10 BEST SUMMER HIKES IN WASHINGTON
Photo Courtesy: Vlad Tchompalov
Explore Washington’s Best Trails This Summer
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Washington State this summer. From panoramic views of mountain vistas to strolls through the rainforest, this list includes various hikes. Some are perfect for the whole family, while others are better suited for the experienced hiker. Whatever your skill level, you’re sure to have an excellent time exploring any of these trails.
*Note: Hiking is a very popular summer activity in Washington. Be sure to arrive early at any of these trails to secure a parking spot, and please adhere to leave no trace principles.*
Near Seattle
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
Just 40 minutes from Seattle lies Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the state–and for good reason. The trail is open year-round and is usually snow-free. Dogs are also welcome as long as they’re on a leash. The peak offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the lake below. One of our favorite parts of this hike is cooling off with a dip in Rattlesnake Lake afterward. If you crave a delicious meal after hiking, check out Scott’s Dairy Freeze in North Bend–a local favorite. Due to the popularity of this trail, it’s typically pretty crowded; if you prefer to avoid crowds, this trail is an excellent sunrise hike option, as it faces east.
Distance: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,459 feet
Poo Poo Point Trail
Without traffic, the Poo Poo Point Trailhead is only 25 minutes from Seattle. Stop at Issaquah Coffee Company for a Cougar Mountain Latte and a delicious breakfast burrito to fuel up before your hike. Like Rattlesnake Ledge, this trail is open year-round, and dogs are allowed on a leash. The trail starts as a gentle incline but becomes steeper as you go. The incline is worth it; you’ll get to watch paragliders take off from the top. This trail reaches heights that offer great views of the surrounding towns and cities and Mount Rainier on a clear day.
Distance: 6.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,794 feet
North Cascades National Park
Maple Pass Trail
One of the most renowned hikes in the state is Maple Pass Trail. While it's wildly known for its stunning fall colors, this trail is still an excellent choice for a summer hike since it’s only snow-free from June to October. The trail begins at Rainy Lake Trailhead–be sure to bring your Northwest Forest Pass, which can be purchased online or at a Forest Service office. The trail starts with a gradual incline that winds through a meadow filled with wildflowers during the summer months. Once you reach Heather Pass, you’ll take in stunning views of Lake Ann. Continue to Maple Pass and then descend using the steep switchbacks.
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,162 feet
Blue Lake Trail
This trail is an excellent option for someone who wants epic views of the North Cascades with less difficulty than Maple Pass. This trail takes an average of two hours to complete, so it's an excellent option if you’re passing through the area and don’t want to spend your whole day on the trail. You’ll walk through old-growth forests with openings to view Liberty Bell and Winter Spires. This stunning lake is full of native cutthroat trout you can watch feed as you enjoy a snack at the top of the hike.
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 915 feet
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge Trail
Head to the Sunrise Visitor Center to begin this hike. Throughout the hike, you’ll pass through various terrain and scenery, including meadows of wildflowers and rock formations. Wildlife is abundant in this area–you may encounter deer, marmots, mountain goats, and even foxes (if you’re lucky!). The summit of this hike features a fire lookout that hikers can climb. It offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the valley below. The chipmunks are very active at the top of this hike–be sure to guard your snacks!
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,108 feet
Skyline Trail Loop
For this hike, you’ll head to the other side of the park and begin your hike at Paradise at the Jackson Visitor Center. You can do the loop in either direction: clockwise or counterclockwise. The trail takes you to Panorama Point, which offers stunning mountain views. This hike also takes you past two impressive waterfalls: Sluiskin Falls and Myrtle Falls. This trail is typically snow-free during summer, so gear like microspikes and snowshoes are unnecessary.
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,771 feet
Olympic Peninsula
Hoh River Trail to Mineral Creek Falls
This trail is an excellent option for those looking for a laid-back hike during their trip to the Olympic Peninsula. This area is extremely popular, so you need to arrive very early in the morning or expect to wait a couple of hours at the entrance. This peaceful trail winds through the Hoh Rainforest along the Hoh River, where you’ll listen to the sounds of bird songs and rushing water. A campground is near the visitor center if you’d prefer to camp overnight before heading out on your hike.
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 229 feet
Mount Storm King
Mount Storm King is one of the most popular trails on the entire Olympic Peninsula. It is a steep incline for the first two miles, and then you’ll reach a sign that says “End of Maintained Trail.” Olympic National Park does not maintain the trail beyond this point, so proceed with caution. The last 1/4 mile is a steep, rocky trail with ropes to help on your ascent. The summit offers spectacular views of Lake Crescent and surrounding peaks. You can even see the Strait of Juan de Fuca on a clear day.
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,106 feet
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Colchuck Lake via Stuart Lake and Colchuck Lake Trail
This hike has diverse terrain; it begins by winding through the forest, then you’ll climb over rock boulders and up a series of steep switchbacks until you arrive at the iconic turquoise-colored lake. Despite being extremely popular, this hike is not for the faint of heart–be sure to come prepared with extra water, sunscreen, and bug spray, as you’ll be on the trail for a good portion of the day. You can even take a refreshing dip at the lake when you arrive.
Distance: 8.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,342
Wallace Falls via Woody Falls
Wallace Falls is another excellent option just a short distance from the city. Grab your Discovery Pass for entry—the park has well-maintained restrooms and water fountains. The trail becomes steep momentarily after you depart from the river but is moderate overall. Wallace Falls is a set of nine different cataract waterfalls. You’ll first come across the Lower Falls, then the Middle and Upper, as you continue to climb. If you prefer to hike a shorter distance, you can turn around at the middle falls and still encounter stunning views.
Distance: 4.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,469
Ready to check out the 10 best summer hikes in Washington?
Our rental fleet of Vanagons and Metris vans will provide you with everything you need to explore Washington’s best trails for a weekend. Our nightly minimum lowers to three nights beginning August 1st, so you can head out on a weekend adventure.
