Hiking doesn’t always have to be long and strenuous. Even if you’re inexperienced, you can still take plenty of shorter routes around Washington to be surrounded by mesmerizing scenery. Check out one of these short hikes in Washington if you’re looking for an adventure that’s 5 miles or less round-trip. From breathtaking mountains to lush forests, these beautiful and short trails have a little something for everyone.
- Trail of the Cedars, 1.0 mile
Wikipedia/ Joe Mabel
Flickr/ Amit Patel Our list of short hikes in Washington begins at Trail of the Cedars. This easygoing nature walk begins at the foot of Main Street in the town of Newhalem, just off North Cascades Highway. You’ll start by crossing this suspension bridge over the Skagit River, then head through an old forest grove past the town’s historic powerhouse.
- Shadow of the Sentinels Trail, 1.0 mile
Flickr/ Jasperdo
Jasperdo/Flickr Half-paved, half-boardwalk, this short trail winds through old-growth forest with trees that are taller than you can imagine. The towering, ancient trees have actually been growing for the last 500 years. The interpretative signs along the way tell you which ones are Douglas fir and which are cedar. Learn more about what makes Shadow of the Sentinels a great kid-friendly trail in Washington.
- Grove of the Patriarch’s Loop, 1.5 miles
yancy9/Flickr
David Fulmer/Flickr The Grove of Patriarch’s Loop is one of the easiest, most enchanting trails you can take in Mount Rainier National Park. This short, family-friendly path heads along a boardwalk through some of the oldest forest in Washington, and over a bouncy suspension bridge to a grove of towering trees.
- Bagley Lakes Trail, 2.0 miles
Mike Thomas/Flickr
Jasperdo/Flickr Hiking through the Heather Meadows area feels like walking through a fairy tale. This family-friendly loop heads past two alpine lakes and blooming wildflowers, along with a stunning mountainous backdrop and a year-round snowfield.
- Quartzite Mountain, 3.0 miles
Ed Suominem/Flickr
Ed Suominem/Flickr A short, yet steep summit hike, this challenging trail will take you to the top of Quartzite Mountain for a 360-degree view overlooking the town of Chewelah. The well-maintained trail heads through wildflower meadows and forest, with wild strawberries growing along the way during the summer. You’ll quickly discover why this is one of the most popular trails in Washington.
- Naches Peak Loop, 3.2 miles
Flickr/pfly
pfly/Flickr Beginning at Tipsoo Lake, this kid-friendly loop offers an easy hike full of alpine scenery. The trail heads along a hillside and through grassy meadows with wildflowers blooming in the spring. With its minimal elevation of 600 feet, hikers of all ages and skill levels can join in. This relatively easy hike undoubtedly showcases some of the best views in Washington.
- Twin Falls Trail, 3.5 miles
Shu Wu/Flickr
Sean Alexander/Flickr This huge, 135-foot horsetail cascade drops off the south fork on the Snoqualmie River. Despite certain parts of the trail being closed, you can still access the lower viewpoint of the falls by taking the Homestead Valley Trailhead, just off I-90 at Exit 38. This might just be one of the most beautiful waterfall trails in Washington.
- Comet Falls Trail, 3.8 miles
J Brew/Flickr
Wikipedia When it comes to the best short hikes in Washington, Comet Falls Trail is a must. Not only is Comet Falls the most impressive waterfall to see in Mount Rainier National Park,, but it’s also not very far to hike out to at all. The scenic trail winds along the tumbling Van Trump Creek, with several other, smaller cascades to see along the way.
- Second Beach, 4.0 miles
Ralph Arvesen/Flickr
Andy Langager/Flickr All of the La Push beaches have a unique, mystic beauty to them, but Second Beach is the longest and flattest, which makes for an excellent, easy coastal hike. The trail begins by heading through a forested area before finally descending to the sandy beach. You can hike north a short distance to find a natural arch formation, or head south if you’re looking to get more of a walk in.
- Moulton Falls, 4.0 miles
Stephanie Roberts/Flickr
Daniel Hedrick/Flickr The Moulton Falls Trail offers a peaceful out-and-back hike in southwestern Washington along the Lewis River. You’ll cross over this picturesque arch bridge with plenty of side routes along the way. And the best part of all? This beautiful trail leads to an amazing Washington swimming hole.
- Silver Star Mountain, 4.0 miles
Evan Lovely/Flickr
Evan Lovely/Flickr The hike up this peak may not be easy, but it does offer some of the most rewarding views to make it all worth it. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the summit trail offers expansive vistas in all directions, from Mount Rainier and Mount Adams to Mount Hood and even the Pacific Ocean.
- Rattlesnake Ledge, 4.0 miles
Flickr/Michael Matti
Shu Wu/Flickr Rattlesnake Ledge is a busy trail, for good reason. The well-maintained path heads through second-growth forest to a rocky ledge with sweeping views overlooking the bright turquoise lake. Learn more about what makes Rattlesnake Ledge one of the most scenic trails in Washington.
- Sauk Mountain Trail, 4.2 miles
John Lloyd/Flickr
Flickr/sunrisesoup What makes this steep mountain hike worth the sweat is the 360-degree views in all directions. From the top you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the Sauk and Skagit River valleys, Cascade mountains, and on a clear day, the Olympics, Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. As you hike up the switchbacks, the views get even better with a huge range of wildflowers to see along the slopes.
- Little Si Trail, 4.7 miles
Trailspotter/Flickr
Trailspotter/Flickr A step down from the legendary Mount Si, Little Si still offers extraordinary views on a trek that’s just under 5 miles. The moderate trail by North Bend heads through an area of woodland before reaching a rocky bluff with phenomenal views of the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding peaks.
- Cherry Creek Falls Trail, 5.0 miles
Flickr/Terri Stewart
Terri Stewart/Flickr If you’re looking to go for a full 5-mile hike, try this moderate trail near Duvall to a 25-foot waterfall along Cherry Creek. The picturesque falls drop off a rocky ledge into a pool that serves as a popular swimming hole during the summertime.
Ready for a trip yet? What are some other short hikes in Washington that are 5 miles or less? Be sure to share them in the comments below!
Wikipedia/ Joe Mabel
Flickr/ Amit Patel
Our list of short hikes in Washington begins at Trail of the Cedars. This easygoing nature walk begins at the foot of Main Street in the town of Newhalem, just off North Cascades Highway. You’ll start by crossing this suspension bridge over the Skagit River, then head through an old forest grove past the town’s historic powerhouse.
Flickr/ Jasperdo
Jasperdo/Flickr
Half-paved, half-boardwalk, this short trail winds through old-growth forest with trees that are taller than you can imagine. The towering, ancient trees have actually been growing for the last 500 years. The interpretative signs along the way tell you which ones are Douglas fir and which are cedar. Learn more about what makes Shadow of the Sentinels a great kid-friendly trail in Washington.
yancy9/Flickr
David Fulmer/Flickr
The Grove of Patriarch’s Loop is one of the easiest, most enchanting trails you can take in Mount Rainier National Park. This short, family-friendly path heads along a boardwalk through some of the oldest forest in Washington, and over a bouncy suspension bridge to a grove of towering trees.
Mike Thomas/Flickr
Hiking through the Heather Meadows area feels like walking through a fairy tale. This family-friendly loop heads past two alpine lakes and blooming wildflowers, along with a stunning mountainous backdrop and a year-round snowfield.
Ed Suominem/Flickr
A short, yet steep summit hike, this challenging trail will take you to the top of Quartzite Mountain for a 360-degree view overlooking the town of Chewelah. The well-maintained trail heads through wildflower meadows and forest, with wild strawberries growing along the way during the summer. You’ll quickly discover why this is one of the most popular trails in Washington.
Flickr/pfly
pfly/Flickr
Beginning at Tipsoo Lake, this kid-friendly loop offers an easy hike full of alpine scenery. The trail heads along a hillside and through grassy meadows with wildflowers blooming in the spring. With its minimal elevation of 600 feet, hikers of all ages and skill levels can join in. This relatively easy hike undoubtedly showcases some of the best views in Washington.
Shu Wu/Flickr
Sean Alexander/Flickr
This huge, 135-foot horsetail cascade drops off the south fork on the Snoqualmie River. Despite certain parts of the trail being closed, you can still access the lower viewpoint of the falls by taking the Homestead Valley Trailhead, just off I-90 at Exit 38. This might just be one of the most beautiful waterfall trails in Washington.
J Brew/Flickr
Wikipedia
When it comes to the best short hikes in Washington, Comet Falls Trail is a must. Not only is Comet Falls the most impressive waterfall to see in Mount Rainier National Park,, but it’s also not very far to hike out to at all. The scenic trail winds along the tumbling Van Trump Creek, with several other, smaller cascades to see along the way.
Ralph Arvesen/Flickr
Andy Langager/Flickr
All of the La Push beaches have a unique, mystic beauty to them, but Second Beach is the longest and flattest, which makes for an excellent, easy coastal hike. The trail begins by heading through a forested area before finally descending to the sandy beach. You can hike north a short distance to find a natural arch formation, or head south if you’re looking to get more of a walk in.
Stephanie Roberts/Flickr
Daniel Hedrick/Flickr
The Moulton Falls Trail offers a peaceful out-and-back hike in southwestern Washington along the Lewis River. You’ll cross over this picturesque arch bridge with plenty of side routes along the way. And the best part of all? This beautiful trail leads to an amazing Washington swimming hole.
Evan Lovely/Flickr
The hike up this peak may not be easy, but it does offer some of the most rewarding views to make it all worth it. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the summit trail offers expansive vistas in all directions, from Mount Rainier and Mount Adams to Mount Hood and even the Pacific Ocean.
Flickr/Michael Matti
Rattlesnake Ledge is a busy trail, for good reason. The well-maintained path heads through second-growth forest to a rocky ledge with sweeping views overlooking the bright turquoise lake. Learn more about what makes Rattlesnake Ledge one of the most scenic trails in Washington.
John Lloyd/Flickr
Flickr/sunrisesoup
What makes this steep mountain hike worth the sweat is the 360-degree views in all directions. From the top you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the Sauk and Skagit River valleys, Cascade mountains, and on a clear day, the Olympics, Puget Sound and San Juan Islands. As you hike up the switchbacks, the views get even better with a huge range of wildflowers to see along the slopes.
Trailspotter/Flickr
A step down from the legendary Mount Si, Little Si still offers extraordinary views on a trek that’s just under 5 miles. The moderate trail by North Bend heads through an area of woodland before reaching a rocky bluff with phenomenal views of the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding peaks.
Flickr/Terri Stewart
Terri Stewart/Flickr
If you’re looking to go for a full 5-mile hike, try this moderate trail near Duvall to a 25-foot waterfall along Cherry Creek. The picturesque falls drop off a rocky ledge into a pool that serves as a popular swimming hole during the summertime.
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Address: Trail of the Cedars, Rockport, WA 98283, USAAddress: Marblemount, WA 98267, USAAddress: Grove of the Patriarchs Trail, Eastside Trail, Packwood, WA 98361, USAAddress: Quartzite Mountain, Washington 99109, USAAddress: Naches Peak Ln, Black Diamond, WA 98010, USAAddress: Milwaukee Rd (railroad grade), North Bend, WA 98045, USAAddress: Comet Falls Trail, Washington, USAAddress: Second Beach, Washington, USAAddress: Moulton Falls, Washington 98675, USAAddress: Silver Star Mountain, Washington 98675, USAAddress: Rattlesnake Ledge, Washington 98045, USAAddress: Sauk Mountain Trail, Washington 98237, USAAddress: Little Si Trail, Washington 98045, USAAddress: Cherry Creek Falls Trail, Washington 98019, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
short hikes in Washington May 04, 2021 Beth C. What are some other scenic trails in Washington? If you’re someone who appreciates the great outdoors, your time in Washington will not disappoint. From the breathtaking mountains to the beach, this state is positively brimming with scenic trails. Now that you’ve learned about some of the best short hikes in Washington, it’s time to take a look at some other scenic trails throughout the state. These trails include Sleeping Beauty Trail, Tolmie Peak Trail, Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail, Shi Shi Beach Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail, Ape Canyon Trail, Skyline Loop Trail, Hurricane Hill Trail, and Royal Basin Trail. Learn more about some of the most scenic trails in Washington. What are the best hiking trails in Washington? As mentioned above, the Colchuck Lake Trail might be one of the best hiking trails in Washington. Spanning 8 miles, this trail is not for the faint of heart. However, your efforts will be well rewarded when you gaze upon what can only be described as an alpine lake wonderland. This trail is considered to be difficult, so you probably won’t want to bring the kids along. What are the best parks in Washington? Washington is abundant in beautiful parks. Whether you’re venturing to a national park, such as North Cascades National Park, or even your local neighborhood park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty. The following is a list of some of the best and most popular state parks in Washington: Pearrygin Lake State Park, Joemma Beach State Park, Curlew Lake State Park, Steamboat Rock State Park, Ike Kinswa State Park, Flaming Geyster State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Dosewallips State Park, Conconully State Park, Potlatch State Park, and Wallace Falls State Park. Learn more about some of the best parks in Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
short hikes in Washington
May 04, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other scenic trails in Washington? If you’re someone who appreciates the great outdoors, your time in Washington will not disappoint. From the breathtaking mountains to the beach, this state is positively brimming with scenic trails. Now that you’ve learned about some of the best short hikes in Washington, it’s time to take a look at some other scenic trails throughout the state. These trails include Sleeping Beauty Trail, Tolmie Peak Trail, Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail, Shi Shi Beach Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail, Ape Canyon Trail, Skyline Loop Trail, Hurricane Hill Trail, and Royal Basin Trail. Learn more about some of the most scenic trails in Washington. What are the best hiking trails in Washington? As mentioned above, the Colchuck Lake Trail might be one of the best hiking trails in Washington. Spanning 8 miles, this trail is not for the faint of heart. However, your efforts will be well rewarded when you gaze upon what can only be described as an alpine lake wonderland. This trail is considered to be difficult, so you probably won’t want to bring the kids along. What are the best parks in Washington? Washington is abundant in beautiful parks. Whether you’re venturing to a national park, such as North Cascades National Park, or even your local neighborhood park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty. The following is a list of some of the best and most popular state parks in Washington: Pearrygin Lake State Park, Joemma Beach State Park, Curlew Lake State Park, Steamboat Rock State Park, Ike Kinswa State Park, Flaming Geyster State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Dosewallips State Park, Conconully State Park, Potlatch State Park, and Wallace Falls State Park. Learn more about some of the best parks in Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re someone who appreciates the great outdoors, your time in Washington will not disappoint. From the breathtaking mountains to the beach, this state is positively brimming with scenic trails. Now that you’ve learned about some of the best short hikes in Washington, it’s time to take a look at some other scenic trails throughout the state. These trails include Sleeping Beauty Trail, Tolmie Peak Trail, Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss Trail, Shi Shi Beach Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail, Ape Canyon Trail, Skyline Loop Trail, Hurricane Hill Trail, and Royal Basin Trail. Learn more about some of the most scenic trails in Washington.
What are the best hiking trails in Washington?
As mentioned above, the Colchuck Lake Trail might be one of the best hiking trails in Washington. Spanning 8 miles, this trail is not for the faint of heart. However, your efforts will be well rewarded when you gaze upon what can only be described as an alpine lake wonderland. This trail is considered to be difficult, so you probably won’t want to bring the kids along.
What are the best parks in Washington?
Washington is abundant in beautiful parks. Whether you’re venturing to a national park, such as North Cascades National Park, or even your local neighborhood park, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty. The following is a list of some of the best and most popular state parks in Washington: Pearrygin Lake State Park, Joemma Beach State Park, Curlew Lake State Park, Steamboat Rock State Park, Ike Kinswa State Park, Flaming Geyster State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Dosewallips State Park, Conconully State Park, Potlatch State Park, and Wallace Falls State Park. Learn more about some of the best parks in Washington.
