13 Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Washington State
Looking to take your first steps into the world of backpacking? These family-tested, beginner-approved overnight hikes are perfect for new backpackers who want to ease into the experience without sacrificing epic views. Whether you’re hiking with kids or just dipping your toes into backcountry camping, this list features approachable mileage, manageable elevation, and unforgettable campsites — all within a few hours of Seattle. Read on for the 13 best beginner backpacking trips within 3 hours of Seattle.
Why These Are Great for Beginners
These beginner-friendly backpacking trips are great options for first-time overnight hikers in Washington. Each one offers:
- Manageable mileage and elevation gain
- Established campsites
- Reliable water sources
- Breathtaking scenery without the stress
These trails are suitable for solo hikers, couples, or families with kids looking to dip their toes into backcountry camping.
📍 Need help planning? Check out How to Start Backpacking in Washington and Family Backpacking Gear Checklist.
1. Pete Lake
Mileage: 9 miles RT | Elevation Gain: 600 ft | Drive: 1h 45m from Seattle | Permit: NW Forest Pass
Pete Lake is one of those backpacking trips that feels almost too easy for how pretty the payoff is. The trail meanders through shady forest with just enough ups and downs to make you feel like you’re “really backpacking,” but it never gets hard. When you finally pop out at the lake, there’s a ton of space for tents and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe.
Heads up: The mosquitoes can be ferocious in July. If you don’t want to spend the evening hiding in your tent, bring a headnet—or better yet, time your trip for late August or September when the bugs calm down and the crowds thin out.
Pro Tip: Bring a LifeStraw Peak Gravity Water Filter — you can hang it up at camp and let it do the work while you set up your tent or wrangle kids.
2. Goat Lake (Mountain Loop Highway)
Mileage: 10.4 miles RT | Elevation Gain: 1,400 ft | Drive: ~2h from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Goat Lake is a beginner classic for a reason—it’s long enough to feel like a real backpacking adventure but with a mellow grade most of the way. The trail meanders through lush old-growth forest, crosses creeks on log bridges, and eventually opens up to a huge alpine lake backed by cliffs and waterfalls. There are plenty of established campsites along the lake, so even on busy weekends it usually feels doable.
Pro Tip: Take the lower trail one way and the upper trail the other. The lower is shadier and more scenic, the upper drier and faster—it makes for a perfect loop. A bug head net is a lifesaver here in early summer.
3. Watson Lakes
Mileage: 6 miles RT | Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft | Drive: ~3h from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Tucked in the North Cascades, the Watson Lakes are perfect for a short-but-scenic backpacking trip. The trail is moderate, winding through forest before opening up to two gorgeous alpine lakes surrounded by rocky ridges. Campsites are limited, which keeps the area peaceful. It’s a great spot if you want mountain views without committing to a huge climb.
Pro Tip: This trailhead is also the start for Upper Anderson Lakes—worth the extra side trip if you’ve got the energy. In late summer, the wildflowers here are spectacular. I always bring my Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack for side trips like this — packs down to nothing when you don’t need it.
4. Baker Lake Trail
Mileage: Up to 14 miles RT (out-and-back) | Elevation Gain: Minimal | Drive: ~2h 45m from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Baker Lake is perfect if you’re looking for something low-stress and kid-friendly. The trail follows the shoreline of a massive lake, with rolling terrain and lots of campsites right on the water. You can hike as far as you want—set up camp after two miles, or push deeper along the lake for more solitude. The views of Mount Baker reflecting on the water are hard to beat.
Campsites fill fast on summer weekends, so consider backpacking mid-week or heading out early in the day. Bring swimsuits—the water’s cold, but kids love it!
Pro Tip: A Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 (or similar lightweight tent) is awesome here — easy to pitch on uneven ground and gives you room to spread out by the lake.
5. Barclay Lake (Stevens Pass Area)
Mileage: 4.4 miles RT | Elevation Gain: 225 ft | Drive: ~1h 30m from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
This is hands-down one of the easiest backpacking trips near Seattle and a fantastic choice for kids or first-timers. The trail is short, flat, and ends at a big alpine lake with dramatic views of Baring Mountain shooting straight up from the shore. Even though it’s simple, it feels wild once you’re sitting around camp with the cliffs towering over you.
Pro Tip: This trail is popular, so get there early on weekends if you want a prime lakeside spot. Think of it as a great “test run” hike to try out new gear before committing to a longer trip. A lightweight camp chair is worth the extra ounces here — you’ll want to sit and stare at Baring Mountain for a while.
6. Waptus Lake
Mileage: 18 miles RT | Elevation Gain: ~1,600 ft | Drive: ~2h 15m from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
At first glance, Waptus Lake looks like a big undertaking—but don’t let the mileage scare you off. The trail is long, yes, but the grade is gentle almost the entire way. You’ll wind through forest, cross streams, and eventually land at a massive alpine lake tucked deep in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. There’s plenty of room for camping, so even with its popularity you can usually find a quiet spot along the shore.
This is a great “next step” beginner backpacking trip—especially if you want to build confidence carrying a heavier pack for longer miles without tackling crazy elevation. Bring bug spray if you’re going in July—the mosquitos love this valley.
Pro Tip: A comfy sleep system matters on a long-mile day — the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT keeps you warm and off the ground without adding much weight.
7. Lake Ann (Mount Baker Area)
Mileage: 8.2 miles RT | Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft | Drive: ~3h from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Lake Ann is a little tougher than the others, but still totally doable for beginners ready for a challenge. The trail starts with a steady descent, then climbs back up through meadows and rocky slopes to a jaw-dropping lake at the foot of Mount Shuksan. The views are next-level—you’ll camp right across from the Shuksan Glacier. And definitely go for a dip – you will feel refreshed!
Pro Tip: Save some energy for the hike out—it starts with a big climb since you’ll be gaining back what you descended at the beginning. Trekking poles make it a lot more manageable — I use Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork for the rocky descent.
8. Lake Valhalla
Mileage: 7.5 miles RT | Elevation Gain: ~1,200 ft | Drive: ~2h 15m from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Lake Valhalla feels like the perfect introduction to “real alpine backpacking.” The trail climbs steadily but never too steeply, and when you reach the lake, you’re rewarded with an emerald pool set beneath the rocky slopes of Lichtenberg Mountain. Campsites are limited but cozy, giving the trip a more wildernessy feel despite being so close to Stevens Pass.
Pro Tip: If you can time it for early October, do it—the huckleberries turn red and the larches light up golden. It’s one of the most spectacular fall overnights within a couple hours of Seattle. Bring a warm sleeping bag rated to 15°F — October nights up here get cold.
9. Second Beach (Olympic Coast)
Mileage: 1.4 miles RT to beach (camp on beach) | Elevation Gain: 200 ft | Drive: ~4h from Seattle | Permit: Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit (reserve at recreation.gov)
Second Beach is the perfect intro to coastal backpacking — short hike, dramatic payoff. The trail drops through mossy forest, down a series of stairs, and spits you out onto a wide sandy beach framed by massive sea stacks. Camp among the driftwood logs, explore tidepools at low tide, and watch the sunset sink into the Pacific.
It’s short enough that even little legs can handle it, but wild enough to feel like a real adventure. Bear canisters are required for food storage.
Pro Tip: Time your visit with low tide for tidepool exploring around the sea stacks. Check tide charts before you go and camp well above the high tide line. We went during the King Tides and heard people rushing off the beach in the middle of the night with their tents. Not fun. There are some great in the forest above the beach campsites.
10. Shi Shi Beach & Point of Arches
Mileage: 8 miles RT | Elevation Gain: 200 ft | Drive: ~5h from Seattle | Permit: Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit + Makah Recreation Pass ($20)
Shi Shi is bucket-list Washington coastline. The trail crosses Makah Reservation land before dropping to a sprawling beach with the iconic Point of Arches — a collection of sea stacks and arches that look like something out of a fantasy movie. Camp on the beach and explore the arches at low tide.
The hike in can be muddy (very muddy), so bring gaiters or shoes you don’t mind trashing. It’s worth every squelch.
Pro Tip: Get your Makah Recreation Pass ahead of time online. Bear canisters are required, and you’ll want a tide chart to time your exploration of the Point of Arches safely.
11. Chain Lakes Loop (Mt. Baker)
Mileage: 7.5 miles loop | Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft | Drive: ~3h from Seattle | Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
Chain Lakes might be the most scenic “beginner-ish” overnight in Washington. The loop passes multiple alpine lakes — Mazama, Iceberg, Hayes — with Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan dominating the skyline the entire way. Campsites are spread around the lakes, so you can pick your view.
This one’s a step up in elevation gain, but the trail is well-maintained and the payoff is huge. Come in late September/early October for fall color and fewer crowds.
Pro Tip: Start at the Artist Point trailhead and hike the loop clockwise for the best lighting on Shuksan. Vault toilets at Mazama and Hayes Lakes make Leave No Trace easier.
12. Enchanted Valley (Olympics)
Mileage: 26 miles RT (or split into sections) | Elevation Gain: ~1,500 ft total | Drive: ~3.5h from Seattle | Permit: Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit
Don’t let the mileage scare you — Enchanted Valley is long but almost completely flat, following the Quinault River through old-growth rainforest to a wide alpine valley surrounded by waterfalls. The historic Enchanted Valley Chalet is the backdrop, and elk herds are common. And you are almost guaranteed to see bears. We saw several in the distance on our way to the valley and it made the trip for us.
The beauty of this trail: you can break it up. Camp at Pony Bridge (~5 miles), O’Neil Creek (~9 miles), or push all the way to the chalet (~13 miles). Multiple nights, multiple camps, no huge elevation days.
Pro Tip: Bear canisters required. The valley is buggy in early summer — late August/September is prime time. Watch for elk at dawn and dusk near the chalet.
13. Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall
Mileage: 4 miles RT | Elevation Gain: Minimal | Drive: ~4h from Seattle | Permit: None for day use; Olympic NP Wilderness Permit for overnight
This is as easy as coastal backpacking gets. Start at Rialto Beach, walk north along the rocky shoreline past driftwood and sea stacks, and reach Hole-in-the-Wall — a natural arch carved through the headland. At low tide, you can walk right through it and explore the tidepools on the other side.
It’s a great first overnight for families or anyone who wants a beach camping experience without a long approach. Camp on the beach north of Ellen Creek.
Pro Tip: The section around Hole-in-the-Wall is only passable at lower tides (below 5 ft). Time it right or you’ll be stuck waiting.
Beginner Backpacking Gear I Actually Use
- Tent: REI Half Dome SL 2+ or Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 — easy pitch, roomy for families.
- Packs: REI Flash 55 Pack— supportive, beginner-friendly fits.
- Sleep:Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (warm, ultralight) or NEMO Tensor (cushier feel).
- Water:LifeStraw Peak Gravity Water Filter — hang it at camp and let gravity do the work.
- Kitchen:MSR PocketRocket 2 + TOAKS 750ml pot — fast boil for coffee and simple meals.
- Lighting:Black Diamond Spot headlamp — reliable and affordable.
- Navigation/Power: Small USB power bank + offline maps (Gaia/AllTrails).
- Food storage:BearVault BV450 or Ursack — required in many alpine areas. I own both and use them both depending on the environment.
- Nice-to-have:Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles — kinder on knees with a full pack.
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I use and trust.
What Makes a Good Beginner Backpacking Trip?
- Under 10 miles round-trip (there are some on this list that are above this)
- Moderate elevation gain (<2,000 ft)
- Water source nearby
- Established campsites
- Low risk of getting lost
What’s the easiest overnight backpacking trip near Seattle?
Barclay Lake and Pete Lake are two of the most approachable — short mileage, gentle grades, and plenty of flat campsites.
Do I need a permit to backpack in Washington?
Most trips require a Northwest Forest Pass for trailhead parking. Some wilderness areas also require free self-issue permits at the trailhead. Bear canisters are required in many alpine areas.
When is the best season for beginner backpacking near Seattle?
July–September is the sweet spot for snow-free trails. October brings beautiful fall colors at places like Lake Valhalla but expect colder nights and shorter days.
Are these trips good with kids?
Yes! Barclay, Pete, Baker (shorter sections), and Watson are family favorites. Waptus is long but mellow, while Lake Ann is better for teens or older kids due to steeper sections.
📆 Ready to Hit the Trail?
Starting with an easy overnight hike is the perfect way to build confidence and fall in love with backpacking. These trips offer the best blend of beauty, accessibility, and beginner-friendliness.
