Best Hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington

Have you ever driven the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington? It’s a beautiful 55-mile route through the Cascade Mountains, winding through the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Along the way, you’ll find towering old-growth forests, alpine lakes, mountain peaks, and plenty of incredible hikes.

Mount Pilchuck, Lake 22, and Heather Lake get most of the attention, but there are plenty of other great trails worth exploring. If you’re looking for some new favorites, here’s my list of the best hikes along the Mountain Loop Highway!

History of the Mountain Loop Highway

The Mountain Loop Highway in Washington was built in the 1920s as a logging road to connect the towns of Granite Falls and Darrington. It played a key role in transporting timber from the Cascade Mountains to mills and ports. Over time, it has became a popular scenic route for tourists, offering views of the North Cascades and access to some incredible hikes. Though parts are closed in winter, it remains a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Best Hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington

Big 4 Ice Caves

The Big 4 Ice Caves is the most accessible hike on this list. Really serving almost everyone. Infact, I did this with my 80-year-old parents. The trail is really well maintained and offered BIG views at the end of both the ice caves and part of the Big Four Mountain massif. (A 6,135 – foot peak) The ice caves are formed from Avalanche debris and melting snow and the rugged cliffs above keep the keep the caves forming and reforming each year.

There are two lots to park in to start the hike. I recommend the closest to Granite Falls because this trailhead (which intersects with the other) has cool boardwalks and amazing views right from the start. Its a wonderful hike to take visitors and non-hikers. Please don’t go under or into the ice caves, they can collapse at any moment.

Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 305 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Link to Alltrails
Big Four Ice Caves on the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington

Heather Lake

Heather Lake is a local favorite. It’s a picturesque alpine hike that’s especially beautiful in winter. (I actually prefer it as a winter hike. It winds through old-growth forest and past cascading streams before reaching the lake. The only drawback to this hike is the notorious roots along the hike. Once you reach the lake, you kind of forget all about them! The lake is nestled beneath the cliffs of Mount Pilchuck and its quite stunning. They tower over the lake. In winter, the lake is often surrounded by snow-draped trees and frozen over. It’s so much beauty for the effort.

Make sure to walk all the way around the lake for a 360 view! It’s worth it. And you will see why its one of the best hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway.

Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,024 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Link to Alltrails
Heather Lake in the Winter on the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington

Lake 22

Arguably the most popular on this list, and for good reason. Its stunning and pretty attainable to most hikers. Sub Alpine rainforest, check. Old Growth Forest, check. Gorgeous reflection on the lake, check!

You can hike to Lake 22 in the summer and fall. However, the lower elevation means that the snow melts earlier than on other Washington State hikes. Therefore, this is the perfect hike for spring when you are itching to get out! If you do venture out in the spring, be sure to wear waterproof shoes, as the trail can become a stream cascading down the log stairs.If you go in the summer, you can look for newts (we found many!) and even you can even swim in the lake.

Distance: 5.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,446 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Why it made the list: stunning lake surrounded by mountain peaks.
Link to Alltrails

Monte Cristo Ghost Town

the Monte Cristo hike takes you to an abandoned mining town deep in the Cascades. Founded in 1889, Monte Cristo boomed after prospectors discovered silver and gold, leading to the construction of a railroad and a small town. By the 1890s, it had hotels, saloons, and a post office, but constant flooding and harsh weather made mining difficult. The industry declined in the early 1900s, and by the 1930s, the town was mostly abandoned.

Today, the hike is about 8 miles round trip, mostly following an old service road. When you arrive, you’ll find rusting mining equipment, old cabins, and signs explaining the town’s history. Surrounded by Columbia Peak, Kyes Peak, and Cadet Peak, Monte Cristo feels like a forgotten world hidden in the Cascades.

Distance: 8.7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 623 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Why it made the list: A bit of history and a few beautiful views along the way!
Link to Alltrails

Goat Lake

The Goat Lake hike off the Mountain Loop Highway is one of my personal favorites on this list. Its relatively quiet, the lake serene and stunning, its one to surprise you. Goat Lake should be on your list!

The trail splits early, letting you choose between the Lower Trail (riverside, more rugged) or the Upper Trail (smoother, old logging road) before they reconnect. I recommend the lower trail, i found it more enjoyable. Just before reaching the lake, you pass Cadet Falls, a stunning cascading waterfall tucked into the forest. A sight on its own.

Goat Lake itself sits at 3,200 feet, surrounded by rugged cliffs and the towering peaks of the North Cascades. There’s a backcountry camping area near the lake, making it a great spot for an overnight stay. The reflections of the mountains in the water at sunrise or sunset are unreal. Whether you are day hiking or backpacking, this trail delivers serious PNW magic.

Distance: 10.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,637 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Why it made the list: Stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains.

Mount Dickerman

This is one of those hikes that offers INCREDIBLE 360 views. And of the Glacier Peak Wilderness no less. But you really have to work for them. There are approximately 30 switchbacks up to the top, they are all front loaded, but the payoff is huge. It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike that will leave you dreaming of sleeping up there. Which people do but mostly snow camping in the early winter/ late fall, before the road closes.

From the summit of Mount Dickerman at 5,723 ft you can see all of the who’s who of the Cascade peaks. lol. You have Glacier Peak to the East, Mount Baker to the North, Big Four to the South as well as Sloan, Del Campo, Morning Star, White Chuck and Pugh adding to the skyline.

Distance: 7.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,877 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Why it made the list: gorgeous views with miles of mountains.
Link to Alltrails

Mount Forgotten Meadows

This trail shares a parking lot with Mount Dickerman but sees far less traffic than its more popular neighbor. It’s just as challenging to reach, and equally beautiful—and you might even have the trail to yourself. If you’re not up for the full hike, you can always stop at Peary Creek Falls, which is a common turning point for many hikers. And after the first mile, once you emerge from the woods, the valley opens up offering a stunning view, often dotted with waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. (depending on the season)

If you do make it to the meadows, which I recommend you do, you are in for a treat. The meadow is almost like a plateau surrounded by a valley and mountains beyond. You feel like you are on top of the world. And if you are extra ambitious, a scramble takes you up to Mount Forgotten. I have heard the views are unreal.

Save this one to your list and see why it’s one of the best hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway!

Distance: 9.3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,146 feet
Location: Mountain Loop Highway
Why it made the list: views for miles and a gorgeous lake.
Link to Alltrails

Gothic Basin / Foggy Lake

Gothic Basin offers incredibly dramatic alpine scenery. A rocky landscape with expansive views and towering peaks all around Foggy Lake. And in the summer months, the basin is filled with wildflowers.

The trail initially follows the same trail as the old Monte Cristo Road for about 1 mile before reaching the Weden Creek Trailhead. From there, the trail ascends steeply through dense forest. About halfway up, the forest gives way to more open terrain, offering those stunning views of the surrounding peaks it’s known for.

As you continue, the trail becomes rockier and a bit more challenging. There are lots of rocks. I mean lots. But once you reach the basin, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views as it shows off why it’s one of the best hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington! (maybe all of Washington!)

But don’t stop there. Head up to Foggy Lake, take a dip and just stare at the views. The lake it bordered by Del Campo and Gothic Peak. And if you have energy left, or the time on your trip I recommend watching the sunset from Gothic Peak. It doesn’t disappoint.

The Mountain Loop Highway has hikes for everyone, from tough climbs to easier strolls. Whether you’re after big views, alpine lakes, or forest walks, this area never disappoints. So grab your boots and hit the trail—there’s always more to explore!

Happy hiking!

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