide, mostly flat trail follows an old roadbed before transitioning to boardwalk and gravel path. If you want the better approach, park at the first lot and start at the boardwalk. You’ll end up staring at massive ice caves formed by avalanches—it’s otherworldly and absolutely fascinating for kids.
Important: Never enter the ice caves. They’re unstable and have caused fatalities. The safe viewing area still provides incredible photos and experiences.
Why it’s great: Accessible for strollers (most of the way), short distance, and incredibly unique destination that feels like a different planet.
Best time to go: Late summer and fall when the caves are largest and most impressive.
Link to Alltrails
2. Monte Cristo Ghost Town
Distance: 8.7 miles RT | Gain: 623 ft | Difficulty: Moderate
Want something different? This hike takes you into the past. The Monte Cristo Ghost Town was once a booming mining hub—and now, it’s a moss-covered, creek-laced memory.
You’ll cross log bridges, walk narrow paths, and stumble upon the remains of old buildings tucked into the valley. It’s a long but relatively gentle trail, and kids with stamina will love the adventure vibe.
Link to Alltrails
Moderate Mountain Loop Highway Hikes (Great Views, Manageable Challenge)
3. Heather Lake
Distance: 4.4 miles RT | Gain: 1,024 ft | Difficulty: Moderate
This trail has a reputation for being rooty (and it is), but once you reach the lake, you’ll forget all about fighting through the forest. The small alpine lake sits at the base of Mount Pilchuck’s dramatic cliffs, creating one of those perfectly framed mountain scenes.
Winter magic: This is actually one of my favorite winter hikes. Snow-draped trees, a frozen lake, and towering cliffs create a fairy-tale atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
What to expect: Lots of roots and rocks on the trail, but steady rather than steep climbing. Walk the loop around the lake for 360° views—it’s short and totally worth it.
Link to Alltrails
4. Lake 22
Distance: 5.9 miles RT | Gain: 1,446 ft |Difficulty: Moderate
Lake 22 lives up to its reputation as a Mountain Loop Highway classic. The trail winds through old-growth forest, crosses cascading creeks on wooden bridges, and opens up to this stunning lake surrounded by granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
What makes it special: You can walk completely around the lake, and every angle offers something different—reflections, waterfalls, cliffs, or forest views.
Crowd management: This gets busy on weekends. Hit the trail early or consider visiting on weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
Pro tip: In spring, the trail can become a stream cascading down the log stairs—waterproof shoes are essential.
Link to Alltrails
5. Mount Pilchuck
Distance: 5.2 miles RT | Gain: 2,152 ft | Difficulty: Hard
This is probably already on your hiking bucket list, and for good reason. Mount Pilchuck offers one of the best view-to-effort ratios in the North Cascades. The trail provides teasing glimpses of views as you climb, but the real payoff is the restored fire lookout at the summit with panoramic views of the entire region.
What makes it special: The historic lookout tower you can climb, incredible 360° views, and it’s surprisingly accessible for the spectacular scenery you get.
Sunset strategy: This makes an excellent sunset hike if you plan properly. Just remember your headlamp for the descent—the forest gets dark quickly.
Overnight option: The lookout is available for overnight stays (first-come, first-served). Sleeping under the stars with those views is unforgettable.
Link to Alltrails
6. Perry Creek Falls
Distance: 6.2 miles RT | Gain: ~1,545 ft | Difficulty: Moderate
This hidden gem often gets overlooked because it’s technically the approach to Mount Forgotten Meadows, but Perry Creek Falls is a fantastic destination on its own. The trail winds through lush forest and delivers you to a misty waterfall surrounded by moss-covered rock walls and towering old-growth trees.
Why it’s great: Less crowded than other waterfall hikes, beautiful forest experience, and you can continue to the meadows if you have more energy.
What to expect: Steady climbing through dense forest, creek crossings, and a dramatic waterfall finale that feels hidden and special.
Link to Alltrails
7. Goat Lake
Distance: 10.2 miles RT | Gain: 1,637 ft | Difficulty: Moderate
Don’t let the mileage scare you—this trail gains elevation gradually, making it more of an endurance challenge than a steep climb. You’ll have route options (upper or lower trail) before they merge, and the destination is this incredible turquoise alpine lake surrounded by rugged North Cascade peaks.
Route choice: I recommend the lower trail for more interesting scenery.
Special features: Great for overnight backpacking with established campsites, wildflower displays in July, and incredible sunrise/sunset reflections on the lake.
What to expect: Long but gentle day, beautiful lake destination, and the satisfaction of completing a substantial mountain hike.
Link to Alltrails
Challenging Mountain Loop Highway Hikes
8. Mount Dickerman
Distance: 7.9 miles RT | Gain: 3,877 ft | Difficulty: Hard
This is a serious mountain hike that delivers some of the most spectacular views in the region. About 50 switchbacks (mostly front-loaded) take you to the 5,723-foot summit where you can see Glacier Peak, Mount Baker, and the entire North Cascades spread out around you.
What makes it worth it: From the summit, you’ll see all the “who’s who” of Cascade peaks—Glacier Peak to the east, Mount Baker to the north, plus Big Four, Sloan, Del Campo, Morning Star, White Chuck, and Pugh.
Reality check: This is a workout. Bring plenty of water, start early, and be prepared for sustained climbing. The views make every switchback worth it.
Winter option: Some people winter camp near the summit before road closures—it’s challenging but incredible for experienced winter hikers.
Link to Alltrails
9. Mount Forgotten Meadows
Distance: 9.3 miles RT | Gain: 3,146 ft | Difficulty: Hard
Looking for a trail that feels more remote than it actually is? This is your hike. Mount Forgotten Meadows sees fewer hikers than the popular destinations, rewarding you with lush alpine meadows, dramatic mountain views, and genuine solitude.
What makes it special: The wildflower displays in summer are incredible—entire meadows filled with color. It feels much more remote than other Mountain Loop trails.
What to expect: Steady, sustained climbing through forest that opens into stunning alpine terrain. In peak season, the meadows are absolutely spectacular.
Best strategy: Go in mid-to-late July for peak wildflowers, and enjoy having these incredible meadows largely to yourself.
Link to Alltrails
10. Gothic Basin / Foggy Lake
Distance: 9.2 miles RT | Gain: 2,840 ft | Difficulty: Hard
This is one of the most epic day hikes in the entire region—if you’re ready for serious elevation gain and a long day in the mountains. The trail starts on old mining roads through forest before climbing steadily into increasingly dramatic alpine terrain.
What makes it incredible: Foggy Lake sits in this surreal granite basin surrounded by towering spires. The water is crystal clear, the scenery is dramatic, and the whole place has this wild, untamed energy that feels like stepping onto another planet.
What to expect: It’s a sustained climb that builds anticipation as the forest gives way to more open terrain with expanding mountain views. The final approach into the basin reveals the full spectacle—this otherworldly cirque that makes the long uphill totally worth it.
Strategy: Go early, pace yourself for the distance and elevation gain, and prepare to be amazed by one of Washington’s most dramatic alpine settings.
Link to Alltrails
11. Vesper Peak
Distance: 6.8 miles RT | Gain: 4,094 ft | Difficulty: Very Hard
This is not for beginners—it’s for experienced hikers who want to earn every single view. Vesper Peak is steep, exposed, and rocky, but the summit views make you feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world.
What makes it worth the suffering: The 360° views from the summit are absolutely incredible. On clear days, you can see deep into the Cascades and feel like you’ve conquered something significant.
What to expect: Sustained steep climbing, some exposure, alpine meadows, and possibly lingering snowfields even in summer. This is a serious mountain adventure.
Essential: Go on a clear day (check weather forecasts), bring plenty of water, and be prepared for a genuine mountain challenge.
Link to Alltrails
📥 Download the Free Mountain Loop Hiking Planner (PDF)
Final Tips for Hiking the Mountain Loop Highway
Check Current Conditions: Trail conditions can change rapidly. Check the Washington Trails Association website for recent trip reports and current conditions before heading out.
Start Early: Popular trails fill up fast, especially on weekends. Arriving by 7-8 AM almost guarantees parking and smaller crowds.
Bring Your Forest Pass: Northwest Forest Pass is required at most trailheads. The annual pass ($30) pays for itself quickly and supports trail maintenance.
Pack for Changing Conditions: Mountain weather can swing 20+ degrees from trailhead to destination. Layer systems work better than single heavy items.
Respect the Wilderness: Practice Leave No Trace principles, stay on established trails, and pack out all trash. These trails stay beautiful because we all take care of them.
The Mountain Loop Highway offers some of Washington’s most diverse and rewarding hiking, all within a reasonable drive from Seattle. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, seeking alpine lakes, or ready to earn those summit views, these trails deliver the Pacific Northwest hiking experience at its finest. Pack your boots, grab your camera, and get ready to discover why this scenic highway has been drawing adventurers for over a century.
