Leavenworth, Washington
This bavarian-style town east of Seattle is a fantastic basecamp for mountain adventures.
Top Spots in and near Leavenworth
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North Bend, Washington
McClellan Butte
5.010.61 mi / 3629 ft gainStarting at the McClellan's Butte Trailhead, right off of I-90 exit 47, head out on the main (only) trail at the trailhad. The first half mile of the trail is quite easy as it meanders through the forest, but don't be fooled or worried, it will get harder. This first half mile has a crossing of a...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Climb Sloan Peak via the Corkscrew Route
5.014 mi / 6035 ft gainYou'll start the approach to this climb at the Sloan Peak trailhead at 1800ft elevation. Moving south along the trail, you'll begin with a traverse through some marshlands and several water crossings along the Sauk River and its tributaries for the first mile and before gaining any elevation. It ...Read more -
Quincy, Washington
Ancient Lakes via Judith Pool
3.64.44 mi / 558 ft gainAll around you, waterfalls pour over cliffs as you gaze upon colorful lakes. If you're lucky, a coyote scampers by through a patch of wildflowers – it's just another beautiful day in the Ancient Lakes basin, a gem tucked along the Columbia River Gorge in Central Washington. From the parking lot,...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Swim in the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River
5.0You can reach this area off I-90. Take exit 38. If you are coming from the west (Seattle) take a right after exiting the highway and continue for about 2 miles. You will drive under I-90 and then come to a parking area. This is it! If you are coming from the east it's even easier, turn right...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Gothic Basin
4.48.74 mi / 2785 ft gainLooking 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 ...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Foggy Lake via Gothic Basin
4.59.78 mi / 3179 ft gainDrive the Mountain Loop Highway to Barlow Pass and park at the pass using your Northwest Forest Pass. (In early or late season, be aware of snow conditions at the pass and, more importantly, along the trail up to Gothic Basin.) From Barlow Pass, start hiking south past the trail gate and in the ...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Climb Del Campo Peak, WA
5.0Begin by parking at Barlow Pass and following the Gothic Basin Trail to Foggy Lake. Most of the trip's mileage is consumed by just getting to Foggy Lake, from here, the summit sits about 3/4 of a mile distant and over a thousand above you.Face the mountain and identify the obvious leftward trendi...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Camp at Goat Lake
4.310.4 mi / 1400 ft gainIf you just loved your day hike to Goat Lake so much that you want to return and spend some more time, you're in luck - the lake offers a camping area that holds at least 15 campsites and even comes with a pit latrine. This is a great overnight option if you aren't looking for a difficult hike in...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Winter Hike to Goat Lake
4.010.4 mi / 1400 ft gainThis trail is a perfect winter hike for the average outdoorsmen. Be warned that the most difficult part of this hike is getting to the trailhead in winter. The Mountain-loop highway can be a dangerous drive with black ice, snow, and serious potholes along the way. Take proper precautions like cha...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Hike to Goat Lake
4.510.4 mi / 1400 ft gainThe trail starts by lazily winding through beautiful forest. Fairly quickly, you'll reach a fork for the Upper and Lower Elliot Creek Trails. Both will take you to Goat Lake in about the same distance (~3 miles), but each offers a different take on the area. The lower trail winds along as it foll...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Scramble up Mt. Persis
4 mi / 2658 ft gainThere isn’t a clearly designated trail to start this scramble/hike. Look for the trail that more resembles a boot path. The trail won’t be well marked, but there might be some orange tape or markers to help you find your way.During the first mile of the hike, you’ll see the most elevation gain, s...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Sport Climbing at Exit 38, Deception Crags Area
4.0Sport Climbing at Exit 38, the Deception Crags Area, is an amazing area to climb within 1/2 hour drive of downtown Seattle. It is an amazing resource for climbers living in Seattle, as during the spring, summer, and fall, it can be reached quickly afterwork, with minimal traffic.There are 5 disti...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Mailbox Peak Old Trail
4.44.96 mi / 3898 ft gainNote this adventure covers the old route. For the updated route, check out Hike Mailbox Peak New Trail. Take exit 34 from I-90. Head north on 468th Ave SE until the intersection with the SE Middle Fork Road. Turn right onto the Middle Fork Road. Follow SE Middle Fork Road 2.2 miles to the stop ...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Vesper Peak Trail
4.06.59 mi / 3927 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Mailbox Peak New Trail
4.210.53 mi / 4127 ft gain*Disclaimer this article is in regards to the newly built trail.* For the old trail, head to Hike Mailbox Peak. Just off of exit 34, Mailbox Peak offers a birds-eye view of the surrounding area. This hike begins at a mere 800 ft. above sea level and by the time you are done you are nearly touch...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Hike Mount Washington
4.32.89 mi / 3058 ft gainYou start out at an elevation of about 1200 feet and you gradually make your way up to the top at 4450 feet. You are hiking through forest land the whole time with peaks of a beautiful view to the north every so often. Along the way there are many rock walls which you can climb at, however on our...Read more