Recommended Hikes at Mount Rainier, the Olympics and Cascades
Looking for some great hikes at Mount Rainier, the Olympics or the Cascades? Check out these recommended hikes by the Washington Trails Association:
Mount Rainier
Carbon River
Location: Mt. Rainier National Park
Distance: 9.2 miles round-trip
Elevation: 2300 feet highest point, 600 feet gain
Preview: This is a great wintertime hike along the Carbon River that is easy, serene and beautiful.
Crystal Lakes
Location: Sunrise/White River
Distance: 6 miles round-trip
Elevation: 5800 feet highest point, 2300 feet gain
Preview: A steady climb through old-growth forest onto alpine plains past two beautiful lakes make this a worthwhile hike.
Noble Knob
Location: Northeast Mt. Rainier National Park
Distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation: 6000 feet highest point, 500 feet gain
Preview: High alpine meadows, great views of Mt. Rainier and a gentle ascent make this an excellent hike to take out-of-town visitors and children in the summer.
Olympic National Park
Bogachiel River
Location: West Olympics near Bogachiel River
Distance: 12 miles round-trip
Elevation: 500 feet highest point, 400 feet gain
Preview: Snaking through the Olympic forest, this secluded hiking trail brushes up against the river offering a quiet hiking experience in Washington’s natural rainforest.
Hoh River to Five Mile Island
Location: Olympic National Park
Distance: (up to) 10.6 miles round-trip
Elevation: 500 feet gain to Five Mile Island
Preview: The huge trees, the cascading moss, the birds and Roosevelt elk, the Olympic Mountains rising above and the broad river valley make this a hike to remember.
Mount Walker
Location: Eastern Olympics, near Quilcene
Distance: 5 miles round-trip
Elevation: 2084 feet highest point, 2000 feet gain
Preview: Excellent views of Hood Canal, the Seattle skyline, Mt. Constance, Mt. Jupiter and east to Mt. Baker await with no crowds that’s great in winter or spring.
Royal Basin
Location: North Olympic National Park
Distance: 14.4 miles round-trip to Royal Lake, 16 miles round-trip to Upper Royal Basin
Elevation: 5100 feet at Royal Lake, 2550 feet gain
Preview: This is a great overnight or long day hike that’s not too difficult with majestic peaks and a beautiful lake.
Shi Shi Beach
Location: Olympic coast, Makah Nation
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Elevation: 200 feet highest point, 200 feet gain.
Preview: A wonderful destination in any season, this wide expanse of beach lets you really experience the ocean and tidepools that are home to many small creatures.
Tunnel Creek
Location: East Olympics, Quilcene Ranger District
Distance: 9.4 miles round-trip
Elevation: 5050 feet highest point, 2450 feet gain
Preview: This trail follows and meanders around Tunnel Creek up through subalpine forest to the highest point at Fifty-Fifty Pass which offers great views.
North Cascades
East Bank Baker Lake
Location: North Cascades
Distance: (up to) 9 miles round-trip
Elevation: 1000 feet highest point, 500 feet gain
Preview: This makes a great spring day hike or beginning backpacking trip. Two trailheads each offer a wonderful walk through lush old growth with views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.
Hidden Lake Peak
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 9 miles round-trip
Elevation: 6900 feet highest point, 3300 feet gain
Preview: Best on sunny days, this hike travels through meadows and rock gardens with a jaw-dropping view on the ridge high above Hidden Lake.
Horseshoe Basin
Location: Pasaytan Wilderness
Distance: 12 miles round-trip
Elevation: 7200 feet highest point, 1500 feet gain
Preview: Expansive, rolling alpine wilderness that offers endless opportunities for wandering is the highlight of this hike.
Maple Pass Loop
Location: North Cascades Highway
Distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation: 7000 feet at Royal Lake, 2100 feet gain
Preview: One of the jewels of the north Cascades, this hike gives you a little bit of everything - forests, wildflowers, lakes, ridge tops, a huge waterfall, and views.
Yellow Aster Butte
Location: Mt. Baker Highway
Distance: 7.5 miles round-trip
Elevation: 6241 feet highest point, 2550 feet gain.
Preview: Enjoy the beautiful scenery on this hike through Mount Baker territory with some exceptional views of the mountain.
Central Cascades
Carne Mountain
Location: Stevens Pass, East Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: (up to) 8 miles round-trip
Elevation: 7085 feet highest point, 3600 feet gain
Preview: A great spot for multi-day trips, this hike will impress with spectacular views, plenty of camping spots, and golden larches in the fall.
South Cascades
Indian Heaven Loops
Location: Indian Heaven Wilderness
Distance: 7 to 11+ miles round-trip
Elevation: 5200 feet highest point, 1200-1700 feet gain
Preview: Dozens of lakes and little lakelets, separated by broad meadows, subalpine forest and views of the tallest Cascade mountains dot the Indian Heaven Wilderness.
Jumbo Shoulder: Juniper Ridge
Location: Dark Divide area
Distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation: 5500 feet highest point, 1600 feet gain
Preview: Fires in the 1900s eliminated all the trees in this area, which means some fantastic unobstructed views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens.
Snowgrass Flat
Location: Goat Rocks, Gifford Pinchot Nation Forest
Distance: 8.2 miles round-trip
Elevation: 5830 feet highest point, 1600 feet gain
Preview: This popular trail starts off gradual coming to beautiful meadows of wildflowers with several campsites near the flats.
Snowgrass Flats: Goat Ridge Loop
Location: South Cascades, Goat Rocks
Distance: 8 miles to flats, 13 miles loop
Elevation: 5830 feet highest point, 1200 feet gain (flats), 6500 feet highest point, 1900 feet gain (loop)
Preview: The loop trip samples the best of the area with forests, flowers, and excellent views of the surrounding Cascade volcanoes.
