5 Must Do Hikes during Your First Visit Washington State

It’s your first time visiting Washington and you’re eager to explore the great outdoors! Below are 5 hikes that are iconic amongst us Washingtonians and all visitors should see!

Mailbox Peak

Old trail = 5.3 mi/8.5km, 3986ft Elevation Gain

New Trail = 10.7mi/17.2km, 4028ft Elevation Gain

Entry Fee: Northwest For Pass

Camping: No

Dogs? Yes

Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes

New trail is a straightforward well-maintained trail than the old and also easier too but double the mileage. The old trail is a doozy of a hike up a muddy trail marked by various markers like pink ribbons or blue markers on the trees. Both link up at the boulder field just above the tree line where the trail at its steepest until you reach the summit. The summit push is steep and if you’re not in the best hiking shape you’re going to hate this part but the mailbox must be checked! Push through that and you’ll have 360 views of the northbend area with Mount Rainier peaking to the southeast and Seattle to the west. Don’t forgot to leave something in the mailbox! Overall most vets take old trail up - new trail down. If you wanna save 5 miles on this hike do old trail up old trail do but prepared for a burner of a hike.

Mount Storm King

4.3mi/6.9km, 2106 Elevation gain

Entry fee: No

Camping: No

Dogs? No, Olympic National Park Rules

Distance from Seattle: 3 hours

Mount Storm King is an icon of Washington State. Known for its ungodly views of WA deepest lake Crescent Lake this trail is no walk in the park. Only 2.2 miles to the iconic view point the trail covers 2,000ft in this 2 miles. For my newbies this is a lot to cover in a short distance! The trail is typically maintained but crosses into an unmaintained area where you meet the notorious ropes. The ropes help you keep your balance going up the steep terrain. Use them to your advantage and go one at a time. Two people on a single rope causes the rope to bounce around. If you’re scared of heights I’d take that into consideration. Above the treeline you’ll meet a few slim ridges with big drop offs. There is plenty of room to stand but sometimes the fear will play mind tricks on you. Trust yourself and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views.

Pinnacle Peak Trail

3 mi/4.8km, 1574 Elevation Gain

Entry fee: Yes and timed entry reservation (summer)

Camping: No

Dogs? No, Mt. Rainier National Park Rules

Distance from Seattle: 2 hours

Location smacked dab on the south face of Mount Rainier and its famous reflection lake. Pinnacle Peak Trail has some of the most awesome views for what I consider a moderate hike. The hike is straightforward. Nothing technical about it. Just a steady incline up. If you are of the peak bagging variety you can climb up pinnacle peak or if you just want to keep exploring you can continue on down the trail. Tons of views and hidden view sites along this trail. Go during sunrise to get the most out of this spot.

La Push Second Beach

2.2mi/3.5km, 291ft Elevation Gain

Entry fee: Reservation fee per person

Camping: Yes, Reservation required

Dogs? Olympic National Park Rules

Distance from Seattle: 3.5 hours

When you see pictures of Washington coast likely they were taken here. La Push is not only famous because of its shoutout in the Twilight series, it’s famous because of beautiful coastline and chimneys. This is a beginner trail. Only 1.1 miles most of it being flat there is only a slight decline as you descend onto the shore. You have to cross over a pile of drift wood as you enter which could be annoy if you’re carry heavy packs. If you’re just getting into backpacking this is the trail for you. It’s easy enough to test your skills, isolated enough to feel like you’re backpacking but also lots of people around if you need assistances. This trail is very kid friendly. That being said those hot summer days can be PACKED. Parking could be a pain as well. There is overflow parking but it may add an additional .5 miles to your journey.

Lake 22 Trail

6mi/9.6km, 1446ft Elevation Gain

Entry fee: Northwest Forest Pass

Camping: No

Dogs? Yes

Distance from Seattle: 50 minutes

Lake 22 has been the #1 spot in WA all trail a few times over the years. The access from Seattle and difficultly-to-reward ratio being favorable makes it to appealing to anyone wanted to explore WA great outdoors. This trail is amazing year round depending on the vibe you’re looking for. The trail can be wet and muddy depending on when you go. It’s a steady incline all the way up to the iconic lake. Lake 22 is surrounded by a massive mountain with tons of waters during the warmer months. This hike is the epitome of what Washington state has to offer. Due to its popularity the trail may be busy. I’d suggest going early to avoid crowds.