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Jefferson County, Washington

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Jefferson County

  • Friday Harbor, Washington

    Hike through the American Camp

    3 mi
    For what was once a highly contested and disputed piece of land in the Pacific Ocean, now lays home to one of the most peaceful, tranquil, and historic hikes in the island chain. Start the hike at the parking lot of the San Juan Island National Historic Site American Camp Visitor Center. Proceed ...
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  • Hoodsport, Washington

    Climb Mt. Washington

    3.5
    Follow the driving directions, pass the upper Mt Eleanor parking area and continue until the road dead-ends due to a landslide. Try to leave room for cars to turn around when you park.Follow the trail which starts just near the lake boulder near the parking area. The trail through the lower slope...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Humes Ranch and Goblin Gates

    6.4 mi / 994 ft gain
    The Elwha River Trail cuts south into the heart of Olympic National Park along a densely forested valley, following the same route taken by some of the earliest explorers of the Olympic Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Past Port Angeles, at a hard curve in US-101, take Olympic Hot Sprin...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Wolf Creek Trail

    8.12 mi / 3970 ft gain
    To tackle the Wolf Creek Trail, you start by winding up Whiskey Bend Road just outside of Port Angeles, falling the curves and hills of Elwha River. The peaks of the Olympic Mountains stand in the distance.Once you approach a clearing and small parking area, you grab the gear and hit the trail. T...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    West Elwha River Trail

    5.0
    6.11 mi / 1198 ft gain
    West Elwha River Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Port Angeles, Washington.
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  • Blakely Island, Washington

    Hike and Camp at James Island

    If you're looking for a weekend camping getaway to a small San Juan Island and you have a boat of substantial size or experience sea kayaking, this is the adventure for you!Launch your boat from Washington Park in Anacortes and cruise or sea kayak across Rosario Straight to James Island. There i...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Olympic Hot Springs

    3.7
    21.52 mi / 3556 ft gain
    A local favorite, this moderate day hike winds its way uphill from the Appleton Pass trailhead through old growth stands of fir, hemlock and cedar for 2.2 miles to a cluster of hot springs interspersed among the trees. Note: This route is now closed due to a washed out road. The current route is ...
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  • Hoodsport, Washington

    Snowshoe Mt. Ellinor's Winter Route

    5 mi / 4500 ft gain
    You can stat this adventure at one of two trailheads. I suggest using the lower of the two. The start of the trail ascends through a forest of old growth pines with periodic views of Mt Washington. Eventually, at a fork in the trail, you will see a sign marking the start of the winter route. You ...
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  • Hoodsport, Washington

    Summit Mount Ellinor

    4.8
    3.08 mi / 2467 ft gain
    Hikers who reach the summit of Mount Ellinor are treated to a rarer view of Olympic National Park, one that is notably more immersive, rugged and dynamic than the common vista from Hurricane Ridge. Ellinor’s profile is, no doubt, familiar to most Seattleites, as it’s the Olympics’ southernmost p...
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  • Hoodsport, Washington

    Upper Big Creek Loop Trail

    4.76 mi / 1142 ft gain
    Upper Big Creek Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Lilliwaup, Washington.
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  • Anacortes, Washington

    Kayak Camp on Cypress Island

    16 mi
    We set out from the town of Anacortes, WA from Seafarers Memorial Park with a group of 6 people. Two in single kayaks and four in two tandem kayaks. After setting out into the water, keep to the west of Guemes island and follow the shoreline for a shorter trip or follow the east side for a longer...
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  • Lopez Island, Washington

    Hike to Spencer Spit

    5.0
    1.75 mi / 60 ft gain
    It's just a short walk to the beach on this protruding point in Lopez Sound, and all downhill. Immediately upon leaving the trailhead, you come to a junction. Turn right and make a beeline straight for the picnic area at the base of the Spit.Time to explore the Spit. If the tide is high, stick to...
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  • Hoodsport, Washington

    Staircase Rapids Loop

    5.0
    2.1 mi / 410 ft gain
    This trail is great for nature trips and for birding. A national park pass or an entry fee of $25 per car (or $10 fee to walk in) is required for entry into Olympic National Park. Watch out for mud on the trail after rain. 
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  • Victoria, British Columbia

    Beacon Hill Park

    5.0
    Beacon Hill Park is the jewel of Victoria's crown. Spanning 200 acres and connecting Downtown to the ocean alongside Dallas Road, Beacon Hill Park is one of the highlights of visiting the Capitol city on Vancouver Islands southern tip. Every corner of the park features unique flora, fauna and p...
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  • Victoria, British Columbia

    Galloping Goose Trail

    36.14 mi / 1831 ft gain
    The Galloping Goose Regional Trail connects downtown Victoria, Canada to the former town of Leechtown. Part of the Trans Canada Trail (which traverses the entire country) the Galloping Goose follows the path of the former Canadian National Railway passing through the communities of Sooke, Metchos...
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  • Bellevue, Washington

    Coal Creek Trail

    4.0
    5.55 mi / 545 ft gain
    This trail takes you through Coal Creek park and follows the creek along the trail with minimal elevation gain. This trail can also be accessed from the northern end of the park if that's a more convenient drive. For the lower parking lot, park at the Red Town lot (exit 13 off I-90) and cross the...
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