Washington’s Top 30 Hiking Trails You’ve Probably Overlooked 🏔️
Washington state, celebrated for its dramatic Pacific coastline and towering volcanic peaks, also harbors an extraordinary collection of hiking opportunities that showcase the incredible diversity of the Pacific Northwest.
From ancient temperate rainforests draped in moss to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, from rugged coastal sea stacks to glacier-carved mountain basins, the Evergreen State offers unparalleled outdoor experiences for every type of adventurer.
We’re counting down to Washington’s premier trail destinations, revealing their unique features, and the breathtaking wilderness that awaits your discovery!
Jump to a Trail
- #30 Centennial Trail – Spokane
- #29 Steamboat Rock Trail – Electric City
- #28 Dungeness Spit Trail – Sequim
- #27 White Bluffs Trail – Hanford Reach
- #26 Spruce Railroad Trail – Lake Crescent
- #25 Staircase Rapids Loop – Olympic National Park
- #24 Wallace Falls Trail – Gold Bar
- #23 Quinault Rainforest Loop – Olympic National Park
- #22 Second Beach – La Push
- #21 Sol Duc Falls Trail – Olympic National Park
Source: Pixabay
30. Centennial Trail – Spokane
Distance: 37+ miles total (various segments available)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: The Centennial Trail provides a perfect introduction to eastern Washington’s beauty, stretching along the Spokane River through urban parks and natural areas. This paved trail offers accessibility for all skill levels while showcasing the region’s unique landscape and wildlife.
It is perfect for families and cyclists, connects multiple parks and offers easy access to Spokane’s outdoor recreation.
- 🎬 Top 10 Forest Hikes That Feel Like Movie Sets: Step into nature scenes that look straight out of Hollywood.
Source: Pixabay
29. Steamboat Rock Trail – Electric City
Distance: 6 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Located in eastern Washington, Steamboat Rock stands as a spectacular basalt butte rising 800 feet from the shores of Banks Lake. This unique geological formation provides stunning panoramic views and represents a dramatic example of Ice Age flooding effects.
It offers perspectives of the massive geological changes that shaped eastern Washington thousands of years ago.
- 📸 15 Instagram-Worthy Hiking Trails You Won’t Believe Are Real: Capture unforgettable moments on these stunning trails.
Source: Pixabay
28. Dungeness Spit Trail – Sequim
Distance: 11 miles round trip to lighthouse
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Moderate (due to length)
Highlights: Experience the longest natural sand spit in the United States on this unique coastal adventure. The trail offers dramatic water and mountain views while providing excellent opportunities for marine wildlife observation and lighthouse exploration.
It features abundant marine wildlife and ends at the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse.
- ☀️ Top Desert Hiking Destinations for Fall and Winter: Explore warm-weather hikes perfect for cooler seasons.
Source: Pixabay
27. White Bluffs Trail – Hanford Reach
Distance: Variable (multiple sections available)
Elevation Gain: Variable
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: The White Bluffs offer a completely different Washington experience, showcasing the state’s high desert landscape with massive sand dunes, shrub-steppe ecosystems, and expansive Columbia River views that contrast dramatically with typical forested hikes.
It is best visited in spring or fall, and provides a unique shrub-steppe ecosystem experience rarely found elsewhere in Washington.
- 🎒 10 Best Overnight Hikes for First-Time Backpackers: Beginner-friendly hikes for your first backcountry adventure.
Source: Pixabay
26. Spruce Railroad Trail – Lake Crescent
Distance: 8 miles round trip to Devil’s Punchbowl
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This historic railroad grade follows the shores of crystal-clear Lake Crescent, offering nearly flat hiking with spectacular lake and mountain views. The trail provides access to the famous Devil’s Punchbowl swimming hole and showcases old-growth forest.
It is a dog-friendly trail with multiple access points and a perfect swimming destination in the clear, cold lake.
- ⚠️ 10 Most Dangerous (But Legal) Hikes in the U.S.: High-stakes trails for thrill-seeking hikers.
Source: Pixabay
25. Staircase Rapids Loop – Olympic National Park
Distance: 3.8 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: This highly underrated Olympic National Park hike winds through magnificent old-growth forests along the North Fork Skokomish River, offering a more secluded alternative to the crowded Hoh Rainforest while providing equally impressive temperate rainforest experiences.
It offers incredible forest immersion without the crowds, featuring ancient Douglas firs and peaceful river sounds.
- 🐕 30 Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails by State: Explore nature with your furry trail buddy.
Source: Pixabay
24. Wallace Falls Trail – Gold Bar
Distance: 5.6 miles round trip to Upper Falls
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Wallace Falls State Park showcases one of Washington’s most spectacular waterfall collections, with three main falls accessible via a well-maintained trail through lush Pacific Northwest forest. The trail offers something for every ability level.
It features Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls with increasingly spectacular views. It is a perfect day trip from the Seattle area.
- 🌅 Top 20 Hiking Trails with the Best Sunrise Views: Early risers will love these awe-inspiring views.
Source: Pixabay
23. Quinault Rainforest Loop – Olympic National Park
Distance: 4 miles (Lake Quinault Loop)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: The Quinault Rainforest provides a more diverse and less crowded alternative to the Hoh Rainforest, featuring massive old-growth trees, lush undergrowth, and the tranquil Lake Quinault. Multiple trail options accommodate different time commitments and interests.
It features some of the largest trees in Washington and provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with less crowding than other rainforest areas.
- 🌸 Best Hikes for Wildflower Viewing in Spring: Catch nature in full bloom on these scenic routes.
Source: Pixabay
22. Second Beach – La Push
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Second Beach offers one of the Olympic Coast’s most dramatic and accessible beach hiking experiences, featuring towering sea stacks, tide pools, and the iconic natural arch formation that demonstrates ongoing coastal erosion processes.
It is perfect for low tide exploration, offers incredible sunset views, and excellent opportunities for tide pool discovery. It is a dog-friendly beach walk.
- ☀️ Top Desert Hiking Destinations for Fall and Winter: Explore warm-weather hikes perfect for cooler seasons.
Source: Pixabay
21. Sol Duc Falls Trail – Olympic National Park
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This family-friendly trail leads through lush old-growth forest to one of Olympic National Park’s most photographed waterfalls. The short distance makes it accessible while the dramatic three-pronged waterfall provides a spectacular reward.
It features a beautiful wooden bridge viewpoint and can be combined with longer trails for extended hiking, representing classic Pacific Northwest scenery.