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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

  • Skykomish, Washington

    Hike to Lake Deer via Lake Dorothy Trailhead

    12.6 mi / 1600 ft gain
    Start off by traveling along Highway 2 and turning towards the Money Creek Campground. Turn off onto Forest Road 6410 and follow that to the Lake Dorothy Trailhead (about 9 miles).This first section of the hike can be pretty crowded on a nice summer day as the trail is very family friendly and it...
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  • 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...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Barclay Lake

    4.4
    4.4 mi / 607 ft gain
    With 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...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Lillian Lake

    5.0
    8.36 mi / 2969 ft gain
    We 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 ...
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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Hike to Big Heart Lake

    5.0
    14.6 mi / 3300 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Carbonado, Washington

    Summit Lake

    4.5
    6.13 mi / 1499 ft gain
    Summit 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 ...
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  • Carbonado, Washington

    Hike Bearhead Mountain

    5.0
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Formerly 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...
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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Jade Lake via the Necklace Valley Trail

    15.26 mi / 3323 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Tank Lakes via Necklace Valley

    18.94 mi / 4721 ft gain
    Tucked 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...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Hike to Rachel Lake

    4.8
    8 mi / 1600 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Day Hike to Lila Lakes and Alta Pass

    4.3
    12 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Getting There From Seattle, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 62, Signed Kachess Lake/Stampede Pass. Turn left and head north over the interstate; you'll reach Kachess Lake Campground in five miles. Turn left where the pavements ends and drive four miles on Box Canyon Road (FS Road #4930) to the Rachel...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Take a Hike Up To Rampart Lakes

    5.0
    11 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Getting There: From I-90 East, take exit 62. Take a left, heading over the highway. After 5.2 miles, the road veers left, passing Lake Kachess Campground. Go another 0.3 miles on the gravel road and take a right at a sign for Rachel Lake/Trail 1313. At this point, the road gets a little rough, bu...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Hike Alta Mountain

    4.0
    12 mi / 3300 ft gain
    Start 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...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Greider Lakes Trail

    8.5 mi / 2054 ft gain
    Greider Lakes Trail is an approximately 8+ mile hike out-and-back from the trailhead, which is labeled after a long drive up a gravel road. First 2 miles are flat, next 3 are switchbacks up. Once you reach the first larger lake, keep going! The second one is also gorgeous. This is a beautiful hik...
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  • Enumclaw, Washington

    Snowshoe to Sun Top Peak

    12 mi / 2000 ft gain
    From Tacoma, Wa. take Hwy 167 to Hwy 410 and follow that until you get to the Chinook Pass Hwy. Then from there follow this road and take the second Service Road on the right and follow this road until it dead ends. The trail starts on NF-7315. You have to walk this road until you reach the first...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail

    4.0
    6.21 mi / 1978 ft gain
    Along 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...
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