10 Hikes Only Washington Locals Know

Posted on by gabby

Author and Editor: Gabriella Grace

Washington Hikes:

Funky Fact: Washington has a population of over 7.7 million people.

I was born and raised in Washington State and have had the pleasure of exploring some of the most breathtaking and lesser-known hikes in the Pacific Northwest. While tourists flock to the well-known trails of Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park, there are plenty of hidden gems within our own state that only locals seem to know.

Oyster Dome Trail: Located in the Chuckanut Mountains just south of Bellingham, this moderate 5.5-mile hike offers stunning views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands.

Goat Peak Trail: This 6.5-mile hike in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest takes you to the top of Goat Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Seven Falls: Nestled in the heart of the Cascades, this 4.5-mile hike takes you to seven stunning waterfalls, each with its own unique beauty.

Mount Constance: For the more experienced hiker, this 8-mile trail in the Olympic Mountains offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Mount Ellinor: Located in the Olympic National Forest, this 6.5-mile hike takes you to the summit of Mount Ellinor, offering breathtaking views of the Cascades and Puget Sound.

Heather-Maple Pass Loop: This 7-mile loop in the North Cascades offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and alpine lakes.

Mount Defiance: Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this strenuous 9-mile hike takes you to the summit of Mount Defiance, offering panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Lake Serene-Bridal Veil Falls: This moderate 7-mile hike in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest takes you to two stunning waterfalls, Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls.

Mount Si: Located just outside of Seattle, this popular 8-mile hike offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Mount Spokane: This strenuous 9-mile hike in the Selkirk Mountains offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, as well as the Spokane Valley.

While these hikes may not be as well-known as some of the more popular trails in the state, they offer so much beauty and adventure. I encourage you to venture off the beaten path and explore some of these hidden gems in Washington.