Best Hiking Spots in Washington State
The Pacific Northwestern state of Washington is famous for its diversity of landscapes—from vast sand dunes and sprawling forests to active volcanoes and wildflower-filled prairies. This abundance of natural beauty is why hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Washington—to explore and experience nature firsthand.
As a proud storage provider in the Evergreen State, Daffodil Storage will highlight Washington’s best hiking trails, including mountain paths and coastal strolls, and provide tips for beginner and experienced hikers.
Why Hiking in Washington State Is a Must-Do Adventure
Washington State features five mountain ranges, three national parks, seven national forests, five active volcanoes, and many more opportunities for outdoor adventure. When facing one direction, vast mountain ranges stretch out—in another direction, forests extend as far as the eye can see, and when fully turned around, stunning coastlines and sandy beaches unfold.
These gorgeous, diverse landscapes have given Washington a reputation for offering some of the best hiking trails in the country. Hiking is not limited to a specific season—you can enjoy it year-round in Washington, from summertime beach strolls to winter snowshoeing adventures.
How Many Hiking Trails Are in Washington State?
AllTrails has reviews for almost 5,000 mapped hiking trails suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced hikers. These trails vary from short strolls to blood-pumping backcountry adventures.
Where To Go Hiking in Washington State: The Best Hiking Trails in Washington
Scenic Mountain Trails
We’ve found some excellent options if you’re searching for scenic mountain trails. Mount Rainier National Park offers numerous hiking trails, ranging from moderate to challenging.
The Tolmie Peak Trail is a moderate hike that spans 5.6 miles and offers beautiful views of lakes, forests, wildflowers, and a historic site to explore. In contrast, the renowned Skyline Loop Trail is more complicated, covering 5.8 miles, and features lush vegetation and stunning views of glaciers, rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
Hiking at North Cascades National Park also requires some know-how, with moderate- to hard-difficulty trails. The Cascade Pass Trail is moderately difficult, featuring 6.9 miles of beautiful forest views, wildflowers, and rocky terrain. For a more ethereal experience, the Agnes Gorge Trail offers 4.7 miles of moderate hiking. Along this trail, you can enjoy green forests, flowing rivers, wildlife encounters, and a stunning waterfall at the end.
Serene Coastal Paths
The Washington coastline spans 157 miles and is lined with beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, thriving foliage, sand dunes, and tidal pools. For hikers who want to feel the wind in their hair and smell the fresh ocean spray, it’s no wonder there are abundant hiking trails available.
Olympic National Park has various easy-to-moderate hiking trails set in serene natural surroundings with ocean views. The Hall of Mosses Trail is a short, sweet loop featuring towering hemlock and spruce trees, Roosevelt elk, and a wonderland of moss and ferns. For a bit of a tougher experience, enjoy hiking along the beach on the Hole-in-the-Wall from Rialto Beach Trail. Explore 3.3 miles of tidepools teaming with starfish, massive sun-bleached logs, and caves.
Further south, Long Beach Peninsula also features hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate. The easy, 1.1-mile South Bay Trail offers views of grasslands, coastal forests, and beautiful views of Willapa Bay. You may spot ducks, shorebirds, river otters, bald eagles, kingfishers, or hawks around the trail if you’re lucky! To visit the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast, try out the moderate, 0.5-mile Cape Disappointment Lighthouse Viewpoint Trail.
Snowshoeing Across Snowy Landscapes
Are you ready to extend your hiking season into winter? Experience Washington’s winter wonderland by going snowshoeing! Snoqualmie Pass, located about 50 miles east of Seattle, is renowned for its expansive snowy landscapes. With an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, enjoy panoramic views of snow-blanketed forests and accessible trails suitable for all skill levels.
The Gold Creek Pond Loop is popular for its accessibility and short length of just 1.2 miles. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the snow to reach a beautiful frozen alpine pond surrounded by majestic snowy peaks. You can even join a ranger-led snowshoeing tour, which is great if you’re a beginner, are introducing the activity to your children, or are an experienced snowshoer. If you’re lucky during the winter, you might even spot a variety of wildlife along the way, such as:
- Beavers
- Bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, owls, snowbirds, and winter songbirds
- Snowshoe hares
- Deer and elk
- Mountain goats
Tips for Hiking in Washington State
What To Wear When Hiking in Washington State
While hiking the diverse landscapes of Washington State, adventurers can encounter various weather conditions. One moment, you might bask in the warm, golden rays of sunshine, only to be met moments later with a cool breeze that beckons for a light jacket.
As you lace up your boots and prepare to hit the trails, you must arm yourself with the right gear, especially if it starts to sprinkle and you find yourself without your trusty raincoat. Clothing items to wear and bring along with you on your hike include:
- Moisture-wicking base layer. A lightweight shirt designed to keep you cool and wick sweat away from your skin.
- Sun protection layer. A long-sleeve shirt made of breathable, UV-protective fabric to protect skin from sun and bugs.
- Optional lightweight insulating layer. A lightweight fleece or jacket can help you stay warm on chilly mornings or at high elevations.
- Rain jacket. As unexpected showers are common in Washington, bringing a lightweight, breathable, and waterproof rain jacket is always recommended.
- Quick-drying hiking shorts or pants. Lightweight and breathable pants or shorts that dry quickly are ideal.
- Sturdy hiking boots or shoes. Waterproof and sturdy hiking boots or shoes are great for uneven and rocky trails.
- Socks. Moisture-wicking socks made of synthetic blends help prevent blisters.
- Necessary accessories. A hat and sunglasses for sun protection, bug spray, sunscreen, and a backpack with water, snacks, and other essentials.
What To Wear When Snowshoeing in Washington
Snowshoeing is different from hiking, as you need to protect your skin from the intense cold. Layers, layers, layers are essential—a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer shell. Insulated, waterproof boots and wool or synthetic blend socks can help keep your feet dry and warm. Accessories like warm hats, gloves, thick gaiters, goggles, a backpack, and trekking poles are also needed when going into the snow.
Make Your Washington Hiking Adventure Unforgettable With Daffodil Storage
Washington State offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes, from scenic mountain hikes to coastal adventures and snowy alpine excursions, perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. After your adventures in Washington, Daffodil Storage provides affordable self storage units to securely store all your recreational gear, including camping supplies, hiking equipment, winter gear, kayaks, and canoes.
Find a Daffodil Storage location near you to rent or reserve a personal storage unit and organize all your gear in one place! If you have any questions about storage, visit our FAQ page and learn helpful tips from our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage in Washington
At Daffodil Storage, you have a variety of storage size options to choose from. From compact 5×5 and medium 5×10 spaces to large 10×10 storage units, use our storage unit size guide to select the ideal space.
We have numerous storage types to meet the diverse needs of our Washington customers. Our heated storage units are ideal for maintaining the condition of your temperature-sensitive items, while our smart units provide a secure environment with user-friendly accessibility features.
If you rent your storage unit online, you can pay for it easily on our payment portal. You can also pay in person at your storage facility or over the phone.