Five Epic Washington State Hikes
Washington State has so many incredible hikes, and I am far from tackling them all. Especially since I have yet to win the lottery for an Enchantments permit. These are a few favorite hikes from last summer, along with some tips on how to best enjoy them.
Park: North Cascades National Park Difficulty: Hard Length: 12.1 miles Elevation: 5,029 ft Route Type: Out & Back
This trail is fantastic, but it's tricky to actually access. There's often flooding, which washes out the road access to the trailhead, requiring you to park and hike in an extra three miles each. If you can drive to the trailhead parking lot, keep in mind that it is tiny with minimal turnover from all the backpackers. The view at Cascade Pass is great, but continue up Sahale pass if you're able. Sahale Arm puts Cascade Pass to shame, and mountain goats frequent this area. I'd recommend poles for the last half a mile as the trail becomes very narrow, and there's lots of scree (tiny rock fragments).
* Tip: Read AllTrails reviews or check with Park Rangers ahead of time when deciding to take this hike. It's about 45 minutes on a backroad to the trailhead, and if you have an unexpected 6 miles of hiking added to access the trailhead, you may not have enough time.
Sahale Arm
Park: Olympic National Park; Lake Crescent Area Difficulty: Hard
Length: 5.3 miles Elevation: 2,076 ft Route Type: Out & Back
The Lake Crescent area of Olympic National Park is stunning, but Lake Crescent from above is another story. If you're on the Lake Crescent boat dock and look hard enough, you'll see hikers at the top of Mount Storm King. It's a long way up but well worth it. Depending on your hiking style, this hike can be a little sketchy. The last quarter mile of the trail is unmaintained and requires ropes to make the remaining trek to the top. When you get to the top, it's easy to be confused as the trail ends on a ridge. If you can handle heights, walk out on the rocky ridge to get an expansive view of Lake Crescent.
*Tip: Budget more time if you take the entire hike as the ropes are one way, and if you catch it on a busy day, it could take a while.
Park: Olympic National Park; La Push Area Remaining specs: This is a 15-mile one-way backpacking trail, but don't let it deter you from hiking part of it out and back.
Like Cascade Pass, this trail sees many backpackers and has a tiny parking lot. You have to try your luck to get a spot at Third Beach parking lot. I was able to snag one early morning and late evening, but don't park off the road as this area is heavily monitored by law enforcement. While Third Beach is stunning, if you follow the trail up the bluff, tackle the ropes and ladders to be led to even more captivating and secluded beaches - it's honestly magical. I spent the day at one of these beaches, built a bonfire, read my book, and barely saw anyone all day.
*Tip: Take the path less traveled by and head up the bluff trail to more beaches. Keep an eye out for the black and white signs to find the ropes to get up the bluffs.
Park: North Cascades National Park Difficulty: Moderate Length: 3.3 miles Elevation: 666 ft Route Type: Out & Back
Thunder Knob is probably the easiest trail on the list, but don't sleep on it. Thunder Knob is a great hike to tackle before packing up camp and heading to your next destination. It provides excellent views of Diablo Lake. There are benches at the top to sit on and take in the sights, and it is amazingly eerie on a foggy morning.
*Tip: Hit this hike early morning and have your coffee on one of the benches while watching the park wakeup for the day. Additionally, the bridge across the creek has been known to wash out or closed. Check with a ranger or read trail reviews before setting out if that is an issue. The bridge is relatively close to the start of the trail, so if it's closed, you'll know relatively quickly.
Park: Mt. Rainier National Park; Paradise Area Difficulty: Hard
Length: 6.2 miles Elevation: 1,788 ft Route Type: Loop
I debated putting this hike on the list. I feel like it's one of those "must-do" hikes, but that makes it incredibly crowded. I went during peak wildflower season, which was stunning, but I also witnessed people blatantly ignoring the "stay on trail" signs to get a photo opportunity. It drove me nuts. On the flip side, the hike does provide stunning and up-close views of Mt. Rainier for those not wanting to tackle the summit.
*Tip: If you don't like hiking around many people or witnessing people blatantly ignoring signs and disrespecting nature, this may not be the hike for you. However, if you're willing to add some mileage and experience the hike, but a little quieter, I'd suggest Skyline, Mazama Ridge, Wonderland and Lower Lakes Trail Loop to get some great views without as many crowds.
