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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Deming, Washington
Lake Ann and Lower Curtiss Glacier
5.011.67 mi / 3241 ft gainThe trail begins just below Artist Point and is well marked from a paved parking lot. Make sure to have a Northwest Forest Pass for your vehicle. Start your hike by descending on switchbacks through sub-alpine forest. It's a nice start, but remember, that means an uphill hike out. After entering...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 -
North Bend, Washington
Rainy Lake Trail
4.09 mi / 3205 ft gainThis is an abandoned trail that heads south along Rainy Creek, off of the downstream section of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail, and up to Rainy Lake. The lake is popular among fisherman, since it is home to lots of trout, but be warned -- route-finding skills are a must on this trip. I do my be...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Barclay Lake
4.44.4 mi / 607 ft gainWith less than 500 feet of total elevation and 4.4 miles of round trip hiking, the Barclay Lake trail is a perfect hike for beginners, families, or those looking for a quick morning or afternoon jaunt. Yet dont let the simplicity of the hike fool you. The end result of the hike is nothing short o...Read more -
Neah Bay, Washington
Shi Shi Beach
5.06.98 mi / 574 ft gainIntroduction:My friends and I decided to head out to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) from Philadelphia to do some backpacking and beach camping. We choose Shi Shi Beach for it's terrific beach camping and extraordinary photography potential. Here is a rundown of the out and back, 2-night backpackin...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Overnight Hike to Pratt Lake
4.511 mi / 2300 ft gainThis overnight hike is definitely a challenge with 2,300 feet of elevation gain but all that huffing and puffing will be worth it when you reach the beautiful Pratt Lake Basin.The trail can be a bit busy in the first mile but most of the traffic is from day hikers on their way up the popular Gran...Read more -
La Push, Washington
Strawberry Point on the Olympic Coast
5.09.6 mi / 1545 ft gainStarting at Third Beach trailhead, hike 1.5 miles through lush forests to Third Beach. Once at Third Beach, follow the trail until you find a ladder to pull yourself up the bluff. Continue to meander again through the forest before descending back down to a little cove of Taylor Point. Make sure ...Read more -
Leavenworth, Washington
Backpack to Lake Caroline in the Enchantments
5.75 mi / 3100 ft gainFrom Leavenworth, WA head down Icicle Creek road and head to the Eightmile Lake Trailhead.The backpack starts at roughly 3270 feet of elevation and the highest point of the hike is 6300 feet. To start you will hike through a very beautiful and forested area for a while before getting into a burn ...Read more -
Yakima, Washington
Surprise Lake via South Fork Tieton Trail
13 mi / 1549 ft gainGetting There Take Road 1000 to start your hike at Conrad Meadows, which is also where you will park your car, be sure to leave your Northwest Forest Pass properly displayed on the dash of your car before you leave. Surprise Lake trailhead is one of the very few trailheads that starts out on th...Read more -
Eatonville, Washington
Hike to Gobbler's Knob
4.05 mi / 1500 ft gainEntering the Park from the Southwest Entrance, bear left when you approach the forking Westside Rd. This road has been closed a few miles in due to massive rockfall. When you reach the road closure, just park along the side of the road. In Spring and Summer, you should be able to see plenty of ot...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Hike to Camp Muir
4.58 mi / 4640 ft gainPack your sunglasses because this is one snowy hike! Camp Muir is a perfect camping or extended day hike destination for anyone who wants to experience the enchantment of Mount Rainier without committing to the summit. Starting at the Paradise trailhead at almost 4700 feet up, a steep and extreme...Read more -
Ronald, Washington
Climb Mt. Daniel via the Southeast Ridge
5.016 mi / 6000 ft gainFar from the iconic skyline of Seattle, on King County's Eastern boundary, is a lesser known natural skyscraper named Mt. Daniel. At 7960 feet plus, Mt. Daniel's true summit effortlessly juts into the sky as King County's tallest point.From Roslyn, head North for roughly 15 miles on Salmon La Sac...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike to Rachel Lake
4.88 mi / 1600 ft gainThis hike is 8 miles roundtrip, with 1600 feet of elevation gain. Once you're on the trail, it starts heading uphill to help get your heart rate up on the hike. As you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the trail starts to level out. You'll cross a few streams and hike through a fair amount of ve...Read more -
Chelan County, Washington
Backpack at Wing Lake (North Cascades)
5.012 mi / 2652 ft gainFrom Rainy Pass, take the trail to Ann Lake (pictured with island and wildflowers). About 1 mile into hike, you'll reach a fork. Take the right trail to Heather Pass. From Heather Pass, take boot trail through talus field to Lewis Lake (pictured with green water and drift wood in foreground). Onc...Read more -
Mason County, Washington
Climb the Brothers (South Climb)
4.517 mi / 6062 ft gainThe Brothers is a notable peak on the border of Olympic National Park. The dual summits are a distinguishing feature of the Olympic Range, viewed from Seattle. This is a challenging route, testing a climber's route finding skills, physical fitness, and mental fortitude. From the parking lot, you ...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Hike to Eunice Lake in Mt. Rainier NP
6.5 miStarting out from the beautiful Mowich Lake (4,929 ft), this hike takes you through some of Mt. Rainier Nation Park's best scenery. Thanks to the 13 miles of dirt roads it takes to even get to the trailhead, this hike is also rarely crowded. At 6.5 miles roundtrip to Eunice Lake, this is a grea...Read more