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10 Awesome Beginner Backpacking Trips In Washington State (Not Just for Newbies!)

Post Summary: 10 Beginner Backpacking Trips In Washington State

Backpacking trips are one of our favorite ways to enjoy the Pacific Northwest summer. Serene lakes, breathtaking mountain ranges, and the peaceful bliss of nature make it feel like your soul is refreshed on trips like these!

If you are curious about backpacking but don’t know where to begin your trip planning, you’ve come to the right place! We’re sharing our top 10 favorite beginner backpacking trips in Washington to get your feet wet (quite literally, sometimes). Let’s go!

The Best Beginner Backpacking Trips In Washington State

Beginner backpacking resources.

Before we start our list of top beginner backpacking trips in Washington State, you’re going to want to save these next few blog posts. These are incredibly helpful guides to assist you in backpacking gear, trail tips, and so much more!

• The Beginner Backpacking Gear List (+ a downloadable, printable list!)
• The 57 Best Gifts For Backpackers (perfect for holidays and birthdays)
• Camping Hygiene 101: How To Stay Clean While Backpacking
• How to Find Discount Outdoor Gear To Save Tons of Money
• Our Favorite Backpacking Gear (lots of blog posts to read!)

1. Ancient Lakes (Wenatchee Area)

• Region:  Central Washington – Potholes Region
• Distance:  12 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~650 feet
• Best Season:  Spring, early summer (it gets HOT in the peak summer months)

Get a desert experience without having to leave the state! Ancient Lakes in Central Washington feels like you’ve been transported into the gorgeous canyons of Utah, but it’s only 2.5 hours away from Seattle.

Come and see this geological wonder by hiking through a recessional-cataract canyon, beautiful lakes, and numerous trails around the area.

There are several routes to the Ancient Lakes Basin, and it all depends on your preference. One route leads to Judith Pool and the others are Upper and Lower trails, with abundant desert plant life, views, and geological wonders.

It’s one of the best beginner backpacking trips in Washington state to do in the early camping season – April and May.

Note: The lakes are unsafe for filtering water, so pack in enough clean water for your entire trip.

2. Barclay Lake

• Region:  Stevens Pass Area (Highway 2)
• Distance:  4.4 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: ~250 feet
• Best Season:  Summer

Barclay Lake is an easy and beautiful hike near Seattle , but did you know that you can camp there, too ? This is a perfect short Washington backpacking trip for families because it’s just 4.4-miles roundtrip ! There is little elevation gain, but the end result is camping by the lake, so you can’t get much more Pacific Northwest than this!

This region gets quite a bit of rainfall every year, so come prepared to encounter rain showers even if the forecast doesn’t say so! Make sure to pick up a Northwest Forest Pass and put it in your car’s dashboard before hiking out of the campsite. Otherwise, the fee is $5/day/vehicle!

Confused on what Pacific Northwest forest pass to get? Read our entire guide of PNW Forest passes here!

3. La Push Second Beach

• Region:  Washington Coast near Forks, WA
• Distance:  0.7 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: ~100 feet
• Best Season:  Summer, Fall

If you’ve ever been curious about camping on Washington beaches , Second Beach in La Push is the perfect way to get your feet wet (literally!).

It’s one of the best beginner backpacking trips in Washington State for it’s short distance, beautiful views, and simple permit process.

Second Beach is a short trail to a secluded cove, with prime camping real estate among the driftwood logs. Come for beach bonfires with your friends, and to watch epic summer sunsets behind the sea stacks just offshore. It’s one of the best short backpacking trips in Washington, easy for beginners and families!

This beach requires a camping permit , so make sure to pick one up (and a bear canister!) at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or Lake Quinault Ranger Station .

Read The Full Camping Guide Here: Beach Camping Tips For An Overnight Trip to La Push Beach

4. Ozette Triangle

• Region:  Olympic National Park (Coast)
• Distance:  9.7 mile loop
• Elevation Gain: ~550 feet
• Best Season:  Late Spring, Summer, Early Fall

If you want a beginner backpacking trip in Washington that is more than just an overnighter, consider hiking the Ozette Loop in Olympic National Park . This trail leads you through the thick temperate rainforest of Washington and out to a quiet section of the Washington Coast.

You’ll camp on the shore, meander on forest boardwalks, and hike alongside some of the most primitive and beautiful Washington beaches. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by Cape Flattery trail – it’s the most northwest corner of the lower 48 states!

Loved hiking the Ozette Loop? Next, try backpacking to Shi Shi Beach or hike up Rialto Beach !

5. Enchanted Valley (Olympic National Park)

• Region:  Olympic National Park
• Distance:  26 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1700 feet
• Best Season:  Summer, Early Fall

One of the coolest pieces of Olympic National Park history is nestled along the East Fork Quinault River Trail called the Enchanted Valley . This fun beginner backpacking trail in Washington leads you to a backcountry chalet , originally meant as a resting place for tired travelers dating all the way back to the 1930s.

It was once turned into an aircraft warning station during World War II and is occasionally used as an emergency shelter and ranger station , but it needs to be moved to a new location before it can provide full services again. Regardless, this rugged cabin with the snow-capped mountains in the background makes for an incredibly beautiful backpacking trail stop!

Plan A Bigger Trip To The Coast: The Complete Olympic Peninsula Road Trip (With Itinerary!)

6. High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop

• Distance:  19-mile loop
• Elevation Gain: 5,308 feet

If you are interested in Washington beginner backpacking trips in the Olympics with a little bit more elevation, consider the High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop .

This is a great ‘first challenge’ for hikers who want to test out higher elevation camping. This route provides stargazing nights (if it’s clear!), gorgeous wildflower fields, and several sub-alpine lakes to enjoy.

This is a very popular Olympic National Park backpacking trail , and the park encourages advanced reservations between May 1st and September 30th. Half of the campsites are reserved for walk-up permit goers, so you could also try your hand at snagging a last-minute permit, but come with a backup plan too just in case!

Loved backpacking the Seven Lakes Basin? Next, try and snag a permit for the Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness!

7. Hidden Lake Lookout

• Region:  North Cascades National Park
• Distance:  8 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet

Fire Lookouts in Washington are one of the coolest summer mountain experiences, and you can have your very own at Hidden Lake Lookout ! This trail in North Cascades National Park is quite popular, with no permit necessary to stay overnight at the lookout as it actually sits right out of the park borders.

However, it’s first-come-first-serve to snag a spot inside the structure, so come early and during the weekdays to get the best chance of having it to yourself. While the lookout doesn’t require permits, permits ARE required to camp between the lake and the ridge, so come prepared with alternative plans and reservations if your heart is set on this epic beginner backpacking trip in Washington.

Loved hiking to Hidden Lake Lookout? Next, try backpacking to Sahale Glacier Camp , located on the same access road in the North Cascades!

8. Gem Lake / Snow Lake

• Region:  Snoqualmie Pass Area
• Distance:  11 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
• Best Season:  Summer, Fall (watch out for mosquitos!)

Snow Lake is one of the most popular Washington hiking trails , but if you wanted to make it an overnighter, you can hike one lake farther to camp for the night.

Hike past Snow Lake to the smaller Gem Lake for solitude and some pretty beautiful summer sunsets. This turquoise blue water is swimmable, so jump in after a long day on the trail!

This is one of the best beginner backpacking trips in Washington state for its convenience to Seattle , and attainable miles to elevation ratio for a good challenge (but not too difficult!). No reservations are necessary, but you must display a Northwest Forest Pass in your car before heading up to the lake.

Check out this popular nearby hike: Rattlesnake Ledge Trail

9. Lena Lake

• Region:  Southeast Olympic National Park
• Distance:  7.2-mile round-trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
• Best Season:  Summer and Fall

The trip to Lena Lake is some of the best backpacking in Washington for any level of hikers. The trail starts out with switchbacks up into the forest, where old-growth forests and towering trees provide a wilderness solace for all. Camp at the lake’s edge and enjoy the quiet moments tucked away in the Olympics.

If you’re looking for a classic Pacific Northwest weekend, this might be one of the best Washington beginner backpacking trips for you!

Read More: Forest Bathing – Why You Should Trip This Natural ASMR Experience On Your Next Hike

1. Gothic Basin & Foggy Lake

• Region:  North Cascades / Mountain Loop Highway
• Distance:  9.2 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 2,840 feet

Gothic Basin is one of the easier-to-reach by car backpacking trips in Washington State if you live near Seattle. Although we wouldn’t truly call this a backpacking trip for beginners, it’s a nice challenge for those who are ready to take the next step, difficulty-wise. We added it to the list because the permit-free camping and convenience from Seattle are very appealing for beginners.

Located on the Mountain Loop Highway (Granite Falls, WA) this trek is a great overnighter for those who want to try mountain camping.

There are steep sections, a waterfall, and a mountain pass (with views of the Monte Cristo area peaks) for a condensed backpacking adventure . Expect a scramble, sections of wildflowers, and possible snow in the early season. Camping is permit-free but come early to snag a spot, as it’s a popular place, especially on the weekends.

Explore More of the Area: 30+ Incredible Hikes in Washington State

What are some of your favorite beginner backpacking trips in Washington State? Share them with others in the comments below!

Washington’s 10 Best Last-Minute Backpacking Destinations

Waited until the last minute to plan your weekend? Check out these 10 procrastinator getaways in Washington state.

By: Rachel Davidson + Save to a List

The northwest boasts some of the country’s finest backcountry camping, along well-maintained trails, past gleaming alpine lakes, through thick forests, and underneath soaring peaks with unparalleled views. Many of these environments are fragile and vulnerable to overuse, and so they’ve been protected with permitting systems to limit foot traffic and preserve their natural ecosystems. There’s no doubt that permits are important where applicable, but they can also be a burden for indecisive, procrastinating parties.

If that sounds like you, then you need to read this list of Washington’s best backpacking trips that don’t require pre-planning. Many of these destinations still fly under the radar, so you can enjoy the solitude of the backcountry without any limitations.

1) Spider Gap to Buck Creek Pass Loop

Photo: Nick Lake

What : Hands down, this was the most rewarding backpacking trip I have experienced in Washington. Mountain passes, lakes, snow, perfectly preserved single-track trail, and stupid beautiful views of Glacier Peak await. Tack on a summit of Fortress Mountain to add some spice to this outrageously awesome trip.

Where : Glacier Peak Wilderness, central to northwest Washington

7900 feet elevation gain

2) Circumnavigate Mt. St. Helens via the Loowit Trail

Photo: Isaac Desautels

What : I’m a big fan of looped trails that let you experience and entire circuit with little overlap, which is exactly what the Loowit does. This adventure varies between 28 and 36 miles depending on the trailhead you choose, and though camping is sparse, it’s free and unsupervised. For the extra ambitious, you could always turn this adventure into a 50k ultra run .

Where : Mt. St. Helens, southwest Washington

6000 feet elevation gain

3) Lake of the Angels

Photo: Greg Balkin

What : In one of the most popular backpacking regions of the state, it’s difficult (and frankly, near impossible) to find a last-minute permit up for grabs anywhere in the Olympics. Luckily, this trail flies under the radar as a strenuous, steep, and deep destination that’s worth the effort to get to. Choose this adventure for an easy overnighter, or tack on Upper Lena Lake for a full weekend.

Where : Olympic National Forest, western Washington

3400 feet elevation gain

4) Skyline Divide

Photo: Derek Cook

What : Get up close and personal with Mt. Baker on this 6000-foot high ridgeline that skirts the northern flank of Washington’s 3rd-highest peak. Be careful, this trail is only free of snow during a short summer window, so during the winter and shoulder seasons you’ll need to plan accordingly. This is another easy one-nighter option, about a 3-hour drive from Seattle.

Where : North Cascades, northwestern Washington

2500 feet elevation gain

5) Horseshoe Basin

Photo: Thadd Zehnder

What : One of the most remote wilderness areas in the lower 48, the Pasayten Wilderness is home to impressive peaks, arctic tundra, and dangerous wildlife. This trail skirts along the Canadian border and rewards those who make the deep drive out here. No reservations required, simply pick up a free permit at the trailhead to fill out before you head in.

Where : Pasayten Wilderness, north-central Washington

3500 feet elevation gain

6) Pratt Lake

Photo: Laura Howard

What : Experience one of the Seattle area’s most popular hike sans-crowds by backpacking in and camping out for the night. Extend your weekend with a trip to lower Tushcohatchie Lake, Melakwa Lake, or Kaleetan Lake.

Where : Snoqualmie Pass, western Washington

2300 feet elevation gain

7) Kayak Camp on Stuart Island

Photo: Michael Gabbert

What : Here’s an alluring option for water-savvy adventurers. Stuart Island is only accessible by boat and features two main pay-on-site campgrounds (with plenty of mooring options). Even though space is limited, the island doesn’t require permits for campers, making it a unique overnight destination in one of the state’s most visited regions. Once there, you’ll experience jjagged coastal cliffsides, lush hiking trails, and frequent orca sightings.

Where : San Juan Islands, northwestern Washington

15-16 mile paddle from Friday Harbor, or 7-10 mile paddle from Roche Harbor

8) Goat Lake

Photo: Felix Madrid

What : Mt. Rainier has a notoriously competitive permitting system, which is why it’s important to know about its less-frequented neighbor, the Goat Rocks Wilderness. According to the Forest Service , “much of the 120-mile trail system stays on the ridges at or above timberline,” which means you’re in for some epic views, high-alpine ecosystems, and bitter temps.

Where : Goat Rocks Wilderness, southwestern Washington

10.5+ miles

1400 feet elevation gain

9) Salmo-Priest Loop

Photo: Nienna Komorebi

What : We’ve been partial to the western half of the state so far in this list, but Colville National Forest deserves a spot on any Washingtonian’s adventure list. Spring and early summer are this trail’s recommended travel time for wildflower vistas. Plus, it’s a complete loop, which guarantees something new with each step.

Where : Colville National Forest, northeastern Washington

10) Chelan Lakeshore Trail

Photo: Nathan Wall

What : This point-to-point trail begins with a ferry ride and ends in the tiny town of Stehekin, accessible only by foot, boat, or plane. Explore the shores of the country’s third-deepest lake without bothering with overnight permits - though you should book your ferry tickets in advance, as these will sell out in the summer and leave you stranded lakeside (not the worst case scenario, in my opinion).

Where : North Cascades, central Washington

4000 feet elevation gain

Cover p hoto:  Derek Cook

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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20 Best Backpacking Trips in Washington: Ultimate guide for this Summer

| Filed in Blog , Hiking & Backpacking , Washington | Disclaimer: I use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. | Leave a Comment

Backpacking season is here and I am beyond excited about it! I had the pleasure of living in Seattle in Washington State for three years and these are my favorite backpacking trips. If you’re looking for some summer inspiration of the best backpacking trips in Washington, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down 15 backcountry locations in backpacking washington for some of the best the Pacific Northwest has to offer!

Photos in Collaboration with Disa Wold , Adam Ramer , and Johnathon DeSoto

Stick to Established Trails and Campsites

Backpacking washington – know before you go.

If you are new to backpacking, don’t worry I’ve got you covered! I have two blog posts that break down my gear, safety tips, Leave No Trace Principles, beginner backpacking tips and more! Check these out below if this seems like a good place for you to start.

Leave No Trace – Backpacking Washington Version

Most people that get outdoors are familiar with the Leave No Trace or LNT Principles. If not I encourage you to check out the link. I’m going to break down some important things that I personally did not know much about as a beginner backpacker.

Pooping in the Woods

Haha I know, what a way to start off this post! There are a LOT of people backpacking in Washington. And unfortunately that usually results in a lot of toilet paper and waste that is not properly disposed of.

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, make sure to dig a hole at least 6 inches and completely bury it.

If you’re a beginner this might sound insane, but if you CAN go the extra mile,  pack out your poop in bags.  As long as they are properly tied off, you can dispose of human waste in public garbage after you return to the trailhead.  REI sells these toilet kits  ($30 for a 12 pack) to minimize the impact of waste on the environment.

I’ve been to so many campsites that are littered in half buried toilet paper and poop. Please don’t be that person in the backcountry (or anywhere, yikes!).

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. AGAIN, don’t be that person that leaves toilet paper half buried all around the campsite.

Tips for Packing Out what you Pack In

A lot of people don’t understand that you also need to pack out any food waste. This includes fruit/veggie peels, shells from nuts, etc. These things do break down, but at a VERY slow rate and also impact the wildlife in the area. Example: Banana peels can take up to 2 years to biodegrade. Wildlife can become too reliant on human food waste and lead to dangerous encounters as well as animals being put down due to this.

Bring a small garbage bag or ziploc and keep it ac cessible for your garbage.

Another tip: Avoid bringing any glass! Not only is it HEAVY to carry in and carry out, it often breaks accidentally and can leave dangerous shards around campsites. It’s never a good situation if someone gets injured from leftover glass 13 miles into a trail.

This is another important one that I didn’t really understand the importance of until later in my backpacking career. Going off trail will leave a mark and impact and can lead to erosion or destruction of fragile habitats. If you see a barely worn trail that shoots off of the main trail, this is an example of this.

Same goes for campsites.

• Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. I see this one violated a lot.
• When in relatively untouched areas try to camp on durable surfaces like rock, gravel, dried grass – areas that wont leave an impact

If you’ve gotten outside a handful of times, you’ve probably seen the wear and tear that humans cause. Be responsible of your impact so that it can be a place to enjoy for years to come.

20 Best Backpacking Trips in Washington

Okay, thanks for bearing with me with the necessary education above! Let’s get into the best backpacking in Washington (in my opinion lol – I feel like I need to state this so people don’t come for me.)

Another Note: Be sure to check if fires are allowed/if there is a current ban. I personally discourage any fires in the backcountry during the summer months even if allowed.

1. Enchanted Valley

• Location : Olympic National Park
• Length: 30.6 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain : 4,642 ft
• Best Months: March – September
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Permits: Permit is required
• Bear Cannister Required
• AllTrails Link: HERE

Enchanted Valley is exactly how it  sounds – REALLY ENCHANTED. Seriously, I’m talking waterfalls in the mountains towering on both sides of you, PNW fog hovering in all the right places, groves of tall trees, rivers, an abandoned Chalet with a curious history.  This is not an easy hike. 15 miles in with some real elevation gain.

If you do not have any backpacking experience, I do not recommend this trip as a first time backpacking unless you are going with someone who does have experience.

I also want to note that this is not a secret place. It can be VERY crowded and permits are needed and can be required prior or walk up. They may begin limiting permits due to erosion and other damage that human traffic is causing. If you do get the opportunity to visit this beautiful place, I trust that you’ll want to respect it and practice leave no trace etiquette.

Check for the most current permit information at the  Lake Quinault Ranger Station . For more Destinations in Olympic National Park Check out my blog post: 10 Must See Locations in Olympic National Park

2. Gem Lake

• Location : Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
• Length : 11.0 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,670 ft
• Difficulty: Rated difficult (Moderate option is Snow Lake!)
• Solitude: Crowded on trail and around Snow Lake, minimal-moderate traffic on the trail to Gem Lake, minimal people camping at Gem Lake (We were one of 2 tents that overnighted on a Thursday in July)
• Camping: first come first serve in established campsites. NO campfires
• Bathrooms: at trailhead and at Snow Lake
• Dogs: allowed on leash
• Fee:  Northwest Forest Parking Pass

Gem Lake was such a special overnight for me! I hadn’t been backpacking in almost a year and had moved away from Washington and this was such a great trip to come back and do. Check out my guide or Youtube Video below and you’ll see why it’s some of the best backpacking in washington.

3. Waptus Lake

• Location : Alpine Lakes Wilderness
• Length: 17.4 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,434 ft
• Best Months: April – October
• Dogs: Allowed on leash
• No Permit Necessary
• AllTrails Link : HERE

My friends and I camped here on accident. We were heading towards Spade Lake (which is an additional 9 miles round trip and 3,500 ft), but we could see the dark clouds and snow lingering above the area we were headed and stayed put at Waptus Lake instead.

And this is now one of my favorite backpacking memories! There were hardly any other people and the lake was so serene. Truly a stunning place to camp with plenty of camping spots along the way to make this a 2 day trek there!

4. Marmot Pass

• Location: Buckhorn Wilderness
• Length: 12.8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,917 ft
• Best Months: July – November
• No permit required
• Northwest Forest Pass Required

This is a busier trail and for good reason. I’ll never forget the absurd cloud inversion I saw here. There are many places to camp and the trail actually continues up along a ridge with sweeping views if you’re willing to go a little bit further! This one definitely kicked my butt haha.

5. Pete Lake/Spectacle Lake

• Location : Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
• Length: Pete Lake – 9 miles round trip, Spectacle Lake – 18.1 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: Pete Lake – 734 ft, Spectacle Lake – 2,601 ft
• Difficulty Level: Pete Lake – Easy, Spectacle Lake – Moderate
• Dogs : Allowed
• No Permit Required
• AllTrails Link: Pete Lake , Spectacle Lake

When I did this trail, we hiked to Pete Lake to set up camp and then day hiked to Spectacle Lake the next day to swim! Spectacle Lake is stunning and I highly recommend making the push there either for an overnight or day. All my pictures here are with an ex boyfriend, so i’m going to spare us all and let you check out photos online instead haha. The Pacific Crest Trail runs along this area too if you’re looking for more miles.

6. Gothic Basin

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
• Length: 12.5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,284 ft
• Best Months: June – October
• Difficulty Level : Hard

Gothic Basin was a very challenging hike. 3,000 feet in 6 miles to get to the top? But my goodness it was worth it. This was a post break-up hike for me with some girlfriends and it humbled me in all the right ways. I’ll never forget the sunset there and the sunrise on that alpine lake.

This hike has gotten extremely busy from what I’ve heard. I’d recommend trying to go during the week rather than weekends if you are able.

Best Backpacking in Washington: Hardest Hike Award Goes to…

7. Lookout Mountain Lookout

• Location: Marblemount
• Length: 9.1 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,432 ft
• Best Months: July – October
• Dogs: Allowed

I had an awesome time doing this hike with some friends, and I was freshly unemployed and about to move to Alaska. This hike DESTROYED ME. It IS beautiful and is worth it, but seriously make sure you are physically up to the 1,000 ft per mile. There was a lot of bushwhacking for us and full of mosquitoes and stinging nettle.

We saw multiple bears and got to the lookout only to have another group beat us by a little bit. They were kind enough to let us sleep on the porch since there were multiple bear reports.

Tip: Check the sign in log to see if anyone beat you to the trail if you are planning to stay in the lookout. Bring tents in case you need to camp below the lookout. And another warning is this hike is definitely a high avalanche risk, so be sure you go when the snow is gone.

8. Baker Lake Trail | Best Backpacking Trips in Washington

• Length: 13.9 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,358 ft
• Best Months: April – November
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Backpacking Washington: Worst Night of Sleep in the Backcountry goes to…

9. Thunder Mountain Lakes

• Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness
• Length: 12.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 3,940 ft
• Dogs: Allowed on Leash
• Permit Required at Trailhead

I’m so glad I had an offline map (AllTrails pro version), because it can be easy to take the wrong trail at multiple points. There were so many incredible views on this trail, but windy weather rolled in just as we got to the camping area. I’ve heard so many reports of this same experience on this trail, so it seems like a fiercely windy night is a common occurrence. Like, my tent was caving in on me the entire night. Slept zero hours, but I can laugh about it now haha.

10. Hoh River Trail

• Location: Olympic National Park
• Length: 41.4 miles round trip (OKAY, but hear me out, you can even just go 5 miles in!!)
• Elevation Gain: 8,622 ft (again haha this is absurd and I did not do the entire trail)
• Best Months: June- September
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Hard (Depending on how far you go!)
• Dogs: Not allowed
• Permits Required: HERE

This was actually my first backpacking trip in Washington and second backpacking trip EVER. I legitimately could barely walk after this. We set up camp about 6.5 miles in at Happy Four Campsites. We then dropped our bags for a day pack and hiked as far as we could to get an incredible glimpse at Mount Olympus, which ended up being around 20 miles total. The terrain changed so many times and was truly a beautiful hike.

Best Backpacking Trips in Washington: Worst Mosquitoes Award goes to…

11. Rainbow-McAlester Loop

• Location: North Cascades National Park
• Length: 31.5 miles round trip, 2 nights/3 days
• Elevation Gain: 6,650 ft
• Dogs: No Dogs Allowed
• Permits Required: HERE or at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount
• Washington Trails Association Link: HERE

This was one of the most challenging backcountry weekends I’ve done. The elevation gain never seemed to end, but neither did the views. It was so much fun doing a loop trail and staying at a different campsite each night. We barely saw another soul out here and it was magical. But with each magical moment or alpine lake dip, came hoards of mosquitoes. Make sure you pack your face bug net.

12. Rialto Beach

• Length: 3 miles to 13.1 miles round trip (depending on how far you want to go!)
• Elevation Gain : 100 ft to 2,600
• Best Months: Year round honestly, but Summer and Fall are my favorite here
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Permits Required: HERE or try your luck with a walk up permit at any of the ranger stations there.
• National Park Pass Required

I LOVE this trail. It’s easy and has incredible sea stacks and rock formations to keep you occupied. I typically like to hike a couple miles past Hole in the Wall which is at 3.3 miles in. If you don’t plan out the tides correctly to pass through hole in the wall, there is a very steep trail at the forest line that goes up and over and is a little scary with packs on to be honest.

13. Second Beach

• Length: 2.1 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 278 ft
• Best Months: Year round
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Permits Required: HERE or walk up at ranger stations in Olympic NP

Similar vibe to Rialto Beach, Second Beach has some unique rock formations and really incredible tide pools to check out. I like to try to camp on the bluff in the woods just a little bit tucked away to cut down on wind.

14. Tuck and Robin Lakes

• Length: 13.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 4,343 ft
• Best Months: August – September
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash
• Free self-issuing permits are available at the trailhead

I had somehow convinced my not-so-outdoorsy sister to come with me on this challenging hike for her first time backpacking. She vowed to never go with me again after that haha (which didn’t last long, Love you Chels!), but we saw mountain goats, a rainbow, an epic sunset and a meteor shower! I’ll never forget this backcountry trip.

15. Wonderland Trail to Granite Creek and Mystic Lake

• Location: Mount Rainer National Park
• Length: 17.4 miles roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 4,780 ft
• Best Months: July – September
• Dogs: Not Allowed
• Permits Required : HERE or Call Longmire Wilderness Information Center about walk up availability

I was lucky enough to score a permit for part of the Wonderland Trail and I jumped at the opportunity! If you’re not familiar with the Wonderland Trail, it is a 96 mile loop around Mount Rainier with 25,000 ft of elevation gain that typically takes people 10-14 days to complete. Me and a coworker hiked into Granite Creek Campground where our permit was to camp, set up camp, and then day hiked to Mystic Lake. The hike to Mystic Lake was tiring, since we did it the same day, but SO worth it.

Best Backpacking Trips in Washington: Early Season Backpacking Award goes to…

16. Ancient Lakes

• Location: North Columbia Basin State Wildlife Recreation Area
• Length: 4.6 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 288 ft
• Discovery Pass Required

I’ve backpacked here 3 times! When it’s spring time and I was tired of the cold, wet Seattle weather, I’d plan an overnight or two here! I have fond memories of laying in the sun here and feeling like I traveled out of Washington! The waterfalls and sunsets here can be so lovely.

Note: You must pack in all your water. The water that is available is not safe even when filtered due to pesticide run off from nearby farms.

17. Park Butte Lookout Trail

• Length: 7.2 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,020 ft
• Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass

I did this trip on a Monday while there was still some snow melting out of the mountains in mid July. There were a lot of cars in the parking lot from people accessing climbing routes for Mount Baker. We were lucky and got to the lookout before any other overnight guests and had the most incredible sunset.

Note: Blue bags are provided at lookout as no toilet paper or pooping in holes is allowed at the summit.

Backpacking Washington Trips on My Bucketlist

There are quite a few backcountry trips in Washington that are still on my bucketlist:

• Seven Lakes Basin
• Sahale Glacier Camp
• The Enchantments

I hope this list has you inspired to plan your first or next backpacking trip in Washington. Backpacking in Washington state is my absolute favorite place to get outside. If you have any questions about these trips, feel free to leave a comment and I will answer the best I can or provide a contact for a ranger station that could better answer! There are endless trails in Washington, and I can’t wait to get back out there myself!

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Wow, what a selection! I haven’t backpacked in Washington yet, but I would love to do it soon, maybe even still this summer. What tour would you recommend for beginners?

Thank you!! Best, Stefanie

I think for beginners it’s best to look for something with elevation at 2,000 ft gain or less! Unless you’re in the mountains hiking regularly! REI offers a lot of tours where you can join an expert. But If you’re wanting to try it out, Rialto beach and second beach are easier hikes that are gorgeous!

[…] Best WA Backpacking Trails […]

[…] 20 Best Washington Backpacking Trips […]

Awesome selection and I love the awards! You should add Chelan Lakeshore trail to you bucket list for an early season trip, assuming you haven’t done it.

My friends & I are planning on backpacking for 2 nights next week in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. We’re torn between Waptus (with a day hike to Spade), Marmot Lake (with a day hike to Jade) or Tuck & Robins Lake. We would love your opinion on which was your favorite!

Ooooh that’s a tough one and I’m so jealous!! I still haven’t been to Jade, but from what I know of it – it’s incredible and is top on my list personally. Tuck and Robin lakes were mind blowing to me. We saw mountain goats and a meteor shower. I would lean between those two! Not super helpful I know haha

HI Miss Rover – I’m heading to Eastern Washington for work and want to add a 2-3 night backpacking trip to it. June 21-23. Recommendations? I’m experienced and looking for elevation gains as I’ll be doing tour du mont blanc in July and want to get some training in. Thank you!!

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BEST Backpacking in Washington State: 13 Amazing Trips

With so many trails in Washington, it’s easy to wonder which ones offer the best backpacking.

I live between the Olympic and the Cascade ranges, and I’ve spent countless hours on the trails here and even more time planning and researching trips.

In this article, I’ve selected thirteen trips that feature the best backpacking in Washington State, all in different regions, from the Olympic Peninsula to the Central and North Cascades to Mount Rainier. 

Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a beginner eager for your first adventure, these trails promise an unforgettable experience packed with stunning scenery, opportunities for wildlife sightings, and that unbeatable feeling of being immersed in nature. 

Let’s get into it! 

Quick Guide: Best Backpacking Trails

• Best Beginner Backpacking Trails: Tuck and Robin Lakes, but stopping at Hyas Lake 
• Best Year-Round: Hoh River Trail
• Best for Groups w/ Children: Second Beach
• Best for Wildflowers: Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm
• Best Wildlife Viewing: Enchanted Valley 
• Best Multi-Day: Copper Ridge Loop

13 Best Washington Backpacking Trips  

This guide features backpacking trips in Olympic National Park and one spectacular must-do trip in Olympic National Forest, exposing you to ecosystems ranging from craggy coastlines to rainforests, valleys, and glaciers.

Also featured here are the best trips available in the Central and North Cascades and at Mount Rainier National Park. These trails are known for their alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and otherworldly granite landscapes.

Olympic National Park 

1. second beach.

• Distance: 5 miles  
• Elevation: 300 feet  
• Difficulty: Easy  
• Permit: ONP Wilderness Permit

Second Beach on the Pacific Coast is my favorite beach in Olympic National Park. 

Dramatic coastline cliffs, stunning sea stacks, excellent tide-pooling, and a wildlife refuge off its shores make this La Push beach worth exploring. 

Camping here allows you to experience low tide at both ends of the beach without rushing. 

The short hike from the trailhead makes this an excellent trail for beginners and families with young children.

At the north end, near the natural arch, there’s another smaller, stunning beach accessible at low tide. This end is where most people take photos and near where most set up camp.

I recommend walking south and choosing a site away from the crowds. 

On the south end are some of the best beach campsites in the entire state. The beach widens considerably, so there’s little risk of the tide encroaching on your tent. 

2. Shi Shi Beach

• Distance: 9 miles  
• Elevation: 200 feet  
• Difficulty: Moderate  
• Permit: ONP Wilderness permit

Point of Arches on Shi Shi Beach offers the best coastline scenery in Olympic National Park. This configuration of over thirty incredible sea stacks is older than any others on the Olympic Peninsula. 

The mileage and elevation gain on this trip are relatively easy. It’s roughly 4.5 miles to get to Point of Arches from the trailhead, traveling through the forest and across Shi Shi Beach. But you must hike through a relentless section of mud, even in August. 

This is one of the park’s busiest destinations for beach camping, so don’t come here expecting solitude.

You can camp near Point of Arches, giving you a great home base to explore the incredible rock formations here. At low tide, or better yet, a minus tide, explore acres of tide pools filled with colorful sea stars, anemones, and other marine life.

3. Hoh River Trail

• Distance: 10.6 – 37 miles  
• Elevation: 367 – 5000 feet  
• Difficulty: Moderate – Hard  
• Permit: Wilderness permit

On the Hoh River Trail, you’ll hike through a delightful rainforest filled with moss-draped trees along the river, through subalpine meadows, and, if you go the entire distance of this backpacking trip, you’ll eventually reach Blue Glacier. 

You don’t have to backpack the entire trail because there are three camps to choose from before reaching Glacier Meadows Camp at the end. 

This trail is one of Olympic National Park’s best destinations, showcasing giant trees, river and valley views, and the incredible Cougar Creek cedar grove. You may even cross paths with a herd of the park’s Roosevelt elk. 

The crowning glory of this backpacking trip is seeing incredible views of the Blue Glacier stretching down from Mount Olympus, the tallest peak in the Olympics. 

This is a fantastic destination for winter backpacking trips because snow usually doesn’t cover the first roughly 12 miles. 

4. Enchanted Valley

• Distance: 27.8 miles  
• Elevation: 3700 feet  
• Difficulty: Hard  

Backpacking the Enchanted Valley is a journey along a river, through a lush rainforest filled with ancient trees, into an open valley inhabited by wildlife surrounded by majestic mountains. 

It’s a world-class backpacking trip into Olympic National Park’s “Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls.”

While the moniker may be an exaggeration, you’ll see why it’s an apt description once you reach the old Enchanted Valley chalet. To witness numerous waterfalls cascading down valley walls is simply spectacular. Do this trip in spring for the best waterfall experience. 

With this place being so beautiful, the word is out. So expect to see plenty of other groups on the trail. 

Note that at 12.7 miles, before arriving at the valley, you must cross a high, narrow bridge that will likely test your nerves and balance.

After setting up camp, continue hiking up the valley for two miles to see the largest Western Hemlock tree in the world.

5. High Divide Loop

• Distance: 19.1 miles
• Elevation: 4175 feet 
• Difficulty: Hard

This is the hike to do if you’re looking for the most stunning scenery in the Olympic Mountains. 

You’ll hike past Sol Duc Falls and serene Deer Lake, ascend a high ridge with expansive views spanning rainforest valleys, and revel in the sight of the Olympic Peninsula’s highest peak, Mount Olympus.

The High Divide’s incredible ridgeline vistas, alpine lakes, and gorgeous meadows are no secret. Be diligent about securing your permit.  

Plan for more than one night for this backpacking trip. Once you reach Seven Lakes Basin, you’ll want to stay awhile to explore. 

Snow can linger on the hike from Seven Lakes Basin to the High Divide, and if so, the route is much more difficult, if not dangerous. Read trip reports in advance. 

Bring bear spray on this hike. Bears will likely ignore you, but you’ll be happy to have it.

Olympic Peninsula

6. marmot pass.

• Distance: 11.5 miles
• Elevation: 3500 feet 
• Difficulty: Hard 
• Permit: Northwest Forest Pass

If the Buckhorn Wilderness isn’t on your radar, it should be. 

You’ll start your trip by hiking through gorgeous old-growth forest while the Big Quilcene River cascades alongside the trail. The climbing is steep, but there are flat areas to pull over, eat, and rest. 

Fill up on water at Camp Mystery. Beyond this point, there’s no water source, making a compelling case for camping here. 

But if it’s not too windy and you want to wake up to some of the best mountain vistas in the Olympic National Forest, continue to Marmot Pass. 

The weather for our trip started with cloud cover, but they parted when we arrived at Marmot Pass. We sat and watched incredulously as the clouds moved across the mountains, exposing the ridges surrounding us.

As the trail’s name suggests, you’ll hear marmots and probably see a few. 

Once you set up camp, you can continue your adventure. Options include summiting Buckhorn Mountain or taking a dip in Buckhorn Lake.

North Cascades National Park

7. cascade pass & sahale arm.

• Distance: 11.8 miles
• Elevation:   4000 ft
• Permit: Backcountry Permit

There aren’t enough superlatives to capture just how spectacular of a trail this one is. 

Given the choice of when to do this trip, I’d pick late summer every time. In September, fall colors begin to pop, blazing the landscape surrounding you while cool, blue hues of jagged alpine peaks form a magnificent backdrop. 

The ridgeline of Sahale Arm offers incredible views in every direction. The meadow here, filled with mountain heather, glows a remarkable shade of crimson in the fall. 

Despite the amount of switchbacks on the ascent, it’s the most popular day hike in the North Cascades. Naturally, backcountry permits are at a premium.

Sahale Glacier Camp is the most competitive permit to secure, but other campsites are available.

The push to reach Sahale Glacier Camp is hard climbing. Once you arrive, the high alpine scenery of the mountains around you makes it all worth it. 

8. Copper Ridge Lookout

• Distance: 20.4 – 34 miles
• Elevation: 6200 – 8600 feet 

This is the trip to take for views of the most northern peaks of North Cascades National Park. You’ll experience all that makes these mountains worth visiting: a pretty glacier-sculpted valley, jagged mountain peaks, and some of the finest backcountry alpine views.

You can do this trip as an out-and-back to the Copper Ridge Lookout. If you have more time, do the 34-mile Copper Ridge Loop, on which you must cross a river in a self-propelled cable car. 

Early on, you have the option to detour and climb Hannegan Peak. Without a doubt, the views make it worth doing.

But the best views are yet to come at the fire lookout. Surrounded by high mountain ridges, you remember why all the tough climbing is worth it.  

Note that this trail is buggy. Bring your headnet along with gloves for the cable car crossing.

Cascade Range

9. enchantments.

• Distance: Varies
• Elevation: Varies 
• Permit: Enchantments Permit

I’ve read trip reports of hikers calling this the most overrated trail in Washington. Do not listen to them. The fairy-tale-like beauty of this alpine terrain is mindblowing.  

Set within the Stuart Range, the Enchantments Lakes basin features an otherworldly granite landscape with jagged peaks and bowls lined with snowfields, even in summer, pristine lakes, mountain goats, and larches that turn a brilliant yellow-gold in fall. 

Backpacking in one of the five Enchantment zones in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness requires a permit granted by a highly competitive lottery system.

Permits for the Core Enchantment zone are the most coveted. In 2022, a whopping 26,988 applications were submitted, while only 2,920 total backpackers got the opportunity to stay overnight in this famed backcountry.

With a place this magical, it’s still worth entering the lottery year after year in case you get lucky. 

You have better odds applying for the Stuart zone, allowing you to day hike to the core.

10. Tuck and Robin Lakes

• Distance: 12.7 miles
• Elevation:   3400 feet
• Permit: None 

Located near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the scenery on the Tuck and Robin Lakes trail is similar to the Enchantments, but there are no permits to secure. The trade-off is that it’s a busy trail on summer weekends. 

The first section to Hyas Lake is relatively easy, especially considering what comes later. It’s a perfect backpacking trip for beginners and families.

The ascent begins once you push past Little Hyas Lake at about 3.5 miles in. Once you reach Tuck Lake, take a well-deserved break and enjoy the alpine views. 

It may be tempting to set up camp here. But pushing that extra 1.5 miles to camp at Robin Lakes is worth it. 

Be prepared for some scrambling and route-finding.

The breathtaking granite views around Robin Lakes are your reward for enduring such an arduous climb. On a clear day, you’ll see Washington volcanoes in the distance.  

11. Gothic Basin

• Distance: 9.3 miles
• Elevation: 3100 feet 

For the experienced hiker, the elevation gain on this trail may not seem like much. The light scrambling required makes this hike harder than it seems just looking at the numbers.

Miners blazed the trail leading to Gothic Basin, a name that belies the joy and delight this landscape elicits when its meadows and wildflowers are in bloom. Today, the state’s Department of Natural Resources manages this conservation area to protect its fragile ecosystem. 

Set up camp on established campsites, never on top of meadows or plants. 

Once you’re in the basin, there’s much to explore. Gothic Lake can be viewed from many different areas, but remember to walk on rock as best as possible. 

Continuing to Foggy Lake is a must. Follow the cairns to get there. There are no trees, only sparkling blue water surrounded by rock and Del Campo Peak. 

I highly recommend jumping in on a hot summer day!

12. Mount Margaret

• Distance: 16 miles
• Elevation: 3825 feet
• Permit: Backcountry Camping Permit

This backpacking trip to Shovel Lake Camp allows you to travel through the blast zone of Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. 

You’ll see a rugged, once-decimated landscape regenerating with vegetation and wildlife. Young conifer trees, fruit shrubs, and wildflowers now grow, and the scenery is fantastic in fall. 

Start at Boundary Trail 1 and go right to continue to Bear Pass and be rewarded with excellent views of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount St Helens.

You can avoid traversing the sketchy Whittier Ridge by approaching this trip as an out-and-back hike rather than a loop. 

There’s little shade or tree cover, so UV protection is essential. Read trip reports regarding water sources and be prepared to carry water. 

Shovel Lake Camp is spectacular. The water is frigid but feels amazing after hiking in the sun. 

Mount Rainier

13. spray park loop .

• Elevation: 5100 feet  
• Permit: Wilderness Permit

The Wonderland Trail circumnavigating Washington’s most famous volcano is 93 miles, but you won’t be able to hike it unless you win a coveted and highly competitive permit. 

Spray Park Loop offers a fantastic opportunity to experience a section of the Wonderland Trail.

You’ll hike through old-growth forests and meadows dotted with wildflowers, cross rivers and snowfields, see waterfalls and a crystal blue alpine lake, and relish stunning views of Mount Rainier and other peaks. 

Decide if you’ll travel clockwise or counter-clockwise. Either way, you’ll have serious elevation gain to contend with, but going clockwise means you’re not saving the toughest climbing for the very end. 

This trip is beginner-friendly but only for those with navigation and bouldering skills, ready for log crossings over fast-moving water.

Tips for Backpacking in Washington

Below are helpful tips for a successful backpacking adventure.

Secure Backcountry Permits Early

Permits on some of these trails can be hard to come by. Start planning for the next backpacking season in winter.

Head to the Washington Trails Association’s website in January, which lists key dates regarding when the lottery system and reservations open up.  

Avoid Wildfire Smoke

Wildfires now dictate where we can and cannot recreate during the prime backpacking months of July, August, and September. 

All planning during these months is incomplete without a visit to fire.airnow.gov.

You can escape to Olympic National Park’s beaches when wildfires rage across the Cascades.

Stop at Ranger Stations

I highly recommend stopping at the corresponding ranger station before a backpacking adventure to learn about trail conditions and the best place to camp or collect water. 

Rangers are an incredible resource, and I’ve found them generally eager to help. 

Wrap-Up: Best Backpacking in Washington State

I’ve made lifetime memories on these amazing trails, and I hope the same for you.

From the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula to the alpine lakes of the North Cascades, these thirteen exceptional trips showcase the best of Washington’s stunning landscapes.

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Meeshka is the founder of Sand & Elevation. Living between two mountain ranges - the Olympics and the Cascades - she spends her free time in the mountains on the coast, hiking, climbing, and exploring the outdoors. Meeshka helps other nature-loving adventurers by writing comprehensive guides to the Pacific Northwest's best destinations.

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Backpacking Guide To Enchanted Valley Olympic National Park

One of the best backpacking trips in Washington is the Enchanted Valley Olympic National Park Trail. The trail is filled with waterfalls, river views, bridges, beautiful trees, bears, mountains, and it even has a chalet in the valley! The experience was incredible and has by far been my favorite trail in Olympic National Park. Since the trail is on the longer side (26 miles in and out), it is recommended to backpack and spend the night on the trail at least for a night. Planning for a backpacking trip can be stressful which is why I have made this post to make your life a lot easier. This post is packed with information on the trail (like permits, maps, packing lists, etc.). So keep reading on for an ultimate guide on Enchanted Valley Washington.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

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Olympic national park, related posts.

• Everything You Need To Know About The Hurricane Ridge Hike
• The Ultimate Guide To Second Beach Camping
• The Ultimate Guide to Rialto Beach and The Hole In The Wall Washington
• The 21 Best Hikes In Olympic National Park
• The Perfect 2-3 Day Olympic National Park Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Olympic National Park – 10 Best Cabins & Rentals
• 25 Best Things To Do in Olympic National Park
• Backpacking Olympic National Park Trails: Best Hikes & Tips

Enchanted Valley Map

I made a Google map that highlights all the critical areas, like the trailhead, campgrounds, hotels, etc. You can also view the official National Park Service Map here.

Seattle To Enchanted Valley

The Graves Creek Trailhead is the start of your Enchanted Valley journey. The easiest way to get here is to drive straight from Seattle through the South End. It is a 3 1/2 hour drive and 165 miles long, and you will avoid tolls and ferries this way. If you are still interested in the ferry information, click here.

The nearest town to the trailhead is called Quinault, and it has accommodation and a few restaurants. If you want to stay in the town for a night, I have more information below.

READ MORE ABOUT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK:  ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING ONP

What To Pack For Enchanted Valley

• Sunscreen:  If you get burned easily like my husband, this is needed.  >Buy Sunscreen
• Bug Spray: In case there are bugs. >Buy Bug Spray
• Hiking Boots/Shoes:  If you use tennis shoes you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me I have done it so many times).  >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
• Hiking socks:  Having the correct socks helps prevent blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂  >Buy Hiking Socks
• Refillable water bottle:  I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before.  >Check Prices Now
• Water:  Stay nice and hydrated.
• Sunglasses:  Make sure to pack some sunglasses.  >Check Out These Sunglasses
• Snacks:  The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars.  Cliff Bars are great for hiking.
• Camera:  The camera I have linked was one of the first cameras I started using on my travels. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.    >Buy Sony Camera Here
• First Aid Kit:  This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable.  >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
• Day Pack In Case You Are Day Hiking From One Of The Campgrounds:  The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong!  >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
• Leggings or Hiking Pants:  I love wearing leggings while hiking because I love how comfy they are but don’t forget that the PNW is known for being rainy. I still try to wear leggings as much as I can and only wear them in Olympic NP if I know it won’t rain that day. Either way, here are some excellent hiking pants that are super durable and that I wore during this trip.  >Click For My Favorite Hiking Pants
• Breathable sweat-wicking shirts
• Sports Bra:  For women.
• Jacket:  It can get pretty chilly. Bring a Jacket!  >Buy My Favorite Jacket
• Light Jacket:  The PNW weather can be unpredictable. That is why I brought three jackets with me. It wasn’t so cold when we hiked, so I brought a light jacket.  >Buy The Jacket I Am Wearing In The Pictures Here
• Rain Jacket:  In case it starts pouring on you, which is always a possibility in the PNW. This is my PNW hiking rainjacket.  >Buy A Great Rainjacket Here
• Backpack 50 – 65 Liters:  The Osprey (which I have linked) is known to be one of the best brand of backpacks out there.  >Buy my Awesome Backpack
• Backpack Cover: I bought this right before the trip, and I used it the second day. It did its job >Buy A Handy Rain Cover
• Tent:  I just purchased this new Nemo 2 Person tent, and it packs so small, and it is light!  >Buy The Nemo Backpacking Tent
• Jet Boiler:  This is a portable mini stove that will boil water for you. This is great if you are bringing dry food  >Buy My Jet Boiler
• Propane for Jet Boiler:  This can be bought at Walmart or REI on the way to the Olympic National Park.
• Sleeping Pad:  A sleeping pad is pretty much a small, packable inflatable mattress. The one I have linked is known to be the best one out there in the market. It will keep you warm, and it is pretty light.   >Check Out The Best Sleeping Pad
• Dry Food:  Dry food is the perfect food for when you are backpacking. All you have to do is add boiling water. Let me warn you that most dry food doesn’t taste amazing, but it is good enough after a long day of hiking.  >Check Out Some Of My Favorite Dry Food
• Spork:  A spoon and fork in one.   >Buy A Spork Now
• Headlamp:  A headlamp is an absolute must! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight.  >Buy A Headlamp Now
• Pillows:  Pillows can take a lot of room, so I recommend buying an inflatable one. The one I have linked, I have had for six years now, and it is STILL going strong.  >Buy The EXTREMELY Packable Inflatable Pillows
• Sleeping Bag : One of the most critical aspects of getting a good nights sleep! Bringing a sleeping bag is a must.  >Look At Prices
• Compression Pack:  This compresses your sleeping bag, so it is easier to pack!  >Buy a Compression Pack
• Sandals:  I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. I just bought these, and they are super comfortable. Perfect for camping.  >Check Out These Sandals
• Trash Bags:  Everything you pack in, you must pack out. Bring a few trash bags with you.
• Printed Campsite Reservation:  You have to pick this up at the ranger station and hang it outside your tent.
• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries
• Bear Canister:  You can rent this at the ranger station. I decided to buy one just because I will probably use it many times.  >Buy Bear Canister Here
• Bear Canister Holder:  The bear canister didn’t fit in my backpack, so I packed it into this carrying case and clipped it on the outside of my bag.  >Check Out This Bear Canister Carrying Case
• Bear Spray: You never know if you need it. I bought mine at REI, and I always had it by my side (And yes if you are wondering I did see bears.) Please note that if you are flying to Seattle and you bring this on the plane, it will probably get confiscated.  >Buy Your Bear Spray Here
• Fire Starter:  If you want to start a fire, this is an easier way. Just pile up the wood on top, and you are golden!  >Buy This Cool No Match Needed Fire Starter
• Water Reservoir:  You probably need more water than a water bottles worth.  >Here Is My Water Reservoir
• Water Filter Straw: I tend to drink a ton of water. That is why I brought the life straw with me in case I ran out of water. The good thing is that the river is next to the trail 80% of the time.  >Here Is My Straw
• Olympic National Park Map And Book: I started buying maps and books for national parks to help me plan. You can still get a map at the visitors center, but I love that this one is waterproof and more detailed. >Buy My Map >Buy My Book

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Quinault Washington Weather

• Spring:  Temperatures are cool to mild, and the Quinault weather is unpredictable during this time. But, it is the second most popular time to visit.
• Summer:  The most popular time to visit and the temperatures are mild to warm. Rain and thunderstorms are a possibility. This is the best time to get great weather, but it is probably the most crowded.
• Fall:  Temperature decreases and precipitation increases during this time of year. People still hike during this time of year but not as many as Spring and Summer.
• Winter:  This is when Olympic NP experiences the highest amount of precipitation. Chances of snow on the trail. This is the least popular time to visit.

How To Get A Permit

You need to get a permit to be able to backpack to Enchanted Valley. Right, when we arrived at the trailhead, we were asked to show it, and again when we got to the campsite. You can reserve a permit right here . Input your date and group size. It will then ask you which area you need a permit for, so select “Quinault”. Enchanted Valley should be the third to last selection.

You do need to pick up the permit at the rangers station. After you book the permit, they will email you options on where to pick it up. We picked up the permit at Port Angeles because we needed to pick up other permits as well. Another option is to grab it at Quinault Ranger Station, which is pretty close to the trailhead.

How To Deal With Bears

When I started researching about Enchanted Valley, I realized the high probability of spotting a bear. Having seen bears throughout my trip to Banff and Montana , I wasn’t as frightened as I used to be. I read over many times what to do in case I see one, and I had my bear spray on me too.

When I picked up the permit, the Rangers were 99.9% sure I would see a black bear…. and I did. I saw five in total, two mama bears and three cubs. It was probably my favorite part of the trip. If you aren’t used to seeing bears in the wild, please read up on what to do when you see one. As always, never feed or interact with the bears.

Read More: Wildlife Safety Tips

Lodging Near Enchanted Valley

If you want to stay in a more comfortable spot before or after your backpacking trip, here are some hotel options:

• Olympic Lodge:  If Enchanted Valley isn’t the only attraction you are visiting in Olympic National Park, then I highly recommend staying at Port Angeles. I stayed at the Olympic Lodge, which is one of the best hotels in the city. It isn’t a five-star hotel, and I feel like the lighting needs some major updating, but, it is the best hotel on the Peninsula. The concierge did tell me that they are remodeling pretty soon though.    >Click Here To Check Pricing
• Lake Quinault Lodge: This is the best closest hotel to the trailhead. We stopped here for a bite to eat after our hike (we were starving!) and I loved the cozy feel of this place. It had some cool cabin vibes. >Click Here To Check Pricing

Read More: Where to Stay in Olympic National Park – 10 Best Cabins & Rentals

Camping Near Enchanted Valley

Car camping near Enchanted Valley before or after the trip is an excellent way to relax and to get to know the area. Plus, Lake Quinault is an excellent spot to experience for a day. Here are some of the closest car camping campgrounds:

• Graves Creek Campground: It is located near the trailhead, and it is first come first serve. For more information, click here. 
• Gatton Creek Campground: This site is a Lake Quinault Campground, but it is not officially part of the national park. For more information, click here. 
• Falls Creek Campground: If you want to experience Lake Quinault Camping, then this is a great spot, but, it is not officially part of the national park. For more information, click here .
• Willaby Campground:  This site is a Lake Quinault Campground, but it is not officially part of the national park. For more information, click here. 

Backpacking The Enchanted Valley Olympic National Park

• Distance: 26 miles roundtrip (officially)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• How Many Nights Recommended: 2 nights
• Elevation Gain: 1700 Feet
• Parking Pass/Entry Fee: None
• Permit Required: Backcountry Camping Permit as Explained Above
• Trail Guide: Link

I honestly wouldn’t label this trail as difficult. The elevation gain isn’t too bad, and a good portion of the hike usually levels out. It is just looooonnggg. We didn’t keep track of our mileage, but we are pretty sure the trail was longer than 26 miles. The path has changed over the years that it seems like 26 miles is a bit inaccurate.

The long trek is why I recommend staying at least two nights to get a feel for the area entirely. But, if you have limited time like us, one night is okay. You will feel like you barely had a chance to see the chalet.

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Graves Creek

This is where your adventure begins! Let me warn you that the road to get to Graves Creek is a gravel road. Parking is ok. We were able to find a parking spot easily, but I can see it being pretty difficult during a holiday weekend.

The trailhead has a restroom and trash cans, so I recommend using the restroom before this long trek. The Rangers came up to us while we were getting ready to make sure we brought bear canisters and our permit. Again, they reminded us that we would probably see bears.

Right at the start of the trail is a cute bridge where you can take a picture. This isn’t the last bridge you will see, though. There are many sprinkled throughout the trek. The numerous bridges and constant running water created a wonderfully calming environment throughout the trail. I loved it.

What I also liked about this trail was that it is a moderate hike. Not too easy, not too hard. Since I did this during the beginning of hiking season, I wasn’t in shape for a hike that was all uphill. But at the same time, I didn’t want the trail to be a walk in the park. This trail was able to give me the best of both worlds. With challenging inclines that would eventually level out to help me catch my breath — the perfect type of hike for a backpacking trip.

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Pony Bridge

I loved this area that we decided to eat lunch here. You will notice a lot of day hikers throughout the beginning of the trail. They are all making their way to see this beautiful Quinault river bridge. You can see the fantastic blue-green colors of the East Fork Quinault River.

There is a way to get closer to the river, but you have to do a bit of scrambling. We decided against it.

O’Neil Creek

Oneil Creek is when we started to realize that maybe this trail was a lot more than 26 miles. O’Neil Creek is the halfway point of Enchanted Valley. The picture below shows the fork in the road. You can either head down to O’Neil Creek Campground or trek on to Enchanted Valley. Since we didn’t want to spend energy hiking down, then back up, we decided to keep on trucking on.

There are two bridges before and after O’Neil Creek Campground if you want to take a break. The one after O’Neil Creek is called No Name Creek.

Pyrites Creek

When we talked to the Rangers, I asked which area the bears were more prevalent. They answered that the bears were in the higher elevation areas. When we got to Pyrites Creek, we ran into a couple of people and they let us know that the bears were just a few miles ahead. I was, of course, excited, my friend Shannon was not too thrilled. We made sure to keep an eye out for any cute bears.

I feel like Pyrites Creek is an excellent place to camp at if you don’t feel like carrying your heavy backpacks anymore. You can pitch a tent and then easily hike with a day pack to Enchanted Valley. I love sunsets and sunrises, so I wanted to stay at Enchanted Valley overnight, but if you are exhausted, Pyrites Creek is a good alternative.

Eventually, we ran into the bears. A momma bear and two cubs. I completely forgot to take pictures with them on my nice camera. Instead, I took pictures of them with my phone. You can see a blurry black blob in the image below. I guess I was too tired or excited to think about whipping out my camera. (Please note that most trail pictures are taken with My iPhone due to the long hike. I took photos of the Chalet with my nice camera though). In total, we saw five bears.

Enchanted Valley

After seeing the bears, we were exhausted. We had been hiking for about 6 hours, and we were ready to relax. When we saw the bridge below, we knew we were close. We saw the Chalet in the distance and the tall standing mountains.

When we finally got to the Chalet, a Ranger came to greet us and to check if we had a bear canister. As you can see, there is no messing around when it comes to feeding the bears. Please make sure to keep a distance from any bears and don’t feed them. The ranger was telling us he was there to keep people away from the bears. I was shocked that people would go out of their way to disturb the animals.

Picking a camping spot is pretty straightforward. There are many spots with fire rings and tables. There is also a restroom, but it isn’t the nicest or cleanest. The river flows right next to the chalet, so we decided to pitch our tents next to the river and chalet. Going to sleep with the river flowing right next to me was the best way to pass out after a long strenuous day!

Taking pictures with the Chalet is a must! There are many waterfalls, and you can even go for a little exploring. You can also hike from Enchanted Valley to Anderson Glacier. The elevation gain is a lot more intense, but if you have extra time to spare, it is a good option.

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The Chalet has been around since the 1930s and provided a retreat for hikers and horseback riders. The Chalet was an Aircraft Warning Station during World War II and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Due to the chalet being too close to the river, entering the chalet is now closed to all hikers, but you can at least camp near it.  With the surrounding mountains and the beautiful waterfalls, this spot is a magical place to behold.

Enchanted Valley Trail Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this Olympic National Park backpacking guide. Please make sure to check out some of my other popular posts or comment below! Until next time 🙂

• Ultimate Guide to Rialto Beach and Hole In The Wall
• Ultimate Guide To Second Beach Camping
• Everything You Need To Know About Hurricane Ridge
• The Best Hikes In Olympic National Park
• A Backpacking Guide To The High Divide Trail
• Backpacking Essentials for Beginners

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11 comments.

This looks like an absolutely epic hike! We love the OP, and we’ll definitely need to plan a couple extra days for this hike the next time we’re in Olympic National Park! Pinning this for later 🙂

So glad you liked it 🙂

This looks like such an amazing hike. We really want to get back to the US and go hiking around Oregan and Washington so this is definitely helpful for planning.

So glad you liked it!

Wow this is absolutely stunning! Enchanted Valley Olympic National Park looks like an amazing place to get away from the city for a little while. I will definitely include this on my list of places to in the Pacific Northwest. This is a great, comprehensive guide!

Go during the snowmelt / spring runoff to see the multitude of many, many Waterfalls and cascades down the sides of the valley’s mountains !!

Yes I noticed a lot of waterfalls! So beautiful any time of year 🙂

Do you think this trail could be hiked in only one night, if started early (7AM, both days) ?

Yes! I did that! It is just hard and it feels rushed but very doable.

You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t find it. What a perfect website.

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Table of contents

8 Iconic Pacific Northwest Backpacking Trips

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The Pacific Northwest is an adventure junkie’s paradise. It’s a breathtakingly diverse playground of craggy granite peaks, high alpine lakes, meadows socked with wildflowers, a rugged windswept coastline, and more shades of green than your eyeballs can handle.

With so many stunning trails to choose from, it can sometimes be tough to settle on the next one. That’s why we put together this list of our personal favorite Pacific Northwest backpacking trips. These are some of the most iconic and spectacular trails the PNW has to offer, so dust off your pack and add one of these gems to your summer adventure list.

Wonderland Trail

• Length : 93 miles
• Days needed : 8-13 days (most people take around 10 days)
• Location : Mount Rainier National Park, WA
• Best time to hike : Late July to mid-September
• Difficulty : Strenuous

The Wonderland trail circumnavigates massive and spectacular Mount Rainier over the course of 93 miles. It’s a very challenging hike, with over 23,000 feet of elevation change, but the rewards are plentiful. With breathtaking glacier views, wildflower meadows, pristine lakes, and miles of lush rainforests, the ever-changing landscape of the Wonderland Trail will not disappoint.

Permits for this very popular hike can be secured in advance through a yearly lottery system, though the park does save some permits for walk-in travelers.

Wonderland Maps & Guides

• CleverHiker Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide – Our quick guide to assist you in planning your trip around Rainier.
• FarOut Wonderland Trail Guide – This popular app has user-generated comments on water sources, campsites, and important landmarks.
• Wilderness Trip Planning Map – This basic map from the National Park Service will give you a general idea of campsite locations and the distances between them.
• Green Trails Map 269S – Mount Rainier Wonderland – This is a fantastic map for hiking the Wonderland Trail. It’s a detailed topographical map that’s ideal for use along the trail.
• Hiking the Wonderland Book – A complete guide to the Wonderland by a Washington native that’s hiked the trail seven times. An excellent source of information.
• Plan & Go Wonderland Book – A comprehensive guide that contains everything you need to know for hiking the 93-mile Wonderland Trail.
• Backpacking Washington Book – This hike is covered in the Backpacking Washington book as well, just not in quite as much detail.

TIMBERLINE TRAIl

• Length : ~40 miles
• Days needed : 3-5 days (most people complete the loop in 4 days)
• Location : Mount Hood Area, OR
• Best time to hike : End of July to late September

The Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood is one of Oregon’s most iconic and scenic trails. This 40-mile loop is a fantastic way to experience the immense size and beauty of Mt. Hood. On the Timberline you’ll encounter lush old-growth forests, pristine alpine waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, towering craggy glaciers, rough volcanic landscapes, and some of the finest cascade views around. The hiking certainly won’t be easy, with plenty of ups and downs along the way, but in the end, the rewards are well worth it.

Timberline Maps & Guides

• CleverHiker Timberline Trail Backpacking Guide – Our complete guide to hiking the Timberline Trail.
• FarOut Timberline Trail Guide – A smartphone app with all the user-generated info you need for navigating the Timberline Trail.
• Green Trails Map 462SX – Mt Hood Climbing Map – This is an excellent, detailed map for the Timberline Trail.

Backpacking Oregon – This hike is covered in depth in the Backpacking Oregon book.

ENCHANTMENT LAKES

• Length : 19 miles from Stuart Lakes Trailhead to Snow Lakes Trailhead
• Days needed : 3-4 days to explore the entire area
• Location : Leavenworth, WA
• Best time to hike : Permit timeframe is May 15th – October 31st

Washington’s Enchantment Lakes are a truly magical sight to see. They reside in an area where immense granite peaks, majestic mountain goats, and crystal clear alpine lakes are hidden around every corner. Be ready for big climbs and jagged peaks along well-maintained trails. For the ambitious hiker, there are some incredible side trips, such as the can’t-miss climb to the top of Little Annapurna for jaw-dropping panoramic views. This area won’t be too crowded because of the strict permitting process, but securing overnight permits during peak season will require good luck. This hike should be on every backpackers bucket list.

Enchantments Maps & Guides

• CleverHiker Enchantment Lakes Backpacking Guide – Our complete guide to backpacking the Enchantment Lakes.
• Green Trails Enchantments Map 209s – This is an excellent, detailed map for the Enchantment Lakes area.
• Backpacking Washington – This hike is covered in depth in the Backpacking Washington book.

WALLOWA RIVER LOOP

• Length : 36 miles
• Days needed : 4-5 days
• Location : Wallawa-Whitman National Forest – Eagle Cap Wilderness, OR
• Best time to hike : Late July to September
• Difficulty : Moderate to difficult

The Wallowa Mountain Range is one of the finest areas to backpack in Oregon. This loop will take you through the stunning (and popular) Lakes Basin Area and over some breathtaking mountain passes. Over the course of this loop you’ll encounter crystal clear lakes and streams, wildflower-socked meadows, and granite peaks that will make you wonder if you’re still in Oregon. There are also worthy side trips to the summit of Eagle Cap and Matterhorn that will further solidify your appreciation for the Wallowas. Although this trail sees its fair share of hikers, it’s still well worth the trip.

Wallowa Maps & Guides

• CleverHiker Wallowa River Loop Backpacking Guide – Our complete guide to backpacking the Wallowa River Loop. There are two main topo maps for this area – the Imus Geographics and U.S. Forest Service maps .
• Hiking Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness – A practical and thorough book about Eagle Cap trails that’s complete with maps, descriptions, elevation profiles, and photos.

HIGH DIVIDE – SEVEN LAKES BASIN LOOP

• Length : 19 mile loop
• Days needed : 2-4 days
• Location : Olympic National Park, WA
• Best time to hike : Mid-July to September
• Difficulty : Moderate
• Note : Bear canisters  are required for this hike.

Olympic National Park has some of the most stunningly diverse backpacking trails in the Pacific Northwest and the High Divide Trail is one of it’s most scenic. Though this trek is incredibly beautiful, it’s definitely not a secret. This trail winds its way through old growth forests as you climb into dramatic high alpine scenery. Once you reach the lakes basin, you will be spoiled with pristine pools, gorgeous meadows, and stunning views of Mt. Olympus.

Permits are limited for overnight camping between May 1st and September 30th, but there are also some permits given on a first-come, first-served basis. And if you really want to go all out, you can end your trek with a visit to the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort to rest those weary bones.

High Divide Maps & Guides

• Best Hike High Divide Loop Guide – A great blog post with detailed information on everything you need to know before hitting the trail.
• Green Trails Map 133S – This is an excellent, detailed map for the the Seven Lakes Basin.

National Geographic Map – This is a detailed map of the entire Olympic National Park.If you want an all-encompassing map and don’t mind carrying the extra bulk, this is a good resource.

Hiking Olympic National Park – This is a great resource that covers 66 of the best trails the ONP has to offer, ranging from day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.

Three Sisters Loop

• Length : ~50 miles, depending on trailhead
• Days needed : 3-6 days
• Location : Three Sisters Wilderness, OR
• Best time to hike : Late July to October

This 50-mile loop circles the North, Middle, and South Sister volcanoes, providing a fantastic array of diverse terrain. Take this amazing journey and wander through rugged volcanic landscapes complete with expansive pumice fields, pristine melt lakes, quiet old-growth forests, newly recovering burn areas, peaceful wildflower meadows, and glossy obsidian streams. This is truly an Oregon adventure not to be missed.

Three Sisters Maps & Guides

CleverHiker Three Sisters Loop Backpacking Guide – Our complete guide to hiking the Three Sisters Loop.

Green Trails Maps 622 SX – This is an excellent, detailed maps for the Three Sisters Loop.

GOAT ROCKS – GOAT LAKE LOOP

• Length : 13.5 miles (additional miles along the PCT will add time but is well worth it.)
• Days needed : 2-3 days
• Location : Goat Rocks Wilderness, OR
• Best time to hike : July to October

With panoramic views of St. Helens, Rainier and Adams, the Goat Lake Loop is an ideal backpacking trip for those with limited time. Traverse through wildflower meadows and rocky ridges as you ascend to beautiful and frigid Goat Lake. There are a few epic campsites on the ridge near Goat Lake, but you may have to get there early to snag one. If you have more time, set up a basecamp near Snowgrass Flats and hike north along the Pacific Crest Trail. That’s where you’ll find some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the area: mountain vistas in all directions with a knife ridge hike and, if you’re lucky, mountain goats.

Goat Rocks Maps & Guides

• Oregon Hikers – Goat Lake Loop – This is a great play-by-play description of the Goat Lake Loop with information on mileage, a map, and trip reports.
• Green Trails Map 303S – A detailed backpacking map of the Goat Rocks Area.

Olympic Coast Trail

• Length : Varies (73 miles of possible trails)
• Days needed : Varies
• Location : Olympic National Park Coastal Area, WA
• Best time to hike : Year round, weather permitting. Winter storms can elevate tides and make beach walking hazardous, so closely monitor weather reports before your hike.
• Note : Bear canisters are required for this hike. Also, carry a tide chart and know how to read it when camping along the coast.

Many people visiting the Olympic National Park choose to hike into the Hoh Rain Forest or climb into the glaciated peaks surrounding Mt. Olympus. While both of those trips are awe-inspiring in their own right, don’t discount the unique experience of backpacking along the Olympic Coast. You will see wild desolate beaches, endless sea stacks, and daunting headlands with the chance to spot starfish and sea anemones in tide pools along the way. These 73 miles of rugged, undeveloped coastline are uniquely challenging, but very rewarding. Hike from one deserted beach to the next through a series of overland trails, many of which employ ropes and ladders to help you climb the eroded embankments.

Camping is permitted along the coast, except between the Quillayute River and Ellen Creek. The area between Shi Shi Beach and Ozette is the most stunning, however if you venture farther away you’ll find more solitude. Along the coast there are some forested campsites and you can also camp on the beach, just make absolutely certain you’re well above the high tide line.

National Park Service: Olympic Coast Routes – Our favorite source of information on various coastal routes and trails.

Backpacking Washington – Hikes along the Olympic National Park coastal regions are covered in depth in the Backpacking Washington book as well.

Green Trails Maps 98S , 130S , and 163S – Once you decide which portion of the coastal route you are going to tackle, pick the corresponding map and you should be good to go.

PNW Backpacking Considerations

Leave no trace.

No matter where your next adventure takes you, please follow wilderness regulations and help keep our wild spaces pristine for years to come. Leave no trace y’all.

DIFFICULTY RATING

Difficulty depends on your experience, physical fitness, pack weight, trail conditions, and weather. It’s nearly impossible for us to make individual difficulty recommendations without knowing you, so please think about those considerations when planning your hike.

PACKING LIGHT

We love lightweight backpacking because it makes hiking more enjoyable. And in the PNW, keeping your pack light makes a huge difference on climbs and descents. Our gear guides are dedicated to recommending exceptional lightweight equipment to help minimize pack weight and maximize comfort.

Many of the trails on this list are iconic and therefore popular. Hiking during the week or outside of peak season will reduce the number of travelers you see on the trail. Having said that, the wilderness is far from Portland or Seattle, so you’ll have plenty of time to yourself as well.

The trails listed in this guide are generally well-maintained and well-marked. That said, you should always carry a topographical map and compass in the wilderness and know how to use them. If you need a navigation refresher, check out our video tutorials, Navigation #1 – Staying Found, and Navigation #2 – Map, Compass, & GPS.

July and August are generally great for wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest, but that’s also the time when mosquitoes will be the worst. Use a combination of permethrin on your clothing and a small amount of 30% DEET for full protection.

Black bears are common in the Pacific Northwest, so proper food storage is very important. You’re less likely to see bears on popular trails, but there will still be small critters trying to get into your food supply, and they’ll happily chew through your expensive gear to get after it. Make sure to carry a food storage container or know how to hang a bear bag properly. Bear canisters and Ursacks are the most effective and easiest storage methods. Remember: proper food storage is for the safety of you and the bears.

It’s no secret that it rains a lot in the PNW. That’s the main reason it’s so green and lush, but continuous rain can also be a major bummer on backcountry trips. Hypothermia is a very real danger when hiking in the rain, so learning how to stay safe, dry, and happy in the rain is a key PNW skill. Pay close attention to the weather forecast before your trip and always be prepared for wet weather. And if you need some fresh gear, check out our guides on rain jackets and rain pants .

BACKPACKING BOOKS

The Backpacking Oregon and Backpacking Washington books are two of our favorite resources for Pacific Northwest trip planning. They feature detailed information on the iconic trails in this article as well as some lesser known yet equally worthy hikes. If you find yourself in the PNW backcountry often, find a space on your bookshelf for both.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of our favorite Pacific Northwest backpacking trips. We absolutely love exploring the PNW and we hope these treks help you do the same. Please remember to hike responsibly and help preserve our beautiful wild spaces for generations to come.

Why trust us?

We understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously.

• Our recommendations are completely independent and based on hands-on experience.
• We test outdoor gear for a living – we’ve logged over 20,000 trail miles and 1,000 nights in the wilderness.
• Our team has thru-hiked some of the most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Arizona Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, as well as extensive peak bagging, and international treks.
• We field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to stay up-to-date on product innovations.
• We continuously update our guides throughout the year and when new products launch.
• We treat recommendations to our readers as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to feedback. If you think we’ve missed a worthy product or got something wrong, we’d love to know about it.

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Top Washington Backpacking Trips

• All Inspiration and Destinations
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When you think about backpacking in the United States, does your mind immediately go to the lush old-growth forests, rugged peaks, and wild coastline of Washington State? If it doesn’t – it should. Washington has some of the most beautiful, varied, and well-maintained trails in the country, so many seasoned backpackers are well aware of the multitude of trails that wait to be explored. It would take a lifetime to scratch the surface of all the magic that Washington has to offer, but here is a collection of some of the most impressive trail systems in the state. There’s something here for everyone – from first-time backpackers to those already comfortable with harsh terrain, snow travel, and navigation.

The unique climate and heavy seasonal rainfall of the Pacific Northwest help to carve dramatic landscapes – from sea stacks to rainforests, to mountains so steep they are nicknamed “the American Alps.” These  Washington backpacking trips  will leave you exhausted and dirty (with a smile permanently plastered across your face), but you’ll undoubtedly be planning your next trip the moment you step off the trail.

Explore the Pacific Northwest with Expert Guides

1. Seven Lakes Basin/High Divide Loop

Trip Overview

The Seven Lakes Basin Loop is a classic destination that ventures into the high country of  Olympic National Park . This eighteen-mile loop takes you past one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state, through old-growth rainforests, and up into a subalpine basin sprinkled with lakes and tarns (a ‘tarn’ is just a more specific name for a small alpine lake residing in a glacially-carved bowl). The low mileage is deceiving – this hike climbs substantially but packs in the views: from wildflowers to wildlife, to the idyllic turquoise lakes set amidst rolling green meadows and rocky ridges.  Hikers also have the opportunity to take short detours to additional lakes or to ascend Bogachiel Peak, which sits along the High Divide Ridge at almost 5500 feet.

Trip Details

Starting the loop counter-clockwise, you’ll follow signs for Deer Lake as you hike through old-growth forest to Sol Duc Falls. If you begin your hike early, you may get to experience the falls with minimal crowds. Later in the day, this is a crowded day hike. Stop on the bridge and let the mist of the falls surround you. From here, you’ll continue to climb and reach Deer Lake at around 3.4 miles. This lake, set amidst a sub-alpine forest, is deserving of its name. If you choose to spend a night here, listen for sounds of deer crunching through the woodland.

If you got an early start, you might choose to take in the sights and sounds of Deer Lake for lunch before advancing to a higher camp, such as Potholes Camp at 4.9 miles or one of many sites at the Seven Lakes Basin around mile 7.5.

High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin

You reach High Divide around mile six, and the grade of the trail eases while the views progressively get better. Around mile seven, a junction leads you down into the Seven Lakes Basin. This basin is home to more than the seven lakes that the name suggests and includes the scenic Round Lake and Lunch Lake, where there is a group camp. In addition to group camps, there are several single campsites further into the basin, towards Wye Lakes if you can secure a permit and want the added solitude.

Once you enter the basin, avoid the temptation to wander. Stay on the established trail and observe the variety of alpine species that surrounds you. Wildflowers begin blooming after the snowmelt, usually around late-July, and peak around early August. In the early fall, be on the lookout for blueberries to snack on. This basin is home to many wildlife species – namely deer, elk, marmots, and black bears.

Mountain goats were once a common sight in this area, but this may be changing. This controversial species was introduced to the Olympic Mountain range by hunting groups in the 1920s, so in 2018, the Park Service began the process of relocating the Olympic population to the Cascade Range on the Eastern side of the Puget Sound, where they are native. Mountain goat populations, when uncontrolled, are detrimental to fragile alpine environments, and ecologists hope that this relocation will help restore the park’s ecology to a more natural state. Hikers can help maintain this balance by watching where they urinate – deer and goats crave the salt in human urine, so be mindful to pee on rocks and trails, rather than alpine plants. This will stop deer from pulling up these delicate species to get to the salt.

Bogachiel Peak

From High Divide, Mt Olympus dominates your view to the South as you stare straight at the park’s largest glacier – Blue Glacier. It is hard to get a sense of scale from this view, but for some context: Blue Glacier contains around 580 million cubic feet of ice and snow. It’s currently retreating, like many of the country’s glaciers, and has lost 178 feet of depth at its terminus since 1987.

The trail meanders along the divide until you can choose to climb a short side trail towards Bogachiel Peak, a former lookout site. It offers spectacular views of the Bailey Range, the Seven Lakes Basin, Mt. Olympus, and the Hoh River Valley snaking its way through various shades of green at the bottom of a U-shaped valley.

It’s a steady descent for the rest of your journey. Heart Lake, located below High Divide at mile 10.5, sits around tree-line and has some great camping options. Keep an eye open for Roosevelt Elk, a species unique to the Olympic region, as hikers often see them grazing in the meadows. Once you leave Heart Lake, the trail dips back into the forest, regularly meeting up with the raging Sol Duc River before joining with the junction near the falls once again. From here, it’s a quick walk back to your car.

Recommended Itinerary

Day 1 :  Sol Duc Falls Trailhead to Deer Lake.  Total hike is 3.4 miles, 1650 feet elevation gain.

(Alternative with an early start: Sol Duc Falls Trailhead to Lunch Lake or other Seven Lakes Basin camp,  Total hike is 7.5 miles, 3000 feet elevation gain.)

Day 2 :  Deer Lake to Heart Lake.  Total hike is 6.5 miles, 1750 feet elevation gain.

Day 3 :  Heart Lake to Sol Duc Falls Trailhead . Total hike is 6.5 miles, 1860 feet elevation loss.

Getting There

The Sol Duc Valley is on the Northern side of the Olympic Peninsula, located off Hwy 101 between Forks and Port Angeles.  Road conditions  can vary with weather, especially in the early spring and late fall.

From Port Angeles: Drive west on Hwy 101 for 29 miles until you reach Sol Duc Road. Turn left and continue on Sol Duc Road for 14 miles. Once you pass the hot springs and resort, you’ll soon reach the parking lot at the end of the road.

Permits, Fees, and Reservations

There are a limited number of permits for overnight campers to protect this alpine landscape. You can make  reservations  in advance, which the National Park Service recommends between May 1 st  and September 30 th . However, if you’re looking for a last-minute trip, half of the campsites on the High Divide loop are kept open for walk-up permits at the Wilderness Information Center. Camping along the loop is permitted in designated sites only. Bear canisters are required and can be rented at the Wilderness Information Center.

An entrance fee* of $30 per vehicle, or $15 per individual, is required to enter the National Park.

*The  America the Beautiful National Park Pass  would cover this entrance fee.

Wilderness Camping fees of $8 per person are charged for each adult over 16. There is a $6 non-refundable reservation fee for each overnight permit reserved in advance.

When to Hike

Mid-July through September is the best time of year to hike this loop due to late snowmelt and early snowfall at higher elevations.

Hike OLympic NP with a Guide

Guided Olympic National Park backpacking trips are available, and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. The tour company handles permits, gear, transportation, meals, and provides a professional guide so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure. Read more…

Award Winning Hiking Adventures

2. South Coast Trail

The Olympic Coast is unlike any other location in the country. The beaches are unique – from sandy expanses to boulder-covered coastlines, to towering sea stacks silhouetted by the setting sun. Each mile provides a new challenge and adventure to backpackers willing to work with the changing tides. Two sections of the Olympic coastline are completely undeveloped – one of which is the Southern stretch, from Oil City to Third Beach. The low mileage doesn’t mean a more leisurely excursion; this seventeen-mile trek requires you to hop on boulders and driftwood, ford rivers, and climb up and across wild headlands via rope ladders. For those willing to put in the work, a dynamic, wild coastline awaits – abounding with marine life and free from human development.

Oil City Trailhead

The stretch from Oil City to Third Beach is best hiked from south to north based on the tides. Before setting off on your hike, talk to a ranger at the Wilderness Information Center about the tides and best times to ford rivers and get past the rough sections of trail. Once equipped with a tide table, start at the Oil City trailhead and take the South Coast Trail along the Hoh River. You’ll start on level ground as you quickly approach the coast. Hop along boulders and driftwood as you pass Diamond Rock – the lower the tide, the easier this section will be.

Hoh Head and Mosquito Creek

As you approach Hoh Head, you’ll have to divert into the forest and climb a series of rope ladders. Gloves can be helpful during these stretches as you pull yourself (and your pack!) up these ropes. The first rope ladder you encounter is the start of a three-mile stretch overland through the forest. The rainforest contains thick beds of moss, huge banana slugs, bushes of edible thimbleberry, and soaring old-growth Douglas firs and Sitka spruce. You’ll continue to descend and climb, adding elevation to what would be an otherwise gentle trail. The miles are slow here – with many groups averaging one mile an hour. Camp near Mosquito Creek and plan to ford the river at low tide the next day. During high tide or after heavy rains, this can be a very challenging crossing.

Strawberry Point and Toleak Point

Continue along the beach, watching for bald eagles, harbor seals, sea lions, and whales. At times, you’ll turn back inland to climb bluffs when necessary.

A second night of camping at either Strawberry Point or Toleak Point will allow you ample opportunity to take in the immense diversity of sea creatures that inhabit this coast. Tide pools teeming with life should be observed during the lowest tides possible. Vibrant sea stars, waving anemones, sea slugs, and mollusks exist in depressions in and between rocks. The longer you watch, the more life appears before your eyes. Tiny fish dance amidst the floating kelp, while nearly invisible crabs scuttle back and forth in the pools. Barnacles open and close their shell, extending a feathery appendage, to take in microscopic plankton.

Third Beach

From your last campsite, head north towards the Third Beach trailhead, and take in the beauty of the Giants Graveyard, an iconic cluster of sea stacks near Scott Creek. Soon you will be back in the forest, where a mile and a half trek returns you to your parked car.

Day 1 :  Oil City Trailhead to Mosquito Creek Camp.  Total hike is 6.1 miles.

Day 2 :  Mosquito Creek Camp to Strawberry Point.  Total hike is 5.6 miles.

Day 3 :  Strawberry Point to Third Beach trailhead.  Total hike is 5.5 miles.

This one-way hike requires a two-car shuttle to complete. Drop one car at the Third Beach trailhead, and shuttle with the second car to the start of your trek at the Oil City trailhead.

From Forks, WA: 

To drop a car at the Third Beach Trailhead, drive north on Hwy 101 for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto WA-110 W/La Push Road. You will reach the Third Beach Trailhead in 11.6 miles. Hop in the second vehicle and backtrack to Forks. Turn right to head south on Hwy 101 for 15.8 miles until you reach Oil City Road. Turn right and follow Oil City Road for 10 miles until you reach the trailhead.

Permits are required for overnight travel in Olympic National Park, and you can obtain one at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles. However, there is currently no limit on permit numbers and no advance reservations are necessary. Many camps, such as Third Beach, can get very crowded in the summer and finding campsites can get challenging.  Bear canisters are required and can be rented at the Wilderness Information Center.

Wilderness Camping fees of $8 per person are charged for each adult over 16.

May through October. Always bring a topographical map and tide chart to ensure you follow appropriate routes and times each day. Heavy rainfall and high streamflow levels in the winter and spring increase the challenge of this trail, so it is recommended only to experienced backpackers during these seasons.

Hike the Olympic Coast with a Guide

If the appeal of the coast draws you in, but you dread the logistics surrounding this trip, guided  Olympic Coast backpacking trips  are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. The tour company handles permits, gear, transportation, meals, tide table logistics, and provides a professional guide so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure.  Read more…

All-inclusive Washington Trekking Trips

3. Cascade Pass/Sahale Glacier/Horseshoe Basin

The  North Cascades National Park  is an amazing hiking destination less than three hours from Seattle, but with a fraction of the visitors as other parks in the area. The  backpacking trips  in this park will lead you through old-growth forests, wildflower-filled meadows, into some of the best alpine terrain this country has to offer. As you look out onto a vast wilderness system of hundreds of glaciers crowned with jagged peaks, you’ll gaze at a dynamic yet vulnerable ecosystem that is continually being shaped by our changing climate. Listen for the crashing of hanging glaciers, the humming of the varied thrush, and the bubbling of alpine streams as you traverse through some of the most magnificent environments you’ll ever see.

Cascade Pass

The moment you arrive at the parking lot for the Cascade Pass trailhead, you know this is going to be a special trip. Johannesburg Mountain dominates your view to the Southwest — a dark, blocky, monolith with hanging glaciers dripping over its’ steep relief — while water cascades down the rocky gullies of Cascade Peak and the Triplets, and into the valley below.

The trail takes off into the forest and gently ascends over thirty switchbacks in about three miles. Peek-a-boo views of Eldorado Peak greet you through breaks in the trees as you round switchback corners. As you start ascending higher into a sub-alpine zone, the trees get shorter, and wildflowers get plentiful – depending on the season. Talus fields lead the way towards Cascade Pass, and if you engage your senses, you may be able to hear the resounding whistle of a marmot before you see one scurrying between rocks or lounging in the sun.

Cascade Pass is a favorite day hiker destination – for a good reason. As you reach the crest, expansive views into Pelton Basin open up in front of you. Bears, mountain goats, and marmots frequent this basin and can often be seen moving through the valley. From the pass, trails branch off in multiple directions. A trail ascends north towards the Sahale Arm and Sahale Glacier Camp. A path, which leads into the Upper Stehekin River Valley and towards Horseshoe Basin, descends to the east.

Sahale Glacier Camp

If you’ve secured a permit for the Sahale Glacier Camp, you have a big climb ahead of you. As you head up towards Sahale Arm, be mindful to stay on the trail. You are entering an alpine zone with fragile vegetation. The hike up to Sahale Glacier camp  – the highest-elevation established campground in the North Cascades – is not for the faint of heart. It is a strenuous journey of almost 4000 feet of elevation gain. However, every step is worth the effort. As you climb higher, Doubtful Lake, which sits beneath Sahale Peak, comes into view. The various shades of turquoise look almost irresistible, but the trek down to the lake is best saved for another day.

The trail continues up onto the Sahale Arm, the ridgeline that leads towards the peak. The trail progressively gets more narrow and rockier as you gain elevation. The terrain in the last mile crosses loose boulder fields and requires navigation by cairns. Take caution; the trail can quickly become hard to follow in low-visibility conditions. Once you make it to Sahale Glacier Camp, you are rewarded with some of the best views in the state, and maybe even the country. Layers and layers of the Cascade Range extend before you, with new details revealed with the shifting of the sunlight. Choose a camp spot protected by one of the many rock walls. Stake your tent down well here; weather can roll in quickly in this alpine environment, and high winds are common.

Upper Stehekin River Valley

If you don’t have a Sahale Glacier Camp permit or you’re saving it for later in your trip, head downhill from Cascade Pass to descend into Pelton Basin through hills of blueberry bushes (which reach their peak in early-to-mid September). Black bears cubs often tumble around on the snowfields in this basin. The longer you stay on the trail, the higher the surrounding peaks tower above you. Pelton Basin Camp sits at the bottom of this valley and is a great basecamp to explore this area.

If you are continuing to Basin Creek Camp, cross a small pass through a stand of trees. This pass leads you to the adjacent valley: the Stehekin River Valley. Humans historically used this route as a crossing point in the Cascades. Native tribes first crossed these rugged mountains for hundreds of years before eventually, prospectors arrived to search for gold and other precious metals. Relics of mining history remain in Horseshoe Basin at the Black Warrior Mine. There were even talks of developing the Cascade highway through this valley!

Alternative Routes

This area offers many different options for backpackers with alternative routes of varying trip lengths. If you only have one car, it is best done as a  four-day out-and-back  that starts with a hike down to Basin Creek and Horseshoe Basin, before returning the way you came, to spend your last night at Sahale Glacier Camp. While this is one option, one-way variations of this hike (such as Cascade Pass to Stehekin or Thunder Creek) are available if you have multiple cars to shuttle or arrange a key swap with another party halfway through. If you want a more relaxed multi-day option, you can secure permits for Pelton Basin Camp for two or three nights, allowing you to day hike to Horseshoe Basin and Sahale Glacier Camp without a heavy pack. The options are limitless!

Day 1 :  Cascade Pass Trailhead to Basin Creek Campground.  Total hike is 7.4 miles, 1800 feet elevation gain, 2300 feet loss.

Day 2 :  Horseshoe Basin day hike from Basin Creek.  Total hike is 4-6 miles, 1000 feet elevation gain & loss.

Day 3 :  Basin Creek Camp to Sahale Glacier Camp . Total hike is 6.4 miles, 4400 feet elevation gain.

Day 4 :  Sahale Glacier Camp to the trailhead.  Total hike is 6.4 miles, 4300 feet elevation loss.

From Seattle: Follow Interstate 5 north from Seattle until you reach Exit 208 towards Arlington/Darrington. Turn right onto WA-530 East. Continue to follow signs for 530 East until you reach the town of Darrington. Turn left to stay on WA-530 and continue straight for 18.6 miles. Turn right onto Hwy 20 E and follow for 8.4 miles. Directly after the town of Marblemount, turn slightly right and cross a bridge onto Cascade River Road. Follow this road for 23 miles to the Cascade Pass Trailhead.

From Sedro-Wooley: Follow Hwy 20 east for miles until reaching the small town of Marblemount. Turn slightly right and cross a bridge onto Cascade River Road. Follow this road for 23 miles to the Cascade Pass Trailhead.

Backcountry permits  are required year-round for all overnight trips into the North Cascades National Park. Advanced reservations are available for many sites in the park and are highly recommended if you want to secure a permit for the Sahale Glacier Camp. These reservations can be made from March 15 – April 15 for the summer season, and there is a $20 non-refundable application fee for each reservation submitted. You can secure walk-up permits for free for many sites the day before or the day of an overnight visit on a first-come, first served basis. You can obtain these permits at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. Bear canisters are required by campers at Sahale Glacier Camp and are loaned to backpackers by the Park Service for free. Proper food storage, in canisters or by bear hangs, is required in all other parts of the park.

Mid-July through September is the best time to do this backpacking trip due to the high elevation of the trails.  Weather  and  trail  conditions are more variable at other times of the year and should be checked for every backcountry outing.

Hike Cascade Pass – Sahale Glacier with a Guide

Guided  Cascade Pass – Sahale Glacier backpacking trips  are available and are a stress-free, exciting way to do this trip. The tour company handles permits, gear, transportation, meals, and provides a professional guide so you can focus 100% on enjoying your adventure.  Read more about backpacking with Wildland…

4. Spider Gap/Buckcreek Pass

The Spider Gap to Buckcreek Pass loop is a spectacular late summer backpacking trek that leads you through pristine wildflower-filled meadows, over snowfields, and through rugged alpine terrain. You will marvel at the beauty of the Central Cascade Range and get close-up views of Glacier Peak, one of Washington’s five volcanoes. This 44-mile loop takes you through some of the most scenic lands Washington has to offer. You climb up and over multiple mountain passes, setting you up for over 8000’ of elevation gain by the end of your journey. The endless mountain views, remote atmosphere, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings will astound you, helping you to forget how hard you’re working. This trip is best suited for those with backpacking experience as it requires navigation skills and travel over difficult terrain.

Spider Meadows and Spider Gap

You’ll leave the Phelps Creek Trailhead and follow an old mining road along the creek for around 4.5 miles. Enjoy the gentle grade of this trail as you make your way towards Spider Meadows. At mile 5, you emerge from the trees and enter Spider Meadows: a popular backpacking and day hiking destination. In late summer, these meadows are alive with numerous varieties of wildflowers in all hues.

If you don’t mind crowds, camping in these meadows is a great option for a more leisurely first day. However, these spots fill up fast on a summer weekend. Another option is to continue along the trail to a more isolated camp – either at Phelps Basin at the far end of the meadow, or the base of Spider Glacier. At the end the meadows, you will branch left to climb up and over Spider Glacier to Spider Gap — your highest point at 7100’. From here, the trail fades, and you will navigate by map and boot path. Traction can be helpful depending on the time of year and softness of the snow. Trekking poles are a must here!

Lyman Lakes Basin

At the top of Spider Gap, you will see your destination – the Lyman Lakes basin. The powdery blue color of these lakes is due to glacial “flour,” the result of the immense pressure of moving glaciers grinding rocks down into fine silt. Descend steep terrain through scree fields towards the Lyman Basin. Early in the season, snow and ice coverage can make this section impassable. In August and September, a lovely campsite at Lower Lyman Lake awaits you. These lakes are a great place to set your pack down and explore the area; Lyman Falls and Hart Lake are worthwhile destinations to hike to from camp.

Once you leave Lower Lyman Lakes, head uphill for 1.5 miles towards Cloudy Pass, a high meadow set at around 6400’. Another 2.5 miles of hiking will take you to Suiattle Pass. Soon, you will turn left to join with the Pacific Crest Trail. You will only hike on this famous trail for about a mile before you turn onto Miner’s Ridge Trail. This trail leads to Image Lake, an incredibly worthy detour to your trip at around 7.5 miles roundtrip. Spend a night at Image Lake, enjoying some of the best views of Glacier Peak – a notoriously remote mountain.

Buckcreek Pass

The next day, follow your steps back to the junction with the PCT. Turn here and descend 1000’ feet along Miner’s Creek. You’ll eventually reach Buckcreek Pass Trail on the left and follow this for about five miles before a detour to Flower Dome calls to you. This .6 mile spur trail is well worth the extra effort. Buckcreek Pass (and your campsite for your last night) is less than half a mile away. On your final day, descend steep yet steady terrain into the Buck Creek Valley. Views of Liberty Cap and Buck Mountain keep you company as you hike out of the wilderness to the Trinity trailhead. If you only have one parked car, you will have to add on an extra three miles of road walking back to your vehicle.

Recommended Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 :  Phelps Creek Trailhead to Spider Meadows.  Total hike is 6.2 miles, 2000 feet elevation gain.

Day 2:  Spider Meadows to Lower Lyman Lake.  Total hike is 4.5 miles, 2000 feet elevation gain, 2000 feet loss.

Day 3 :  Lower Lyman Lakes to Image Lake.  Total hike is 6.8 miles, 1900 feet elevation gain, 1500 feet loss.

Day 4 :  Image Lake to Buckcreek Pass . Total hike is 10.8 miles, 2900 feet elevation gain, 3000 feet loss.

Day 5 :  Buckcreek Pass to Phelps Creek Trailhead.  Total hike is 13 miles, 3500 feet elevation loss.

From Everett: Head east on Hwy 2 towards Leavenworth. After 85 miles, turn left onto WA-207 N in Coles Corner. Continue 4.2 miles to a Y intersection after crossing the Wenatchee River. Here, take a slight right onto Chiwawa Loop Road and continue for 1.3 miles. Turn left to stay on Chiwawa Loop Road. Stay on this road for 22 miles until you reach a junction. If you have two cars, continue straight for one mile to the Trinity Trailhead to drop off a car for the end of your hike. If you only have one vehicle, bear right at this junction. Drive the last 2.3 very rough miles to the Phelps Creek Trailhead. Low clearance vehicles are not recommended. Check  road conditions  before attempting to access these trailheads.

A  Northwest Forest Pass  or  Interagency Pass  is required to park at the Trinity trailhead off of Chiwawa River Road. No permits or reservations are required for this backpacking trip, although visitors are asked to sign the trailhead register. Proper food storage is necessary, as bears are commonly sighted on this route. Bear canisters are recommended as hanging food at many of the campgrounds is difficult due to small alpine trees.

Like many hikes in the Washington high country, this trip is best done in late summer so that the last of the winter snowfall is melted out. August and early to mid-September are ideal. However, expect to encounter year-round snow travel as you cross Spider Glacier at the top of Spider Gap.

Snow levels can make this route impassable to most parties too early or late in the season.

Wildland Trekking Hiking Adventures

As the world’s premier  hiking and trekking company , Wildland believes in connecting people to fantastic environments in amazing ways. The Pacific Northwest region offers an array of incredible hiking and trekking experiences in Washington State. Wildland Trekking provides 14 different multi-day hiking and backpacking adventures in this region. Read more about our  Pacific Northwest adventures .

To learn more about our  guided backpacking trips  and all of our award-winning  hiking vacations , please visit our  website  or connect with one of our Adventure Consultants: 800-715-HIKE

About Hannah Singleton

Hannah is a content strategist, writer, and guide for Wildland Trekking Company. She was born and raised on the East Coast but currently resides in Salt Lake City, UT where she spends her time exploring the wonders of the Rocky Mountain West. You can check out more of her freelance writing at www.hannah-singleton.com.

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Best Backpacking Spots in Washington’s Cascade Mountains You Should Visit

• Backpacking

Table of Contents [Show]

• 1. Chain Lakes Loop
• 2. Marmot Lake and Jade Lake
• 3. Barclay Lake
• 4. Goat Lake
• 5. Yellow Aster Butte
• 6. Thunder Creek
• 7. Bear Creek Mountain
• 8. Pacific Coast Trail - Harts Pass to Holman Pass
• 9. Windy Pass 

Choosing from Washington state’s countless, astonishing overnight trips is nearly impossible. The Cascade Mountains span the entire state and offer endless opportunities for day hikes to longer, multi-day outings. The nine hikes listed below can be done in a single night or extended to continue trekking beyond the described route. Best of all, these hikes can be reached easily from Seattle for a full weekend outing.

Chain Lakes Loop

Difficulty: Medium. Length: 6.2 miles. Elevation gain: 1800 feet. Routine Type: Loop. Dog Friendly: Yes. Dogs must be leashed within the developed recreation area of Heather Meadows. Family Friendly: Yes. Trailhead: Artist Point, Chain Lake . Notes: Black bears frequent the area.

This classic backpacking loop of the Cascade Mountains starts in the shadow of two of Washington’s most famous peaks — Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan . While the 6.5-mile loop can certainly be completed in a day, the drive to the trailhead makes for a long day for those living in the Seattle area, plus no one will complain about spending more time among these mountains. Just about every season brings a unique beauty to this hike.

Springtime features beautiful wildflowers ; hikers can take a dip in one of the many alpine lakes in summer, and the blueberry bushes put on a brilliant display of colors during fall. There are plenty of camping sites along the trail and options for extended or overnight trips.

You can take a look at our guide on national parks near Seattle for more info.

Marmot Lake and Jade Lake

Difficulty: Medium to Hard. Length: 20 miles. Elevation gain: 2500 feet. Routine Type: There-and-back. Dog Friendly: Yes. Family Friendly: No. Trailhead: Salmon La Sac Trailhead, Cle Elum . Notes: Be mindful of insects, road and trail conditions.

Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness outside the small town of Roslyn , this 20-mile round trip hike is a true gem. The hike to Marmot Lake is fairly easy, while the remaining mile and a half after Marmot Lake is not for the faint of heart. The trek to reach Jade Lake requires walking along a rooted and narrow trail with plenty of fallen trees before reaching a steep and treacherous scramble.

Experienced hikers will be fine, and the climb is absolutely worth it to camp above the stunning turquoise Jade Lake . More adventurous hikers can add on Pea Soup Lake , which sits at the base of Mt. Daniel. Getting there means traversing a glacier, so timing is of the essence.

Barclay Lake

Difficulty: Easy. Length: 4.4 miles. Elevation gain: 500 feet. Routine Type: There-and-back. Dog Friendly: Yes. Family Friendly: Yes. Trailhead: Mount Baring / Barclay Lake Trailhead . Notes: Be mindful of road and trail conditions.

This short 5-mile round-trip jaunt is a perfect backpacking trip for beginners . The mostly flat trail follows a wooded path alongside a river much of the way. Towering trees keep the sun out, and hold warmth in during the cooler months.

Barclay Lake sits just below Mt. Baring, a precipitous peak that reflects its jagged peak in the water. Several lakeside camping spots accommodate backpackers. It’s a popular spot , so plan to arrive early.

Difficulty: Easy. Length: 10.4 miles. Elevation gain: 1400 feet. Routine Type: Loop. Dog Friendly: Yes. Family Friendly: Yes. Trailhead: Elliott Creek Trailhead . Notes: Be mindful of road conditions.

This beginner-friendly backpacking trip to the Cascade Mountains is a 10.4-miles roundtrip hike with 1,400 feet of elevation gain in 5.2 miles. At mile 3, hikers can choose to take either the Upper or Lower Elliot Trail to the terminus at the lake. Take one up and the other down to experience the different Cascade views along each route.

Goat Lake has a nice shoreline surrounded by mountain views . Just above the lake are about 15 or so camping spots with a vaulted toilet . Don’t forget to visit the nearby waterfalls !

Yellow Aster Butte

Difficulty: Hard. Length: 7.5 miles. Elevation gain: 2550 feet. Routine Type: There-and-back. Dog Friendly: Yes. Family Friendly: No. Trailhead: Tomyhoi/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead . Notes: Be mindful of trail and road conditions. Campfires are not allowed. Visitors to this trail must pack out all human waste not bury it.

Practically just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border , Yellow Aster Butte is a wildly popular hike, and for good reason. It has stunning views of Mt. Baker, luscious meadows of wildflowers in the spring, and spectacular fall colors in September. The first mile and a half is tough, gaining 1,500 feet on a steep trail that eventually evens out as you cross through a meadow.

Backpackers may want to ditch their packs at camp , a junction located about 3.6 miles from the trailhead, and carry on to the peak for wide-open views of Mt. Baker, Tomyhoi Peak, Mt. Shuksan, and several other Cascade mountains.

Thunder Creek

Difficulty:   Medium. Length:   10.3 miles. Elevation gain:   1300 feet. Routine Type:   There and back. Dog Friendly:   Yes. Dogs must be leashed. Family Friendly:   Yes. Trailhead:   North Cascades Hwy. 20, Rockport. Notes: Be mindful of trail conditions and insects.

Located in North Cascades National Park, this trail begins in lush old-growth forest of cedars and Douglas firs and follows a blue-green, glacier-fed creek that winds alongside it. Wide and not too rocky, this section of trail is accessible to hikers of all ages . An abundance of birds such as owls, woodpeckers and osprey find their home in the area. 

The trail is perfect for a day hike , with an easy two-mile stroll to the first of two bridges or a longer, strenuous hike farther along the main trail. First-time and experienced backpackers can take advantage of several camps located along different sections of the trail. Experienced backpackers will note that Thunder Creek is a gateway to an extensive network of trails and offers a great opportunity for a multi-day backpacking trip up and over the spectacular Park Creek Pass into the Stehekin Valley. 

A backcountry Washington state camping permit (free of charge) is required to camp in North Cascades National Park. Permits are a way of regulating the amount of foot traffic in fragile environments that can only handle so much use before they begin to erode. By limiting the number of visitors to an area, permits not only preserve the environment but also the experience of hikers themselves. Contact the National Park Service for more information about obtaining a backcountry camping permit .

Bear Creek Mountain

Difficulty:   Medium. Length:   7 miles. Elevation gain:   1237 feet. Routine Type:   There and back. Dog Friendly:   Yes. Family Friendly:   Yes. Trailhead:   South Cascades, Goat Rocks Notes:   Be mindful of road conditions and insects.

Located within the Goat Rocks Wilderness area, the trail starts off weaving and climbing through alpine forest full of pines, where hikers will quickly break out into their first spectacular alpine meadow . After crossing Bear Creek and viewing ever-improving vistas of Bear Creek Mountain, even more stunning wildflower filled meadows greet backpackers with colorful daisies, lupine, monkeyflower and buttercups. There is no shortage of meadows to camp in along this trail.

The trail does begin to climb steadily and may be difficult to follow at times, but it’s worth it. As the third-highest hiker-accessible trail in the Goat Rocks, once the summit is reached, hikers will be in awe of the 360-degree impressive views that include Mount Adams, Mount Rainier and the monumental Goat Rocks with its rocky ridges and jagged peaks. Herds of mountain goats are also a likely find while hiking Bear Creek Mountain Trail.

Pacific Coast Trail - Harts Pass to Holman Pass

Difficulty:   Medium to Hard. Length:   27 miles. Elevation gain:   2461 feet. Routine Type:   There and back. Dog Friendly:   Yes. Dogs must be leashed. Family Friendly:   No. Trailhead:   North Cascades - Pasayten Notes:   Be mindful of road conditions. A high-clearance vehicle with good tires is highly recommended, as the road into Harts Pass is treacherous.

Crossing California, Oregon, and culminating in Washington, the iconic Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is one of the most popular trails in America. Each year, many hikers (known as thru-hikers) embark on a journey of a lifetime up the entire length of the PCT, while many more (known as section-hikers) utilize the trail all summer for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips. 

Situated just outside North Cascades National Park, this stunning section of the PCT offers backpackers a triple treat of the dramatic peaks of the North Cascades, the vastness of the Pasayten Wilderness and a spectacular high alpine hiking experience. The first mile is a steady uphill hike through patches of forests and flowering meadows under the shadow of the Slate Peak tower. On the well-kept trail you'll be surrounded by an abundance of huckleberries and blooming wildflowers through late spring and early summer. Wildlife is also quite plentiful. Marmots, pikas, mountain goats and black bears frequent the trail. Water sources and established campsites are frequent on this stretch of the PCT.

Windy Pass 

Difficulty:   Moderate. Length:   7 miles Elevation gain:   1300 feet. Routine Type:   There and back. Dog Friendly:   Yes. Dogs must be leashed. Family Friendly:   Yes. Trailhead:   North Cascades - Pasayten Notes:   Be mindful of road conditions. The road up to Windy Pass is full of potholes, boulders and sizable drop-offs. A high-clearance vehicle with good tires is recommended.

Arguably one of the most scenic and easily-accessible hikes on the PCT in the Pacific Northwest. The views of the North Cascades and Pasayten are magnificent almost every step of the way, and hikers don’t have to work terribly hard to reach them.

Hiking along the relatively flat trail, backpackers will encounter breathtaking views at every turn: Gardner Mountain, the Needles, Silver Star, Golden Horn and nearby Ballard and Azurite are to the south. To the west are Jack and Crater and to the east is Pasayten Wilderness. Windy Pass provides an ideal turn-around for a day hike, or backpackers can spend the night in Windy Basin and enjoy plentiful opportunities for exploration. 

Interested in more breathtaking landscapes? Then discover the beauty of Olympic National Park !

Jen Sotolongo is a writer, photographer, and blogger. She travels the world in search of the most dog-friendly cities and outdoor adventures. Join her journey at Long Haul Trekkers .

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The best backpacking trails in washington for beginners, education/guides , elopements, april 22, 2022.

If you’ve been trying to find the perfect backpacking trail in Washington State for your elopement, or just to explore this summer, you’ve come to the right place! I’m absolutely in love with the huge variety of trails Washington has gifted us with, especially because there are so many options for every skill + ability level. This blog post is for you if you’re looking for some of the best beginner backpacking trails in Washington & are ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

If you’re looking for easier, more accessible hiking trails in WA for you & your elopement guests, head to this blog post instead!

Table of Contents:

• Rachel & Rampart Lakes
• Shi Shi Beach Trail
• Melakwa Lake Trail
• Seven Lakes Basin Loop
• Pete Lake Trail
• Lena Lake Trail
• Skyline Divide
• Packing List

More Washington Hiking Elopement Resources

7 best beginner backpacking trails in washington, 1. rachel & rampart lakes.

The Rachel & Rampart Lakes Trail is a gorgeous route by Cle Elum that takes you through a collection of pothole lakes, greenery, and has plenty of space to camp, swim, & take breaks to relax. The 9-mile journey is perfect for couples who want to either complete the whole route in a day so you can move on to somewhere new the next day, or who want to make it an overnight trip (which I highly recommend so you can take your time & fully enjoy it)!

Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, near Cle Elum

Trail length: 9 miles out & back, average completion time: 5 hours, elevation gain: 2,529 ft, permits/passes needed:.

• Northwest Forest Pass – required for use of recreation sites; $30 annually, or $5/vehicle/day
• Wilderness Permit – required self-issued permit; free; available at trailheads & Forest Service Ranger Stations

Other requirements/things to note:

• Best season: summer-fall
• Campfires are prohibited within 0.5 miles of Rachel Lake
• Pet-friendly

2. Shi Shi Beach Trail

The Shi Shi Beach Trail is a nearly 9-mile out & back trail near Neah Bay, located on the Makah Indian Reservation (on the Olympic Peninsula). It makes for a great day hike on the coast if you’re already out exploring the peninsula, and want to hit up other spots along the coast or in Olympic National Park as well, such as Cape Flattery which is the most Northwestern tip of the US! You’ll need to pay a small fee if you’d like to park overnight at the trailhead, and you’ll also need to purchase a Makah Recreation Pass since the route takes you through the Reservation.

Location: Makah Indian Reservation, near Neah Bay

Trail length: 8.8 miles out & back, average completion time: 3.5 hours, elevation gain: 561 ft, terrain: well-maintained boardwalk, sand, muddy road bed.

• Wilderness Camping Permits – required for overnight stays
• Makah Recreation Pass – required for use of trails on the Reservation; must be purchased in Neah Bay prior to arrival; $20
• $20 overnight parking fee
• Pets are prohibited
• Best season: April-October
• Water sources: Petroleum Creek, Willoughby Creek

3. Melakwa Lake Trail

I love me a good hike in the northernmost part of Washington, and Melakwa Lake via Denny Creek Trail is a fantastic option! Located near Snoqualmie Pass, this almost 10-mile trail is a great backpacking route for couples looking for a challenge within the beautiful Washington mountains. You’ll get to see gorgeous alpine lakes, rocky mountain peaks, tons of old-growth trees, and more of Washington’s classic outdoor beauty!

Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest

Trail length: 9.7 miles out & back, elevation gain: 2,680 ft, terrain: wide & gentle, then rocky & steep.

• Northwest Forest Pass – required for use of recreation sites & to park; $30 annually, or $5/vehicle/day
• Free day-use pass or overnight Wilderness Permit – must be filled out at trailhead
• Dogs allowed on leash

Take a look at this infographic for full details on getting a backcountry permit in the North Cascades in 2022!

4. High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop

The Seven Lakes Basin Loop is an epic multi-day backpacking trip that takes you through the Hoh Rain Forest, Sol duc Falls, Heart Lake, the Hoh River, and more. You’ll get to experience a ton of the beauty that Olympic National Park has to offer, including views of Mount Olympus, and will be in the presence of local wildlife + vibrant PNW foliage throughout. Be prepared to pay a fee to enter the national park as well as ready to get an overnight camping reservation ahead of time!

Location: Olympic National Park northern coast, near Joyce, WA

Trail length: 19-mile loop, average completion time: 10 hours, elevation gain: 5,308 ft, terrain: well-maintained.

• National Park Pass – required for entry
• Wilderness Backpacking/Camping Reservation – can be made up to 6 months in advance & up to the date of your trip depending on availability
• Bear canisters are required – can be rented through the Wilderness Info Center
• There’s no water available for roughly 5.5 miles along the High Divide section
• Best season: Mid-July through September

5. Pete Lake Trail

The Pete Lake Trail is a great one for couples who want to go on a backpacking adventure, but who want to keep it a little easier. The 9-mile route is considered fairly easy, and is a great day hike as well as a great option for overnight camping! Feel free to bring your dog(s) along on this one, and get ready to see all the glorious landscapes that the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has to offer.

Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, near Roslyn

Elevation gain: 734 ft.

• Dogs allowed
• No water at trailhead

6. Lena Lake Trail

The hike to Lena Lake is a great option for any couple, no matter your backpacking experience. You’ll travel along fairly wide paths and through the old-growth forest to get to a beautiful overlook of Lena Lake! This is another route you can bring your doggos to, and you can choose to make it either a day hike or an overnight adventure.

Location: Olympic Peninsula

Trail length: 7.2 miles out & back, elevation gain: 1300 ft, terrain: bridge, dry rocks, creek.

• Park Wilderness permit – required for overnight stays; available at trailhead
• Best season: May-October
• Dogs allowed on leash on Lower Lena Lake Trail

7. Skyline Divide

Last but definitely not least, Skyline Divide is a stunning backpacking route through the North Cascades, in the Mount Baker wilderness area. On this route you’ll pass through six knolls, at the final one reaching 6,500 feet of elevation overlooking Chowder Ridge, the Black Buttes, & the North Cascades. You can stay the night at a few different campsites including one at the first knoll, or the Deadhorse Creek campground area!

Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, near Maple Falls

Elevation gain: 2400 ft.

Refer to the infographic in the above Melakwa Lake Trail section for further details on backcountry permits for the North Cascades in 2022!

• No potable water available
• Campfires are prohibited in the Mt. Baker Wilderness

Washington Backpacking Trip Packing List

One of the most important parts of any backpacking trip is making sure you’re prepared for a safe trip, no matter where you’re heading or for how long!

Below is a list of essentials for your backpacking trip in Washington state , and don’t worry – if you’re doing a backpacking elopement with me, I’ve got extensive experience & will make sure we’re all as prepped as possible beforehand!

• North Cascades food storage requirements
• Olympic National Park food storage requirements
• National Forest food storage requirements
• If there are water sources available, be sure to bring a water filter
• If there aren’t water sources available, bring the largest water bottle you’ve got
• Bug spray – and lots of it!
• Rain covers
• Jetboil for coffee & tea
• Dried meals
• Boiling water for dried meals
• Dessert – chocolate is light & feels indulgent!
• Check out REI’s Backpacking Food Ideas list for more ideas!
• REI coming in clutch again with a helpful First-Aid Kit Checklist!

• Sleeping bag/sleeping pad
• Extra hiking boots/shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothes (layers are essential in the PNW!)
• Headlamp & extra batteries
• GPS/map/compass/downloaded offline maps (use Alltrails !)
• Trekking poles if desired
• Light quick-dry towel

Final Washington State Backpacking Tips

Let’s wrap this up with a few final tips for your backpacking trip in Washington !

1. Tell somebody your plans

An essential part of staying safe on backpacking trips is to let a few people in your life know about your plans so they’re aware of your whereabouts! Tell a few of your closest friends/family members where you’ll be (what route you’re taking), when you expect to be back in service, and what course of action to take in case they don’t hear from you within X hours/days of that timeframe. It’s always better to be safe than sorry in case of a potential emergency! 

2. Treat yourself to coffee or a bite to eat on the way home

I love stopping somewhere after a backpacking trip for a yummy treat or some delish coffee on my way back to civilization! 

Here are a few of my favorite go-to’s:

• Pioneer Coffee Co (for that iced coffee you’ve been craving & one of their yummy baked treats – my favorite is the raspbery oat bar!)
• Sure Shot Pub – for an ice cold Sno Falls APA 😉
• The Sultan Bakery – so many amazing baked goods & hearty meals! An iconic spot I grew up driving past a million times.

Port Angeles

• Shirley’s Cafe

(P.S. these would all make for adorable spots for some chill, post-backpacking-trip photos if I tag along with ya!)

If you’re looking for more easily-accessible hiking trails to accommodate you & your guests, rather than a more challenging backpacking trail, be sure to check out my blog post with 15 Accessible Hiking Trails in Washington for Your Elopement & Guests!

And if you’d like to get some more planning tips for your hiking elopement, I’ve got a whole guide to How to Have an Epic Hiking Elopement in Washington State that’s full of ideas, advice, & more!

Ready to book your Washington backpacking elopement photographer? I’m your gal! Contact me here & we’ll start planning your dream day of beautiful exploration + celebration✨

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                                             is an adventurous elopement photographer based out of Washington and the surrounding pacific northwest. She documents your day through the eyes of a journalist and values connection and acceptance above all. She proudly celebrates all types of love and aims to honor all stories through her lens.

                                     is an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based out of washington and the surrounding pacific northwest. she documents your day through the eyes of a journalist and values connection and acceptance above all. she proudly celebrates all types of love and aims to honor all stories through her lens..

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Enjoy the softness of the snow with the beautiful forest in the background. To end your day, we take you to the local winery to have a glass of wine. Book your trip or course today!

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7 Jaw-Dropping Backpacking Trips in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is constantly one of America’s most-visited National Parks, yet few take the time to explore more than a mile or so off trail. With 611 miles of trails in the park, and nearly one million acres of wilderness to explore, backpacking in Olympic National Park gets you up close and personal to one of the worlds last remaining wild areas. From rugged, glaciated peaks, to isolated set-stacks on rugged coastlines, the only American rainforests, high alpine lakes and amazing waterfalls, the trails in the backcountry of Olympic lead to some of the best destinations in the world. 

This year, take a trip to forgotten northwest corner of America and fall in love with the true wilderness of Olympic National Park. Whether you decide to hike to old chalets, shrinking glaciers, ancient petroglyphs, alpine lakes surrounded by mountains goats, or just looking to wander a remote section of beach to watch the most beautiful sunsets in America, Olympic’s backpacking trails are waiting for you. make sure you get your backcountry permit before backpacking in Olympic and all National Parks. While reservations aren’t needed for many of these trips, you still need to register with the park for your life-changing backpacking adventure.

Enchanted Valley and Anderson Glacier

Distance: 37 miles out and back

Backcountry Campsite Reservations: Not Needed

Backcountry Camping Areas: 5

Recommended Days: 5-7

The trek out to the Enchanted Valley is quite possibly the most iconic backpacking destination in Olympic National Park. Considered a rite-of-passage to experience the Olympics, this route out of the Quinault Rainforest gets you to impressive wilderness of all styles. Hiking through the rainforest, the trail takes you over bridges, before arriving in the Enchanted Valley. Also referred to as the “Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls,” the area has incredible views of mountains, black bear, the Quinault River and an old chalet that was built in the 1930s. The Chalet was rescued from a certain end in 2014, when it was moved 100 feet away from the Quinault River, which it was nearly falling into. From Enchanted Valley, head up into the mountains and experience Anderson Glacier, one of the 311 glaciers in the Olympic Mountains. Anderson Glacier is quickly melting away, so you better get to it soon, before it vanishes forever.

Royal Basin

Distance: 18 miles out and back

Backcountry Campsite Reservations: Permits are required and must be obtained at the Wilderness Information Centers .

Backcountry Camping Areas: 2

Recommended Days: 3

Hiking to Royal Basin gives you the best of the Eastern Olympics. Starting out along the Dungeness River, the second steepest river in America, the trail works its way along Royal Creek before arriving at the scenic Royal Lake. From here, trails let you explore incredible waterfalls, giant boulders and one of the greatest basins in Olympic National Park. Located at the base of Mount Deception, the second tallest peak in the Olympic Range, Upper Royal Basin has glacier tarns, peaks to climb and one of the moon-like landscapes you will find. With all this just a short nine mile hike, it is easy to see why it is a popular destination. Therefore, reservations and proper permits are needed to camp here between May and October. Don’t let the short distance fool you though, it is well worth the elevation gain and hoops to jump through to get this as a summer backpacking destination.

The Pacific Coast Olympic Wilderness

Distance: 22.7 one way

Backcountry Camping Areas: 11

Recommended Days: 5

If you have ever seen a picture from the Olympic Coast, you are able to appreciate just how wild and rugged it really is. Home to amazing hiking, whale watching, tide pooling and the best sunsets of your life, hiking along the Olympic Coast of Washington State will change your life. Hiking along the coast is challenging work, and a knowledge of tides is needed to properly complete this hike, yet all the effort is worth it for just one day along the 73 miles of coastal wilderness. This is the longest undeveloped stretch of coast along the contiguous United States, and is quite the popular backpacking destination. With miles of sea-stacks, as well as the Makah Petroglyphs, the region between Ozette and Shi Shi Beach will astonish you with its wild beauty and culture. Be aware, the best campsites fill up quickly, and reservations are needed to access the region in the non-winter months.

The Duckabush/Skokomish Traverse

Distance: 32.9 miles one way

Backcountry Camping Areas: 9

Side Trips: For an extra loop with stunning mountain views, add the La Crosse Pass and O’Neil Pass loop.

One of the lesser known traverse hikes on the Olympic Peninsula, the route from the Duckabush River to the Skokomish River gives a wide variety of terrain, including incredible mountains, wildlife and old growth forests. Starting at Duckabush, the trail works its way along the Duckabush River, climbing over Big Hump before entering into the old growth of Olympic National Park. From here, the trail skirts the river, climbing in elevation while giving you views of wildlife before crossing the river and heading to Home Sweet Home Camp. This wildflower-filled valley a few hundred feet below the 4,688 ft, First Divide gives great views of mountains, and an option to climb a few lesser known peaks, like Mount Hopper. After the pass, the trail drops quickly along the Skokomish River, giving impressive views of huge trees, glimpses of majestic peaks and a glimpse of the human history of the region.

Hoh River to Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus

Distance: 36 miles out and back

Backcountry Campsite Reservations: Permits are required above Lewis Meadow and must be obtained at the Wilderness Information Centers.

Backcountry Camping Areas: 8

Recommended Days : 3-5

Hiking the Hoh to the base of Mount Olympus is yet another iconic hike in Olympic National Park, and for good reason. The trail works its way up the glacier-fed Hoh River, weaving through moss-draped old-growth forests, herds of elk, and neck deep ferns. Mostly flat for the first 12 miles, the path gives hikers a chance to see impressive valleys, waterfalls and even a the Mount Olympus Ranger Station. After Lewis Meadow, the trail climbs 3,000 feet in less than 4 miles to Glacier Meadows Camp, just a short trek to Blue Glacier and the route to climb Mount Olympus. This hike has it all, from rainforests to high aline lakes, glaciers and the peak of the tallest mountain in the Olympic Range, all along one incredibly beautiful and popular trail. Be aware, the best campsites fill up quickly, and reservations are needed to access the region in the non-winter months.

Elwha to Quinault: The Press Expedition Route

Distance: 44.6 miles one way

Backcountry Camping Areas: 14

Recommended Days: 6-9

As one of the longest traverses of Olympic National Park, the route from the Elwha River to the Quinault is also one of the most historic. In 1889, a group of journalists and explorers from Seattle and the region took five months exploring the Elwha and Quinault Rivers. The route they took passes amazing locations like Goblins Gate and the Grand Canyon of the Elwha before reaching Low Divide and dropping into the rainforests of the Quinault. Today, the trail passes Humes Ranch and Cabin, before exiting the less popular areas for the wilderness of the Elwha. The Elwha River is now dam free for the first time in over a century, and the region is flourishing. This route to the Quinault gives solitude, opportunity for exploration and a chance to see trail marks left by the Press Expedition explorers. Along the North Fork of the Quinault River, the trail becomes even more beautiful, making it a great place to watch wildlife, dip in glacier fed river and hike through ancient, giant trees.

Seven Lakes Basin

Distance: 19.3 mile loop

Backcountry Camping Areas: 7

Recommended Days: 3-5 days

One of the more popular backpacking trip in Olympic National Park, those who get a permit to Seven Lakes Basin are rewarded with eye candy of mountains, lakes, animals and forests. Aptly names, the basin is full of lakes, mountain goats, wildflowers, and incredible views of glaciated peaks around the Olympic Mountain Range. Starting with the always impressive Sol Duc Falls, the trail heads up along the Sol Duc River, gaining in elevation before depositing hikers into an alpine wonderland. With campsites around the lakes, finding your favorite destination may be quite hard, as each lake offers unrivaled beauty. The highlights are probably Heart Lake and Lunch Lake, but Hoh Lake and Deer Lake are also quite spectacular. The Seven Lake Basin Loop is best done during clear summer nights, when after spending a day exploring the lakes and ridges of the region, you can sit back and enjoy one of best stargazing views in the park. For those looking for a high alpine experience in Olympic National Park, this is one of your best options.

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Seattle's Top 10 Backpacking Trips

Washington's top multiday trails, as selected by backpacker local scouts jason bickford and anastasia allison..

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It’s easy to disappear into true wilderness in Washington. What’s harder is deciding which of the backpacking trips within a few hours’ drive of Seattle are truly worthy of your limited free time. You won’t go wrong with one (or all!) of these 10 local favorite itineraries encompassing everything from the rugged Olympic Coast to azure mountain lakes to a glacier excursion. Pick one and pack your bags.

JASON BICKFORD’S TOP 5

Goat Lake, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Trailhead: Elliot Creek/Goat Lake 

Mileage: 10.4 (round-trip)

Drive from Seattle: 2 hours 40 minutes

My first experience backpacking was a trip to Goat Lake, and it was the perfect difficulty to get started on: It provides enough distance to feel like you are really getting out there without the risk of overdoing it. It is very popular late spring through early winter for backpackers and hikers. The generally well-maintained trail gains 1,400 feet over 5.2 miles. Near the start it splits for about 3 miles so you can take either the Upper Elliot Trail or Lower Elliot Trail. I recommend taking one each way to see more of this stunning part of the Cascades! The upper trail goes through a dense forest with two waterfalls and the lower goes along Elliott Creek much of the time. 

The trail ends at Goat Lake itself, which sits below some tree-covered and other bare rock jagged mountains. There are 15 campsites and a box-style toilet just before the lake. When I went in late May the experience was very kind to a green backpacker: very few bugs, flat and spacious camp areas, only a couple of other small groups camping–nothing to fret about other than how horrible I was at repacking my pack!

Jade Lake, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Trailhead: Deception Pass 

Mileage: 20 (round-trip)

Drive from Seattle: 2 hours 45 minutes

Jade Lake provides a moderately strenuous challenge for an overnight trip, with 4,500 feet of gain over 10 miles each way through an absolutely beautiful area. Most of the trail is well-maintained and not too difficult to navigate, although I would recommend a GPS  in case of snowfields, downed trees, or anything else that could throw you off the trail. The first major point of interest is Marmot Lake. To reach Jade Lake, follow the trail past the campsites towards the other end of the lake. Marmot Lake is a large, clear alpine lake with forested mountains surrounding most of it. Jade Lake is several times smaller, but stands out so much more against the pale gray rocks and melting icefield that feeds it. It stunningly earns its name, especially on a clear day! Tip: Bug spray or nets are strongly recommended. 

There are many other cool spots to visit in the area: For a bigger challenge, keep trekking to Dip Top Peak or Pea Soup Lake.

Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier, Olympic National Park

Trailhead: Hoh River (Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center parking lot)

Mileage: 36 (round-trip)

Drive from Seattle: 4 hours 30 minutes

This is an incredible weekend backpacking trip that offers a stark contrast of environments and a moderate climb of 4,700 feet. The trip starts with very little elevation gain for the first dozen miles or so through the Hoh River Valley–quite possibly the greenest and lushest place I’ve ever been. 

It’s best to this hike over two nights. It’s manageable to start in the afternoon on day one and hike for 10 to 12 flat miles along the Hoh River to the Lewis Meadows, Martin Creek, or Elk Lake campsites. Day two would be the big day, with 15 to 16 miles of hiking and gaining close to 4,200 feet of rugged and sometimes steep elevation to get to perfect viewpoints of the Blue Glacier and Mt. Olympus, then descending back down that day. You have great chances of seeing elk and maybe mountain goats (watch out for these guys, as some are very aggressive). Look out for heavy bugs late spring through early fall and a ridiculously old and crude dangling wood and rope ladder that you unfortunately pretty much have to use to make it up the very steep terrain. It is at least 150 feet long and is without a doubt the most terrifying part of the trip.

Mt. Margaret Backcountry Loop, Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Trailhead: Norway Pass  

Mileage: 25 

Drive from Seattle: 4 hours

The Mount Margaret Backcountry Loop offers my favorite views of Mt. St. Helens, as they are from the north and you see growing domes, inside the crater, and the stunning rim encircling it all, along with Spirit Lake sitting in the foreground. From the Norway Pass Trailhead, take the Lakes Trail to make first camp at Snow Lake. Along the way you will encounter countless bleached-white dead trees, some standing straight up, others blown over from the 1980 eruption. It is beautiful yet eerie and feels like trekking through a haunted forest at times! 

The next day you continue on the Lakes Trail to Coldwater Lake. After about 4 miles, when the trail forks, take the path left onto the Coldwater Trail, which you stay on for 4.5 miles taking a fork left onto the Boundary Trail for about 2.5 miles to Dome Camp. The next morning you have about a mile of hiking and 450 feet of elevation to climb to reach Mt. Margaret, the high point of trip with quite possibly my favorite view in the world: the stunning Mt. St. Helens, Spirit Lake, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams. You will climb about 5,500 feet in total on this loop.

Chain and Doelle Lakes via Pacific Crest Trail, Alpine Lakes Wilderness 

Trailhead: Stevens Pass

Mileage: 23 miles

Drive from Seattle: 1 hour 45 minutes

After striking out with lottery bids for a backpacking permit to the famously popular Enchantments region , Chain and Doelle Lakes stood out to me as an excellent alternative. Start at Stevens Pass and head south on the Pacific Crest Trail, which takes you up through Stevens Pass ski resort slopes and some powerlines. At the first junction, take Icicle Creek Trail past Josephine Lake. When you turn onto Chain Lakes Trail the path goes from gently rolling through meadows to a solid climb of at least 1,000 feet per mile for a couple of miles. The steep climb pays off many times over with expansive views of the Chain Lakes with Bull’s Tooth looming above them. 

The trail continues on up another smaller climb through a pass that overlooks the isolated gorgeousness of the Doelle Lakes. I recommend camping at the Chain Lakes if you are doing a more rigorous overnight trip with two longer days; camp at Josephine Lake both nights if you want a slower pace or a late afternoon start.

Foggy Lake/Gothic Basin, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Trailhead: Barlow Pass 

Mileage: 9.2 (round-trip)

Getting to Gothic Basin isn’t for the faint of heart (or calf muscles), but this is one hike where the rewards are directly proportional to the physical exertion (2,850 feet of elevation gain). I’ve done this many times as a dayhike, but why leave so soon? To get there, walk the road beyond Barlow Pass gate for about a mile, then take the Weeden Creek Trail to the basin. There is endless exploring to be had on the slab rock that surrounds Foggy Lake. Pack a helmet and throw in some peakbagging: Del Campo and Gothic Peaks are popular Class 3 scrambles situated directly above the lake. This hike usually isn’t accessible until later in the summer, as several avalanche gullies make the approach somewhat treacherous when snow is present. Foggy Lake doesn’t melt out until August or September. If possible, go midweek to avoid the weekend rush.

Lakeshore Trail to Stehekin, North Cascades National Park

Trailhead: Prince Creek 

Mileage: 17.5 (one-way) 

Drive from Seattle: 3 hours

The Lakeshore Trail might take more work to organize than a normal backpacking trip, but trust me–it’s worth it. Start your journey by purchasing round-trip tickets in advance for the “Lady of the Lake” boat in Chelan, a picturesque town on the shore of Lake Chelan. Make sure to request a stop at Prince Creek. The boat will nearly run ashore, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, and deposit you with your backpacking gear. 

For the next leg of the journey, hike 18 miles along the rolling Lakeshore Trail, camping for a few nights along the way. My favorite campsite is Moore Point with its stunningly beautiful vistas of Lake Chelan, which is the largest natural lake in Washington. Meander into Stehekin, the most remote permanently occupied town in the Lower 48 (accessible by boat, hiking, or seaplane only), while you wait for your return boat back to Chelan. But don’t miss a stop at the famous Stehekin Pastry Company for a cinnamon roll. 

Spider Meadow-Buck Creek Pass Loop, Glacier Peak Wilderness

Trailhead: Phelps Creek/ Trinity 

Mileage: 41 (plus an additional 3.2-mile road walk, unless you have two vehicles. Note: the Phelps Creek Road is horrible. It has been done by sedans, but if you have an SUV, you’ll feel better about your life on this road.)

Drive from Seattle: 3 hours 30 minutes

This backpacking trip is epic–there is simply no other way to describe it. Start at the Phelps Creek Trailhead and hike a leisurely 5 miles into Spider Meadow, nestled beneath the awe-inspiring summits of Seven Fingered Jack, Maude, and Chiawawa Peaks. Camp in the meadow, or continue on to Larch Knob, a bulging hunk of rock that hangs over the meadow at the head of the valley, right at the base of the Spider Glacier. The camping on Larch Knob is, and I am not exaggerating, magical. 

The next day, ascend the “glacier” (which is more like a small snowfield) and descend from Spider Gap down to the turquoise gems known as the Upper Lyman Lakes. Good camping abounds at Cloudy Pass (include a climb of Cloudy Peak if you have time). From Cloudy Pass, make your way to Suiattle Pass, which offers the option to veer off to Image Lake via Miner’s Ridge for a side trip. Don’t miss the chance to camp at Middle Ridge–perfect camping in a picturesque meadow under Fortress Peak with wide-open views of Glacier Peak. From Middle Ridge, you’ll ascend to Buck Creek Pass, and then begin the long descent back to the Trinity Trailhead. 

Upper Royal Basin, Olympic National Park

Trailhead: Upper Dungeness 

Mileage: 16 (round-trip)

Drive from Seattle: 3 hours 30 minutes (including a ferry ride on the Seattle/Bainbridge Island Ferry )

Upper Royal Basin is a gem of a lake, nestled into a quiet basin in the Olympics. Along the way, the views get better and better as you gently ascend through a forest next to Royal Creek. Set up camp at the lake, and spend a day hiking through Arrowhead Meadow and into the Upper Basin to explore one of the most beautiful blue tarns on the entire Olympic Peninsula. Hikers who want more of a challenge can ascend Deception Peak or explore (off-trail) into Deception or Milk Creek Basins. Most of this trip is in Olympic National Park. Camping is allowed only at designated locations and campsites within Royal Basin. From May 1 through September 30, reservations are also required. 

Ozette to Shi Shi Beach, Olympic National Park

Trailhead: Lake Ozette

Mileage: 15 (one-way; you will need to drop a car approximately 1 mile away from the trailhead at Shi Shi)

Drive from Seattle: 5 hours + time to drop vehicles, if needed

I used to be a self-proclaimed mountain snob, until I backpacked the Washington coast from Ozette to Shi Shi. This section of coast is rugged, spectacular, and will leave you with a completely different understanding and appreciation of hiking on a beach. From Lake Ozette, hike to Sand Point for your first expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. From there, hike 3 miles along the beach to Cape Alava, stopping to admire the petroglyphs at Wedding Rock along the way. 

After Cape Alava, continue north to the first, “major obstacle” of the trip–crossing the Ozette River. Make sure to stop by the ranger station before heading to Ozette to find out the latest conditions on the river crossing, which can be notoriously hazardous. Once across the river, continue north towards Shi Shi. Good camping with water is available near Duc Point (just make sure you check the tide chart before pitching your tent on the beach). Don’t get lulled into a false sense of security thinking that this is an “easy” hike: There are plenty of adventurous overland trails to get your heart pumping, along with tides and boulder scrambling to contend with. This trip is wild, rugged, and adventurous–and it will leave you with that same sense of accomplishment that you get from ascending any mountain. 

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• 5 WA beginner backpacking trips for this summer

Backpacking can be intimidating. You have to haul all your food, water and shelter into the backcountry and sleep there — but you are self-sufficient! You are carrying everything you need on your back. How cool is that? Plus, being in the backcountry means more peace and quiet. 

Start small — a single night in a not-too-remote location with a manageable amount of miles and elevation gain. It’s important to remember that even if you’re used to long or grueling day treks, adding 25 to 35 pounds makes hiking a lot more challenging. 

Here are five great beginner backpacking trips that offer stunning scenery without venturing deep into the wilderness. As always, bring the right gear and research trail conditions before you go. 

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Shi Shi Beach  

Fish Hatchery Road, Neah Bay (Olympic Coast)

Round-trip distance : 8 miles 

Elevation gain : 200 feet

Pass : Makah Recreation Pass and Olympic National Park wilderness permit

Beach backpacks are great for beginners because the elevation gain is minimal. Shi Shi Beach is no exception. Just a 2-mile, relatively flat hike over bridges and boardwalks will lead you to the beach, though there are steep switchbacks right before reaching it. Set up your tent anywhere in the next 2 miles (both on the beach or in campsites in the trees) and make your way toward Point of Arches, a stunning set of sea stacks and the unofficial end of this hike. Spend your day exploring tide pools and your evening around a driftwood fire. Always be sure to have a waterproof layer — you might wake up to fog and mist — and you are required to bring a bear canister on this hike.

Lena Lake  

Forest Service Road 25, near Eldon (Olympic Peninsula)

Round-trip distance : 7.2 miles 

Elevation gain : 1,300 feet

Pass : Northwest Forest Pass

The hike to Lena Lake makes a great first backpacking trip for experienced day hikers; if the hike up to your campsite at the lake doesn’t wear you out, set up camp, leave your packs behind, and keep hiking! But first, to get to the lake, you will pass through second-growth and old-growth forest, over lovely bridges, and by lots of water. There are 28 campsites near the lake; stay 100 feet away from the shore. This is a beautiful final destination, but intrepid hikers can add 3 more miles (and 2,600 feet of elevation) to get to Upper Lena Lake. Surrounded by meadows and peaks, these lakes are an oasis. 

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Talapus and Olallie Lakes  

Forest Service Road 9030, near Snoqualmie Pass (Interstate 90) 

Round-trip distance : 6.2 miles 

Elevation gain : 1,220 feet

This is the perfect intro to backpacking for Seattleites, because in less than an hour, you will be able to reach the trailhead. The less-than-2-mile hike to the first lake, Talapus, is gently graded on a wide trail. You can stop here if you’ve had enough or press on to Olallie. The trail becomes a bit steeper but still comfortable. Spend the day and night leisurely at camp, and in the morning, the lakefront sites offer lovely views to wake up to (and a perfect jumping-off point if the weather is warm enough for a swim). 

Lake Valhalla  

Forest Service Road 6700, near Wellington (Highway 2)

Round-trip distance: 7 miles 

Elevation gain: 1,500 feet

Lake Valhalla offers a comfortable introduction to backpacking with the option to stretch your legs farther. The start of the hike features most of the elevation gain, as you switchback through trees, but the undulating grade of this trail is manageable. Make note of the trail leading up to Mount McCausland — if you have enough energy, it’s worth the extra mile or so to see sweeping views. At Lake Valhalla, you’ll find established campsites overlooking the water, making this a perfect spot for the night.

Anderson and Watson Lakes  

Forest Service Road 1107, Concrete (Highway 20)

Round-trip distance: 6 miles 

Elevation gain: 1,100 feet

Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass

Anderson and Watson Lakes lets you choose your own backpacking adventure. Feeling tired? Camp at Lower Anderson Lake. Want to press on? Head to Watson Lakes. Either way, you won’t be let down. At the beginning of this hike, you’ll walk on boardwalks through meadows as well as through old-growth. After a couple of miles, you’ll have the option of heading down to Lower Anderson Lake and settling there, or continuing on to Watson Lakes. Both are great options, and beautiful, too, surrounded by meadows and rocky walls.

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The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

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8 essential backpacking trips near Seattle

When was the last time you found bliss in the backcountry?

The Evergreen State has thousands of miles of trails leading to breathtaking vistas, incredible alpine lakes, stunning stretches of coast, and ancient forests. While many of these amazing places can be reached in a single day trip from Seattle , the best spots are seen while out on backpacking trips. It’s here, as we spend a few nights miles away from the nearest town, that we discover a secret: Few things are better than backcountry camping in the wilds of Washington State.

During the day, the outdoor destinations of the Pacific Northwest are home to some of the best and most scenic spots in the country, helping make the greater Seattle area the basecamp for a summer’s worth of backpacking trips. While there are hundreds of amazing backpacking trips to be found all around the greater Puget Sound region, we share a few local favorites and hidden gems, each sure to get you hooked on backpacking every summer.

Goat Rocks Wilderness: Goat Ridge/Goat Lake Trail

Round-trip distance: Variable

Difficulty: Moderate

Suggested amount of time: 3 to 6 days

Distance from Seattle: 136 miles

When to go: July to September

Permits needed: National Forest Service Pass

Exploring the Goat Rocks Wilderness means that you get the incredible views of the region’s mountains while avoiding the crowds that typically flock to the areas closer to Seattle. In the Goat Rocks, you get unrivaled views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. The 120-mile trail system mostly stays above the treeline, giving seemingly endless views in every direction. This destination is perfect for those experienced backpackers looking for something unique and new.

Another added bonus: The entire area is dog-friendly! Just remember to keep them leashed, as the area is home to animals like mountain goats, marmots, and pikas.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nick (@_hola_gringo) on Nov 12, 2018 at 10:12pm PST

Jade Lake and Marmot Lake

Round-trip distance: 21 miles

Difficulty: Difficult

Suggested amount of time: 3 to 4 days

Distance from Seattle : 111 miles

If you think it doesn’t get any better than shimmering, glacier-fed, high alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks, Jade Lake is the backpacking trip for you . Located along the famous Pacific Crest Trail, the steep climb from Deception Pass up to Marmot and Jade Lakes is for the hearty backpacker hoping to bask in the beauty of the mountains.

While the trail is easy to follow heading to Marmot Lake, the path becomes more rugged and wild to reach the near turquoise waters of Jade Lake. It’s quite steep and rugged, so it’s best left to experienced backpackers.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MSR Mountain Safety Research (@msr_gear) on Jul 28, 2016 at 10:01am PDT

Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake

Round-trip distance: 11 miles

Suggested amount of time: 3 days

Distance from Seattle: 75 miles

When to go: July to October

The short-but-steep trek to Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake rewards you with a gorgeous alpine lake and breathtaking views. You’ll earn those views, too, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain over the 5.5 miles.

While many do this as a day hike, take advantage of the location and make this your basecamp for a night or two. Ruggedly awesome mountains rise above the water here, giving plenty of rocks to rest and relax on while taking in the views. This is one of the most scenic places you’ll see for the distance, and it’s a great bridge trip for backpackers who have the basics down but are looking to get more experience.  

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lynelle (@lynelle.rae) on Sep 19, 2018 at 10:16am PDT

Seven Lakes Basin in Olympic National Park

Round-trip distance: 19.3 miles

Suggested amount of time: 3 to 5 days

Distance from Seattle: 125 miles

Permits needed: National Parks Pass and backcountry campsite reservations

Olympic National Park has dozens of amazing backpacking trips, but one of the classics is High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin . Starting next to the stunning Sol Duc Falls, the trails rises to the ridges, giving incredible views of high alpine lakes and the glaciated interior mountains of the Olympic Peninsula. Few hikes deliver as much diverse terrain as this route, and this is a great one for those just starting backpacking.

Be aware that permits are required to camp here—you can get them from the Wilderness Information Center. For more information, check the Olympic National Park website.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Melissa Lehuta (@liladventurebug) on Jul 27, 2017 at 9:52pm PDT

Pacific Crest Trail: Snoqualmie to Stevens Pass

One-way trip distance: 75 miles

Difficulty: Advanced

Suggested amount of time: 7 to 14 days

Distance from Seattle: 51 miles

Known as Section J on the Pacific Crest Trail, the route from Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass is one of the greatest backpacking trips one can take in the Cascade Mountains. While the trail does stretch for 75 miles in one direction, even hiking in for a few days and turning around to hike out will reward moderate to advanced backpackers with sweeping views and a new appreciation for the mountains—and it’s just a short drive from Seattle. The route goes through the aptly-named Alpine Lakes Wilderness, passing over a dozen beautiful lakes, old-growth forests, wildflower fields, and stunning, rugged mountains.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by J I L L L A M B E R T (@jillamberlambert) on Aug 23, 2018 at 3:26pm PDT

Shi Shi Beach

Round-trip distance: 8 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Suggested amount of time: 2 to 4 days

Distance from Seattle: 160 miles

When to go: Year round

Permits needed: National Parks Pass, Makah Recreation Pass, and, in the summer, backcountry campsite reservations

Out along the Washington coast, the short but sweet trek to Shi Shi Beach will have you in awe at the beauty of Olympic National Park’s wilderness beaches. Perfect for those new to backpacking, the mostly-flat hike to Shi Shi rewards you with miles of sandy shores, tide pools, and wild rock formations in all directions. This beach is perfectly Pacific Northwest, making it a popular spot in the summer. Backcountry camping reservations are required for the summer months, and can be made from the Olympic National Park website .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by KD Travel (@kymdyberg_travel) on Oct 4, 2018 at 7:46am PDT

The Enchantments

One-way trip distance: 18 miles

Distance from Seattle: 129 miles

Permits needed: National Forest Service Pass and camping permits from the lottery system

Quite possibly the most famous backpacking destination in Washington State, the Enchantments live up to the name and the hype. Those lucky enough to get permits to backpack and camp here are rewarded with stunning alpine lakes, jaw-dropping mountains, and unrivaled beauty. While ridiculously popular, the route here is not easy, requiring you to be ready for serious elevation gain that only gets steeper the farther you climb. When the weather is good, though, this might just be the prettiest spot in the Pacific Northwest.

Permits are hard to come by, and each year there’s a lottery to get camping sites in the backcountry. Get all the details on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ashtyn haebe ↟ (@ashtynhaebe) on Dec 29, 2018 at 7:47am PST

Mowich Lake, Spray Park, and the Wonderland Trail

Round-trip distance: 8 to 93 miles

Difficulty: Moderate to advanced

Suggested amount of time: 3 to 14 days

Distance from Seattle: 100 miles

Mount Rainier’s Wonderland Trail is another world-class backpacking destination right in our own backyard. While the ultimate goal for many is to completely circle the iconic mountain along the 93-mile loop trail, section hiking the renowned path is just as fun and much easier to do.

There are no bad sections of the trail, but one of the most scenic and remote sections starts near Mowich Lake and heads east to Mystic Lake. This trip is for moderate to advanced backpackers hoping for a taste of the wilds of Rainier. It’s roughly 26 miles, with two options for routes to explore . On the way out, stay up high and walk through Spray Park, gaining jaw-dropping views of the north side of Mount Rainier. Once you reach Mystic Lake, spend a night, then come back, this time wandering down into a rainforest, before climbing back up Ipsut Pass to Mowich Lake. This section, like all sections of the Wonderland Trail, is quite popular, with backcountry reservations required. Everything you need to know about backpacking the Wonderland can be found on the Mount Rainier National Park website.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Allan Joyce (@davidallanjoyce) on Jan 13, 2019 at 1:44pm PST

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The ultimate adventure road trip through washington state.

Eva Davis-Boermans

Eva is a creator and ocean lover from the south coast of NSW. Passionate about exploring, getting off the beaten track and looking after the planet so she can continue to adventure in it. She’s happiest when she’s out in the surf, behind the lens of a camera or behind the wheel of her beloved Troopy!

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Learn about We Are Explorers' Editorial Standards

Amy Fairall

As the Editor, if you read WAE, you've more than likely read something Amy's written. Amy lives on Larrakia land in the NT and is frequently on the hunt for new bodies of freshwater to dunk herself into. She has a preference for adventures slightly off the beaten track, with a penchant for multi-day hikes and a new found love of paddling.

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Written in collaboration with Glenna Goldman

  A hop, skip, and jump over the Pacific Ocean and you can find yourself in one of America’s most spectacular and adventurous states – Washington. Here’s how to see the best this state has on offer.

The Pacific Northwest has been on my bucket list since I read Wild as a 19-year-old. The imagery of towering snow-capped mountains, magnificent sparkling lakes, and vast, solemn, old-growth forests captured my imagination immediately. So when a trip to the US popped up in the calendar last summer, I quickly suggested a side mission to the ultimate adventure state of Washington.

North Cascades National Park

With endless outdoor activities on tap – I’m talking hiking, kayaking , mountain biking, animal encounters – Washington is an Explorer’s playground. And with some of the best national parks in America, a road trip through Washington state is guaranteed to leave you feeling simultaneously exhausted and refreshed, like only an adventure in the outdoors can.

Here’s my recommendation for a ten-day road trip through Washington State, taking in the best of three iconic national parks: Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier plus offering a change to get off the beaten track in the state’s east.

Columbia River Beacon Rock

Mount Rainier | @gwhotravels

Day 1 – Seattle

Highlights: Puget Sound, bike tour, Capitol Hill coffee

Getting to Washington State is super straightforward with flights via Vancouver, Honolulu or California. Start your adventure in Seattle on a tour with Seattle Bicycle Tours . The Emerald City tour runs from 9.30am-12.30pm every day and is the perfect way to get your legs and blood pumping after a long-haul flight or drive.

Biking through Seattle | Photo by Greg Balkin

This 21km trip will get you well acquainted with the city and its varying neighbourhoods and take you to some of the best views Seattle has to offer. The connection to nature in the city is surprising.

The Seattle skyline

For lunch, get a unique caffeine hit at Starbucks Reserve in Capitol Hill . They offer an immersive coffee experience, with a rotating collection of rare coffees with paired cocktails and food. Delish!

After lunch, get your fix of revitalising salty sea air on an afternoon boat tour on Puget Sound . Departing from Edmonds, around 30 minutes from the city centre, this is your chance to watch Orcas, Gray, Minke, and Humpback whales frolic in the sound. I never pass up an opportunity to see magnificent animals in the wild and this coastline did not disappoint. There’s nothing like the tension of peering desperately to the horizon in search of whales, followed by the thrill of watching one leap from the water beside you to the hoots from everyone on board. It never gets old!

Orcas on Puget Sound

Before heading to your accommodation, pick up your car or motorhome from DriveAway so you’re ready to hit the road.

Day 2 – Seattle to Neah Bay

Drive time: 4 hours 10 minutes Distance: 334km Highlights: Shi Shi Beach, Beachside fires, Calvin’s Crab House

To get from Seattle to Olympic National Park , you can either drive down through Tacoma, or take your car on a ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island before continuing along the northern road of the peninsula to Neah Bay. The ferry is the more relaxed option.

Grab some lunch to go from Calvin’s Crab House before heading down the coast to the stunning Shi Shi Beach.

Pay a visit to Shi Shi Beach

especially at sunset | @gwhotravels

The spectacular 14km out-and-back Shi Shi Beach Trail takes you through the Makah Indian Reservation on the northern Olympic Coast, along the beach to the Point of Arches.

Point of Arches, Olympic National Park | Photo by Andy Porter

The spot is best experienced at low tide when you can explore the rock pools and get the best view of the 30 magnificent sea stacks sprawled along the point. Take your packed lunch, bring your camera, and make the most of the arvo with a driftwood fire in one of the provided rings.

Bald eagles often nest here and if you’re lucky you can spot Orca and Blue whales cruising along the coast.

You can even camp the night down on the beach, just don’t get trapped by the rising tide! For a more comfy night, cabins and higher-end accommodation can be found at Hobuck Beach Resort or back in Neah Bay.

Take some time

to watch for Bald eagles

Day 3 – Neah Bay to Olympic National Park

Drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes Distance: 112km Highlights: Olympic National Park, Giant Conifers, Hall of Mosses Walk, La Push Beach, Wildlife spotting

Bid farewell to the rugged coast and make your way to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, a two-hour drive from Neah Bay.

Mild winters, cool summers, and up to 3.6m of annual rain produce the giant conifers that tower over the trails in this area of the park. From the Visitor Center, there are multiple short nature trails to immerse yourself in the rainforest.

Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park

I recommend The Hall of Mosses trail , an easy loop through old-growth temperate rainforest. Take the opportunity to slow down, peer up at the trees in wonder until your neck hurts, and attempt to count all the different shades of green. Spoiler alert, it’s impossible! So maybe just breathe in the ancient forest, close your eyes, and soak up the feeling of walking among the giants.

Make the most of the park by camping amongst the lush green rainforest at Hoh Rainforest Campground. Elk and bears are present here, so keep an eye out.

Day 4 – Olympic Peninsula to North Cascades

Drive time: 6 hours 15 minutes Distance: 439km Highlights: Thunder Knob Trail, Diablo Lake, Snowy Mountain views

Although your time on the Olympic Peninsula now comes to an end, the adventures continue starting with taking the ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island (your steed comes too), before driving up through Deception Pass on your way to the North Cascade. Reservations are advised for ferries during peak seasons.

Deception Pass | Photo by Andy Porter

This is a big day of road-tripping, but you’ve got time to squeeze in one unforgettable hike, so head directly to Thunder Knob Trail in North Cascades National Park . This is a moderate 5.5km out-and-back hike with breathtaking views of the vividly blue Diablo Lake and the nearby snow-capped peaks.

Stock up on trail snacks and something for dinner, then settle in at Newhalem Creek Campground for the night.

Day 5 – North Cascades to Leavenworth

Drive time: 3 hours 45 minutes Distance: 302km Highlights: Blue Lake, Washington Pass Lookout, Bavarian-style village

After a big campground brekkie, head to the Blue Lake trail , 40 minutes down the road. This moderately challenging 7.4km out-and-back hike starts with a boardwalk through lush forest before leading out onto an idyllic meadow peppered with wildflowers. Keep your eyes peeled for your first glimpse of the dramatic rocky granite peaks of the Liberty Bell Group.

Liberty Bell Group | Photo by Jason Hummel Photography

Take in the sweeping views of the spectacular mountain range as you arrive on the shores of the sparkling Blue Lake. Stop to explore the cabin, have a snack, and go for a dip if you’re brave enough.

Just over a kilometre east from the trailhead on Highway 20 is the Washington Pass Lookout. If you have come this far and have the time, pull up here for amazing views of the Liberty Mountain group from the opposite side.

Washington Pass Lookout and the Liberty Bell Group | Photo by Andy Porter

Continue on to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village three hours drive away, and g rab some well-deserved dinner at Munchen Haus, an authentic German restaurant, before settling into a cosy cabin for the night.

Day 6 – Leavenworth to Canyon River Ranch

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes Distance: 117km Highlights: Canyon River Ranch adventures, World’s best fly fishing shop

You could easily spend a few days exploring Leavenworth , but when you’re ready to move on, grab a classic all-American breakfast from Renaissance Cafe and keep heading south.

Stop in at Canyon River Ranch for a river rafting tour of Yakima Canyon. The canyon offers excellent wildlife watching, fishing for Blue Ribbon trout, family-friendly rafting, and camping. The canyon’s crevices and cliffs make a perfect home for the densest concentration of nesting hawks, eagles, and falcons in the state. There are guided river floats available, or you can rent a raft for a half day. Book this one ahead of time.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

on Yakima Canyon River | Photos by Jason Hummel Photography

For a truly American experience, stop next door at Red’s Fly Fishing Shop , the world’s most complete fly fishing shop.

If you’re looking for a real bed and shower, accommodation is available at the ranch. Otherwise, there are plenty of national park campgrounds within a short drive.

Day 7 – Canyon River Ranch to Walla Walla

Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes Distance: 243km Highlights: Paddling on the lake, Historic inn accommodation

To see more of Eastern Washington (and for a fun tongue twister), drive across to Walla Walla , Washington.

Walla Walla | Photo by Marcus Whitman

Rent a paddleboard or kayak from Adventure-Fit and take it for a spin on Bennington Lake. East Washington can be hot and dry during summer, so a splash around the lake is the perfect way to cool off while soaking up the sunshine. Let yourself really lean into that all-American summer by the lake vibe.

Tonight’s your chance to splurge on accommodation – book yourself in for a bougie night at the historic inn The GG.

Day 8 – Walla Walla to Stevenson

Drive time: 3 hours 20 minutes Duration: 326km Highlights: Columbia River Gorge scenic drive, waterfalls galore

One of the most famous scenic drives in the United States, the Columbia River Gorge, straddles the border between Washington and Oregon. And today’s the day you’re gonna drive it.

The highway offers stunning views of the gorge as well as the largest concentration of high waterfalls in North America. I know they say we shouldn’t chase them but you need to factor in time to stop and gawk at at least a couple.

Panther Creek Falls | Photo by Jason Hummel Photography

Pull up at Walking Man Brewing to refuel along the way.

Tonight get amongst the canopy in some unique treehouse lodging at Skamania Lodge .

Skamania Lodge | Photo by Greg Balkin

Day 9 – Stevenson to Mount Rainier

Drive time: 2 hours 50 minutes Distance: 265km Highlights: Columbia River Gorge scenic drive, Mount Rainier, Skyline to Panama Point hike, Goldmyer hot springs

Finish the Columbia River Gorge scenic drive and continue on to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Mount Rainier. Take a wander through the gardens and be blown away by the view of Mount Rainier looming above you. Don’t forget, parts of Mount Rainier National Park have timed entry which you’ll need to organise beforehand.

If you do just one hike here, make it the Skyline Trail to Panama Point . This 8.7km hike will knock your socks off any time of the year, but especially on a sunny day. In mid-summer you’ll be rewarded with snow-capped peaks surrounded by lush green meadows filled with wildflowers and moss-bordered rivulets.

After your hike, soothe your limbs with a visit to one of the nearby hot springs. Melt into the naturally warm water while gazing out into the tranquil wilderness. There’s even a campground at Goldmyer hot springs if you really can’t drag yourself away.

Otherwise head down the mountain to Ashford for comfortable accommodation and a hearty meal to round out the day.

Day 10 – Ashford to Seattle

Drive time: 2 hours Duration: 128km

If this marks the end of your trip, it’s just a two-hour drive back to Seattle.

A week is never enough time to explore any state, but for those with a limited timeframe, this is a perfect taster trip of Washington’s endless outdoor adventures . Start planning your Washington State road trip or check out cheap car rentals in the state with Driveaway .

Other images thanks to Washington State Tourism

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