Washington
Looking for the best backpacking in Washington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Washington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Washington
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Randle, Washington
Summit Old Snowy Mountain
5.017 mi / 3800 ft gainThe hike begins just outside of Packwood, Wa at the Berry Patch Trailhead Trail #96, sitting pretty at about 4200ft. The Goat Lake/Jordan Basin loop trail starts here, leading to Old Snowy. The magical Goat Rocks Wilderness area is just southeast of Mt. Rainier. It also lies right in the crosshai...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Upper Wildcat Lake
1.014.43 mi / 4370 ft gainAlthough this hike is possible if you’re looking for an all-day training hike, it’s much more enjoyable if it’s an overnight backpacking trip. Head up the trail past Snow Lake toward Gem Lake. En route to Snow Lake will be a little crowded, but should lighten significantly as you continue hiking...Read more -
Cougar, Washington
Loowit Trail Loop
4.032.46 mi / 7014 ft gainThis is a very difficult hike. Camp sites are scarce and access to water is very limited. Overexposure is a concern so be sure to pack a hat and apply sunscreen frequently. There are sketchy sections of the trail where you will be forced to navigate steep washed out gullies that are unstable due ...Read more -
Ronald, Washington
Circle Lake via Cathedral Rock Trailhead
13.02 mi / 3907 ft gainStart at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead and start to head up the long switchbacks. After running into the Trail Creek trail, keep right heading towards Cathedral Rock and Squaw Lake. There are a couple nice spots around Squaw Lake, about 2.5 miles in, to stop and have a snack. Now head around the l...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Huntoon Point Backcountry Camping
4.33 mi / 961 ft gainArrive at the upper ski resort parking lot (approx. 4300 feet elev.) and snowshoe, skin, or split board up. Make your way toward Artist Point and eventually Huntoon Point, gaining approximately 1500 feet of elevation over approximately 3 miles (one way). Past Huntoon Point, there are several grea...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike Alta Mountain
4.012 mi / 3300 ft gainStart off at Trail #1313 to Rachel Lake. The first 2.5 miles is a flat, slow uphill hike till you get to a river crossing. From there, the next 1.3 miles will be a 1,000 foot elevation gain to Rachel Lake. Once you arrive, this is a good spot to rest, eat some snacks, and replenish your water sup...Read more -
Leavenworth, Washington
Backpack to Ice Lakes Basin
20 mi / 7600 ft gainBegin your adventure at the Phelps Creek Trailhead, roughly a 4 hour drive from Seattle. Make sure your car has good clearance and traction because the last section of the forest service road gets a little rough. Only a few minutes after starting down the trail, you will reach a split that head...Read more -
Leavenworth, Washington
Climb to the Summit of Colchuck Peak
12.5 mi / 5300 ft gainGetting There: From US2 in Leavenworth, Washington, turn onto Icicle Creek Rd. Drive 8.2 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 7601—you might be able to spot it more easily as the turnoff for the Bridge Creek Campground. In 3.7 miles, you'll arrive at the Stuart Lake Trailhead parking lot; w...Read more -
Rockport, Washington
Backpack to Fourth of July Pass from Thunder Creek
11.2 mi / 2400 ft gainStarting at the Colonial Creek Campgrounds, the trail starts out fairly flat taking you along Thunder Creek for about two miles to the Fourth of July Pass trail head. Once you reach here, the trail begins to climb.Beginning with switch backs, the path straightens out for a while before coming to ...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Backpack to Glacier Peak Meadows and White Chuck Glacier
34 mi / 9000 ft gainStarting at the North Fork Sauk Trailhead (NFD 49) off the Mountain Loop Highway, you will travel 5.3 miles and gain a leisurely 1,100 feet of elevation until you reach Mackinaw Shelter. This is where the real work begins. The trail gains a calf-burning 3,000 feet in the next 2.9 miles until you ...Read more -
Rockport, Washington
Sourdough Mountain Trail
5.09.34 mi / 5046 ft gainGoing east from Newhalem on highway 20, turn off towards the small town of Diablo. There are signs from there on where to park. This hike is very difficult. It is very steep and gains elevation very quickly and right from the start. Once you get above tree line though you are greeted with great ...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Winter Backpack Below Chair Peak
6 mi / 1500 ft gainHike or snowshoe to the ridge below Chair Peak and above Snow Lake and camp among numerous Snoqualmie Pass peaks.Drive to Snoqualmie Pass WA via I-90 and park at the Alpental parking lot (exit 52). Take the Snow Lake trail, which initially climbs 200 feet with wooden steps and eventually evens ou...Read more -
Forks, Washington
Backpack the Hoh River Trail to Blue Glacier
5.035.68 mi / 5948 ft gainThe well trodden and well marked trail begins in the rainforest, and is flat and follows the river for the first few miles. There are many marked camp sites along the way, as well as dispersed camping on the sand bars in the river bed. Follow the trail until the first major intersection, at the O...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Thorp Mountain Lookout via Knox Creek Trail
4.34 mi / 1677 ft gainThis trail features beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer season and is relativity low trafficked. Bring your hammock for breathtaking views from the lookout and catch an incredible sunset. The summit has no established camping spots, so if staying overnight prepare to sleep on uneven gr...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Tuscohatchie Lake via Pratt Lake Trail
5.013.13 mi / 3330 ft gainThis is a beginner to intermediate hike, at the first mile the trail has it first break where you can go up to the Lookout. If you continue going straight, you'll find waterfalls and lakes on the trail. 2.5 Miles in on the trail is another turn to Ollalie and Talapus Lake. Continue onto the 4-m...Read more -
Port Angeles, Washington
Backpack 1000 Acre Meadows
45.1 mi / 10750 ft gainThere are many different ways to reach 1000 Acre Meadows, but this guide will get you there starting at the Deer Park trailhead (5,400').Day 1: 14 miles You will start out by descending 2,400' and 4.3 miles to reach the Graywolf Camp. This is where the loop meets up with itself later on. Our goal...Read more