Best Hikes in Washington State
Moose Lake and Moose Peak | Backpacking in Olympic National Park
If you’re looking for a stunning backcountry adventure in Olympic National Park, the Moose Lake & Moose Peak backpacking loop should be at the top of your list. This trail blends scenic ridgeline walks, fun rock scrambles, and striking turquoise alpine lakes—so unbelievably gorgeous that your friends might think your photos are AI-generated. Along the…
Read MoreRoyal Basin & Royal Lake Backpacking In Olympic National Park
If you’re dreaming of an alpine backpacking trip filled with turquoise lakes, wildflower meadows, and jaw-dropping mountain views, the Royal Basin Trail in Olympic National Park deserves a top spot on your list. This incredible route winds through lush old-growth forest, past cascading waterfalls, and leads you deep into one of the most breathtaking alpine…
Read MoreMelakwa Lake, WA | One of the Best Hikes Near Snoqualmie Pass
If you’re looking for an unforgettable day hike that is a bit of a challenge near Snoqualmie Pass, look no further than Melakwa Lake. Tucked away in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this trail delivers a little bit of everything: lush vegetation, sweeping views of the valley below, forests, gorgeous rivers and waterfalls, a natural rock…
Read MoreWashington Hikes with Lakes: Don’t Miss Heather Lake
If you’re looking for a short but rewarding hike with lush forest vibes, giant trees, and a peaceful alpine lake at the end, Heather Lake is an awesome choice. Tucked into the slopes of Mount Pilchuck off the Mountain Loop Highway, this 4.7-mile round-trip trail delivers a little bit of everything: waterfalls, wildflowers, old-growth trees,…
Read MoreBackcountry Touring at Hurricane Ridge: Sunrise & Maggie’s Splitboard Adventure
Interested in skiing or splitboarding the Sunrise and Maggie’s runs at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park? In this post, I’ve got all the key trail details from our adventure on February 16, 2025. I’ll share the mistakes our group made (and how you can avoid them), along with tips to help make your backcountry…
Read MoreChristine Falls: A Quick, Stunning Must-See Stop at Mount Rainier
If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, there’s a hidden gem you can’t miss—Christine Falls. This quick, scenic stop offers a perfect glimpse of the beauty the park has to offer, all without having to embark on a lengthy hike. Whether you’re just passing through or making a day out of exploring…
Read MoreMount Rainier in One Day: Best Hikes and Scenic Stops for a Day Trip
Mount Rainier National Park is absolutely stunning with its many breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls, beautiful meadows of wildflowers, and awe-inspiring glaciers. This gem in the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer residents and visitors alike. This magnificent place can be visited over and over again and explore new trails each time. But if you are planning a one-day trip and see the best sites that you can in a limited window I have created a one-day itinerary to make it easy to have an amazing day packed with many of the must-see spots and hikes.
Read MoreLake 22: Great Early Season Hiking In Washington State
Looking to experience the beauty of Lake 22 without the crowds? For a quieter trek, consider exploring Lake 22 early in the season. Although you won’t have the trail entirely to yourself, an off-season hike is a fantastic way to enjoy its beauty. April and May are ideal times, as the trail is less crowded compared to peak summer months. Covering 5.4 miles roundtrip with a moderate elevation gain of 1,350 feet, this hike is perfect to explore before the busiest season hits.
Read MoreHiking to Maiden Peak from Deer Park in Olympic National Park
Discover Olympic National Park’s hidden gem: the Deer Park to Maiden Peak hike. Spanning 7.2 miles round-trip via the Obstruction Point Trail, it boasts a 2,100-ft elevation gain. Revel in 360-degree mountain panoramas, vibrant wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. An enchanting hike that’s quickly become a personal favorite.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Backpacking to Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park
Discover the captivating beauty of Lake Angeles in Olympic National Park. Tranquil and stunning, this hidden gem offers a peaceful hiking experience with panoramic mountain views. Crystal-clear waters, lush surroundings, and abundant wildlife make it a hiker’s paradise. Join us for a comprehensive guide to hiking and backpacking to this enchanting destination in Olympic National Park.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in Washington State
Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness?
Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.
Snowshoe Snoqualmie’s Gold Creek Pond Trail
New to snowshoeing? Or just need a fun day-trip getaway? Try snowshoeing the Gold Creek Pond Trail east of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State. With easy access just off I-90 at Exit 54, you can start snowshoeing through the tall evergreen trees on the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just minutes after parking…
Read MoreA First-timer’s Guide to Snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier
Looking to escape the gray skies and get outside? The Paradise area at Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State is a great place for snowshoeing for several reasons.
Read MoreHigh Rock Lookout – Hiking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.
Read MoreBackpacking Upper Lena Lake – Olympic National Park
Upper Lena Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake located in Olympic National Park. This beautiful lake makes for an excellent summer backpacking destination.
Read MoreMilk Lake: Beautiful Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park
Milk Lake is a Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park Just a Short Hike Past Upper Lena Lake.
If you have hiked all the way out to Upper Lena Lake and are still up for more hiking make sure you don’t miss Milk Lake. This tiny glacier-fed lake is absolutely stunning with its turquoise blue waters. The vibrant colors of the lake in contrast with the lush green meadow filled with Avalanche Lillys is definitely an Olympic National Park must-see for those who are up for the challenge of backpacking for miles over rugged terrain.
25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip
Ready to start planning your summer backpacking adventures? Check out these 25 Photos of Upper Lena Lake to Inspire Your Next Backpacking Trip! If these pictures have convinced you that this is a destination you want to go backpacking to this summer and you want to read more info, check out this post on Backpacking to Upper Lena Lake.
Read More5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall
Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.
Read MoreHow to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend
How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend. Mt. Townsend is one of my most favorite day-hiking destinations that I have found in Olympic National Park “so far”. There is just something about the top of Mt. Townsend that reminds me of the epic mountain landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings. It has that unreal fantasy vibe that feels as though it could be the filming location for a different world. The larger than life peaks have always been absolutely stunning to me during the day. So when my younger brother and his friend recently asked if I would like to do a sunrise hike up to this incredible place my answer was a definite “Hell, yes.” Below I will be sharing my experience and some tips I have gathered on How to Successfully do a Sunrise Hike up Mt. Townsend so you can plan your own pre-dawn hiking adventure to this gorgeous spot.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide To Hiking Mailbox Peak
If you are in search of a good leg-burner, Mailbox Peak is the hike for you! With over 4,000 feet of elevation gain this hike is flat-out brutal. Despite being a quad and knee killer, the panoramic 360 degree views from the top are beautiful. There is also the fun novelty of checking the mail…
Read More