weekend backpacking trips washington

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

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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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Join the conversation.

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

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Early Season Backpacking Washington (A 2024 Guide)

You’re itching to go out with your overnight pack, but you’re upset that so many of your hiking alternatives are still covered in snow? Maybe you’re new to backpacking and want to start with some simpler alternatives. You’ve come to the correct location! We’ve compiled a list of ten early-season backpacking adventures to help you get your season off to a great start (and most of them are suitable for beginners!). To assist you in deciding where to begin, we’ve categorized them in order of difficulty from simplest to most challenging. In this article about early season backpacking Washington, we are going to share more details with you on how to backpack when you are enjoying your time in Washington. These walks will be snow-free and available to explore much earlier in the year due to their lower elevation. Most are best done in the spring and early summer, but some may be done in the winter if you’re serious about getting outside (we did Baker Lake in January!). These treks are also less demanding since they are at a lower level, making them ideal for beginners. Weather and trail conditions may change dramatically from year to year, so do your homework, check the forecast, and read previous trip reports before going out.

1. Visit the Foggy Lake and Gothic Basin

If you live near Seattle, Gothic Basin is one of the simplest novice backpacking hikes in Washington State.

This overnighter is located on the Mountain Loop Highway (Granite Falls, WA) and is ideal for individuals who wish to sample mountain camping without having to go too far.

For a condensed backpacking journey, there are steep parts, a waterfall, and a mountain pass (with views of the Monte Cristo region peaks).

In the early season, expect a scramble, areas of wildflowers, and maybe snow.

Camping is allowed without a permit, but arrive early to secure a site, since this is a popular area, particularly on weekends.

Read: Is Traveling A Hobby? The Ultimate Guide To An Exciting Way Of Life Learn about the Downsides Of Traveling As A Hobby

2. Ancient Lakes

Get a taste of the desert without leaving the state!

Ancient Lakes in Central Washington transports you to the beautiful canyons of Utah, although it’s just 2.5 hours distant from Seattle.

Hike through a recessional-cataract canyon, lovely lakes, and various paths in the vicinity to observe this geological marvel .

The Ancient Lakes Basin may be reached by a variety of ways, depending on your preferences.

The Upper and Lower paths, with rich desert plant life, vistas, and geological marvels, are one route that goes to Judith Pool and the others are Upper and Lower trails.

In the early camping season – April and May – it’s one of the greatest introductory backpacking excursions in Washington state .

Note that the lakes are not suitable for filtering water, so bring extra clean water to last the duration of your stay.

Read: 12 Best Washington Spring Hikes To Try Out In 2024 Learn about Hoh Rain Forest Loop trail

3. Lake Barclay

Barclay Lake is a gorgeous and simple trek near Seattle, but did you know it’s also a great place to camp?

Because it’s just 4.4 miles roundtrip, this is an ideal short Washington backpacking trip for families.

There isn’t much elevation increase, but the final result is lakeside camping, so it doesn’t get much more Pacific Northwest than that!

This area receives a lot of rain each year, so even if the forecast says otherwise, be prepared for rain showers!

Before leaving the campground, pick up a Northwest Forest Pass and place it on your car’s dashboard.

Otherwise, it’ll cost you $5 per day per car!

Are you unsure which Pacific Northwest forest pass to purchase?

Read the rest of our PNW Forest Passes guide here!

Read: 19 Nutritious Backpacking Lunch Ideas No Cooking

4. Second Beach in La Push

Second Beach in La Push is the ideal place to get your feet wet (literally!) if you’ve ever been fascinated about camping on Washington beaches.

Because of the short distance, excellent vistas, and straightforward permit procedure, it’s one of the greatest novice backpacking excursions in Washington State.

A short walk leads to a hidden cove with ideal camping space amid the driftwood logs at Second Beach.

Come to witness amazing summer sunsets behind the sea stacks right offshore and have beach bonfires with your friends.

It’s one of Washington’s greatest short backpacking adventures, perfect for novices and families!

A camping permit ( as well as a bear canister!) is required for this beach, so pick one up at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or the Lake Quinault Ranger Station.

5. Triangle of Ozette

Consider hiking the Ozette Loop in Olympic National Park for a beginning backpacking trip in Washington that is more than simply an overnighter.

This route will take you through Washington’s deep temperate rainforest and out to a peaceful portion of the Washington Coast.

You’ll sleep on the beach, stroll through woodland boardwalks, and trek along some of Washington’s most remote and gorgeous beaches .

Don’t forget to stop at Cape Flattery Trail on your way out — it’s located in the furthest northwest corner of the lower 48 states!

6. Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park

The Enchanted Valley, located along the East Fork Quinault River Trail, is one of the coolest bits of Olympic National Park history.

This easy novice hiking path in Washington goes to a backcountry lodge that dates back to the 1930s and was built as a rest stop for fatigued visitors.

It was originally utilized as an aviation warning station during WWII and is now used as an emergency shelter and ranger station on occasion, but it will need to be relocated before it can resume full function.

Regardless, this rough cottage, set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is a stunning hiking trail stop!

7. High Divide in Seven Lake Basin

Consider the High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop if you’re looking for a novice backpacking trip in the Olympics with a little more elevation.

This is an excellent ‘first challenge’ for hikers who wish to try camping at a higher level.

This path allows you to experience starry evenings (if the sky is clear! ), beautiful wildflower meadows, and multiple sub-alpine lakes .

Between May 1st and September 30th, the park recommends early reservations for this popular Olympic National Park hiking path.

Half of the campsites are allocated for walk-up permit holders, so you may try your luck at obtaining a last-minute permit, but make sure you have a backup plan in case it doesn’t work out.

Have you ever gone hiking in the Seven Lakes Basin?

Next, attempt to get a permit into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness’ Enchantments!

8. Lookout on Hidden Lake

Fire Lookouts are one of the most popular summer mountain activities in Washington, and you can have your own at Hidden Lake Lookout!

This North Cascades hike is quite popular, and you don’t need a ticket to stay overnight at the viewpoint since it’s immediately outside the park’s boundaries.

However, securing a space within the building is first-come-first-served, so arrive early and on weekdays for the greatest chance of having it to yourself .

While there are no permissions necessary to see the viewpoint, permits are required to camp between the lake and the ridge, so plan ahead with alternate plans and reservations if you’re serious about this novice backpacking trip in Washington.

9. Snow Lake / Gem Lake

Snow Lake is one of Washington’s most popular hiking paths, but if you wanted to make it an overnight trip, you could trek one lake farther and camp there.

Hike beyond Snow Lake to Gem Lake for some peace and quiet and some spectacular summer sunsets.

This turquoise blue lake is swimmable, so cool off after a hard hike!

This is one of Washington’s greatest novice backpacking adventures because of its proximity to Seattle and a manageable miles-to-elevation ratio for a nice challenge (but not too demanding!).

There are no reservations required, however you must have a Northwest Forest Pass displayed in your vehicle before driving up to the lake.

10. Lena Lake

For hikers of all levels, the journey to Lena Lake is some of the greatest backpacking in Washington.

The route begins with switchbacks leading up into the forest, where old-growth woodlands and towering trees offer a haven for everyone.

Enjoy the tranquil times nestled away in the Olympics by camping near the lake’s shore .

This can be one of the greatest Washington beginning backpacking excursions for you if you’re seeking for a typical Pacific Northwest weekend!

Planning your backpacking trip to Washington

So, ideally, you’ve been on a day trek before.

If you haven’t already, attempt several days walks before committing to an overnight trip.

Make yourself at ease in your hiking boots, confident in your ability to pace yourself on the route, and aware about the fundamentals of hiking .

Here’s what you need to know before you plan your backpacking trip to Washington.

Overnight hiking requires more equipment, preparation, and knowledge and abilities.

Talk to friends who backpack before upgrading from day trips to overnights.

Make plans to go on a one-night excursion with someone who has done it previously.

Take a lesson or join a group that organizes guided overnight treks, such as the Mountaineers.

If you’re ready to take the leap and try backpacking this summer, we’ve compiled some helpful preparatory advice .

How to choose the best backpacking trail

It’s a good idea to take an overnight trek or two while you’re just getting started before moving on to multi-day hikes.

Make an overnight trek out of a popular day trip by camping where you’d ordinarily turn around (just make sure it’s legal!).

This will not only give you a decent understanding of what to anticipate on longer walks , but it will also help you become in shape for backpacking.

When planning a backpacking trip, thorough research is essential.

Guidebooks, as well as the WTA’s Hiking Guide and Hike Finder, are excellent tools.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, check out WTA’s trip reports to see what other hikers have experienced on the path.

Whether there aren’t any recent trip reports, phone ahead to the ranger station to see if the path is open and if there are any felled trees, river crossings, or other obstacles that may make the journey too difficult.

What passes and permits do you need?

It’s never a wonderful feeling to return home after a trek and see a ticket on your windshield.

Most guidebooks, including the Hiking Guide, will advise you whether you need a pass or permission to walk a particular trail .

You may also find out more by visiting the WTA’s recreation pass website or calling the ranger station closest to the trail.

Creating a travel plan

If you stick to paths and use common sense when hiking, you’ll almost certainly never get lost or badly harmed.

If you do get into danger, making a travel plan and leaving it with someone you trust may greatly improve your chances of getting back to safety.

Details about who’s hiking, cell phone numbers, when you plan to leave, where you’re going (where you’ll park, which trailhead will be your starting point, which routes and campsites you plan to use) , when you expect to return, and the license plate and make of the car you’ll be driving should all be included in your plans.

Stick to the plan, and have this person start a search if you don’t show up when you’re supposed to.

It’s also a good idea to drop off your plan with the local ranger station if you’ll be going off-trail or through especially difficult paths.

Before you start the trail, let anybody who was given a copy of the plan know if your plans have changed .

Getting ready with maps

To prevent needing to utilize significant navigation, prepare to do your first backpacking excursions on trails.

You will, however, need a topographic map of the path and surrounding region, as well as a compass, just in case.

If you become lost, know how to utilize them.

Hikers will benefit from topographic maps from Green Trails and Custom Correct Maps since they are updated with current trail information.

Topo maps from the USGS are more detailed, but they aren’t updated as regularly.

Maps may also be printed from a number of software packages, including on waterproof paper .

Final words

Now you are ready to go ahead with early-season backpacking Washington. Keep these tips in mind and go ahead, and you will enjoy the experiences coming on your way.

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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!

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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Weekend getaways, week-long adventures, gritty expeditions, backpacking washington state, an abundance of evergreen forests have dubbed this pacific northwest state the “evergreen” state, but washington’s diverse geography has a lot more to offer than just magnificent trees. over 4 million acres of protected wilderness stretch across the state, creating a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts backpacking washington’s overnight or multi-day routes. find your trail for easy backpacking in washington or escape for days on a gritty expedition., *our information may not always be current and should be used for trip planning / selection purposes only. always call ahead for the most current information before setting out on your trip., weekend getaways.

Boulder River Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 25

Group Size Limit: 12

Best For: 1-3 nights

Permit/Reservation: Not required 

The Brothers Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 17

Best For: 1-2 nights

Clearwater Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 20

William O. Douglas Wilderness 

Number of Miles of Trail: 27+

Permit/Reservation: Required 

Buckhorn Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 54

Best For: 1-7 nights 

Henry M. Jackson Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 49

Best For: 1-6 nights 

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument 

Number of Miles of Trail: 200

Group Size Limit: 4

Mt. Baker Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 50+

Norse Peak Wilderness 

Number of Miles of Trail: 35+

Best For: 1-4 nights 

Salmo-Priest Wilderness

Yacolt Burn State Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 57

Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 615

Group Size Limit: 8

Best For: 1-∞ nights

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Number of Miles of Trail: 370

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit)

Colville National Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 486

Best For: 1-∞ nights 

Permit/Reservation: Not required

Elbe Hills and Tahoma State Forests

Number of Miles of Trail: 90

Group Size Limit: N/A

Best For: 1-9 nights (hard limit)

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 1,500

Glacier Peak Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 450

Goat Rocks Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 120

Best For: 1-16 nights 

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Number of Miles of Trail: 1,400+

Best For: 1-13 nights (hard limit Memorial Day-Labor Day; 1-∞ nights rest of year)

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 194

Best For: 1-27 nights 

Mount Adams Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 66

Best For: 1-8 nights 

Mount Rainier National Park

Number of Miles of Trail: 265

Group Size Limit: 5

Best For: 1-14 nights (hard limit)

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Best For: 1-13 nights per ranger district (hard limit)

Permit/Reservation: Required

North Cascades National Park

Number of Miles of Trail: 400

Group Size Limit: 6

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest 

Number of Miles of Trail: 1,285

Olympic National Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 250+

Permit/Reservation: Not required  

Olympic National Park

Number of Miles of Trail: 600+

Pasayten Wilderness

Umatilla National Forest

Number of Miles of Trail: 715

Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness

Wild Sky Wilderness

Number of Miles of Trail: 80+

(trails still under development)

Best For: 1-11 nights 

Want to experience more of the Pacific Northwest  and nearby states? See the  Idaho  and Oregon  pages for more close trips!

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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..

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

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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Hiking & Backpacking > Backpacking Trips & Trails

6 Beautiful Backpacking Loop Trails in the Pacific Northwest

When it comes to quality backpacking routes, it’s hard to do better than a loop trail in the Pacific Northwest. Loops are as logistically easy as they are aesthetically pleasing, the perfect compromise between the mental struggles of an out-and-back and the logistical struggles (read: car shuttle) of point-to-point.

And the Pacific Northwest, well, there’s a reason Oregon and Washington are known as home to some of the best backpacking in the United States. From rugged volcanic circumnavigations to long steady climbs into alpine wonderland, this region offers some of everything for the adventurous backpacker.

So without further ado, here are 6 Pacific Northwest backpacking loops I heartily recommend. I’ve had the pleasure of backpacking five of these trails myself, and the sixth — the iconic Wonderland Trail — is high on my bucket list. Happy hiking!

Related Reading

My All-Time Favorite Backpacking Gear

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When you buy through affiliate links in this post, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for your support! I always offer unbiased opinions based on real experience from the road and trail. Learn more .

Timberline Trail

Length: 40 miles Elevation gain: 9850 feet Max elevation: 7340 feet Location: 1.5 hours east of Portland, Oregon Hiking season: July – Sept Permits: free self-issued at trailhead

Map and trail reports : Timberline Trail (AllTrails)

Highlights: views of Mt. Hood from every direction; abundant water and camping; accessible without car by public transport

Challenges: water crossings can be dangerous early in summer; trail is often crowded; some areas of rough trail and blowdowns

One of the most iconic backpacking routes in the Pacific Northwest, the Timberline Trail circumnavigates Mount Hood in a dramatic loop. Dipping in and out of steep drainages, the climbs and descents are relatively short but add up to plenty of elevation change. Camping and water are plentiful, in fact water can be too plentiful in early summer when river crossings are high. This trail is very popular due to its easy access from Portland; you can even get there without a car.

Read more: Backpacking Around Mt. Hood on the Timberline Trail

Broken Top Loop

Length: 22 miles Elevation gain: 3520 feet Max elevation: 8300 feet Location: 1 hour west of Bend, OR Hiking season: July – Sept Permits: required, competitive

Map and trail reports : Broken Top Loop (AllTrails)

Highlights: lovely alpine scenery; short bite-size backpacking route but still very satisfying

Challenges: short off-trail section requiring GPS nav or very good map and compass skills; permits can be hard to get

This lovely little loop west of Bend, Oregon (an outdoor destination in its own right ) is perfect for a weekend backpacking trip. The Three Sisters Wilderness is a stunning little alpine paradise rising out from the high desert to its east. The route is packed with scenic lakes, ridgeline views, delicate meadows, and volcanic crags.

Looking for something longer? The 48 mile Three Sisters Loop overlaps with the west side of Broken Top Loop as it encircles all three Sister peaks (North, Middle, and South).

Learn more: Broken Top Loop Backpacking Guide

Loowit Trail

Length: 28+ miles Elevation gain: 4300+ feet Max elevation: 4880 feet Location: Washington state, about 1.5 hours northeast of Portland, OR Hiking season: July – Sept Permits: none required

Map and trail reports : Loowit Loop from June Lake TH (AllTrails)

Highlights: hike around an active volcano that last erupted in 1980; rugged and engaging hike with lots of variety; less crowded than many other PNW backpacking routes

Challenges: limited water late in summer; loose, steep, rugged terrain with a few rope-assisted scrambles; 9 mile no camping section

The Loowit Trail around Mount St. Helens is more rugged and challenging, mile for mile, than the other PNW loop trails in this list. Because St. Helens last erupted in 1980, very recent by geologic standards, the landscape is still shifting and settling. You’ll cross tedious boulder fields and countless steep eroding gullies on your way around the active volcano, but the dramatic scenery and sense of wildness makes it all worth the work.

Read more: Backpacking Around Mount St. Helens on the Loowit Trail

Wonderland Trail

Length: 93 miles Elevation gain: 24,550 feet Max elevation: 7050 feet Location: Washington state, about 2 hours southeast of Seattle Hiking season: July – Sept Permits: required, competitive

Map and trail reports : Wonderland Trail (AllTrails)

Highlights: hike around glaciated Mt. Rainier, active volcano and tallest mountain in the Cascade range; explore scenic Mount Rainier National Park on foot; very well-maintained trail

Challenges: competitive permits requiring fixed itinerary (no dispersed camping); plenty of climb and descent but no harder than most other loop trails in this list

This is the big one! If there’s such a thing as the most iconic loop backpacking route in the PNW, the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier is it. Significantly longer than other volcano circumnavigations in the region (see Timberline and Loowit trails) and also significantly harder to get a permit for, Wonderland is a top prize of backpacking in the Pacific Northwest. It’s a popular trail and camping is limited to designated sites, but if you can snag a permit you’ll definitely enjoy a bucketlist-worthy backpacking trip.

Devil’s Dome Loop

Length: 40 miles Elevation gain: 10,200 feet Max elevation: 6900 feet Location: North Cascades, Washington state, 2.5 hours northeast of Seattle Hiking season: July – Sept Permits: reservation for Ross Lake campsites, free self-issue permit at trailhead

Map and trail reports : Devil’s Dome Loop (AllTrails)

Highlights: impressive North Cascades scenery; hike and camp alongside massive Ross Lake which extends into Canada

Challenges: lots of elevation gain, including a 5000 foot climb in 6 miles; watch out for bears, I saw two during my hike

This rewarding and challenging loop packs in a ton of alpine scenery and plenty of climbing. In fact, you’ll climb 5000 feet in about 6 miles if hiking clockwise! The North Cascades, way up north near the Canadian border, are shorter than mountains further south but impressively rugged. Enjoy lush forest, airy ridgeline, and a long stretch of lakeside trail on this circumnavigation of Jack Mountain.

Read more: Devil’s Dome Loop Backpacking Guide

Southern Eagle Cap Loop

Length: 36 miles Elevation gain: 9200 feet Max elevation: 9500 feet Location: Wallowa Mountains, northeast Oregon, 3.5 hours north of Boise, ID Hiking season: July – Sept Permits: free self-issued at trailhead

Map and trail reports : Eagle Cap Loop via East Eagle (AllTrails)

Highlights: amazing alpine scenery in unexpected location; gorgeous lakes; less crowded trails; optional but highly recommended side trip to Eagle Cap summit

Challenges: out of the way location; lots of climbing; trail can be overgrown in places

The Wallowa Mountains, sometimes called the Alps of Oregon, rise unexpectedly out of eastern Oregon’s desert scrub. They’re a bit out of the way for most of us, but well worth the drive for alpine scenery rivaling parts of the high Sierra (in my opinion).

This loop starts from the less popular southern edge of Eagle Cap Wilderness and includes some rougher, less-traveled trails on the way to the popular Lakes Basin. Bring your climbing legs and a bit of wilderness confidence, as you may not see many other hikers on the southern section. For a slightly more accessible route on better maintained trail, look into a loop starting from Joseph, OR into the Lakes Basin area.

Read more: Backpacking Southern Eagle Cap Loop (Wallowa Mountains)

PNW Backpacking Gear

Here are some of my backpacking gear favorites, used on these PNW trails and many others:

• Pack: ULA Circuit
• Sleeping quilt: Enlightened Equipment Convert
• Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite
• Tarp: Six Moon Designs Haven
• Bivy: Borah Gear Ultralight Bivy
• Trekking poles: Black Diamond Carbon Distance FLZ (very lightweight)
• Shoes: Altra Lone Peak trail runners
• Stove: JetBoil MicroMo
• Bowl: Sea to Summit X Mug (collapsible, very compact)
• Water filter: Sawyer Squeeze + CNOC Vecto bag
• Shirt: Merino sun hoodie: Wuru Nuyarn , Ridge Merino Solstice or Smartwool Merino Sport
• Rain jacket: OR Helium or Marmot Precip (the latter may be better for rainy PNW weather)

For more of my favorite backpacking gear, with a focus on lightweight packing and good value, see My All-Time Favorite Backpacking Gear .

More Backpacking Resources

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like these:

• 5 Really Hard Day Hikes in California
• How to Choose a Water Filter for Backpacking
• Backpacker’s Guide to a Lighter Pack

Or visit the hiking and backpacking section for lots more!

About the Author

Hi there, I’m Alissa, founder of Exploring Wild. I’ve had the pleasure of hiking the Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, and countless shorter amazing trails throughout the US and abroad. I love solitude, big views, and a good lightweight gear setup. Learn more here .

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Top 10 Best Backpacking Trips in Washington State

Washington gives a great taste of the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest. Temperate rainforest scenes and massive haystack rocks off the coast likely come to mind. But, the Evergreen State has so much more to offer.

• 10 volcanoes
• 3,000 glaciers; the most of any U.S. state!
• 3,167 named mountains
• Over 8,000 lakes
• Over 100 waterfalls
• 157 miles of coastline, 60 of which belong to Olympic National Park

It's easy to see why so many hikers love spending time here. Looking to visit yourself? Here are some of the best backpacking trips in the state.

Featured Photo: Wonderland Trail (Photo by pixelgerm )

Marmot and Jade Lake

At 20-miles, this out-and-back trail is perfect for a long weekend. Rated as difficult, you'll gain about 4,500 feet in total elevation gain. Be ready for many river crossings and disappearing trail. (Be sure to have a good map and know how to use it.) Look for an ice cave in the Hozbizz Basin. Marmot Lake offers a lot of nice campsites along its shores. It can be difficult finding the way to Jade Lake from here. Keep an eye out for rock cairns guiding the way. If you cross over a small waterfall, you should be on the right path. Don't give up. The beautiful blue-green water of Jade Lake is worth the extra distance. Plenty of streams and waterfalls feed into it as well.

Spider Meadow to Buck Creek Pass

This 40-mile loop trail is rated as moderate to difficult with nearly 8,000 feet of elevation gain. Being immersed in all the wonders of the Washington wilderness are worth it. You'll pass by plenty of alpine lakes, including the Lyman lakes, Image Lake, and Hart Lake. (Don't miss the side trip to Lyman Falls too.) The side trips to Middle Ridge and Flower Dome are worthy. Other highlights include colorful alpine meadows, glaciers, and amazing views of Glacier Peak. If you're looking for solitude and chances to view local wildlife, you'll love this route. Be sure to not leave your packs unattended. Marmots enjoy this area too. You can learn more about this trip in our full write-up .

The trip to Goat Lake and back is a moderate 10.5-mile loop. This makes it a great overnight trip or one to do with the kids. The 1,400 feet of elevation gain is doable for most. The majestic mountains rising around the lake create photogenic reflections. Tons of waterfalls dot the route. The path to the right follows a creek closely, but the stream crossings are reasonable. (Perhaps a better route for beginners and kids.) The path to the left runs up and down an old road. The stream crossings here are trickier. Don't expect too much seclusion once you reach Goat Lake. (Popular area) Do expect to catch some fish if you bring your backcountry fishing poles!

Wonderland Trail

For the ultimate PNW adventure in Washington, head out on the Wonderland Trail. Be sure you're in top trail shape for this strenuous 93-mile trek. You can expect 3,500 feet of elevation change...Per day. The trail circumnavigates Mt.Rainier, which rises over 14,000 feet. The path takes you through vibrant wildflower meadows, verdant valleys, and past clear mountain lakes. And, of course, offers the best views of Washington's tallest mountain. Pack load seem daunting? You can arrange food caches at ranger stations. This trail does require permits and they are hard to get. Plan accordingly. Check out this Washington Trails Association page for a jumping-off point to plan your hike.

Source: Flickr

Hoh River to Sol Duc

For another lengthy adventure, head out on this 51-mile point-to-point route. Located in Olympic NP, you'll start in the infamous temperate rainforest. Meander along the river before splitting off to the base of Mt. Olympus. Head up through alpine meadows and pass several lakes that make great rest stops. Make your way past waterfalls and traverse switchbacks along ridgelines. Finally, descend back to the Sol Duc River Valley. Don't miss out on relaxing in the hot springs before heading home. Find out more about this amazing Cascadian trip in our detailed article .

High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin

For a shorter trip nearby, head out on the High Divide Trail in the Seven Lakes Basin area. This 19-mile loop has a total of 4,000 feet elevation gain. It is rated as moderate to difficult. If you love water features and great views, you'll enjoy this trail. Highlights include Sol Duc Falls, walking along the Sol Duc River, and several lakes. The High Divide Trail, the midpoint, offers incredible views of the surrounding area. This includes Bogachiel Peak, Mount Olympus, and the Hoh River Valley. Plenty of campsites can be found along the way. If you're lucky, you may see some mountain goats, black bears, and other wildlife. The popularity of this area means a limited number of permits are awarded each season. Plan accordingly!

Salmon la Sac to Spade and Venus Lakes

For a moderate 3-day wilderness adventure, head to Spade and Venus Lakes. This trail takes you 28 miles out-and-back to the crystal lakes. They are arguably two of the most remote and photo-worthy in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. The 2,300 feet of elevation gain might sound daunting to some. But, the toughest part is the 4-mile section between Waptus and Spade Lake (lots of elevation gain). Other challenges include a wide, cold river crossing and finding the route between Spade and Venus Lakes. Plenty of campsites and water sources are available. The leisurely pace of the first two days allows extra time to explore all the beauty of the area. You can even make it a 4-day trip if you don't want to rush back to the trailhead on your third day. Get more details on this trail in our full write-up .

Siouxon Trail

At 13 miles round-trip, the Siouxon Trail is another laid-back option for beginners or families. Elevation gain is minimal at 600 feet. Start in an ethereal fern-covered forest. The trail becomes rockier with some stream crossings, so wear your quick-drying shoes. The route ends with some lovely canyons covered with rock outcroppings. The moderate out-and-back trail will delight waterfall lovers. The path follows beside boulder-strewn Siouxon Creek. The rocks make for lots of rapids and stunning waterfalls. Notable cascades include Siouxon Falls, Chinook Falls, 14-Mile Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Be sure to check closures before leaving. As of April 2021, the trail was closed due to fire damage.

The Enchantments

This 20-mile point-to-point trek is one of the most popular in the region. The terrain is difficult, so plan for a 3-4 day trip. You can expect everything from an alpine hike: Craggy peaks rising towards the sky, unique blue glacier-fed lakes, and sprawling flower-filled meadows. Fall is a wonderful time to visit to enjoy the larches. Keep a lookout for mountain goats as well. This is one of those hikes that words don't really do justice. It's worth noting that backpacking permits are very hard to acquire through a lottery system. Plan ahead! Read our full post for more important information.

Ozette Triangle

Who hasn't dreamed of camping on a beach? The Ozette Triangle is a short 9-mile trip. But, it's totally worth the unique experience of walking along a secluded Washington coast. The easy trail only has 100 feet of elevation gain. This makes it another great option for beginners and short overnight trips. Two legs of the triangle wander through quiet forests full of evergreens. Tskawahyah Island and many haystack rocks can be seen from the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for marine life, such as seals and otters. Take a moment to look over the petroglyphs at Wedding Rock too.

Whether you're seeking lakes, mountains, or beaches, there is no shortage of amazing backpacking trips in Washington. What is your favorite trail in The Evergreen State?

Looking for more hike ideas? Read our " Best Backpacking Trips on the West Coast " roundup post. Also, the following Hike of the Week articles cover other great west coast trips.

Hike of the Week: Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail Hike of the Week: Nootka Trail Hike of the Week: Three Sisters Loop

For even more amazing backpacking trips, visit   The Trailhead, our interactive hike map . It contains a curated list of dozens of hikes, each with a detailed write-up.

Finally, check out our   comprehensive list of backpacking articles that cover just about everything there is to know about backpacking. If you're just starting out, our   Backpacking 101 section  covers all the basics. If you already have a few trips under your belt, you can find more advanced topics covered in our   Expert Articles .

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Best Beginner Backpacking Trips in Washington

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• Canadian Rockies
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• Washington State

Washington is a hiker’s paradise where you’ll find hundreds of trails that are great for both beginner and expert backpackers alike. In this diverse state, you can trek deep into the old-growth forests, along the rocky shorelines of Olympic, or high into the mountains in the North Cascades (also known as the American Alps!)

If you are looking for the perfect beginner backpacking trip in Washington, we’re here to help. So, we’ve compiled a list of seven of our favorite trails across Washington that are well-suited for new backpackers. The trips below range from two to six days so you can choose your own adventure.

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how to choose an appropriate trail

While each new backpacker is entering into the sport with a different set of skills and fitness levels, we’ve crafted a list of trips with all beginner backpackers in mind. These trips fit a few criteria:

• You’ll hike relatively low mileage for the length of the trip.
• The trails don’t have extreme elevation gain for the region (However, Washington mountains are known for being steep and rugged due to the intense amount of rainfall, so you can’t escape elevation gain here!) 
• You’ll travel on well-maintained trails and avoid tricky terrain like boulder fields. 
• You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck, whether in the form of peaks, alpine lakes, or lush meadows. (Many people neglect this crucial factor.)

However, backpacking is never easy (or else we’d never do it!) — so,  if you want to maximize your fun, be sure to train for your backpacking trip .

1. Seven Lakes Basin, Olympic National Park

Mileage: 19 miles out-and-back  | Length: 3 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,000 feet

The High Dive Loop — also known as Seven Lakes Basin — in Olympic National Park takes you into an alpine wonderland dotted with glimmering blue lakes. En route, you’ll trek through verdant rainforests and past one of Olympic’s most famous waterfalls — Sol Duc Falls . For a three-day backpacking trip, this trail packs in stunning sights and plenty of wildlife sighting opportunities.

Why is it great for a beginner?

While this trail takes you high into the mountains, a three-day trip allows you to take your time and hike relatively low mileage each day. You’ll have ample time to relax at camp, dip your toes in the water, and hit a side trail for excellent views of the surrounding Olympic Range.

Also, once you reach the lakes basin, you’ll have access to vault toilets at Sol Duc Park, Heart Lake, Lunch Lake, and Deer Lake. While you should still know proper LNT protocol for dealing with human waste outdoors , you may not have to put the knowledge to use.

logistics and permits

For all backpacking trips in Olympic National Park, you’ll need to obtain a wilderness permit. This trail is popular, so these permits can be hard to obtain (so you may want to consider going guided! ) You can reserve in advance — which we recommend —  but 50% of the permits are also available for walk-up hikers.* The NPS charges a $6 fee for each reservation, as well as an $8/person recreation fee for backcountry use.

You’ll also need to store all food and scented items in park-approved bear canisters . You can rent these from the Port Angeles WIC or the South Shore Lake Quinault USFS Office, but they have limited supply.

* As of 2021 during the pandemic, you need to reserve all wilderness permits in advance as the Wilderness Information Centers are closed for in-person permits.

Guided Trip Options

Wildland Trekking offers a three-day Seven Lakes Basin Loop as an all-inclusive guided backpacking adventure package with expert guides, gear, meals, and transportation. Click below to check out the itinerary and this year’s trip dates, then contact us to get started!

Backpack Olympic National Park with a Guide

2. Enchanted Valley, Olympic National Park

Mileage: 26 miles roundtrip | Length: 4 – 5 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,700 feet

Imagine trekking for thirteen miles through an old-growth rainforest along the rumbling Quinault River. Elk graze on the opposite riverbed and black bear cubs climb high in the tree branches. Everywhere you look you see signs of life — banana slugs along the trail and mushrooms sprouting up under last year’s fallen leaves. When you reach the forest’s edge, you cross a narrow bridge high over the river before popping out into an expansive river valley. Waterfalls trickle down the steep cliffs and jagged peaks fill the skyline. Right in the middle of the grassy valley floor, an old chalet sits precariously close to the eroded riverbank. This magical destination is the Enchanted Valley (a fitting name), and it’s is an ideal first backpacking trip.

This trail features very low elevation gain per mile, so it is relatively beginner-friendly. You can break up the 13-mile one-way rainforest hike into two days and camp under the canopy of trees on your way out and back. Once you’re in the Enchanted Valley, you’ll have the choice of how you want to spend your time. You could take an ice bath in the river, chill at camp, or hike up to Anderson Pass (and to its glacier) without the weight of your pack. Whatever you choose, your surroundings will be spectacular.

The Quinault Rainforest — one of three in the park — is also known for its prime wildlife sighting opportunities. And, this trail has the right balance of regular travel and moments of solitude for a beginner. We know it may be intimidating to hike an empty trail, so you’ll feel reassured by the friendly faces along the way. But, when you reach the valley, you’ll have room to spread out from other backpackers.

For all backpacking trips in Olympic National Park, you’ll need to obtain a wilderness permit. You can reserve in advance — which we recommend —  but permits are also available for walk-up hikers.* The NPS charges a $6 fee for each reservation, as well as an $8/person recreation fee for backcountry use.

You’ll also need to store all food and scented items in park-approved bear canisters . You can rent these from the Port Angeles WIC or the South Shore Lake Quinault USFS Office (which you pass on your way to the trailhead), but they have limited supply.

Wildland Trekking offers both four- and five-day Enchanted Valley trips as all-inclusive guided backpacking adventure packages with expert guides, gear, meals, and transportation. Click below to check out the itinerary and this year’s trip dates, then contact us to get started!

Hike Enchanted Valley with a Guide

3. Baker Lake Trail

Mileage: varies (8 – 28 miles roundtrip) | Length: 2 – 3 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: minimal

Baker Lake is a low-elevation lake tucked in beneath the high peaks of the North Cascades. The Baker Lake Trail runs along the east bank from the south end to the north end of the lake, weaving through old-growth forests and stands of big-leaf maple. If you make it all the way to the northern trailhead, you’ll cross an impressive suspension bridge over the Baker River. When the clouds clear, you get fantastic views of Mount Baker — one of the five volcanoes in Washington.

Temperatures stay relatively moderate year-round, so if you’re willing to brave some cold rain, you could even hike this trail in the winter. However, this trail is ideal in the fall when the lake is refreshing and hues of yellow and orange start to appear on the treetops.

This low-elevation trail won’t get your heart rate pumping, but you’ll do some high-quality forest bathing as you walk between campsites. Choose between a short overnighter and a longer roundtrip trek depending on whether you’d rather pack in a camp chair and sit by the lakeshore or pack in the hiking miles. In addition to being beginner-friendly, it’s also a wonderful family-friendly backpacking option because of the low mileage and developed campsites with fire pit and vault toilets.

Some campsites along the route — like the Maple Grove Campground — have food storage boxes to keep your meals safe from critters and bears. This eliminates the need to carry a heavy bear canister or deal with an inconvenient food hang.

Additionally, you can hike this trail in almost any weather. Even if rain is in the forecast on your only spare weekend, the dense forest canopy will keep you relatively dry. Plus, rain enhances the moody PNW atmosphere.

You do not need any permits to hike the Baker Lake trail. If you plan to hike the trail one-way, you need a car shuttle to pick you up on the north end. However, this is unnecessary and you have plenty of options for an out-and-back backpacking trip of reasonable mileage.

4. Point of Arches, Olympic National Park

Mileage:  8 miles out-and-back  |  Length:  2 – 3 days |  Elevation Gain/Loss:  200 feet

This trail was on our list of the 11 best beginner backpacking trips in the US! So we figured we’d include it here, too, so we didn’t leave you out of the loop.

Point of Arches is a perfect beginner backpacking destination on the edge of Olympic National Park, accessed via the Makah Reservation. You can hike this trail as an overnight, but if you have a third day to spare, you won’t be disappointed by the abundance of tidepools to explore and wildlife to observe. The sea-stack studded coastline is complemented by lush forests, which are home to banana slugs, Roosevelt elk, and black bears. Each night, as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean and you fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, you’ll start scheming up your next backpacking trip.

WHY IS IT GREAT FOR A BEGINNER?

This relatively flat trail gives you quick access to a stunning beach environment, without much hard hiking or elevation gain. In fact, we offer this as a family-friendly trip option . You’ll get the pay-off of a bigger backpacking trip, but without all the work. So, pack a chair and relax on the beach as seals play in the coastal waters and eagles fly along the bluffs hunting for fish.

Unlike many beach destinations, the campsite near Point of Arches sits along a creek, so you don’t have to pack in water for your whole trip — just a water filtration device.

LOGISTICS AND PERMITS

You’ll need to secure two permits to make this trip a reality. First, you’ll need to pick up a  Makah Recreation Pass ; it costs $10 and is good for an entire year. You can get one in Neah Bay at the marina, the general store, the mini-mart, and the tribal center, among other areas. Also, as this trail enters Olympic National Park, you will need a Wilderness Camping Permit  for any overnight stays in the park. Make sure you reserve this in advance. However, if you join a guided trip, we take care of all permits and reservations for you!

*As of February 2021, this trail is closed due to COVID-19, as are many of the coastal areas of the park because they are on tribal lands. If you’re looking for an alternate route in Olympic National Park, the Seven Lakes Basin backpacking loop  is a great — yet more difficult — alternative.

GUIDED TRIP OPTIONS

Wildland Trekking offers this Point of Arches trip as a guided backpacking adventure package with expert guides, gear, meals, transportation — all included!

Hike Point of Arches with a Guide

5. Ancient Lakes, Eastern Washington

Mileage:  4 miles out-and-back |  Length:  2 days | Elevation Gain/Loss:  minimal

If you’re searching for the perfect early-season overnighter, look no further than Ancient Lakes near Quincy, Washington. This desert oasis is close enough to Seattle that you can squeeze in a quick weekend trip even if you only have Saturday and Sunday to play. As you wander among the columnar basalt rocks, you’ll watch waterfalls splash over the edges and create green streaks of life on the walls. Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll find many paths to explore the area. And nearly every campsite you find has great views of the dark night sky.

Low mileage and minimal elevation gain make this a great trip for beginners, kids, and the pup. While you do need to pack in all your water, you shouldn’t be deterred because you only have a 2-mile hike to the lake. If you only have a short weekend to spare, this trail will get you into the backcountry in no time!

Pack in all the water you’ll need for your overnight trip! Even though you are hiking to lakes, all of the water is irrigation water from nearby farmlands. Agricultural runoff pollutes these water sources, so you’re better off bringing potable water from home. Also, you may want to avoid this one during the hot summer season. If you do backpack in this area during the summer, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.

You do not need a permit to camp overnight in the Quincy Wildlife Recreation Area. However, you’ll need a  Discover Pass  to park at the trailhead.

All-inclusive Backpacking Adventures

6. Ross Lake to Desolation Peak, North Cascades

 Mileage: 32 miles point-to-point | Length: 6 days | Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,300 feet with pack (+ 4,000 ft with day pack)

Most beginner backpackers don’t sign up for a six-day backpacking trip — but hey, you may want to consider it. If you want to spend six days immersed in pristine wilderness, the Ross Lake to Desolation Peak itinerary is a great introduction to North Cascades National Park. This trail takes you along the east bank of Ross Lake, offering campsites with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll drop your heavy pack and summit Desolation Peak with only a day pack. This destination is unique because it is the site of a historic fire lookout where Jack Kerouac lived in 1956 while writing The Dharma Bums . At the end of your trip, you’ll take a water taxi across Ross Lake back to the trailhead. We don’t want to give away too much, but after six days of hiking, you’ll feel like you’re moving at lightning speed when the taxi starts moving.

This wilderness-intensive trail is a great option for beginners looking to spend almost a week backpacking. (If you think a long-distance thru-hike sounds interesting, a six-day trip is a great launching point!) The elevation gain with a pack is relatively minimal, but you’ll also experience the excitement of summiting a peak in the North Cascades. Plus, as this is a point-to-point hike, you’ll be hiking new ground every day. At the end of your trip, you’ll really feel like you went somewhere. In fact, you’ll end up only a few miles from the Canadian border.

In other areas of the North Cascades, steep terrain, technical glaciers, and rocky terrain deter beginner backpackers. But along the bank of Ross Lake, you’ll experience the same serenity without the necessary technical skills. This trip is long, but it is achievable for backpackers of all ability levels.

Backcountry permits are required year-round for all backpacking trips in the North Cascades National Park. You can make advanced reservations for the summer season from May 15th through April 15th. After that period, all permits are first-come, first-served. You’ll need to show up at the Marblemount Ranger Station the day before or the day of your trip to arrange and pick up your wilderness permit. If you did not make advance reservations during the allotted time frame, you may need to stay flexible with your itinerary as slots fill up.

To backpack the Ross Lake Trail to Desolation Peak unguided, you need to arrange a water taxi to pick you up on the final day of your trip. Or, if you run the itinerary in reverse, to drop you off on the first day. You can make advanced reservations (required) for the water taxi by calling the Ross Lake Resort or submitting a request on their website.

Wildland Trekking offers a six-day guided Ross Lake – Desolation Peak backpacking trip . You’ll have gear provided, meals cooked, and permits arranged. Plus, you don’t have to worry about organizing a car shuttle! If you’re new to backpacking and want to learn the skills to one day branch out on your own, a guided trip can give you the confidence to hike into the wilderness with only your backpack.

Ross Lake Backpacking Adventures

7. Chain Lakes Loop, Mt. Baker Area

Mileage: 6.5-mile loop | Length: 2 – 3 days | Elevation Gain/Loss:  1,800

Want a secret into one of the best beginner backpacking trips in all of Washington? The Chain Lakes Loop is a stellar day hiking trail with non-stop views. But, stay overnight and you’ll experience this popular trail in solitude. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to catch sunrise and sunset on Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Look out for marmots, pikas, and mountain goats — as most of this trail travels through prime wildlife habitat. Seriously, you can’t beat the diversity and scenery of this loop hike. We’ll continue to rave about it until everyone is tired of listening.

This low-mileage hike is perfect for an overnight. With campsites situated halfway along the loop, you can get a late start and still make it to camp in time for sunset. Plus, you’ll find backcountry vault toilets at Mazama, Iceberg, and Hayes Lakes, making it easy for you to leave no trace.

This trail has just enough challenge to keep it interesting. While the climb up to Herman Saddle will get your blood pumping, the views will distract you with each step.

You do not need a permit to backpack the Chain Lakes Loop. However, you do need a Northwest Forest Pass or Annual Park Pass to park at the trailhead.

Snow lingers late into the season here, so don’t attempt this hike before mid-July!

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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• United States

Marmot and Jade Lakes via Deception Pass Trail

Ronald, Washington

20.29 miles

Elevation Gain

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Colin Ayers

Hike to or camp at two amazing alpine lakes and take in views of beautiful azure waters caused by the runoff of Lynch Glacier into Jade Lake.

The road in is passable with basically any vehicle, though there are some potholes to be avoided. Start at the Deception Pass Trailhead near the parking lot. There is a quick and easy 4.5 miles as you pass Hyas Lake, then you start climbing up to the trail junction for Tuck and Robin Lakes and the PCT. Once on the PCT take the trail heading up to Marmot, Clarice, and Jade Lakes, and start climbing, be ready for mosquitoes, in the summer months they get to be very bad around here, especially along the valleys and trails near water. The trails through here are in good condition and easy to follow all the way up to Marmot Lake. The trail from Deception Pass to Marmot Lake is a little over 4 miles, descending about 700 ft into Hozbizz Basin (which houses a great ice cave in the summer) and then gaining about 900 ft to the lake.

Once you get to Marmot there are a bunch of great campsites along the eastern shore, some right on the water and some a bit above. From here you can either spend the night and enjoy the sunset at Marmot or continue up to Jade Lake, taking another 1.5 hours or so. Marmot lake is great for swimming, with an actual beachfront and lots of shallow water for wading and bathing, and although the mosquitoes are pretty bad, there are some beautiful views around the lake and it's a great place to view mountain goats.

Heading up to Jade Lake from Marmot you take a lakeside path that takes you past the first avalanche chute and up the left (east) side of the second chute and up the scree. Keep a close eye out for cairns as it is very easy to lose the trail when scrambling and rock-hopping up the chute. About a mile from the campsite you pass No Name Lake and then quickly descend into the Jade Lake Basin.

Jade Lake and its incredibly blue-green waters greet you here with snowy Dip Top Gap bridging the rock faces and melting snow fields on either side. Swim in the cyan waters and admire the countless amazing streams and waterfalls heading into the lake, it truly is a magnificent place. For a great view of the lake from above, there is a scenic little cliff part the way up the peak to the left of Dip Top Gap, and if you want to cross through the Gap over some loose scree and a crevasse filled snow field you can make your way down to Peasoup Lake at the base of Mt Daniel.

Basic Itinerary for the trip: Day one: Start at the trailhead, go by Hyas Lake and through Deception Pass. Go along the PCT for a while, then take the side trail for Marmot, Jade, and Clarice Lakes. This will lead you past Hozbizz Lake/Basin and up to Marmot Lake, where you can camp for the night.

Day two: Take the trail from Marmot up past No Name Lake and to Jade Lake as instructed above. Jade Lake is an incredible place to camp for the night, with lots of little trails and places to explore for the remainder of the day.

Day three: Either pack up and hike out or go up through Dip Top Gap to Peasoup Lake and the north side of Mt. Daniel and work your way past Cathedral Rock and Peggy's Pond out to the trailhead.

Note: Jade Lake can also be reached via the Necklace Valley Trailhead. 

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Marmot and Jade Lakes via Deception Pass Trail Reviews

Jessie Ward

Fantastic Hike

I loved every minute of this hike! Totally doable in 2 days. My brother and I drove to the trailhead and hiked to Marmot Lake and set up camp on the first day. Then woke up in the morning and hiked up to Jade Lake and back. We relaxed, had lunch, and then headed back down to the trailhead.

Gabe O'Leary

Incredible area

What an awesome area so close to Seattle. I would offer a word of caution to anyone attempting to return to their car via the alternate route described (over Dip Top Gap & past Mount Daniel). From Jade Lake to Peggys Pond/Cathedral is all off trail and requires serious navigation, scrambling and open country travel skills. I would not attempt to return this way unless you have a GPS and have a good idea of where you are going. I'm surprised the idea is not further described above as it is not for the faint of heart (but an awesome route if you have the skills for it).

Great Trip!

The idea for a loop over Mt. Daniel is great! Definitely have to try that next time.

Had to go back

Did this hike many years ago as my first ever backpacking trip, knew I had to go back. Got back there recently and it doesn't disappoint. The hike in can be long, but it goes through a variety of different scenery, always keeping you in awe. The camping locations at Marmot Lake are brilliant with the lake and sun warmed rocks. Jade Lake is another hike up, requiring a pretty good rock scramble, but worth every step. Highly recommend this track as a 3 day minimum. You won't regret it

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Climb Mt. Daniel via the Southeast Ridge

Tuck and Robin Lakes

Backpack to Circle Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Hike to Dip Top Gap

Trail Run to Robin Lakes

Winter Backpack to Jade Lake

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