It’s always hiking season here in Washington if you know where to look. While some of our trails are only accessible when the weather is pleasant, there are plenty of scenic trails in Washington that you can enjoy all winter long.
If you’ve decided to do more hiking in the year ahead, congratulations! The Evergreen State is the perfect place to do so. To help inspire you, we’ve created a list of potential trails for you to try, one for each month of the year. Remember to leave the trail better than you found it, be respectful of other hikers and of nature, and read up on each trail before you try it—some of these will be best enjoyed if you bring someone more experienced along. Enjoy!
- January: Franklin Falls
Vivian Su Our list of scenic hikes in Washington to enjoy this year begins with Franklin Falls. Located on the south fork of the Snoqualmie River, the 2-mile Franklin Falls Trail is a fairly easy trek for all skill levels. It’s great in any season, but seeing the waterfall frozen will take your breath away … and not just because it’s cold outside. You’ll love enjoying all the scenery this winter hike in Washington has to offer, so don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Franklin Falls, Washington 98045, USA
- February: Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail, Riverside State Park
Kevin Wolff / alltrails.com Spokane’s Riverside State Park is a total treasure that’s accessible all year long. The Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail is a favorite for families, and if you catch it in the late winter, you’ll experience all the winter wonderland beauty without as much of the slick, icy terrain. You’ll agree that this state park in Washington has a little something for everyone, even in the chilly season. Riverside State Park Spokane
- March: Wallace Falls
Monica Ramos / alltrails.com The Wallace Falls Trail is a good 5.5-mile hike, but it’s not too treacherous even for most beginners to attempt. If you go early in the day and early in the season, you’ll experience some quiet serenity. There’s a lot to appreciate about this little-known waterfall trail in Washington. Wallace Falls State Park
- April: Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Mosses
Kara Hale / alltrails.com It’s amazing that we have a temperate rain forest right here in Washington – the only one in North America, in fact. Take a spring hike through the 1.1-mile Hall of Mosses, and prepare to be amazed. Truly, the Hoh Rain Forest is a bucket-list-worthy destination in Washington. Hall of Mosses, Hoh Valley Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USA
- May: Faraway Rock via Reflection Lakes, Mt. Rainier National Park
pixelgerm / Flickr Unless you want to deal with snow and ice, May is probably the earliest month to consider hiking in Mount Rainier National Park – and even then, that will all depend on your elevation. But this easy 1.3-mile hike has a trailhead near the Paradise Inn, and it’s usually nice and mellow. Plus, the views can’t be beat. Reflection Lakes, Washington 98361, USA
- June: Tolmie Peak Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park
AllTrails User / alltrails.com By June, we’re well into wildflower season here in Washington, and the Tolmie Peak Trail is an amazing place to see them. This 5.6-mile trail involves some steep climbs, so take that into consideration. Tolmie Peak Trailhead, Ashford, WA 98304, USA
- July: Little Huckleberry Trail
Elizabeth Pedigo / alltrails.com Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the 4.7-mile Little Huckleberry Trail offers some stunning sweeping views that are best enjoyed in the summertime. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington 98377, USA
- August: Hurricane Ridge
Julie Sayers / alltrails.com The Olympic Peninsula is massive, gorgeous, and downright otherworldly. The Hurricane Hill trail is about 3.4 miles in length. And while it does get busy during the summer months, if you start your morning early, you’ll avoid the crowds. Learn more about this spectacular natural wonder in Washington. Hurricane Ridge, Washington 98362, USA
- September: Second Beach
Soo-Ok Kim / alltrails.com We really do have something for everyone here in Washington, and that includes hiking trails that consist almost entirely of an oceanside “trail.” Second Beach is located on the incredible Olympic Peninsula, and it’s best enjoyed just after the summer crowds have departed. You’ll follow a beautiful forested trail before arriving at this secret beach in Washington. It’s an unforgettable adventure! Second Beach, Washington, USA
- October: Naches Peak Loop Trail
Elle Plowman / alltrails.com Just like the late spring wildflower season, Mt. Rainier National Park really comes alive when the fall foliage starts to emerge. The Naches Peak Loop Trail is a moderate 3.2-mile trek, and it’s incredibly vivid in October. Note that this trail does close when the winter weather hits, so plan accordingly. You’ll quickly discover that this trail has some of the most spectacular scenery in Washington. Naches Peak Loop Trailhead, Pacific Crest Trail, Naches, WA 98937, USA
- November: Ebey’s Landing Trail
Lan Tran / alltrails.com Perched on a bluff that overlooks the peaceful Puget Sound waters, it’s hard to imagine a more relaxing nature walk than this. Located in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, this area has mild winters, so November is a great time to explore. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Washington by far. Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Parking lot, Ebey’s Landing Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA
- December: Gold Creek Trail
Lee Edgemon / alltrails.com The Gold Creek Trail is located on the Kitsap Peninsula near Bremerton, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Whether or not there’s snow on the ground when you hike the 4.5-mile path, you’ll experience a true winter wonderland when you’re here. This loop trail is perfect for a memorable winter day trip in Washington. Gold Creek Trail, Gold Creek Rd, North Bend, WA 98045, USA
Do you plan to hike more next year? Where will you start? Let us know your thoughts on these trails and any other scenic trails in Washington that you would add to the list — we’d love to hear from you! For some related content, check out our list of the very best hikes in Washington. There’s truly something for everyone on this list!
Vivian Su
Our list of scenic hikes in Washington to enjoy this year begins with Franklin Falls. Located on the south fork of the Snoqualmie River, the 2-mile Franklin Falls Trail is a fairly easy trek for all skill levels. It’s great in any season, but seeing the waterfall frozen will take your breath away … and not just because it’s cold outside. You’ll love enjoying all the scenery this winter hike in Washington has to offer, so don’t forget to bring your camera with you!
Franklin Falls, Washington 98045, USA
Kevin Wolff / alltrails.com
Spokane’s Riverside State Park is a total treasure that’s accessible all year long. The Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail is a favorite for families, and if you catch it in the late winter, you’ll experience all the winter wonderland beauty without as much of the slick, icy terrain. You’ll agree that this state park in Washington has a little something for everyone, even in the chilly season.
Riverside State Park Spokane
Monica Ramos / alltrails.com
The Wallace Falls Trail is a good 5.5-mile hike, but it’s not too treacherous even for most beginners to attempt. If you go early in the day and early in the season, you’ll experience some quiet serenity. There’s a lot to appreciate about this little-known waterfall trail in Washington.
Wallace Falls State Park
Kara Hale / alltrails.com
It’s amazing that we have a temperate rain forest right here in Washington – the only one in North America, in fact. Take a spring hike through the 1.1-mile Hall of Mosses, and prepare to be amazed. Truly, the Hoh Rain Forest is a bucket-list-worthy destination in Washington.
Hall of Mosses, Hoh Valley Rd, Forks, WA 98331, USA
pixelgerm / Flickr
Unless you want to deal with snow and ice, May is probably the earliest month to consider hiking in Mount Rainier National Park – and even then, that will all depend on your elevation. But this easy 1.3-mile hike has a trailhead near the Paradise Inn, and it’s usually nice and mellow. Plus, the views can’t be beat.
Reflection Lakes, Washington 98361, USA
AllTrails User / alltrails.com
By June, we’re well into wildflower season here in Washington, and the Tolmie Peak Trail is an amazing place to see them. This 5.6-mile trail involves some steep climbs, so take that into consideration.
Tolmie Peak Trailhead, Ashford, WA 98304, USA
Elizabeth Pedigo / alltrails.com
Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the 4.7-mile Little Huckleberry Trail offers some stunning sweeping views that are best enjoyed in the summertime.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington 98377, USA
Julie Sayers / alltrails.com
The Olympic Peninsula is massive, gorgeous, and downright otherworldly. The Hurricane Hill trail is about 3.4 miles in length. And while it does get busy during the summer months, if you start your morning early, you’ll avoid the crowds. Learn more about this spectacular natural wonder in Washington.
Hurricane Ridge, Washington 98362, USA
Soo-Ok Kim / alltrails.com
We really do have something for everyone here in Washington, and that includes hiking trails that consist almost entirely of an oceanside “trail.” Second Beach is located on the incredible Olympic Peninsula, and it’s best enjoyed just after the summer crowds have departed. You’ll follow a beautiful forested trail before arriving at this secret beach in Washington. It’s an unforgettable adventure!
Second Beach, Washington, USA
Elle Plowman / alltrails.com
Just like the late spring wildflower season, Mt. Rainier National Park really comes alive when the fall foliage starts to emerge. The Naches Peak Loop Trail is a moderate 3.2-mile trek, and it’s incredibly vivid in October. Note that this trail does close when the winter weather hits, so plan accordingly. You’ll quickly discover that this trail has some of the most spectacular scenery in Washington.
Naches Peak Loop Trailhead, Pacific Crest Trail, Naches, WA 98937, USA
Lan Tran / alltrails.com
Perched on a bluff that overlooks the peaceful Puget Sound waters, it’s hard to imagine a more relaxing nature walk than this. Located in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, this area has mild winters, so November is a great time to explore. It’s one of the most scenic hikes in Washington by far.
Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Parking lot, Ebey’s Landing Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239, USA
Lee Edgemon / alltrails.com
The Gold Creek Trail is located on the Kitsap Peninsula near Bremerton, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Whether or not there’s snow on the ground when you hike the 4.5-mile path, you’ll experience a true winter wonderland when you’re here. This loop trail is perfect for a memorable winter day trip in Washington.
Gold Creek Trail, Gold Creek Rd, North Bend, WA 98045, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
scenic trails in Washington December 17, 2022 Beth C. What is hiking in Washington like? Washington has a varied landscape, so your hiking experience will largely depend on which region you’re exploring. Whether you’re looking for rainforest trails, beachfront trails, or mountainous treks, you’ll find something to suit your preference. One thing’s for sure – if you’re hiking in Washington, you’ll want to be prepared! Be sure to bring the following:
Extra water Layers for staying dry and warm Map, either digital or physical Hiking buddy Snacks Flashlight
What is the best hiking trail in Washington? Singling out any of Washington’s trails as the very best is a difficult task. However, many folks agree that the Maple Pass Loop in North Cascades National Park is one of the ultimate hiking trails in Washington. The trail is 7 miles in length and is typically considered to be moderate. Keep in mind that in order to complete this hike, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass. Some other amazing trails in Washington include:
Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier National Park The Enchantments Hidden Lake Lookout in North Cascades National Park Boroughs Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park Naches Peak Loop in Mount Rainier National Park
The OIYS Visitor Center
scenic trails in Washington
December 17, 2022
Beth C.
What is hiking in Washington like? Washington has a varied landscape, so your hiking experience will largely depend on which region you’re exploring. Whether you’re looking for rainforest trails, beachfront trails, or mountainous treks, you’ll find something to suit your preference. One thing’s for sure – if you’re hiking in Washington, you’ll want to be prepared! Be sure to bring the following:
Extra water Layers for staying dry and warm Map, either digital or physical Hiking buddy Snacks Flashlight
What is the best hiking trail in Washington? Singling out any of Washington’s trails as the very best is a difficult task. However, many folks agree that the Maple Pass Loop in North Cascades National Park is one of the ultimate hiking trails in Washington. The trail is 7 miles in length and is typically considered to be moderate. Keep in mind that in order to complete this hike, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass. Some other amazing trails in Washington include:
Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier National Park The Enchantments Hidden Lake Lookout in North Cascades National Park Boroughs Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park Naches Peak Loop in Mount Rainier National Park
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Washington has a varied landscape, so your hiking experience will largely depend on which region you’re exploring. Whether you’re looking for rainforest trails, beachfront trails, or mountainous treks, you’ll find something to suit your preference. One thing’s for sure – if you’re hiking in Washington, you’ll want to be prepared! Be sure to bring the following:
- Extra water
- Layers for staying dry and warm
- Map, either digital or physical
- Hiking buddy
- Snacks
- Flashlight
What is the best hiking trail in Washington?
Singling out any of Washington’s trails as the very best is a difficult task. However, many folks agree that the Maple Pass Loop in North Cascades National Park is one of the ultimate hiking trails in Washington. The trail is 7 miles in length and is typically considered to be moderate. Keep in mind that in order to complete this hike, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass. Some other amazing trails in Washington include:
- Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier National Park
- The Enchantments
- Hidden Lake Lookout in North Cascades National Park
- Boroughs Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park
- Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park
- Naches Peak Loop in Mount Rainier National Park
