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
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Ronald, Washington
Winter Backpack to Jade Lake
4.022 mi / 4000 ft gainStarting at the Hyas Lake trailhead north of Cle Elum, it's a meandering easy hike through the woods for about 5.0 miles up to Deception Pass. You gain 1100 feet through this first five miles to the junction with the PCT. From here take a left to continue on the Lake Clarice Trail towards Marmot...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike-In and Camp at Alaska Lake
Driving Directions: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 54 (signed "Hyak"). Turn left (north) under the freeway and right on the frontage road marked "Gold Creek." After about 0.5 mile turn left (north) on Gold Creek Road (Forest Road 4832), and in another 0.5 mile reach a junction. To the le...Read more -
Newport, Washington
Hike or Kayak to Bead Lake Campsites
4.5There are two entrances to Bead Lake - the boat launch and the ridge road. Turn right onto Bead Lake Ridge Road and follow it until you arrive at the parking lot. Start the hike at the marked trailhead #127 down to the lake through a dark cedar forest. Turn right at the boat launch and continue o...Read more -
Toutle, Washington
Backpack to Snow Lake by Mt. Whittier
5.016 mi / 2700 ft gainThe Coldwater Lake Recreation Area has restrooms, telephones, and a picnic area. Make sure you have already acquired your permits for camping in the Mt. Margaret back country.Follow trail #211, which runs along the entire 4.5 mile length of Coldwater Lake. It is a beautiful and fairly flat hike w...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Scramble Mount Pugh
5.011 mi / 5300 ft gainNot for the faint of heart - or those with a fear of heights - Mount Pugh offers some of the most rewarding summit views in the Cascades.Located off the northern end of the Mountain Loop Highway, this is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Puget Sound area. Though finding the trailhead can be t...Read more -
Ronald, Washington
Hike to Dip Top Gap
25 mi / 5000 ft gainThis is a great side trip from Backpacking to Marmot & Jade Lakes. Check out the Adventure linked above for directions on how to get as far as Jade Lake. I would recommend 2 nights at either Marmot or Jade to allow for a full day of exploration from your camp. From Jade what is described be...Read more -
Skykomish, Washington
Pacific Crest Trail's Section J: Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass
70.27 mi / 14911 ft gainThis is the Section J hike of the Pacific Crest Trail between Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass. It is about a 70 mile hike, and I started near Stevens Pass heading South. The PCT starts at the Stevens Pass Ski Resort off of Highway 2. The trail starts out under chairlifts and through ski runs – I chos...Read more -
Leavenworth, Washington
Eightmile Lake
4.06.76 mi / 1496 ft gainBeginning at the trailhead, fill out a self-issued permit allowing you to stay overnight. Start your trek heading upwards at an elevation of 3300 feet. As you become adapted to the trail, you will start to realize it is maintained and well groomed. In addition, The 1300 feet of elevation gained t...Read more -
Darrington, Washington
Camp at Goat Lake
4.310.4 mi / 1400 ft gainIf you just loved your day hike to Goat Lake so much that you want to return and spend some more time, you're in luck - the lake offers a camping area that holds at least 15 campsites and even comes with a pit latrine. This is a great overnight option if you aren't looking for a difficult hike in...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Take a Hike Up To Rampart Lakes
5.011 mi / 2200 ft gainGetting There: From I-90 East, take exit 62. Take a left, heading over the highway. After 5.2 miles, the road veers left, passing Lake Kachess Campground. Go another 0.3 miles on the gravel road and take a right at a sign for Rachel Lake/Trail 1313. At this point, the road gets a little rough, bu...Read more -
Randle, Washington
Goat Lake-Jordan Basin Loop
5.012.58 mi / 2703 ft gainThis is one of my favorite hikes for Washington State. Aside from the massive volcanoes hanging out down here, the southern region of the cascades is much more tame compared to areas further north. As I mentioned in my Old Snowy report, a jaw dropping side trip from the loop trail, the Goat Rocks...Read more -
Leavenworth, Washington
Backpack to Ingalls Creek
3.011 mi / 1450 ft gainAs attempting to find a good overnight spot, I stumbled upon the mostly overlooked Ingalls Creek trail. Seemingly easy to get to, this seemed like a solid option for Spring camping. When we arrived, there were about four other cars in the parking lot, and my guess is that was about how many cars ...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Gem Lake and Wright Mountain
4.710.62 mi / 3107 ft gainThe trail to Gem Lake lies along the same trail that passes by the incredibly popular Snow Lake. While the masses typically stop the first place they can along the shores of Snow Lake, fewer make the short trek from there up to Gem Lake. Park at the giant lots at the end of the road to Alpental (...Read more -
Quinault, Washington
Backpack to Enchanted Valley Chateau
5.031.59 mi / 5052 ft gainThis backpacking trip can easily be done in 2 days, but some people prefer to stretch it out to 3. Luckily there are several different spots to stop and camp, so you can split up the distance however you are the most comfortable. The elevation over the course of the trail is minimal, which means ...Read more -
La Push, Washington
Camp at Third Beach
5.01.2 mi / -300 ft gainThird Beach trailhead is off of La Push road and is 4 hours outside of Seattle anyway you cut it. Two options once you're on the peninsula: Drive up from the south for awesome ocean views around Kalaloch, or drive down from the north and be blown away by Lake Crescent. Give yourself time too, be...Read more -
Deming, Washington
Hiking the Kulshan Ridge
This hike starts out at Artist Point, where already you can see jaw-dropping scenery of Mt. Shuksan, Baker, Coleman, and many other peaks of the North Cascades. No matter what time of year you visit, you are bound to get unbelievable views and photos.Artist Point is the furthest destination along...Read more