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Skykomish, Washington

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

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Skykomish

  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Backpack from Dorothy Lake Trailhead to Snoqualmie Lake

    18 mi / 1900 ft gain
    The trail was not crowded although when we got to Snoqualmie Lake there were only a couple camping spots left. The trail up from Dorothy is not too hard at all. The weather was perfect. After passing Dorothy you have to ford a creek where the bridge has been washed out. We went through it on foot...
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  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Hike to Barclay Lake

    4.4
    4.4 mi / 500 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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  • 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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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Pacific Crest Trail's Section J: Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass

    70.27 mi / 14911 ft gain
    This is the Section J hike of the Pacific Crest Trail between Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. It is about a 70 mile hike, and I started near Stevens Pass heading South. The PCT starts at the Stevens Pass Ski Resort off of Highway 2. The trail starts out under chairlifts and through ski runs – I chos...
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  • Skykomish, Washington

    Hike to Josephine Lake

    10.4 mi / 2100 ft gain
    Starting in the parking lot at Steven's Pass Ski Resort (roughly 4,062 feet in elevation; I recommend parking in E lot), start by walking between the two main lodges towards the ski lifts. You'll see a trail on the northwest-facing slope that switches back across the mountain - this is the PCT. O...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Skyline Lake Trail

    4.5
    2.41 mi / 1020 ft gain
    This 2.5 mile roundtrip hike with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation gain is a great winter trip for beginners. The trail is typically well-worn, making it easy to stay on target even in some of the most difficult conditions. If you have route finding and off trail skills, you can venture ou...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Rainy Lake Trail

    4.0
    9 mi / 3205 ft gain
    This is an abandoned trail that heads south along Rainy Creek, off of the downstream section of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail, and up to Rainy Lake. The lake is popular among fisherman, since it is home to lots of trout, but be warned -- route-finding skills are a must on this trip. I do my be...
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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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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Hike to the Summit of Mt. McCausland

    8 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Begin by driving a fairly smooth Forest Road 6700 for 2.5 miles to the Smith Brook Trailhead and park in the space on the left. Much of the signage has been taken down along the trail, so it may be helpful to bring some written directions with you. The hike begins by keeping close to the road, me...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Hike Pratt Balcony

    2.2 mi
    This one can be a bit tricky to find. The trailhead is unmarked and is a bit hidden around a curve of Middle Fork Road so it is easy to miss. At about 9.80 miles from the junction of 468th St. and Middle Fork Road, look for two signs on the right warning of upcoming gravel patches (probably will ...
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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

    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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