Climbing & Hiking in WA State
Hiking and Climbing in Washington is nothing short of breathtaking and sometimes it's a blast too. Find the most beautiful places to hike in Washington and the best climbs here.
Should you follow route 141, you will find Trout Lake and the Mt. Adams Wilderness. Mt. Adams, the second highest peak in the northwest (12,307 ft.) is a favorite of mountain climbers as it has several routes of varying difficult and experience requirements.
Mt. Rainier -As a dominant feature of the area, it is no surprise that more than 8,000 (there is a success rate of 50%) people attempt to reach its summit. One of the best ways to reach its peak is the Disappointment Cleaver Route on the east. The climb begins at Paradise Inn, travels upward to Camp Muir and o to the Summit. Other routes of varying degree of difficulty are the Carbon Glacier, the Liberty Bridge and the Liberty Gap.
The Cascades -For beautiful scenery and an energizing hike take the 1 mile Thunder Woods Nature Trail through giant cedar trees. However, if you want a longer hike, try the nearby 19 mile Thunder Creek Trail which reaches an incline of 6,100 feet. Along Cascade River Road you will find the 3.75 mile trail to Cascade Pass. On the way you will find flowering meadows as well as massive firs, cedars and hemlocks.
Cathedral Peak -
The 8,601 foot mountain in the Northern Cascades is located in the northern region of the Pasayten Wilderness. There are several great routes to the top and the potential for others along its stony areas. However, the climb to its summit is not recommended for inexperienced climbers.
In Stehekin Valley you can trek the ¾ mile Imus Creek Nature Trail, the moderate 5 ¾ mile Horseshoe Basin Trail along which you will see 15 waterfalls, and the 5 mile hike along the Agnes Gorge Trail where you can get a great view of Agnes Mountain which towers at 8,115 feet.
Mt. Rainier Park - Here is an abundance of hiking trails ranging from easy half mile walks to more strenuous 7 mile hikes. The trails include Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 miles), the precipitous 5 mile Skyline Trail which leads to Camp Muir, the gently sloping 2.5 mile walk to Snow and Bench Lakes , the easy 1.5 mile Sourdough Ridge Trail, the half mile Emmons Vista Trail or Carbon River Rain Forest Trail and the moderately difficult 7 mile Carbon Glacier Trail. One of the Park’s more difficult trails is the 7 mile Boroughs Mountain Trail. To make this hike, you will need an ice axe and the expertise to use it due to the heavy ice and snow you will encounter.
Of special note- When hiking/back packing Camp Muir you must have a permit from the Paradise Ranger Station, a partner and the equipment and experience to tackle a climb of this proportion. There is a public shelter at Camp Muir that is used on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not depend on space being available. In addition, pets are not allowed on trails, and you should always treat the water before drinking.
When climbing or hiking Mt. Rainier, remember it is an active volcano and is prone to mudflows, rock falls, and glacial outburst floods. Along the way, be on the lookout for falling rocks, debris and avalanches. Consequently, it is always a good idea to stop at one of the visitors centers to learn about trail conditions before starting your hiking adventure.
Olympic National Park -
Hurricane Trail —Located near Hurricane Ridge; the 3 mile trip affords sensational views of area wildflowers. Along the trail, you can also see layers of sedimentary rock and get a gorgeous view of the mountains.
Grand Valley Trail - a 7 mile (round trip) hike that affords a great view of the mountain’s ridges
For waterfalls, be sure to trek the Marymere Falls Trail at the Storm King Information Station and the Sol Duc Falls Trail at Sol Duc.
To see a wide variety of trees, mosses and other plant life, trek the Spruce Nature Trail and the Hall of Mosses Trail in the Hoh Road Rainforest area.
After some time in the forest, you will also be amazed at the sandy beaches. It is not unusual to see harbor seals resting on the rock outcroppings or playing in the water, migrating grey whales, or birds such as the gulls, crows or bald eagles.
Some of the beach trails are the Spruce Burl Trail, the Ozette Lake-Cape Alva-Sand Point Trail, and the hike from Sand Point to Cape Alva.
Columbia River Gorge -
Stevenson-With lush forest, beautiful blue waters and a wonderful view of the Gorge, it is no wonder that there is an abundance of trails waiting to be explore. The trails range from easy to moderately difficult, so everyone can find a trail just perfect for them.
North Bonneville - From easy flat trails to moderately difficult inclines, the delightful vistas offer much pleasure. There is a 4 mile wildlife trail at Strawberry Island, the steep climb to Beacon Rock, or trails to Dog Mountain along which you will see 3 of the Cascades volcanoes.
Echo Ridge -
In the Lake Chelan Valley you will find breathtaking views of Chelan. Here, you can hike the numerous trails, many along the ridge above the valley some 3,000 feet below.
Mt. Adams -
Washington’s 2nd highest mountain (12,271 feet) is a surprisingly easy climb and perfect for guided hike beginners. You should take the nontechnical snow route of South Spur.
Glacier Peak -
This is a 10,541 foot volcano in the central region of the Cascades. There are several routes up the mountain—the Sitkum Glacier route is a basic trail, but you should be aware of changes in the weather, active glaciers, and altitude/avalanche changes.
Mt. Stuart -
Unless you are an experienced climber and have a guide, stay away from this alpine climb. The 9,415 foot hike requires knowledge of ice and rock climbing.
Mt. Skuksan -
This is a 9,127 foot glacial peak. Its beautiful spires are some of the most photographed in the state. It has 4 routes ranging from easy to difficult.
Buckner Mt -
In the Cascade Pass, this 9,112 foot mountain is reached by an easy trail up the southwest face. Trails include Cascade Pass, Horseshoe Lake and North Face.
Mesachie Peak -
In the Northern Cascades, near Mt. Logan is made up of craggy peaks. And, although its name means “bad or evil” in the Chinook language, its rock peaks are relatively easy to reach.
Oval Peak -
Located in the Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, this 8,795 foot peak has scree and ridge scrambling routes which will lead you to the peak in just a weekend.
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