Arlington, Washington
Looking for the best backpacking in Arlington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Arlington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Arlington
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Arlington, Washington
Three Fingers Lookout
4.514.31 mi / 4357 ft gainApproximately 11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA, on the Mt. Loop Highway, turn onto Forest Service road 41 and follow this road for 18.0 miles to the trailhead. The road is quite rough and it is recommended you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. There is a washout about halfway along the road, an...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Mount Pilchuck Lookout
4.85.22 mi / 2113 ft gainHike the well-maintained Mount Pilchuck Lookout trail through a variety of terrain: old-growth forest and granite boulder fields. At the top, you'll reach a lookout tower perched on Mount Pilchuck. Pilchuck sits on the western edge of the Cascades, which offers up amazing panoramic views once you...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail
4.06.21 mi / 1978 ft gainAlong the Mountain Loop Highway, past the crowds crawling over Mt. Pilchuck, lies the muddy, unkempt Walt Bailey Trail into a verdant subalpine basin speckled with tiny tarns. The Cutthroat Lakes are a delightful location to spend the night with optional day hikes up to exposed ridgelines and cra...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Greider Lakes Trail
8.5 mi / 2054 ft gainGreider Lakes Trail is an approximately 8+ mile hike out-and-back from the trailhead, which is labeled after a long drive up a gravel road. First 2 miles are flat, next 3 are switchbacks up. Once you reach the first larger lake, keep going! The second one is also gorgeous. This is a beautiful hik...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
North Lake via Independence Lake
5.56 mi / 2431 ft gainNorth Lake is everything you could want in a subalpine lake: emerald green hues, cold, clear water, lots of brook trout and far from cell-phone reception. This backpack is perfect when the weather gets hot and sunny, though it does reside in what is known as “the wettest section of the Cascades,...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Mt. Dickerman Summit
7.93 mi / 3675 ft gainIn general, this is a strenuous hike or snowshoe at approximately 8 miles round trip with nearly 4000 elevation gain. Be aware of current snow conditions and avalanche risk if heading up in the winter. Do not attempt a winter trip without proper knowledge, skill, and gear. Some previous winter tr...Read more -
Bow, Washington
North Butte via Chuckanut Trail
1.07.71 mi / 2047 ft gainThe HikeThe hike there isn't short, has several steep sections, and ends at the top of the mountain. There are cliff warnings at the top, so be careful as you explore the view! The steepest portions are at the beginning and right at the end. The trail is very well maintained (because it is so pop...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Vesper Peak Trail
4.06.59 mi / 3927 ft gainThis hike is very strenuous, but nothing unconquerable! The views at sunset were once in a lifetime and something I will remember for the rest of my life. The first half mile or so of the trail begins in a wooded area then opens up to views of the lower valley. After hiking for about another ½ t...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Scramble Mount Pugh
5.011 mi / 5300 ft gainNot for the faint of heart - or those with a fear of heights - Mount Pugh offers some of the most rewarding summit views in the Cascades.Located off the northern end of the Mountain Loop Highway, this is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Puget Sound area. Though finding the trailhead can be t...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Gothic Basin
4.48.74 mi / 2785 ft gainLooking for a hike that will make you feel like you're in a foreign landscape, but don't have to deal with that far of a drive? Then consider hiking Gothic Basin. This hike is located only 30 miles down the Mountain Loop Highway, which is nearly a hour shorter for people that live in the greater ...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Foggy Lake via Gothic Basin
4.59.78 mi / 3179 ft gainDrive the Mountain Loop Highway to Barlow Pass and park at the pass using your Northwest Forest Pass. (In early or late season, be aware of snow conditions at the pass and, more importantly, along the trail up to Gothic Basin.) From Barlow Pass, start hiking south past the trail gate and in the ...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Camp at Goat Lake
4.310.4 mi / 1400 ft gainIf you just loved your day hike to Goat Lake so much that you want to return and spend some more time, you're in luck - the lake offers a camping area that holds at least 15 campsites and even comes with a pit latrine. This is a great overnight option if you aren't looking for a difficult hike in...Read more -
Concrete, Washington
Dock Butte
4.53.92 mi / 1388 ft gainDock Butte is an easy hike offering truly spectacular 360 degree views of the Mt. Baker region. In summer this summit can be done as an easy walk up. It is especially good during the late summer for hikers and introducing someone into hiking. From the parking lot the trail goes through forest wi...Read more -
Bellingham, Washington
Hike to Pine & Cedar Lakes
5.05 mi / 1400 ft gainThese two quaint lakes in the Chuckanuts are a must-do for people looking for a day hike, short camping trip or steep trail run in the Bellingham area. Starting at the trailhead off of Old Samish Road, one begins the 2 mile ascent to the two lakes. The first 1,400ft climb has its fair share of up...Read more -
Concrete, Washington
Park Butte Lookout
4.57.64 mi / 2100 ft gainThis place is really the stuff of fairy tales. Where else can you find a tiny cabin with 360-degree views of stunning mountain scenery? To the west, you can see all the way to Bellingham and the Puget Sound. To the south and east lie the jagged North Cascades. And the entire northern horizon is ...Read more -
Concrete, Washington
Backpack the Easton Glacier Railroad Grade
10 mi / 3000 ft gainBegin at the Park Butte trailhead, trail 603. Hike past the first Scott Paul trail sign a few hundred feet from the trailhead. Continue on and cross appropriately name Rocky Creek heading up on the Park Butte Trail. Continue up the Park Butte trail passing the Scott Paul trail again at about 4,50...Read more