With its lush green landscapes and soaring mountain peaks, Washington is a jewel of the Pacific Northwest, offering many scenic and exciting trails for hikers of all ages. Here are just five breathtaking trails in Washington state you will become enchanted with as you explore.
1. Marymere Falls
At 1.8 miles with a gain of 500 feet, this looping trail offers two views of this pristine waterfall. Take a peek from the top of this 90-foot falls by following the left path upstream through a shady canopy of old-growth trees and looking down from the hillside, or follow the loop down to a lower platform opposite the base of the falls to view it cascading into the river below.
2. Franklin Falls
A two-mile round trip with a gain of 400 feet, Franklin Falls is located near Mt. Baker in the Snoqualmie National Forest. A great family hike, this trail features steps and bridges to make it accessible even for young children. It has a mild incline and is shady, making it a comfortable trek. A spectacular sight, the falls are at their peak flow from April through July. Be wary of slippery rocks near the falls and prepare to get wet.
3. Thunder Knob Trail
At just over 3.5 miles round trip with a gain of 635 feet, this trail provides beautiful scenery as it parallels the North Cascades Highway. Summer hikers have the luxury of bridge crossings at Colonial Creek, but these are removed in the winter, when the river floods and changes flow frequently. You’ll hike past picturesque marshlands up to Diablo Lake, all while taking in the rugged mountain views.
4. Umtanum Creek Canyon
This is a 6.5-mile round trip hike with a gain of 500 feet. Located north of Yakima in central Washington, the trail begins as you cross the swinging bridge that fords the Yakima River, then leads hikers through an old homestead still peppered with apple and walnut trees. Bighorn sheep graze along the mountainsides and you might even spot a beaver dam along the creek.
5. John Wayne Pioneer Trail
For the ultimate challenge, mosey on over to the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, a 300-mile excursion in eastern Washington, south of Spokane. There are a number of trailheads and access points along the way, providing several routes to choose from ranging from a few miles up to 100. Along the way you’ll be treated to spectacular scenery and even a route through an old railway tunnel.
If you enjoyed this article on 5 trails in Washington state, you might also like: 5 of Washington’s Best Day Hikes!
Featured Image from Ryan Stone/Unsplash
