Des Moines, Washington
Top Spots in and near Des Moines
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Gold Bar, Washington
Hike to Wallace Lake via Greg Ball Trail
4.58.2 mi / 1500 ft gainAn alluring State Park for its massive waterfall display, Wallace Falls is a high traffic destination along Highway 2, but don't overlook Wallace Lake as the falls steal the limelight. Head East on Highway 2, once you enter the town of Gold Bar keep on the lookout for the State Park signs and tu...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike Gold Creek Pond
5.01 miThe quintessential family friendly hike, Gold Creek Pond is a simple yet spectacular hike next to Snoqualmie Pass. Easily accessible from the top of the pass (4.5 miles, 12 minute drive), the Gold Creek Pond hike is a simple addition to any itinerary if you're in the area. From Hwy 90, take exit...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Snowshoe Gold Creek Pond
4 mi / 400 ft gainSince the parking lot is not plowed in the winter you have to park along the main road next to the drive way toward the hike. Once to the trial head it is smooth sailing the rest of the hike. When I went the snow was compacted so snowshoes were not necessary but they are very helpful. Once to the...Read more -
Mason County, Washington
Hike to Lake of the Angels
5.06.75 mi / 3599 ft gainThe trail up to Lake of the Angels, known as the Putvin Trail, starts out pretty mellow with a gradual uphill climb. Your first marker will be an old roadbed at around 1.4 miles, but you'll need to cross two ravines before making it there. It's thick forest with gorgeous views in the clearings, s...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 -
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
Buckhorn Mountain
12.26 mi / 4429 ft gainThe climb to Buckhorn Mountain above Marmot Pass is a must see for every PNW adventurer with the endurance to tackle nearly 14 miles and 4,400 feet of gain. Listen to the rushing waters of the Big Quilcene River as the trail gently traverses up 5.5 miles to Marmot Pass. Be sure to filter water ...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 -
Mason County, Washington
High Steel Bridge
4.5Located about 20 minutes outside of Shelton, Washington on US Forest Service Road NF-2340. To get there, head North on Highway 101 and exit onto W Skokomish Valley Rd. about 12 miles (or 20 minutes) after passing Shelton. W Skokomish Valley Road will take you through a beautiful area of farml...Read more -
Enumclaw, Washington
Backpack Noble Knob via Greenwater Trail
16.9 mi / 3920 ft gainFrom Greenwater heading south: Pass the fire station to FR 70 on the left. Follow FR 70 for about nine miles to FR 7033. Take a right and follow the road to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. The trail is in good shape and mostly flat to Greenwater Lakes which is great for families a...Read more -
Enumclaw, Washington
Hike to Greenwater Lakes
4.5 mi / 900 ft gainFollowing along the Greenwater River, family friendly Greenwater lakes Trail #1176 which has minimal elevation gain, winds through a lush green mossy old growth forest. Along the trail you will cross over several log bridges and pass a couple of beautiful waterfalls. At just under two miles int...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls
4.87.74 mi / 2569 ft gainConsider this a must-do if you are in Seattle and feel like knocking out two amazing hikes AND getting to see a hidden lake all along US 2. The trail starts out on an old road with the typical amazing forest surrounding you. After roughly 2 miles the road will end and you can go right (signage i...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike to Margaret Lake
6 mi / 1800 ft gainStarting at an elevation of 3,300 feet, begin the hike on a steep gravel road for 1/4 of a mile. Take a left onto a dirt road that will lead to an area of clear cuts and windy switchbacks.As daunting as this may seem, don't be discouraged. On a clear day, the surrounding peaks of Snoqualmie Pass ...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 -
Gold Bar, Washington
Sunset Falls
1.0Note: Please be careful when exploring the falls. We recommend not walking on the surfaces directly next to the falls as the water is moving very quickly and can pick you up quickly. The falls are home to several very sad losses. Sunset Falls is the largest and the final of the three major wate...Read more -
Quilcene, Washington
Mount Townsend
8.59 mi / 2949 ft gainThere are four trailheads that guide you to the top of Mount Townsend, but the most popular choice is to begin at the Upper Trailhead Trail #839 (snow permitting). The trail gradually climbs while traversing through forested area. While walking through the fir and hemlock trees, you pass three ...Read more