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Washington

Looking for the best backpacking in Washington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Washington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Washington

  • Deming, Washington

    Winter Backpack to Lake Anne Ridge

    14 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Arrive at the upper ski resort parking lot (approx. 4300 feet elev.) and snowshoe, skin, or split board up. Make your way toward Artist Point and halt at Austin Pass, gaining approximately 1200 feet of elevation over approximately 2 miles (one way). From Austin Pass, turn left (south) to take the...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Winter Camping at Snow Lake

    7.2 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Starting at the Snow Lake Trail Head you climb up the boot pack or ski track of those before you (hopefully) from ~3120 ft. to ~4400 ft. at the ridge line where Snow Lake becomes visible. If there are no tracks, follow the South Fork Snoqualmie River NE and aim just east of the lowest point of t...
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  • Skagit County, Washington

    Pelton Basin Camp

    8.82 mi / 2543 ft gain
    Starting at 3,640 feet elevation, the Cascade Pass Trailhead begins adjacent to the Johannesburg Camp and proceeds east along a relentless series of switchbacks. Though the trail is consumed by a thick Washington evergreen forest, the switchbacks frequently open to sweeping vistas of the far-reac...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Scramble Fortress Mountain

    5.0
    22 mi / 6000 ft gain
    The Approach Starting at the Trinity trailhead you'll hike the Buck Creek Trail towards Buck Creek Pass. The trail is fairly obvious once the snows have melted but if you are going early season (June-early July) you will definitely want to bring a GPS.  The trail works it's way up the valley alon...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Backpack Thunder Creek

    10.48 mi / 1027 ft gain
    This hike along Thunder Creek in North Cascades National Park is perfect for families and beginner backpackers. The trail is at a lower elevation in the park so it is a great early-season hike, but be sure to check with the ranger station for trail and weather conditions before you go. Starting ...
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  • Concrete, Washington

    Climb Mt. Baker via Squak Glacier

    10 mi / 7500 ft gain
    NOTE: THIS ROUTE REQUIRES GLACIER TRAVEL SKILLSMt Baker, or Kulshan, is a remarkable mountain in northwest Washington. Whether you're in Anacortes, Bellingham, Vancouver or on the San Juan Islands you can see Mt Baker standing as a citadel over the Northwest. Unlike the more popular routes like t...
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  • Skagit County, Washington

    Climb Sahale Peak via the South Slope Route

    5.0
    12 mi / 4000 ft gain
    To get to Sahale Peak, drive to Marblemount, WA and continue on the Cascade River Road (Forest Road 15) for 23.5 miles. The road ends at the Cascade Pass trailhead, where the climb begins.The first part of the climb follows the Cascade Pass trail for 3.5 miles and 1,800 feet. Cascade Pass makes a...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Hike to the Summit of Mt. McCausland

    8 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Begin by driving a fairly smooth Forest Road 6700 for 2.5 miles to the Smith Brook Trailhead and park in the space on the left. Much of the signage has been taken down along the trail, so it may be helpful to bring some written directions with you. The hike begins by keeping close to the road, me...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Mountain Run to Lake Ann and Ingalls

    9 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Both trails start at the Esmeralda Trailhead, Trail Number 1394. Lake Ann has a handful of folks that you will run into, whereas Lake Ingalls is a well-traveled trail. Both offer camping spots along the trail, and Lake Ann has spots where you can camp by the lake. NO CAMPING ALLOWED at Lake Ingal...
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  • Twisp, Washington

    Backpack to West Oval Lake

    14 mi / 4100 ft gain
    The trail to West Oval Lake begins at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, outside of Twisp, Washington. Follow the Eagle Creek trail for 1.9 miles until the trail splits. Take the left fork for Oval Creek and Oval Lakes. The trail continues winding through thick forest for approximately 4 more miles befor...
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  • Loomis, Washington

    Backpack the Pasayten Wilderness via Horseshoe Basin

    5.0
    20 mi / 3500 ft gain
    Please consult with the Forest Service for current road and trail conditions, especially of your are planning a trip on the fringes of the season, i.e. early spring and late fall, as conditions may change without notice and this trail is a long ways from anywhere. When planning a trip to Horsesho...
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  • Forks, Washington

    Backpack the Hoh River to Tom's Creek Campground

    6 mi
    Olympic National Park plays host to some incredible things, including the Hoh Rainforest. Known for its long hanging moss and crystal clear waters, it's easy to see why this is a popular destination. Spring is the perfect time of the year to visit, the weather is mild and the park is almost empty...
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  • Bow, Washington

    North Butte via Chuckanut Trail

    1.0
    7.71 mi / 2047 ft gain
    The HikeThe hike there isn't short, has several steep sections, and ends at the top of the mountain. There are cliff warnings at the top, so be careful as you explore the view! The steepest portions are at the beginning and right at the end. The trail is very well maintained (because it is so pop...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Winter Camping in Leavenworth

    It's an easy day hike to the Ridge of only 2.5 miles. On the ridge you can relax and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains and a view of Leavenworth. I went into the Rangers office to ask for a good spot to take night time photos and this is one of the areas they suggested. Make sure you ge...
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  • Darrington, Washington

    Climb Sloan Peak via the Corkscrew Route

    5.0
    14 mi / 6035 ft gain
    You'll start the approach to this climb at the Sloan Peak trailhead at 1800ft elevation. Moving south along the trail, you'll begin with a traverse through some marshlands and several water crossings along the Sauk River and its tributaries for the first mile and before gaining any elevation. It ...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Backpack to Fourth of July Pass from Thunder Creek

    11.2 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Starting at the Colonial Creek Campgrounds, the trail starts out fairly flat taking you along Thunder Creek for about two miles to the Fourth of July Pass trail head. Once you reach here, the trail begins to climb.Beginning with switch backs, the path straightens out for a while before coming to ...
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