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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

  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Mount Pilchuck Lookout

    4.8
    5.22 mi / 2113 ft gain
    Hike the well-maintained Mount Pilchuck Lookout trail through a variety of terrain: old-growth forest and granite boulder fields. At the top, you'll reach a lookout tower perched on Mount Pilchuck. Pilchuck sits on the western edge of the Cascades, which offers up amazing panoramic views once you...
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  • Enumclaw, Washington

    Backpack Noble Knob via Greenwater Trail

    16.9 mi / 3920 ft gain
    From 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...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Spectacle Lake via Pete Lake Trail

    5.0
    18.91 mi / 3058 ft gain
    Depending on when you arrive at the Pete Lake Trailhead, expect to be traveling with company as it is one of the more popular locations on the eastside of Snoqualmie Pass. At an elevation of 2600 feet, the beginning route is a moderate 400 feet of elevation gain. Start on your way through the va...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Evergreen Mountain Lookout

    4.5
    2.88 mi / 1522 ft gain
    This is a relatively short hike, at only 2.6 miles round trip, that takes you up to the nearly 5600 foot summit. The hike may be short but it is extremely steep, gaining 1300ft in the 1.3 miles to the summit, so be prepared for a good leg workout. On the way to the top you will walk through field...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Thorp Mountain Lookout via Knox Creek Trail

    4.34 mi / 1677 ft gain
    This trail features beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer season and is relativity low trafficked. Bring your hammock for breathtaking views from the lookout and catch an incredible sunset. The summit has no established camping spots, so if staying overnight prepare to sleep on uneven gr...
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  • Ashford, Washington

    Hike to Spray Park

    5.0
    7 mi
    The trailhead to Spray Park begins at the Mowich Lake Campground (4,929 ft). You'll begin descending quickly for the first 0.1 miles until you reach the Wonderland Trail junction. Head left and make your way up a steady climb for the next 1.7 miles. The first stop you'll come across is Eagle Clif...
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  • Ashford, Washington

    Hike to Eunice Lake in Mt. Rainier NP

    6.5 mi
    Starting 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...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Vesper Peak Trail

    4.0
    6.59 mi / 3927 ft gain
    This hike is very strenuous, but nothing unconquerable! The views at sunset were once in a lifetime and something I will remember for the rest of my life. The first half mile or so of the trail begins in a wooded area then opens up to views of the lower valley. After hiking for about another ½ t...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Winter Backpack to Blanca Lake

    7.5 mi / 3300 ft gain
    Since Blanca Lake is a very popular place for folks to explore and with the nice and sunny weekend. I drove out Friday night and slept in my Jeep. Got up at 7:30am when folks first started arriving to the trail head.A couple of things to keep in mind before you start this hike. The 7.5 miles ro...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Winter Backpack to Jade Lake

    4.0
    22 mi / 4000 ft gain
    Starting at the Hyas Lake trailhead north of Cle Elum, it's a meandering easy hike through the woods for about 5.0 miles up to Deception Pass. You gain 1100 feet through this first five miles to the junction with the PCT. From here take a left to continue on the Lake Clarice Trail towards Marmot...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Backpack to Circle Lake, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

    16 mi / 2800 ft gain
    Start at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead and start to head up the long switchbacks. After running into the Trail Creek trail, keep right heading towards Cathedral Rock and Squaw Lake. There are a couple nice spots around Squaw Lake, about 2.5 miles in, to stop and have a snack. Now head around the l...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Hike to Dip Top Gap

    25 mi / 5000 ft gain
    This is a great side trip from Backpacking to Marmot & Jade Lakes. Check out the Adventure linked above for directions on how to get as far as Jade Lake.  I would recommend 2 nights at either Marmot or Jade to allow for a full day of exploration from your camp.  From Jade what is described be...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Tuck and Robin Lakes

    4.3
    13.94 mi / 4199 ft gain
    Robin Lakes have been coined "The Little Enchantments", and once you visit, you'll realize the nickname is strikingly accurate. But while the hike up is no Aasgard Pass, it's far from a walk in the park. When you leave the car at the end of the pothole-ridden Salmon La Sac forest service road, y...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Marmot and Jade Lakes via Deception Pass Trail

    5.0
    20.29 mi / 4370 ft gain
    The road in is passable with basically any vehicle, though there are some potholes to be avoided. Start at the Deception Pass Trailhead near the parking lot. There is a quick and easy 4.5 miles as you pass Hyas Lake, then you start climbing up to the trail junction for Tuck and Robin Lakes and th...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Climb Mt. Daniel via the Southeast Ridge

    5.0
    16 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Far 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...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Gothic Basin

    4.4
    8.74 mi / 2785 ft gain
    Looking for a hike that will make you feel like you're in a foreign landscape, but don't have to deal with that far of a drive? Then consider hiking Gothic Basin. This hike is located only 30 miles down the Mountain Loop Highway, which is nearly a hour shorter for people that live in the greater ...
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