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After my most recent trip to Washington, I’ve received many messages from friends and strangers asking me what the best easy Washington hikes are. I spent 3+ years living in Seattle and there are so many easy hikes near Seattle to choose from! I’ve compiled a list of my favorite short hikes in Washington, whether you’re visiting or from the area, here are my favorites!

Note: Some of these hikes are rated as moderately challenging. This list includes a range of beginner-friendly hikes in Washington.

First, Let’s Review LNT and Safety!

There are a lot of things that can happen, even on easy day hikes. It is SO important that you prepare for every hike with the 10 essentials which includes Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles.

Leave No Trace:

You can review LNT Principles HERE.

The principles that I like to remind people of the most when it comes to Day Hiking are:

• Pack out EVERYTHING. This includes the shells from nuts you bring or that banana peel or apple core. Pack a ziploc bag or a reusable stasher bag to put your trash in. Leaving food waste negatively impacts the wildlife and takes way longer to breakdown than you might think.
• Don’t feed wildlife!! A lot of hikes have become popular for interactions with birds or deer. Feeding them further increases their dependency on humans and could lead to dangerous behaviors from animals that can lead to their removal from an area.
• Stay on Trail. Going off trail or on small social trails leads to further erosion of fragile environments. Do your part to keep these natural areas enjoyable for years to come.
• Dispose of Waste Properly! This means making sure you practice proper etiquette when peeing/pooping.
  • When using the bathroom outside, make sure you are 200 feet away from the trail and any water source. And PLEASE pack out any toilet paper. I know this sounds gross, but just bring a ziploc bag or doggie poop bags for toilet paper. You can then tie this to the outside of your bag or put it in an outer pocket of your bag. If you are pooping or you must bury toilet paper, make sure to dig a hole at least 6 inches and completely bury it.
  • For urinating, I personally like using my Kula Cloth Pee Cloth to avoid using toilet paper for urination. It is antimicrobial and really discreet and doesn’t smell.

Safety: The 10 Essentials

This is a list of items to pack to properly be prepared for a worst case scenario on the trail! You never know when you may need it or when it can be vital to helping someone else on the trail.

1. Navigation: I like to download an offline map of the trail I’m hiking on the AllTrails app on my phone. Make sure your phone is fully charged or you have a backup charging unit. I also bring my Garmin Mini that can track my route and be used as an SOS device or to send satellite messages when there is no cell service.
2. Headlamp: my biggest tip when packing headlamps is to either remove the batteries so it doesn’t accidentally turn on and drain the batteries. Or buy a headlamp that locks to ensure it doesn’t turn on in your bag.
3. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sun hats, clothing with UV protection, Sunglasses
4. First Aid Kit: REI sells a $13 day hike specific first aid kit HERE.
5. Knife: I carry a small multi-tool that has a knife

10 Essentials Continued…

1. Fire: I personally like to just have a lighter packed
2. Shelter: Examples given in this are emergency blankets, bivys. I like to bring my warm jacket and my flex-mat sleeping pad (works great as a place to sit when at a summit or the end of a trail!
3. Extra Food: I mean, the snacks are everything anyway on the trail! Bring enough to last at LEAST a full day.
4. Extra Water: I have learned the hard way on this once and I’ll never make this mistake again. Bring more water than you think you need. AND bring a way to filter water.
5. Extra Clothes: I personally like to bring 2 extra layers, a hat and an extra pair of socks. My puffy Jacket packs down really small, so it’s easy to bring along. A rain jacket is always a great layer to bring since the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.

Safety Tip: It is best practice to let someone know your plan. Let someone know where you plan to go, how long you plan to be there, and what to do if they don’t hear from you by a certain time.

Hikes in Washington: What to Prepare For

Hikes in Washington typically requires one of two parking passes to park at trailheads.

1. Northwest Forest Pass ($30 annually)
2. Discover Pass ($35 annually)

These can be bought online as an annual pass or as a day pass. They can also be bought in person at some gas stations, grocery stores, outdoor stores on your way. Some trails even have a machine at the trailhead (rare). The fines can be hefty at $100. Trust me, you’ll want to take the steps needed to get the pass required.

Road Conditions of Easy Washington Hikes

Most roads to get to mountain trailheads in Washington SUCK. Expect dirt roads with lots of pot holes and ruts. Most roads can be navigated by average vehicles. An SUV with any amount of clearance is very helpful though. Check out road conditions in AllTrail reviews, on Washington Trail Association or by calling the ranger station nearby.

20 Easy Day Hikes in Washington State

FINALLY, what you have been waiting for. Here is the list of my favorite easy hikes in Washington.

1. Barclay Lake

I have done this hike 4 times now haha. It is such a favorite of mine and recently I was able to backpack it for one night! This is one of many very popular beginner-friendly hikes in Washington.

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest town: Baring, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Tulalip, and Skykomish Land
• Trail Length: 4.3 miles Round Trip
• Elevation Gain: 387 ft
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

Note: SUV recommended although Sedans can make it on this road. This road is full of potholes and ruts.

2. Little Si Trail

This and the much harder version, Mount Si, were some of my first hikes in Washington! I’ve been back to do this hike several times. It is a bit more on the moderate side of difficulty level. I promise the views overlooking the Snoqualmie Valley are worth it. Most of the elevation gain is in the beginning, so trust it will get better!

• Location: Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area. Closest Town: North Bend, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish Land
• Trail Length: 4.4 miles Round Trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,187 ft
• Parking Pass: Discover Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

3. Franklin Falls

This is an easy hike near Seattle that I’ve somehow done in all kinds of weather. Go in the summer to cool down and snowshoe in the winter to see the frozen waterfall!

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest Town: Snoqualmie Pass, WA
• Land Acknowledgment: Coast Salish, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Tulalip, and Wenatchi Land
• Trail Length: 2.0 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 364 ft
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

4. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

I honestly cannot even count how many times I’ve done this hike. It is one of the closest of the Best Day Hikes in Washington. Because of this it is EXTREMELY busy. But the views really can be incredible here. It’s a great hike to test out new hiking shoes before committing to longer, harder trails.

• Location: Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area. Closest Town: North Bend, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish Land
• Trail Length: 5.3 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,459 ft
• Parking Pass: none required
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

5. Wallace Falls Trail

Wallace Falls hike was one of the first day hikes I checked out after moving to Seattle, and it is always a treat to revisit this place. There are many trails that really aren’t that scenic until you get to the viewpoint, but this trail is MAGIC the whole way. If you’re into incredibly lush forest views with charming bridges, river views, waterfalls and more, Wallace Falls Trail is for you.

• Location: Wallace Falls State Park. Closest Town: Gold Bar, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Tulalip, and Skykomish Land
• Trail Length: 5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,482 ft
• Parking Pass: Discovery Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

Check out my complete guide on this trail:

6. Gold Creek Pond

This is a scenic favorite of mine of the easy hikes near Seattle. I’ve been here in almost every season and especially love snowshoeing here in the winter.

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest Town: Snoqualmie Pass
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Tulalip, and Wenatchi Land
• Trail Length: 1.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 45 ft elevation gain
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

Note: Prepare for slow driving on the gravel road due to lots of large potholes.

7. Lake 22

This hike is a Washington classic. The hike takes you to an alpine lake through old growth forests ending with stunning mountain views. I was feeling brave and did a chilly morning dip at the summit.

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest Town: Granite Falls, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Stillaguamish, Snohomish, and Tulalip Lands
• Trail Length: 6.8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,473 ft
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

8. Heybrook Lookout Trail

Fire lookouts are a real treat to visit in Washington! A lot of them usually involve a strenuous hike, but this one is short and sweet with incredible views waiting for you up top.

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest Town: Index, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Tulalip and Skykomish Land
• Trail Length: 2.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 912 ft
• Parking Pass: None required
• Dogs: Allowed

9. Rialto Beach to Hole in the Wall

Rialto Beach is an incredible beach walk trail in Olympic National Park. While the trail is a full 13 miles long, you can absolutely hike in to the Hole in the Wall rock feature in only a couple miles. I’ve actually never done the full 13 miles, but loved backpacking in (permits required) a few miles.

• Location: Olympic National Park. Closest Town: La Push, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Quileute Land
• Trail Length: 3.3 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 108 ft
• Parking Pass: National Park Pass or Day Entry. I use America the Beautiful Pass for all National Parks
• Dogs: Not Allowed

10. Mount Fremont Fire Lookout

This hike packs a lot of views in a 5.7 mile trail. You’ll get to see incredible views of Mount Rainier and check out a fire lookout managed by Rainier National Park! This hike (like many of these) is very popular and is best done on a weekend really early in the morning if you’re looking to avoid crowds.

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park. Closest Town: Paradise Inn, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Nisqually Land
• Trail Length: 5.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,118 ft
• Parking Pass: National Park Pass or Day Entry. I use America the Beautiful Pass for all National Parks
• Dogs: Not Allowed

11. Marymere Falls

This trail in Olympic National Park is full of lush mosses, bridges and ends on views of a 90 ft waterfall. It shares the same trailhead as the much more challenging hike – Mount Storm King, that is very popular as well.

• Location: Olympic National Park. Closest Town: Joyce, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, and S’ Klallam Land
• Trail Length: 1.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 298 ft
• Parking Pass: National Park Pass or Day Entry. I use America the Beautiful Pass for all National Parks
• Dogs: Not Allowed

12. Index Town Wall Trail

I have done this hike several times! It is a very scenic, short, but steep hike with incredible views of mountains. I was able to do a rappel to a portaledge here (which was absolutely terrifying haha).

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest Town: Index, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Tulalip, and Skykomish Land
• Trail Length: 2.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,250 ft
• Parking Pass: None
• Dogs: Allowed on leash

13. Bridal Veil Falls

Another classic hike on Highway 2 in Washington. Bridal Veil Falls is an incredible waterfall that is cascading down a 100 foot granite rock face. There is an option to continue to Lake Serene for a more challenging day hike.

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest Town: Index, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Tulalip, and Skykomish Land
• Trail Length: 4.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,043 ft
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass or America the beautiful pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

14. Blue Lake

I did this hike in the Fall, hoping for larches and colorful foliage. Instead I hiked up to snow and it was absolutely stunning. I would love to do this hike again in a different season.

• Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Closest Town: Stehekin, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Okanagan, Chelan, Yakama, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Lands
• Trail Length: 4.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 921 ft
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on leash

15. Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Trail

This is a hike that I did on a recent trip to Washington and it was perfect. The trailhead is just beyond Mailbox Peak Trailhead with a much less busy parking lot. I did only a mile or two in along the river and through the trees before turning around. The entire hike would definitely be a challenge, but there are great river spots across a scenic bridge to enjoy if you’re wanting a relaxed experience.

• Location: Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area. Closest Town: North Bend, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish Land
• Trail Length: 24.9 miles Round Trip (I only did the first 2 miles in!)
• Elevation Gain: 3,316 ft (first few miles is relatively flat)
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on leash

16. Tolmie Peak Lookout: Easy Washington Hikes

It has been YEARS since I’ve done this hike, but it is one I would love to do again. Hike up and be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Rainier!

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park. Closest Town: Carbonado, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish and Puyallup Land
• Trail Length: 5.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,541 ft
• Parking Pass: National Park Pass
• Dogs: No Dogs Allowed

17. Second Beach

I’ve had the pleasure of hiking this as a day hike and for an overnight. It’s been moody weather both times, but it is such a beautiful place to visit in any weather. Expect tide pools, lush forest and unique rock formations on the beach!

• Location: Olympic National Park. Closest Town: La Push, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Quileute Land
• Trail Length: 2.1 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 278 ft
• Parking Pass: National Park Pass
• Dogs: No Dogs Allowed

View my complete guide on Olympic National Park:

18. Hall of Mosses Loop

This easy Washington hike is truly enchanting. You’ll see hundreds of different mosses and plant life in a lush forest!

• Location: Olympic National Park. Closest Town: Joyce, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish and S ‘Klallam Land
• Trail Length: 1.1 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 78 ft
• Parking Pass: National Park Pass
• Dogs: No Dogs Allowed

19. Heather Lake Trail

This lake bumps up against towering mountains. A very scenic hike that is worth the rough road in my opinion. I took my mom here when she visited and the photos we have of this place together are some of my absolute favorites.

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Closest Town: Granite Falls, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Coast Salish, Stillaguamish, Snohomish, and Tulalip Lands
• Trail Length: 5.4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,210 ft
• Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash!

20. Ancient Lakes

This is one of my favorite easy hikes in the spring when it’s still gloomy in Seattle, but warm and sunny in Eastern Washington! This is also a great easy backpacking trail! Just be sure to pack all the water you’ll need since the water here is not safe to drink even when filtered.

• Location: North Columbia Basin State Wildlife Recreation Area. Closest Town: Quincey, WA
• Land Acknowledgement: Yakama, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
• Trail Length: 4.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 288 ft
• Parking Pass: Discovery Pass
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash

Looking for more things to do in Washington?

Easy Washington Hikes: Conclusion

As mentioned, these hikes vary in difficulty and are just a handful of the many incredible hikes in Washington. I hope if you’re visiting Washington or are just needing some fresh hiking inspiration that you find something in this list!

Let me know your favorites if you’ve already been!

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