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Issaquah, Washington

Looking for the best backpacking in Issaquah? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Issaquah. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Issaquah

  • North Bend, Washington

    Hike Pratt Balcony

    2.2 mi
    This one can be a bit tricky to find. The trailhead is unmarked and is a bit hidden around a curve of Middle Fork Road so it is easy to miss. At about 9.80 miles from the junction of 468th St. and Middle Fork Road, look for two signs on the right warning of upcoming gravel patches (probably will ...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Bandera Mountain

    4.4
    7.8 mi / 3176 ft gain
    This hike has unreal views of Mount Rainier. On a great clear spring day, the mountain is out. It's right in your face. It's incredible. If you tackle this hike in the spring the bear grass and wildflowers are alive and blooming towards the top and it makes for some fantastic picture-taking. Once...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Mason Lake via Ira Spring

    4.2
    6.88 mi / 2316 ft gain
    Ira Spring trail offers up great views prior to reaching the ridge that you go over to reach Mason Lake. The lake itself is an amazing sight—beautiful water with rocks and trees along the shores, making this 6.5-mile roundtrip hike well worth it. The trail to Mason Lake, the Ira Spring trail, pr...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Camp and Trail Run from Rainbow Lake

    I backpacked to and setup basecamp at Rainbow Lake and then I ran over to Island Lake. After enjoying the peace and quite I ran up to the top of Bandera Mountain and enjoyed the views. Then, I ran back to basecamp and spent the night. The following morning I ran up to the top of Mount Defiance a...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Rainy Lake Trail

    4.0
    9 mi / 3205 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Talapus & Olallie Lakes

    5.71 mi / 1266 ft gain
    With a moderate grade on a wide trail, the hike to Talapus Lake is the perfect introduction to the outdoors for hikers and beginning backpackers. Upon arrival at Talapus, break out lunch or pitch camp. Either way, you can cool off in the large lake. If you feel like pressing on, Ollalie Lake is j...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Overnight Hike to Pratt Lake

    4.5
    11 mi / 2300 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Camp and Trail Run from Tuscohatchie Lake

    5.0
    This 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...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Kaleetan Lake via Denny Creek Trail

    If you want to visit multiple lakes, get a view of or tackle a peak at Kaleetan, Chair, and Bryant, campgrounds for overnight or weekend adventures, fish in the lakes, explore off the trail and natural waterslides and picnic area waterfalls, this is for you. Denny Creek Trail offers it all! Afte...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Gem Lake, WA

    4.7
    10.4 mi / 2923 ft gain
    This hike shares the trailhead for Snow lake at the Alpental Ski area in Snoqualmie Pass. You'll start out with a great warm up, walking through dense green underbrush and a brief wooded area. Before too long the trail increases in inclination slightly and begins to offer up some small rocky sect...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Gem Lake and Wright Mountain

    4.7
    10.62 mi / 3107 ft gain
    The 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 (...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Winter Camping at Snow Lake

    7.2 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Starting 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...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Snow Lake

    4.0
    6.24 mi / 1699 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Winter Backpack Below Chair Peak

    6 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Hike 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...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Upper Wildcat Lake

    1.0
    14.43 mi / 4370 ft gain
    Although 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...
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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Backpack from Dorothy Lake Trailhead to Snoqualmie Lake

    18 mi / 1900 ft gain
    The trail was not crowded although when we got to Snoqualmie Lake there were only a couple camping spots left. The trail up from Dorothy is not too hard at all. The weather was perfect. After passing Dorothy you have to ford a creek where the bridge has been washed out. We went through it on foot...
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