Bellevue, Washington
Looking for the best backpacking in Bellevue? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Bellevue. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Bellevue
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North Bend, Washington
Snow Lake
4.06.24 mi / 1699 ft gainThis hike gets crowded fairly quickly so get there early. The parking lot is very large so parking is not really a problem. There are bathrooms at the very beginning of the trail so I highly suggest using them. However at the top there is also a designated restroom area. Starting at 2600 ft, thi...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Gem Lake and Wright Mountain
4.710.62 mi / 3107 ft gainThe trail to Gem Lake lies along the same trail that passes by the incredibly popular Snow Lake. While the masses typically stop the first place they can along the shores of Snow Lake, fewer make the short trek from there up to Gem Lake. Park at the giant lots at the end of the road to Alpental (...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Winter Camping at Snow Lake
7.2 mi / 1800 ft gainStarting at the Snow Lake Trail Head you climb up the boot pack or ski track of those before you (hopefully) from ~3120 ft. to ~4400 ft. at the ridge line where Snow Lake becomes visible. If there are no tracks, follow the South Fork Snoqualmie River NE and aim just east of the lowest point of t...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 -
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 -
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 -
Brinnon, Washington
Camp at the Dose Forks
15 mi / 1200 ft gainThe Dose Forks Campground is an overlooked campsite deep within the Olympic National Park, making it a perfect weekend camping destination. A mild, 7.5 mile (one-way) trail delivers you to this enchanting area and is a must for those who love photographing forests. There are no reservation requir...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike-In and Camp at Alaska Lake
Driving Directions: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 54 (signed "Hyak"). Turn left (north) under the freeway and right on the frontage road marked "Gold Creek." After about 0.5 mile turn left (north) on Gold Creek Road (Forest Road 4832), and in another 0.5 mile reach a junction. To the le...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Hike to Big Heart Lake
5.014.6 mi / 3300 ft gainThis hike takes you past 5 lakes and a few different waterfalls, so if you don't wish to push on to Big Heart, you won't be disappointed! Start at the West Fork Foss River Trailhead, about 2.6 miles past the Necklace Valley Trailhead. The first mile is relatively flat. Once you reach the bridge t...Read more -
Quilcene, Washington
Marmot Pass via Big Quilcene Trail
5.010.5 mi / 3481 ft gainThis trail has a nice, steady climb that's perfect for beginner or intermediate backpackers. The first 2.5 miles follow a forest trail along the Big Quilcene River. For the next 3 miles, the trail flows in and out of shaded trees, over a small talus field, and through a meadow before the final ac...Read more -
Quilcene, Washington
Backpack to Marmot and Constance Passes
24 mi / 5200 ft gainThe secret to this trip: Marmot Pass and Boulder Shelter, where you can camp on National Forest Service land. Multiple excellent, large backpacking sites sit just on the edge of the National Park, giving you great access to Mt. Constance and Mt. Deception, two of the tallest peaks in the Olympics...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Jade Lake via the Necklace Valley Trail
15.26 mi / 3323 ft gainThis hike is definitely one of our all-time favorites. The first time we did it was in August 2015 and due to the exceptionally mild winter that year, fall was already beginning to show its colors. We wanted to see it again in the springtime when everything was in bloom, so we decided to go again...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Tank Lakes via Necklace Valley
18.94 mi / 4721 ft gainTucked high in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Tank Lakes has everything you could ask for out of a Washington hike. You start low at the Necklace Valley trailhead just south of Skykomish along Highway 2 and meander five miles to a giant log crossing of the East Fork Foss River. From h...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Lillian Lake
5.08.36 mi / 2969 ft gainWe backpacked our way to Lillian Lake and set up camp. There is a trail that lead around the lake and a trail that leads up to Rampart Lakes and Rachael Lake as well. We found a few more camps spots on Lillian Lake, then we noticed that only ONE other camp spot was being used. If you want peace ...Read more -
Carbonado, Washington
Summit Lake
4.56.13 mi / 1499 ft gainSummit Lake, nestled in a small basin just north of Mt. Rainier National Park in the Clearwater Wilderness, has everything a hiker could want in a day-hike or easy overnight backpack. The views, the well-maintained trail, and a perfect distance make this hike a must-do for anybody in the Pacific ...Read more -
Carbonado, Washington
Hike Bearhead Mountain
5.06 mi / 1800 ft gainFormerly the site of an old fire lookout, Bearhead Mountain located in the Clearwater Wilderness, provides great unobstructed views of the north side of Mount Rainier, Little Tahoma, and many other surrounding Cascade mountain peaks. In the summer months you are likely to encounter great wildflow...Read more