11 can't-miss places to hike in the state of Washington

This college town, located just 25 miles south of the Canadian border, is a fantastic hiking place. Although it’s not as well-known to out-of-town visitors, it’s popular with locals. The Chuckanut Mountains are the closest and have numerous trails to lakes, viewpoints of the ocean, and parks.

A ferry ride across the sound from Seattle lies an entirely different world. Olympic National Park spans just under a million acres and is diverse in landscape. You can hike alpine peaks in the Olympic Mountains (and ski in the winter), wander old-growth paths in the Hoh Rainforest, or take a beach hike followed by surfing the coast. There’s no shortage of variety!

Often overlooked for better-known Mount Rainier or the Olympics, the North Cascades are a spectacular part of Washington state, especially if you like to hike. Follow trails to electric blue lakes like Diablo, views of glaciers, and peaks unlike any other in the state.

The peaks — Cougar, Rattlesnake, Squawk, Taylor, and Tiger Mountain, as well as Rattlesnake and Grand Ridge, comprise the Issaquah Alps. Just a short drive east on I-90 from the city, they’re some of the most popular places for weekend hikes among Seattleites. A good feature of the area is many trails are short and not too strenuous — perfect for families or newbie hikers.

This active volcano south of Seattle is one of the area’s most famous landmarks. If you’re lucky enough to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International on a clear day and sit on the correct side of the plane, you’re likely to glimpse the glaciated peak. Camp and hike among wildflowers in the summer, brilliant larch colors in the fall, and a snowy winter wonderland in the colder seasons.

A popular winter sports destination from December through March, Snoqualmie Pass is also a beautiful place to hike once the snow melts. The falls that share their name with the pass and mountain are the most iconic, but plenty of other hikes will take you to breathtaking summit views, clear lakes, and numerous other waterfalls.

After you drive Snoqualmie Pass heading east from Seattle on I-90, you’ll hit Cle Elum, not often noted by visitors but full of amazing trails. There's something for everyone, from Thorp Mountain to Hex Mountain and numerous lakes. Just remember, this is eastern Washington, so the climate is hotter in summer and colder in winter than the other side of the pass!

Another mountain town, North Bend is located closer to the city, just past the Issaquah Alps. The town itself has spectacular views of Mount Si, which has many options for trails. Just remember snow can fall at higher elevations here in the winter, so be prepared!

A 20-minute ferry ride from Mukilteo is stunning Whidbey Island. Sand and rock beaches make for perfect walking paths when the tide is out. Alternatively, you can head to Ebey’s landing and walk the bluff above the shore before returning via the beach (check the tides). You can also drive all the way to Oak Harbor and hike in Deception Pass State Park.

West of the mainland, between Washington and Vancouver Island, are the San Juans, reachable by ferry from Anacortes or seaplane from Kenmore and Bellingham. The typically lush isles (full of lavender in the summer) have plenty to offer all types of hikers. Each island has numerous parks with paths that lead to stunning views of the sound and mountains.

In the northeasternmost part of the state, the Okanagan runs all the way up to the Canadian border. The area actually spans both Washington and British Columbia and is full of lakes, wineries, alpine trails, and tall peaks.