Following is a snapshot of my favorite Washington state day hikes:
1. Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm – August 20, 2022
Mileage: 12 mi; Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft; High Point Elevation: 7,570 ft
A good friend joined me on this tremendous trek to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm in North Cascades National Park. We camped the prior night in Lower Goodell Group Campground with my hiking group so we could arrive early at the Cascade Pass Trailhead. We began our hike at 5:30 a.m. and finished at 3:00 p.m.
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm is my favorite Washington hike for the following reasons: A good friend from San Diego joined me; we challenged ourselves by hiking and scrambling across a large talus rock field right before the Sahale Glacier Camp; and the scenery was the breathtaking, the best I’ve ever experienced on any day hike.
Notes: If you trek in the summer, I recommend starting this hike very early (between 5:00-6:00 a.m.) AND during a weekday as the trail gets very crowded. Also, it can get warm on the part of the exposed trail after reaching Cascade Pass. Parking is limited; you may end up parking a little way down Cascade River Road. If I hiked this again (without my larger hiking group), I’d camp at either Mineral Park or Marble Creek the night before (and possibly after).
There may be snow on this trail until August, so check the Washington Trails Association website for latest conditions. You will not need a parking pass to park at the trailhead. Finally, check the fire map for Washington State when making plans for this hike.
For more information about this hike, see my posting about in North Cascades National Park.
2. Kendall Katwalk – Ridge/Gravel Lakes – July 15, 2023
Mileage: 14.6 mi; Elevation Gain: 2,915 ft; High Point Elevation: 5,400 ft
A good friend joined me on this scenic trek to Kendall Katwalk – Ridge/Gravel Lakes in the Cascades Mountains. We departed Bellevue, WA around 6:00 a.m. to travel on Interstate 90 to Snoqualmie Pass, with the trailhead is just off Alpental Road. We began our hike at 7:30 a.m. and finished at 3:30 p.m. Hiking to just the Katwalk is 12 miles roundtrip. However, we extended our hike to enjoy lunch at Ridge Lake and check out Gravel Lake.
Kendall Katwalk – Ridge/Gravel Lakes is my second favorite Washington hike for the following reasons: I hiked this with a good friend; we challenged ourselves by hiking past the Katwalk, to Ridge and Gravel Lakes; and the scenery for this hike (Mr. Rainier, the Katwalk, lakes, etc.) exceeded my expectations!
Notes: If you trek in the summer, I recommend starting this hike early (between 6:30-7:30 a.m.) AND during a weekday as the trail gets crowded. Also, it can get warm on the upper parts of the trail. There is a talus rock field to cross, so be prepared.
You don’t want to hike this in the snow; therefore, check the Washington Trails Association website for latest conditions for July-September. You must have a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead (there is a pay station if you don’t have one). Finally, check the fire map for Washington State when making plans for this hike.
3. High Divide Loop (7 Lakes Basin) – September 17, 2022
Mileage: 19 mi; Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft; High Point Elevation: 5,120 ft
I joined my hiking group for a trek on the Hide Divide Loop (7 Lakes Basin) in Olympic National Park. We camped the prior night in Heart of the Hills Campground so we could arrive early at the Sol Duc River Trailhead in the Sol Duc Hot Springs Cabins area. We began our trek at 6:00 a.m. and finished at 6:30 p.m.
High Divide Loop (7 Lakes Basin) is my third favorite Washington hike for the following reasons: I hiked with a fun and experienced hiking group; this was my first time day hiking 19 miles; and the scenery was the amazing!
Notes: I recommend doing this hike in late August up until mid-September, in order to avoid snow at higher elevations. Start this hike very early (between 5:00-6:00 a.m.) since it will take a long time to complete it. We hiked clockwise, tackling the steeper portions early. The last several miles of our trek were on fairly flat ground. If I did this hike again, I would stay at Sol Duc, either in a campsite or cabin, so I didn’t have to drive afterwards. If you’d like a hot meal for dinner, I can recommend the Sol Duc Springs Restaurant.
Check the Washington Trails Association for trail status. You will need a pass to park inside this national park. Finally, check the fire map for Washington State when making plans for this hike.
4. Skyline Trail Loop – July 19, 2022
Mileage: 5.5 mi; Elevation Gain: 1,450 ft; High Point Elevation: 6,800 ft
I joined a guided trek on the Skyline Trail Loop in Rainier National Park. I’d hiked this trail at least three times over the prior years, but this was the most recent trip. During the four-day trip, we camped at the Cougar Rock Campground in the national park. This hike begins near the Paradise Lodge on Mount Rainier’s south side. We began our trek at noon and finished around 4:00 p.m.
Skyline Trail Loop is my fourth favorite Washington hike for the following reasons: I hiked with great people from all over the country; we trekked in snow (with traction devices) for a portion of the hike – adventurous; and the scenery all around us was stunning!
Notes: I hiked in July, but previously hiked in late August when the wildflowers were blooming. If you’ve come from Seattle, the high elevation can make this hike feel challenging. You will want to finish in daylight because it’s cold at Paradise when the sun goes down. We hiked clockwise, tackling the steeper portions early. If you’d like a hot meal for dinner, I can recommend the Paradise Lodge Restaurant.
Check the Washington Trails Association for trail status. You will need a pass to park inside this national park. Finally, check the fire map for Washington State when making plans for this hike.
5. Snow and Gem Lakes – July 3, 2023
Snow Lake – Mileage: 7.2 mi; Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft; High Point Elevation: 4,400 ft
Gem Lake – Mileage: 10 mi; Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft; High Point Elevation: 4,857 ft
I joined my hiking group for a trek up to Snow and Gem Lakes in the Cascade Mountains. This trailhead is located at Alpental Parking Lot at Snoqualmie Pass off Interstate 90. We began our trek at 7:15 a.m. and finished around 4:30 p.m. This hike took a bit longer than expected since we hiked at the slowest hiker’s pace.
Snow and Gem Lakes is my fifth favorite Washington hike for the following reasons: I hiked with my wonderful hiking group; this hike is just an hour away from Seattle; and the crystal blue colors of both lakes were mesmerizing!
Notes: This hike is ideal because it’s close to Seattle and the alpine lakes are beautiful. However, this trail can be very busy, so you may want to start early before the crowds arrive. There are several switchbacks going up to Snow Lake with no tree cover, so go early if heat bothers you. Plan on trekking through rock fields, especially on the way to Gem Lake. Because of the distance, the sun exposure, and rock crossings, this hike can feel long.
As always, check the Washington Trails Association for trail status. You must have a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the trailhead (there is a pay station if you don’t have one). Finally, check the fire map for Washington State when making plans for this hike.
Do you have some favorite Washington State hikes? I’d love to hear from you!