Mount Vernon, Washington
Looking for the best backpacking in Mount Vernon? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mount Vernon. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Mount Vernon
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Deming, Washington
Winter Backpack to Lake Anne Ridge
14 mi / 2000 ft gainArrive at the upper ski resort parking lot (approx. 4300 feet elev.) and snowshoe, skin, or split board up. Make your way toward Artist Point and halt at Austin Pass, gaining approximately 1200 feet of elevation over approximately 2 miles (one way). From Austin Pass, turn left (south) to take the...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Winter Backpack to Artist Point
4 mi / 1000 ft gainYou do need a Northwest Forest Pass to park in the lot overnight. You can buy a day use E-pass online here (pick Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest from the drop down menu) and print it out and it's ready to use. Or you can buy the annual pass here.The adventure to Artist Point begins in the ...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
North Lake via Independence Lake
5.56 mi / 2431 ft gainNorth Lake is everything you could want in a subalpine lake: emerald green hues, cold, clear water, lots of brook trout and far from cell-phone reception. This backpack is perfect when the weather gets hot and sunny, though it does reside in what is known as “the wettest section of the Cascades,...Read more -
Gold Bar, Washington
Greider Lakes Trail
8.5 mi / 2054 ft gainGreider 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...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Scramble Mount Pugh
5.011 mi / 5300 ft gainNot for the faint of heart - or those with a fear of heights - Mount Pugh offers some of the most rewarding summit views in the Cascades.Located off the northern end of the Mountain Loop Highway, this is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Puget Sound area. Though finding the trailhead can be t...Read more -
Granite Falls, Washington
Mt. Dickerman Summit
7.93 mi / 3675 ft gainIn general, this is a strenuous hike or snowshoe at approximately 8 miles round trip with nearly 4000 elevation gain. Be aware of current snow conditions and avalanche risk if heading up in the winter. Do not attempt a winter trip without proper knowledge, skill, and gear. Some previous winter tr...Read more -
Whatcom County, Washington
Yellow Aster Butte and Tomyhoi Peak
4.713.4 mi / 4902 ft gainThe best way to describe the location is due east of Bellingham. After driving through gorgeous roads to reach Twin Lakes Road (fire service road 3065), you are treated to about a 4-mile drive up to the trailhead for Yellow Aster Butte (8.3 miles RT with 2850' of gain) and Tomyhoi Peak. The drive...Read more -
Whatcom County, Washington
Yellow Aster Butte
9.08 mi / 3258 ft gainYellow Aster Butte has to be one of the most visually rewarding hikes in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest for the effort required to get there. Abundant with lush, rolling mountain meadows, hikers can be treated to an abundance of wildflowers, heather fields, and berry patches with dreamy...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 -
Marblemount, Washington
Lookout Mountain Trail
5.09.06 mi / 4610 ft gainBeginning about 7 miles down the Cascade River Road from Marblemount, the Lookout Mountain Lookout trailhead is on the north side of the road with parking for about 4-5 cars. With about 4500' elevation gain in 4.7 miles, this hike is definitely a thigh burner. The trail begins with a steep climb...Read more -
Whatcom County, Washington
Winchester Mountain Fire Lookout
4.83.28 mi / 1335 ft gainWinchester Mountain is said to have the greatest reward for least amount of effort in all the North Cascades. One of the last fire-lookouts in the region stands on the summit. Views from the summit of Winchester Mountain are beautiful and dramatic to say the least. Being one of the easiest hikes...Read more -
Whatcom County, Washington
Winter Hike to Winchester Mountain
3.5 mi / 1320 ft gainDespite this trip report being titled "to Winchester Mountain", the fun doesn’t stop there. Even though Winchester Mountain is the most popular summer hike departing from Twin Lakes, this whole area turns into a fun-zone during the winter.Upon reaching higher ground above the lakes, this zone off...Read more -
Marblemount, Washington
Winter ascent of Trappers Peak
9.78 mi / 3448 ft gainNorth Cascade National Park is home to some of the most rugged and remote mountains in the lower 48 states. Because of this, the area is rarely seen up close and personal in the winter, but there are a few spots where you can see these wild mountains that will defy all imagination. In terms of lo...Read more -
Marblemount, Washington
Thornton Lakes & Trappers Peak
3.710.57 mi / 3885 ft gainTo get to your campground or to Trappers Peak, hike roughly five miles along the trail to ridge, where the trail divides. If you head left you'll go down into lake basis where you can drop your gear. Come back to the divide and head right, which will lead you up to trappers peak. Something to ke...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 -
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