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Whatcom County, Washington

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

Top Hiking Spots in and near Whatcom County

  • Marblemount, Washington

    Lookout Mountain Trail

    5.0
    9.06 mi / 4610 ft gain
    Beginning about 7 miles down the Cascade River Road from Marblemount, the Lookout Mountain Lookout trailhead is on the north side of the road with parking for about 4-5 cars. With about 4500' elevation gain in 4.7 miles, this hike is definitely a thigh burner. The trail begins with a steep climb...
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  • Hope, British Columbia

    Hike to Flood Falls, British Columbia

    5.0
    0.6 mi / 262.5 ft gain
    You can see the waterfall up high cascading down to the ground from where you park. Once you get to the trailhead and park on the side of the road, follow the trail toward the waterfall. The trail is a bit rough in spots with lots of roots, so be careful where you step. On the way to the falls, t...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Sourdough Mountain Trail

    5.0
    9.34 mi / 5046 ft gain
    Going east from Newhalem on highway 20, turn off towards the small town of Diablo. There are signs from there on where to park. This hike is very difficult. It is very steep and gains elevation very quickly and right from the start. Once you get above tree line though you are greeted with great ...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Hike to Pyramid Lake

    2.1 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Day hike with moderate elevation gain, 2.1 miles one way. You will be going up, up, up until you get to the top where you will find the lake. Take your time going up - take breaks and stop to check out the forest around you. There were a few times where we found it difficult to follow the trail (...
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  • Anacortes, Washington

    Hike to the Summit of Mt. Erie

    4.0
    5 mi / 900 ft gain
    To start this hike, jump on trail 215 for a short distance of about a 1/4 mile. From here, continue until you cross trail 320 and head left onto it. Stay on 320 until you come across trail 230.Take 230 uphill (resembles an old fire road) toward the ravine just above a creek. From here, head onto ...
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  • Surrey, British Columbia

    Hike the Elgin Heritage Park Nature Trail

    4.0
    2 mi
    Head over to this magical little park by the water. The forested area between the 2 entrances to the park has many large trees often used by eagles and hawks to survey the surrounding area for prey. The habitat functions of the marsh significantly contribute to the ecological value of the lower N...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Camping in the North Cascades at Diablo Lake

    4.0
    Diablo lake is the perfect place to camp if you're looking for solitude and natural beauty. It's northeast from Seattle in the North Cascades. Colonial Creek Campground has large camp sites right on the lake. It is first come first serve, however check out is at noon so arrive around 11:30 to sna...
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  • Olga, Washington

    Hike to the Mount Constitution Summit

    5.0
    7 mi / 1500 ft gain
    This 7 mile round-trip hike takes you to the mountain's summit. From here you'll be able to take in an amazing view. During the hike, you'll head around the left side of Mountain Lake, and then continue on to Twin Lakes, before starting your jaunt to the top of Mt. Constitution. The hike around ...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Backpack to High Camp on Ruby Mountain

    17 mi / 6300 ft gain
    Ruby Mountain is one of the North Cascades more prominent peaks, sitting high above Diablo and Ross Lakes. This trip is one for more experienced hikers with a very aggressive incline from start to finish. If that does not scare you then definitely add this amazing hike to your list. While it can ...
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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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  • 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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  • Surrey, British Columbia

    Walk the 1001 Steps Trail

    2.0
    0.3 mi
    One of Surrey's hidden gems, head down to this short trail down a set of stairs that will take you to an uninhabited beach.The zig zagged steps take you down to the Birlington Rail Lines and you can walk along a trail to an opening under the tracks. Head to the beach from here where you will like...
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  • Marblemount, Washington

    Hidden Lake Lookout

    4.9
    7.39 mi / 3415 ft gain
    Be careful when heading up this 4.5 mile trail since there can be snow coverage into the summer. When you start the trail, you'll get a little tree coverage as you start climbing up. Unfortunately, the shade starts to dissipate after about a mile, where you'll cross over Sibley Creek and enter th...
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  • Rockport, Washington

    Hike to Ross Dam

    5.0
    2 mi
    This is a short hike at just under 2 miles round-trip, with little elevation change. The trail begins at a parking area, alongside Washington Route 20. The hike takes you through the forest to an overlook of both Ross Dam and Ross Lake, before making the final descent down to the dam. The trail i...
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  • Hope, British Columbia

    Cycle the Kettle Valley Rail-Trail

    4.0
    Top 10 Areas of Interest - from West to East (1) Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park(2) Red Ochre cliffs in the Tulameen(3) Trout Creek Trestle & The Kettle Valley Steam Train(4) Penticton's Munson Mountain & the Naramata Bench(5) The Little & Big Tunnel above Naramata(6) Myra-Bellevue ...
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  • Olga, Washington

    Hike the Sound View Trail

    0.4 mi / 50 ft gain
    Obstruction Pass State Park is something of a hidden gem on Orcas Island given that its nearby neighbor, Moran State Park, gets most of the tourist attention. What this means is that you can find solitude and quiet, *and* make a visit to the only publicly owned beach on the island. There are seve...
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