10 Bucket List Hikes You Have to Try in Washington State
- Thomas Tangen
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Bucket List Hikes of Washington State
Washington State is a hiker’s paradise—home to glacial peaks, alpine lakes, mossy rainforests, and jaw-dropping coastline. Whether you're new to the trails or a seasoned trekker, there are some hikes that stand out as absolute must-dos. This roundup of the top bucket list hikes of Washington State covers iconic routes and hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
1. The Enchantments – Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Arguably Washington’s most coveted hike, The Enchantments is a stunning, high-elevation trek through granite basins, larch trees, and turquoise lakes. Most people tackle it as a multi-day backpacking trip, but experienced hikers attempt the full 18-mile thru-hike in one day.
📍 Location: Near Leavenworth
2. Mount Storm King – Olympic National Park
A short but steep climb rewards hikers with one of the most dramatic summit views in the state. After a final rope-assisted scramble, you’ll overlook Lake Crescent with a panorama that feels larger than life.
📍 Location: Lake Crescent, near Port Angeles
🌐 nps.gov
3. Rattlesnake Ledge – North Bend
Popular for a reason, Rattlesnake Ledge is a quick climb with big payoff. It’s one of the most accessible bucket list hikes of Washington State, offering sweeping views of Rattlesnake Lake and the Cascades with just 4 miles round-trip.
📍 Location: Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area
🌐 wta.org
4. Skyline Trail – Mount Rainier National Park
For up-close views of Mount Rainier, wildflower meadows, and the occasional marmot, the Skyline Trail is unmatched. It's a 5.5-mile loop starting from Paradise Lodge and offers an unforgettable experience in the shadow of Washington’s tallest peak.
📍 Location: Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park
🌐 nps.gov
5. Colchuck Lake – Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Turquoise water, spiky granite peaks, and a high chance of mountain goat sightings make this a standout day hike. It’s 8 miles round-trip with moderate elevation gain and sits at the gateway to The Enchantments.
📍 Location: Near Leavenworth
🌐 wta.org
6. Hoh Rain Forest Trail – Olympic National Park
This hike gives you access to one of the few remaining temperate rainforests in the world. Giant moss-covered trees, trickling creeks, and total immersion in nature make it unlike anywhere else in the state.
📍 Location: Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center
🌐 nps.gov
7. Lake Serene & Bridal Veil Falls – Central Cascades
This trail delivers double the reward: a powerful waterfall midway and a stunning alpine lake at the top. Expect a moderately strenuous climb, stairs, and some rocky switchbacks.
📍 Location: Near Index
🌐 wta.org
8. Maple Pass Loop – North Cascades
A classic loop with nonstop views. The trail winds through larches, ridgelines, and alpine basins with views of glaciated peaks all around. Best visited in early fall for golden foliage.
📍 Location: North Cascades Highway
🌐 wta.org
9. Mount Si – North Bend
A rite of passage for Seattle-area hikers, Mount Si is a 7.6-mile round-trip climb that gains over 3,000 feet. On clear days, you’ll see all the way to the Puget Sound and beyond.
📍 Location: Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area
🌐 wta.org
10. Cape Flattery Trail – Neah Bay
The westernmost point in the continental U.S., Cape Flattery offers a short, easy trail through wind-bent trees and coastal cliffs. At the end, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of sea stacks and crashing waves.
📍 Location: Neah Bay (Makah Reservation)
Final Thoughts on Bucket List Hikes of Washington State
From alpine adventures in the North Cascades to coastal wonders on the Olympic Peninsula, these bucket list hikes of Washington State show off the best of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're looking for all-day challenges or short scenic strolls, each trail on this list offers something unforgettable—and well worth the effort.
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