12 Amazing Easy Hikes in Washington: A Complete Guide

Although I grew up in the Seattle area of Washington State, I (Matt here!) had not spent much time exploring the hiking trails in my home state until the past several years when Alysha completed her goal of transforming me into “Mountain Matt”. If someone had asked me a few years ago, I never would have said that I would be interested in hiking.

But here we are. After investing the bulk of the past two years on the road in the western United States, we’ve visited 18 national parks, 10+ states, countless state parks and national monuments, and we still think that Washington State is one of the finest hiking destinations in the entire country (for more, read our guide to the best hikes in Washington State).

In any event, we also fully acknowledge that not all individuals are equipped for an excruciating 12+ mile ascent to the summit of a mountain. Because, nicely, that depicted Matt about five years ago.

While Washington has many strenuous climbs, it additionally has nice choices for beginning hikers leading to crystal clear mountain lakes, spectacular views, and towering cascades.

In this guide, we will cover some of our preferred easy hikes in Washington (we will also discuss what we mean by an easy hike), along with additional aspects you should be aware of before starting on the trail.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

What to Know Before Hitting the Trail in Washington

Before getting into the specific hikes, let’s discuss some things you should know before hitting the trail for your first hike, specifically regarding trails in Washington, which have some unique characteristics that are good to be aware of before venturing out there.

Prepare to Be Wet

Either because rain or mist is falling, or because you’re going to need to cross a puddle or seven to get to your destination.

You’ll want to carry a waterproof rainstorm jacket on every single hike you do, particularly if it’s not in July or August. You’ll also want to have a pair of waterproof hiking boots for the inevitable puddles you’ll find on the trail.

• Recommended rain jacket: Matt has the Columbia Watertight Jacket(women’s version is here), and it is an excellent entry-level waterproof outerwear at a fair cost.
• Recommended hiking boots: Alysha has a set of waterproof hiking boots from Columbia that she enjoys wearing, and they’ll cost less than $100 (which is a relatively low price for waterproof boots).

Be Prepared

Even though the hikes here aren’t the most difficult in Washington, you’ll still want to bring enough water and snacks to get you through the hike.

Plan for a minimum of 1 liter of water per individual (we really like our collapsible Platypus water bottles, which are perfect for hiking!) and a small snack or two to maintain satisfactory energy levels throughout the beginning and conclusion of the outing.

Waterfalls are Best in the Spring

The state of Washington has an abundance of impressively scenic waterfalls.

The ideal times to see said waterfalls is in winter and spring, when the rainfall swells them with a small boost of extra drama. Not all of the cascades below are accessible year-round, but most are.

Hiking in the Cascades

Hiking in the mountains is strictly a summer / early fall activity.

If you want to hike in the mountains – like Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, or Mount Baker – you’re going to need to plan around mid-summer through early fall. Outside of that time frame, roads close, trails are snow-covered and icy, and it’s generally less accessible, particularly for beginners.

In the winter months, examine hikes closer to the shoreline for your excursions into nature.

High Clearance Vehicles are Useful to Get to Trailheads

Some forest paths used to access these hikes are full of holes and bumps.

We’re specifically sensitive to this because we (formerly – RIP) drove “Homer,” our Honda Odyssey – a minivan – to most hikes, and he disliked the potholes.

We’ll do our best to indicate where you’ll need a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle just to access the trailhead (there aren’t that many of those).

Have Access to a Map, Just in Case

A trail map is useful, particularly if it has GPS to allow tracking your location. This proves helpful for navigating trail junctions with restricted signposting.

We subscribe to Alltrails Pro, which permits saving and downloading trail maps to monitor progress. Some favor paper charts, but we appreciate being able to pinpoint our precise location.

With that guidance provided, let’s discuss our preferred easy hikes located in Washington.

12 Great Easy Hikes in Washington State

While Washington State contains epic hikes climbing 3,000 feet straight up a mountainside, we fully understand that not everyone is up for such an extensive trek.

Sometimes, enjoying nature with a quick half day trip can be nice.!

We hope this listing of our favorite beginner trails in Washington helps you locate a hike that matches your physical fitness and experience level, whether you`re new to hiking altogether or a seasoned veteran seeking a short and simple trail.

These hikes are spread across the entire state, but we’ve included a link to the trailhead location on Google Maps and an interactive map at the bottom. Take a look to find all of the trailheads for these hikes and select the ideal hike for your next adventure.

Now, let’s dive into the hikes themselves. We’ve organized them in order of our preference – implying our favorites are at the top – but every hike on this list is worthwhile. And, it really depends on what you’re looking for and what part of the state you’re in.

The Naches Peak Loop (Mount Rainier National Park)

• Length: 3.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 600 ft.
• Season: Summer – Fall
• Trail Type: Loop
• Trailhead Location
• Dog Friendly: No (technically, the PCT is dog-friendly, but not the other half of the hike)
• Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass

Icicle Ridge and Silvara are popular options, both just five miles outside of town to the south, but we also want to point out Archibald James (the cider + winemaker referenced above) who focuses on low-intervention wines.

This hike is on the eastern side of Mount Rainier National Park, just outside the park boundary, but near enough to Rainier to have stunning views of the Mountain from the second half of the hike.

This hike has it all – wildflowers in the summer a pleasant alpine lake with reflections of Mount Rainier and various spectacular mountain views throughout the brief hike.

Complete this trail in a clockwise manner. That will mean you’ll be hiking towards Rainier, with stunning views directly ahead of you rather than having to glance over your shoulder to see them.

The hike originates from Tipsoo Lake, which is an excellent sunrise/sunset location, and connects with the Pacific Crest Trail on its route around Naches Peak.

At the highest point in the hike, around 1.6 miles in, you’ll reach a junction with the path down to Dewey Lake. From there, it’s downhill back to the trailhead, and you’ll be treated to splendid views nearly all the way through.

Specifically, there’s a picturesque pond perched in the center of an alpine meadow in a perfect spot for photos, with the towering, snowy peak of Mount Rainier in the background.

Read Additional Details:Hiking the Naches Peak Loop Trail at Mount Rainier

The starting point for the hike up to Blue Lake is right along the North Cascades Highway, just a few miles before you get up to Washington Pass. This is one of our favored hikes in the state, and it just happens to fit under the easy class.

The hike involves a gradual ascent, starting along a section of trail parallel to Highway 20 prior to turning away from the roadway and initiating the climb up to the lake.

The lake is a sparkling, crystal clear blue-green masterpiece, an excellent example of the alpine lakes found up and down the Cascades.

Once you attain the lake, veer right at the fork in the trail, where you’ll locate a couple of areas where you can descend to the lakeshore. Mountain goats are normally seen on the far shore.

From the northern end of the lake (your first view of the lake), a short loop heads up and to the right.

You’ll pass a nice tarn with scenic views beyond of the mountain range, with another area allowing access down to the shoreline.

Note that vehicular access to the trailhead is closed every winter, and snow may linger on the path well into spring and early summer. Therefore, this route is best suited for summer and fall trips.

Check road status and conditions here.

With this trail, we’ve now covered all three national parks located in Washington State. The first two are situated in Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park, and this one is in Olympic National Park along the Pacific Coast.

This is more of a stroll along the shore than a hike. Despite the fact that this trail is flat, it’s tougher than it appears due to the reality that you’re trekking through sand and pebbles.

From the parking lot, visitors would head in a northerly direction along the coastline. Admire the rock pillars just offshore as well as the driftwood scattered along the shoreline – which make for great foreground topics for photography – as you progress northward.

At 0.7 miles, you’ll need to cross a small stream that, depending on the time of year, ranges somewhere between a trickle and a raging river. Waterproof footwear will be your friend, particularly in winter and spring when this part of the state is known for intense rainfall.

You’ll pass some beautiful offshore rocks just before you reach the end of the hike.

We enjoy doing this hike at sunset, when the setting sun (on a clear day, which can be somewhat difficult to find) illuminates the coast in a gentle golden glow as the sun dips below the horizon.

This is a good place to see wildlife too. Make sure to keep an eye on the tree tops on your right, where we’ve seen multiple bald eagles perched, awaiting for their next meal to present itself.

If fortunate, you might also see some sea life like otters in the shallows.

Before embarking, be sure to check tide schedules. You want to do this trail when the tide is at its lowest point, allowing access to Hole in the Wall and exploration of the tide pools on either side. At high tide, it may prove treacherous finding a way back.

This brief and easy hike rewards hikers with amazing views near the summit. Begin from the sizable Artist Point parking area and head south along the trail. A series of stairs wind upwards, gradually unveiling better perspectives the higher one climbs.

Ultimately, you’ll come to a picture-perfect modest body of water (a tarn is in essence a pond in an alpine setting) with a representation of Mount Shuksan.

Last time we were up there, we set up our tripod to take some photos, and Matt accidentally knocked over the camera face first into the water. Whoops!

Continuing up to Huntoon Point, which has an unblocked view of Shuksan and some nice views of snowy Mount Baker on the other side of the point.

For a slightly longer hike offering more variety, consider the Heather Meadows / Artist Point Trail. Be sure to also take the brief trip up to Huntoon Point from the parking area!

Picture Lake is also a nice place to stop for photos, notably at sunrise and sunset.

While Mount Baker Highway is usually open during winter (except in huge snowstorms), the last stretch of road up to the Artist Point parking lot is typically closed in winter and spring, and the trail is covered in snow.

The street was still blocked in early August when we were there last – you can verify the road status here.

If that section of the path is shut off, you can do the hike from the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, which necessitates a bit more climbing.

This region of the state is home to some of our favorite longer hikes in Washington State, such as the Chain Lakes Loop, and Lake Ann. If you`re up for a more extensive hike, we`d highly recommend those (but both require a significant hike).

This excursion to Twin Falls is one of the most accessible hikes from the Seattle area, and often serves as the preferred trail for my family seeking a brief and simple path into nature.

Hikers will begin from a relatively small parking area at the south end of the trail, and make their way along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River to a nice two-tiered waterfall.

This is a popular hike, particularly on summer weekends, so get there early to ensure you get a parking spot in the lot.

The hike starts with a pleasant riverside walk before the trail turns away from the river and begins a surprisingly steep climb. There are essentially two hills that are climbed.

The first takes you up to a bench with a vista of the falls in the distance before you drop back down into a valley. The second hill begins shortly thereafter, and brings you near enough to the road to hear the traffic noise on I-90 before you arrive at the falls.

There are two viewpoints that are worth seeing.

The first is the lower falls vantage point, which is off to the right of the main trail down a set of wooden stairs.

The second is the upper falls, which you can see from the wooden bridge that crosses the river (and marks the end point of the hike).

Technically, there’s another viewpoint a short distance up the trail from that bridge, but we don’t really think it’s worth it.

Additional Reading:Hiking the Twin Falls Trail in Washington State (Complete Trail Guide)

This is a brief, easy hike through the woods near Lake Crescent to a nice waterfall. One important note: don’t expect a thunderous waterfall at the end of this trail – it’s much closer to a trickle. Though the fact that it’s 90 feet tall makes it worth the short hike to get to it.

The hike begins from a parking area near a ranger station, which tends to be very busy on summer weekends. Prepare to arrive early, or wait briefly for a parking space.

The trail starts by crossing under the road and starting along a forested path full of mosses and ferns that scream “OLYMPIC PENINSULA,” at least to us.

Eventually, you’ll cross a bridge over a river (really, it’s more of a creek) and reach a boardwalk that makes a nice little loop to two viewpoints of the falls. Both deserve seeing.

The hike up to Mount Storm King, which is a difficult hike with climbing using ropes assistance at the top departing along this trail. The perspective of Lake Crescent from the summit of that hike is great, but the hike is not an easy one.

The Silver Falls Trail (Mount Rainier National Park)

• Length: 3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 600 ft.
• Season: Summer – Fall
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Point of Access
• Dog Friendly: No
• Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass or National Park Entry Fee

This pleasant hike follows the Ohanapecosh River to one of Mount Rainier National Park`s best waterfalls, Silver Falls.

The trail starts and ends at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, and is walkable from the Ohanapecosh Campground if that’s where you’re spending the night.

Follow the loop in a clockwise direction, starting with a gentle climb along the western bank of the river until reaching a junction. Take a right turn and make a steep descent down to river level, where a wooden bridge over the water provides a nice view of the falls.

From there, you follow the trail on the opposite side of the river back to the Visitor Center, which involves a slight downhill direction.

If you’re seeking to lengthen your hike a bit, you can continue left at the junction to shadow the Eastside Trail, cross the road, and do the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail before returning and concluding the loop.

Hurricane Hill (Olympic National Park)

• Length: 3.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 650 ft.
• Season: Spring – Fall (sometimes in winter)
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• Trail Access Point
• Dog Friendly: No
• Pass Required: America the Beautiful Pass or National Park Entry Fee

One of the things we appreciate about the Olympic Peninsula is the reality that there are a wide diversity of diverse ecosystems that exist in a comparatively minor piece of the state.

This hike delivers a totally different experience than the beaches or waterfalls previously detailed, making it another excellent option in the park.

This is the alpine section of Olympic National Park, sitting more than 5,700 feet above sea level.

The Hurricane Hill Trail is a nice, paved route that climbs upwards to a spectacular vista, where you’ll be able to observe Mount Baker to the east, San Juan Island,Vancouver Island and British Columbia to the north, and the Olympic Range – including Mount Olympus – to the south. At minimum on a transparent daylight.

The parking area for this trail is surprisingly small given its popularity. You may need to park at one of the other nearby lots just up Hurricane Ridge Road and tackle a bit more hiking.

The Franklin Falls Trail (Snoqualmie Pass)

• Length: 2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
• Season: Spring – Fall (sometimes in winter)
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Location of the trailhead
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass

We had the pleasure of lodging on the Upper East Side during part of our initial visit, which happened to be just a few blocks from By the Way Bakery.

This trail is best in the spring and summer, when snow has melted but water levels feeding the loud falls are relatively high, but it can also be undertaken in the winter with proper equipment.

In winter, the road to the trailhead is closed and hiking in would add about 8 miles, but occasionally the waterfall freezes entirely, creating a truly unique spectacle.

There isn’t much detail to provide about the hike itself. It’s short, forested, and slightly uphill the whole way. The falls are 70 feet high, and comes rushing off of an ledge above viewers.

You can get a nice view of the falls from the viewpoint, but an even better view if you follow the narrow, rocky trail down to the base of the falls.

Rattlesnake Ledge (Snoqualmie Pass)

• Length: 4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft.
• Season: Year Round
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate
• The location where the trail begins
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash

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This hike exceeds our easy hike standard height gain set at the beginning of this guide by 100 feet of roundtrip elevation, but we think it remains worth inclusion.

The hike to Rattlesnake Ledge, which is a trail nearly everyone who grew up in the suburbs east of Seattle has traversed at some point, essentially involves an uneventful path until reaching the summit.

It’s essentially just a lengthy climb upward via switchbacks surrounded by woods. There’s nothing distinctly unique or captivating about the trail until arriving at the summit, where the forest opens to a rocky outlook with superb views of the Cascades and Rattlesnake Lake.

The area for stopping vehicles is sizable, containing ample space even on bright weekend mornings when extended families tend to flock towards this track. It stands as one of the most accessible routes near Seattle, gaining much popularity amongst trail users. Guests need not anticipate solitude if opting to traverse this during a summer weekend.

One other thing to grasp is that there’s a decent prospect that, in the winter and spring, you’ll reach the zenith and be enveloped in a shroud of mist, rendering you completely unable to enjoy any of the perspectives you labored hard to earn.

Discovery Park – West Point Lighthouse Loop (Seattle)

• Length: 4.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 500 ft.
• Season: Year Round
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Pass Required: Discover Pass or a $10 daily pass available at the machine in the parking area
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Pass Required: None

If you’re seeking a nice, easy hike in Seattle, this is by far our primary choice.

It’s a relaxing loop hike that takes you out to a rocky beach and the West Point Lighthouse. There’s a good chance that there will be a bald eagle perched on the tower next to the lighthouse.

There are 11 miles of hiking trails to choose from in Discovery Park, which is only about 10-15 minutes away from Downtown Seattle, but we think the loop out to the Lighthouse following the “Loop Trail” is the best of the various options available.

It can become muddy, particularly in winter and spring during frequent light rain, but with proper footwear you`ll be fine.

There are a couple different parking areas to choose from in terms of where to start this hike.

We’d opt for stopping at the Visitor Center ( here on Google Maps), where facilities are available although parking is restricted, or at the south lot ( here on Google Maps), where parking is more available but facilities are absent.

Find additional trail information and recent reports here.

The Coal Creek Falls Trail (Bellevue)

• Length: 2.7 miles
• Elevation Gain: 550 feet
• Season: Year Round
• Trail Type: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Site Location
• Dog Friendly: Yes, on a leash
• Pass Required: None

This is one of those hikes that I’ve always taken for granted because it’s literally five minutes away from my mom’s front door. But after experiencing it on a chilly winter morning recently, I realized that it likely deserves inclusion on this list.

It’s particularly scenic in winter and spring, when the waterfall is raging.

The loop guides you through a mossy, ferny woodland in Cougar Mountain Regional Park, and is a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Seattle area.

There are some informative signs located along the trail providing interesting historical context about the mining activities that took place in the region approximately one hundred years ago, offering a unique perspective.

The waterfall itself is cool in the winter, when the water levels are high. In the summer, it’s far less impressive. There’s a picturesque wooden bridge in front of the falls.

This trail is popular with local families, especially those with young kids. Expect it to be busy on weekend mornings. The trail was surprisingly calm on a Sunday morning at 9:00 am though the parking lot was nearly full when we finished.

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