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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

  • Gold Bar, Washington

    Winter Backpack to Blanca Lake

    7.5 mi / 3300 ft gain
    Since Blanca Lake is a very popular place for folks to explore and with the nice and sunny weekend. I drove out Friday night and slept in my Jeep. Got up at 7:30am when folks first started arriving to the trail head.A couple of things to keep in mind before you start this hike. The 7.5 miles ro...
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  • Port Angeles, Washington

    Humes Ranch and Goblin Gates

    6.4 mi / 994 ft gain
    The Elwha River Trail cuts south into the heart of Olympic National Park along a densely forested valley, following the same route taken by some of the earliest explorers of the Olympic Peninsula at the end of the 19th century. Past Port Angeles, at a hard curve in US-101, take Olympic Hot Sprin...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Scramble to the Summit of Dragontail Peak

    16 mi / 7000 ft gain
    Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the ...
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  • Bellingham, Washington

    Hike to Pine & Cedar Lakes

    5.0
    5 mi / 1400 ft gain
    These two quaint lakes in the Chuckanuts are a must-do for people looking for a day hike, short camping trip or steep trail run in the Bellingham area. Starting at the trailhead off of Old Samish Road, one begins the 2 mile ascent to the two lakes. The first 1,400ft climb has its fair share of up...
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  • Forks, Washington

    Backpack the Hoh River Trail

    5.0
    35.69 mi / 5948 ft gain
    Grab a permit on your way in at the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles or at the Quinault USFS/NFS Recreation Information center before parking at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and use the wash station and rest room before you head out on the trail.  The first five miles of...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Upper Wildcat Lake

    1.0
    14.43 mi / 4370 ft gain
    Although this hike is possible if you’re looking for an all-day training hike, it’s much more enjoyable if it’s an overnight backpacking trip. Head up the trail past Snow Lake toward Gem Lake. En route to Snow Lake will be a little crowded, but should lighten significantly as you continue hiking...
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  • Clallam Bay, Washington

    Backpack Washington's Ozette Triangle

    5.0
    9 mi / 300 ft gain
    Start at the north end of Ozette Lake and proceed right, following signs to the mostly flat trail leading to Cape Alava. Be sure not to head left towards Sand Point, that is the trail you will use for your return trip. Once you’ve reached the coast, scan the sky for the frequently seen bald eagle...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Hike to the Enchantments' Horseshoe Lake

    1.0
    16 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Getting There From Leavenworth, WA, drive Icicle Creek Road for 8.5 miles until you reach Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left here onto Forest Service Road #7601 signed for the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The pavements ends and the road gains elevation quickly as your car transports you high above the ...
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  • Chelan, Washington

    Chelan Lakeshore Trail

    5.0
    18.13 mi / 4478 ft gain
    Make Note: This adventure requires out-and-back travel via the 'Lady of the Lake' ferry from Chelan, Washington or Field's Point Landing on Lake Chelan. Schedules, fares, and reservations can be made at: http://ladyofthelake.com/ The route described herein utilizes the Lake Chelan Lakeshore Trai...
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  • Ashford, Washington

    Mt. Rainier via Disappointment Cleaver

    4.3
    14.9 mi / 8993 ft gain
    Mt. Rainier is a technical climb on all routes and is covered with glaciers all four seasons. It is not a mountain to learn mountaineering unless you hire a guide service who will help guide you up the mountain. With good weather and previous mountaineering experience, Mt. Rainier's Disappointmen...
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  • Cle Elum, Washington

    Backpack to Navaho Pass

    12 mi / 4220 ft gain
    This is a beautiful trail in the Teanaway area, located in Washington State. The trailhead starts along the Stafford Creek Trail and follows the creek for the first couple miles of the trail. There are a number of different types of wildflowers out here that make the first few miles a nice warmup...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Climb Mount Stuart

    5.0
    Global climbing legend Fred Beckey once said, "[Mount Stuart is] without a rival as the crown peak in the central Cascades of Washington, Mount Stuart has been pronounced the single greatest mass of exposed granite in the United States".To ascend the mountain by is easiest route, the Cascading Co...
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  • Randle, Washington

    Backpack the Snowgrass Flats, Cispus Basin, Nannie Ridge Loop

    4.8
    19.6 mi / 3000 ft gain
    Take three or four nights and check out some of the most epic views in the Pacific Northwest. Though you can do a shorter or faster route, I highly recommend you consider the 19-mile loop from the Snowgrass trailhead through Cispus Basin and Cispus Pass (6400'), and then back down Nannie Ridge. D...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Lillian Lake

    5.0
    8.36 mi / 2969 ft gain
    We backpacked our way to Lillian Lake and set up camp. There is a trail that lead around the lake and a trail that leads up to Rampart Lakes and Rachael Lake as well. We found a few more camps spots on Lillian Lake, then we noticed that only ONE other camp spot was being used. If you want peace ...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Winter Camp at Nada Lake

    10.6 mi / 3800 ft gain
    Being one of the lucky recipients of an Enchantments overnight permit can't happen for everybody. So, for the rest of us, taking to the mountains in the winter is an awesome way to bypass this system and experience the central Cascades in a completely different, colder way. The suffering is almos...
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  • Leavenworth, Washington

    Run to Lower Wildcat Lake

    1.0
    Friday after work I headed out to Snow Lake Trail and found my perfect camping spot. There is a sign that says no Camping but I broke the rule since I got the ok from the Forrest Department of Agriculture. Spent the night at Snow Lake and then Saturday I ran over to Gem Lake and notice no one t...
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