25 Best Hikes in the Pacific Northwest + Packing List & Tips

Do you want to see tranquil lakes and fairytale-like waterfalls within mystical mountain forests, all while being a few steps away from the stunning Pacific Ocean? No, this isn’t a made-up location: it’s the awe-inspiring Pacific Northwest.

With stunning views around every corner and the region stretching across four states, it’s safe to say you’re not short of some unforgettable experiences. From wandering through the Cascade Mountain Range to admiring Olympic National Park’s coastal hikes, the opportunities are endless.

Knowing which trails to tackle is a whole other matter. So, to help you out a little bit, this guide dives into the 25 best hikes in the Pacific Northwest, with all the key details in one place.

Without further ado, let’s get stuck in!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

A Quick Note on My Washington eBook

After exploring Washington State for several years, I’ve finally compiled all my favorite hikes, activities, and more into one detailed book. The book covers a lot of the trails included in this guide, just in even more detail. 

So, if you want to know a bit more about The Evergreen State, grab a copy of my book below.

>>>Get My Washington Hiking eBook Here<<<

Map Of Best Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

I’ve embedded a Google map below with this itinerary! You can download and save it for offline use, but I recommend printing it out, too, so you’re covered if you find yourself without service on the trail.

The 25 Best Hikes in the PNW

From Washington and Oregon all the way up to Canada, it’s time to look at all the breathtaking day hikes the Pacific Northwest has to offer. 

1. Hurricane Ridge

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 3.4 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 827 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

For all those families looking to explore the coastal oasis of Olympic National Park, adding the Hurricane Ridge hike to your trip is a must. It’s just 45 minutes south of Port Angeles and will take you no more than two hours to complete.

The trek has a constant, gradual incline, so it’s not too strenuous, but taking rests every now and then is a great idea. Throughout the hike, you’ll pass some famous landmarks, including the Folded Rock, Landscape Artist, and Lingering Snow, before reaching the top of Hurricane Ridge.

2. Skyline Loop

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 5.6 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 1,771 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re planning a day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle, the one hike you can’t miss is the Skyline Loop. Taking around three and a half hours to complete, it’s a winding uphill trek through lush groves, hilly alpine meadows, and scenic overlooks. 

Along the way, you’ll pass the Alta Vista, Glacier Vista, and Panorama Point before visiting the Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument. To end the hike off in style, you’ll be able to admire the stunning overlooks of Myrtle Falls. 

3. Rattlesnake Ledge

• Location: North Bend, Washington
• Mileage: 5.3 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 1,460 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re looking for a Washington hike to do in spring, Rattlesnake Ledge is your go-to option. It’ll take you just over three hours to complete this trail packed with intense switchbacks and epic vistas. 

Starting alongside Rattlesnake Lake, it’s a fairly strenuous uphill climb to the top viewpoint. Along the way, you’ll be able to stop at three fantastic viewpoints across the two tiers of this unique ledge. From the cute wooden bridge 1.8 miles into the trek to the massive boulders scattered across the area, it’s definitely a walk you won’t forget anytime soon.

4. Blue Lake in North Cascades

• Location: North Cascades National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 4.6 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 915 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

If you want to see the brilliant blues of a glacier-fed lake, this two-hour and 20-minute trek will offer just that. From the parking lot at the North Cascades Highway, you’ll slowly wind your way up Liberty Bell Mountain before reaching the crystal clear waters of Blue Lake. 

It is, without a doubt, one of the best Fall hikes in Washington, as the fall foliage turns the mountainside into a tapestry of reds, yellows, and oranges. Just note that there are seasonal road closures, so be sure to visit between spring and fall.

5. Mount Storm King

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 4.1 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 2,106 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

For a true adventure in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Storm King is a challenging trail with plenty to rave about. There’s plenty to look forward to, from being able to extend your trek to include a visit to Marymere Falls to the epic switchbacks through Madrona Forest.

The real challenge is when the maintained trail ends, and you need to use the rope section to reach the summit. It’s a bit scary, but once you reach the top, the views of Crescent Lake and the Olympic Coast are unforgettable.

6. Toketee Falls

• Location: Umpqua National Forest, Oregon
• Mileage: 0.8 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 170 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

The Toketee Falls trail is a short and sweet trek through one of Oregon’s top national forests. It’ll take you no more than an hour to complete the route as you meander alongside the North Umpqua River.

It’s a picturesque little walk through an evergreen conifer forest with two fantastic perspectives of the 113-foot-high Toketee Falls.

7. Misery Ridge and River Trail

• Location: Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
• Mileage: 3.6 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 909 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

The Misery Ridge and River Trail is arguably one of the top trails in Smith Rock State Park. You’ll explore just about the entire park, walking alongside Crooked River before wandering inland towards Monkey Face Peak. 

With stair sections and some steep inclines, the trek along Misery Ridge isn’t ideal for children or dogs, but it’s still a great option for experienced hikers. With its unique rock formations and serene riverside sections, it’s a trail that has a lot to offer.

8. Trail of Ten Falls

• Location: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
• Mileage: 7.4 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 1,181 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Easily one of the best trails to take on all year round, the Trail of Ten Falls is jam-packed with idyllic views. It’ll take you just under three and a half hours to complete this loop. You can go in either direction — but going clockwise is the preferred option due to its gradual elevation gain.

Simply put, this is a fantastic option for families and experienced hikers alike looking to explore the Pacific Northwest in Oregon. It’s highly unlikely you’ll ever find 10 stunning waterfalls all on one trail, so you can’t go wrong hiking this route.

9. Chain Lakes Loop

• Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington
• Mileage: 6.2 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 1,792 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

For those exploring the Mount Baker Area, your top choice should always be the Chain Lakes Loop. Taking three hours and 40 minutes to complete, you’ll pass by some unbelievably blue alpine lakes. 

While the trail gains some elevation, it’s still fairly gradual, with no really difficult sections to worry about. That said, you will want to watch your step when trekking down Herman Saddle (after 3.3 miles), as it can get slippery. 

10. Colchuck Lake

• Location: North Cascades National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 8.7 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 2,342 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Staying in the North Cascades, where glacier-fed lakes and alpine mountains blend together perfectly, the Colchuck Lake hike is a great challenge for the experienced hiker. It’ll take about five hours to complete the round trip.

It has a non-stop incline as you trek up towards Colchuck Peak. Your thighs will definitely be feeling it by the time you reach the turquoise waters of Colchuck Lake.

11. Latourell Falls

• Location: Guy W. Talbot State Park, Oregon
• Mileage: 2 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 643 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Latourell Falls is a pet-friendly trail that you didn’t know you needed, just over half an hour’s drive east of Portland. There are three lovely viewpoints to soak up the 249-foot falls in all its glory.

While the trek has a gradual elevation gain, it’s nothing crazy, and it’ll take around an hour and 15 minutes to complete the loop.

12. Heather Maple Pass Loop

• Location: North Cascades National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 6.5 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 2,162 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Heather Maple Pass is everything you look for in a Pacific Northwest trail: crystal clear lakes, fragrant alpine meadows, and unforgettable mountain views. It’s quite a challenging route, too, taking just over four hours to complete. 

Going counterclockwise is best, so the incline is slightly more gradual and bearable. Throughout the trek, you’ll be blessed with stunning scenery, including Lake Ann, Rainy Lake, and splendid views of Whistler Mountain in the distance. 

13. High Divide Loop

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 21.5 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 6,197 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

If you’re on the hunt for an epic multi-day hike, the High Divide and Seven Lakes Basin Loop is one of Olympic Park’s shining lights. There are six great campsites to pick from, but the best of the bunch is probably Lunch Lake Camp. 

This epic hike includes a short excursion to Bogachiel Peak as well as some of the best views in the park from Mount Olympus. There’s also a lovely waterfall near Sol Duc Camp, which is sure to keep your camera busy.

14. Burma Road Loop

• Location: Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
• Mileage: 7 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 1,214 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Another great Smith Rock State Park option is the Burma Road Loop, covering seven miles and taking around three hours and 20 minutes to complete. It’s best to hike the route in a clockwise direction so the incline isn’t as intense thanks to a series of switchbacks.

The walk along Crooked River offers inspiring views of the unique rock formations carved out by the river over the centuries. Then, along Burma Road, you’ll be met by enchanting views of the valley below.

15. The Enchantments Traverse

• Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington
• Mileage: 18 miles point-to-point
• Elevation Gain: 4,790 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

For those who love a challenge. The Enchantment Traverse takes you past some of the most mesmerizing parts of the North Cascades. While you could technically complete this trail in one day, it’s a fantastic multi-day trek, with Lake Viviane Campsite being the perfect halfway stop.

You’ll need someone to drop you off and pick you up on this point-to-point trail, starting at Eight Mile Road and ending along Icicle Road near Leavenworth. You’ll pass by nine picture-perfect lakes along the way, too.

16. Multnomah Falls

• Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
• Mileage: 2.3 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 804 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

If it’s a killer photo you want for your next Instagram post, Multnomah Falls is the undeniable winner. Taking around an hour and a half to hike, the epic views begin a couple hundred feet into the walk.

With a fairytale-like bridge stretched over the lower falls and the upper falls cascading in the distance, it’s a photo opportunity you’ll want to capture from every possible angle. The trail also wraps around to the top of the falls, where yet another stunning vista awaits.

17. Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses Loop

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 2.1 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 95 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

There’s nothing more magical than wandering through a moss-laden forest, and the Amazonian-esque Hoh Rainforest offers just that.  It’s no more than a 45-minute hike, and this verdant old-growth forest is packed with peculiar trees drenched with a mossy overgrowth.

It’s a fairly easy trail that the entire family can enjoy thanks to its well-paved path and the fact that it has little to no elevation gain. 

18. Angels Rest

• Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
• Mileage: 4.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 1,489 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

For enigmatic views of the Columbia River, the challenging three-hour climb up to Angel’s Rest is well worth the effort. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenic views of the 115-foot-tall Coopey Falls, which is surrounded by lush forest. 

It has a fairly gradual incline, but it’ll take a lot out of you, so be sure to take plenty of breaks. Once you reach the summit, there’s a small bench waiting for you at the top where you can sit down, relax, and take in the magical views.

19. Mirror Lake 

• Location: Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon
• Mileage: 4.2 miles loop
• Elevation Gain: 672 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

We all know Oregon’s Mount Hood is blessed with some lovely trails, but the two-hour trek to Mirror Lake is definitely a standout. It’s a relatively comfortable hike to do as well, as you pass through the region’s conifer forest.

From Mirror Lake, you’ll be able to snap some unforgettable photos of Mt Hood in the distance. If you take on this trail in the fall, the surrounding foliage turns into a variety of reds, oranges, and yellows, making the photo opportunities even more stunning.

20. Mount Si

• Location: Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area, Washington
• Mileage: 7.9 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 3,395 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

While Mount Rainier may steal the show, missing out on the hiking opportunity at Mount Si would be a big mistake. While it’s only ideal for experienced hikers, it’s one of those winding and challenging routes where the views get better with each step you take.

You’ll start amongst an evergreen alpine forest, and as you make your way up the mountain, the foliage slowly but surely disappears to reveal some unreal vistas.

21. Wahclella Falls

• Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon
• Mileage: 2 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 308 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

Taking no more than an hour to complete, Wahclella Falls near Bonneville offers a mossy and magical experience. There are a couple of sharp inclines, but they never last that long, making this a relatively easy trail to complete. 

Once you reach the falls, you’ll honestly be stunned by how unique they are. The moss-covered cliff face creates a silhouette in the sky that looks a lot like South America, all while the falls cascade like a white curtain below.

22. Cape Flattery

• Location: Makah Indian Reservation, Washington
• Mileage: 1.2 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 229 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

From its towering sea stacks and unique headlands to its narrow coves, Cape Flattery is an absolute gem of the Pacific Northwest. Plus, it’ll only take you half an hour to walk this easy route along its well-kept boardwalk.

Throughout the trail, there are several viewing points, including a cute little turquoise bench, perfect for an aesthetic photo shoot. It’s also a great little trail to do with the family and dogs, especially if you want to catch a glimpse of the region’s stunning coast.

23. Upper Cascade Head

• Location: Cascade Head Preserve, Oregon
• Mileage: 6.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 1,368 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail Guide: Link

For a trail where classic Pacific Northwest forests meet magical coastal views, the Upper Cascade Head trail in Oregon is the place to go. It’ll take around three hours and 20 minutes to trek out and back, starting near Three Rocks and traveling all the way to Upper Cascade Head.

Through the route, you’ll be able to admire some stunning views of the Salmon River merging with the Pacific Ocean. It’s definitely best to visit in summer when the trail is fairly dry and the weather is good.

24. Comet Falls

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• Mileage: 3.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 1,286 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

When one speaks about classic Mount Rainier things to do, the two-and-a-half-hour hike to Comet Falls will always come to mind. Although it’s difficult, as you’re pretty much walking up the side of Mount Rainier, the view at the end is like something from a Disney film. 

You could just imagine a cute dwarven cottage or a rustic but inviting tavern resting alongside this 320-foot-high waterfall. This is especially true with the quirky wooden bridge resting just below the falls and the mossy path leading all the way up the trail.

25. Elk Mountain

• Location: Slesse Park, British Columbia, Canada
• Mileage: 6.7 miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 2,608 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail Guide: Link

Okay, while it’s technically in Canada, the hike up Elk Mountain in Slesse Park is something that truly epitomizes the Pacific Northwest. From the misty forest walk up the side of the mountain to the incredibly scenic overlook of the Chilliwack River down below, there’s plenty to admire out here.

You could consider Slesse Park and Elk Mountain as the northern counterpart of North Cascades National Park. It is a challenging four-hour and 40-minute trek with a pretty gnarly elevation gain, but you simply can’t go wrong exploring this magical part of the US-Canada border.

Best Time to Enjoy PNW Hikes

Generally speaking, the best time for hiking the Pacific Northwest wilderness is in summer and fall, between June and mid-September. These months offer clear, rain-free days with lovely temperatures and relatively dry path conditions.

While summer is ideal, you may be thinking of visiting at another time of the year. As such, here’s a quick look at each season’s conditions and how ideal they are for hiking.

Pacific Northwest Hiking in Spring

While things start to heat up in spring (March to May), it is still relatively chilly, especially at night. A lot of the winter’s snow begins to melt, making many of the trails slippery, which can be dangerous if hiking the more treacherous trails.

Adding to the already wet trails, the weather is generally unpredictable, and there’s usually a high chance of rainfall during these months. One of the few benefits of hiking in spring is that many of the trails will be fairly quiet. You’re also most likely to see wildflowers during these months and spot whales migrating north if trekking a coastal route.

Read More: Best Spring Hikes In Washington State

Pacific Northwest Hiking in Summer

Summer (June to August) is the dry season, and it offers the most consistent weather, with mostly sunny, clear skies. However, it can still get fairly cool, especially on higher-altitude mountain hikes, so a warm jacket or windbreaker is a must.

You’re also more likely to see the lush green valleys and smell the crisp alpine air. Adding to that, it’s one of the best times to see wildlife in the PNW, with many animals coming out of hibernation. 

That does mean you’ll be more likely to encounter bears and other dangerous wildlife, so be sure to take the necessary precautions. One other slight con is the fact that the trails will be extremely busy at this time of the year.

Pacific Northwest Hiking in the Fall

Fall (September to November) is easily the second-best time of year to explore the Pacific Northwest. The weather generally stays quite moderate through September and October before temperatures start dropping significantly in November.

You’re also more likely to experience rain in fall, with November actually being the wettest month of the year. That said, many of the bushes and trees in the region begin to showcase a myriad of fall colors, making it a truly remarkable time of year to explore. 

While summer is undeniably the best season to go hiking in PNW, fall is still a great option.

Read More: Best Fall Hikes In Washington State

Pacific Northwest Hiking in Winter

Then you get winter (December to February), which is, without a doubt, the worst time you could go hiking in the Pacific Northwest. The high snowfall results in several park roads and trails being closed for the season.

The open trails are generally slippery due to sleet, so a good pair of hiking boots and trekking poles are a must. Blizzards are a big danger, especially in the mountainous regions, and hiking during the Pacific Northwest’s winter is generally a frigid affair. 

Read More: Best Winter Hikes In Washington State

Top Insider Tips for PNW Hiking

Hiking in the PNW comes with its own set of challenges. So, to make sure you are fully prepared, let’s dive into some insider tips that’ll ensure you have a great time:

1. Stay Safe Around Wildlife: The Pacific Northwest is home to several animals, including bears, cougars, and wolves. Be sure to carry bear spray with you and follow these wildlife safety tips.

2. Keep Track of Weather Conditions: The weather can change drastically in the Pacific Northwest. It may be sunny in the morning and cold and rainy in the afternoon. Keep track of the weather with an app like Weather Spark so you don’t get caught unprepared.

3. Always Bring Layers: Like the weather, you want to bring layers. The last thing you want is to be freezing cold halfway through a hike without a jacket. Wear layers and change them as needed.

4. Check Park Entrance Fees: Before heading out for your hike, always check what the park entrance fees are. Some parks allow you to attain digital passes before arriving. Alternatively, the America the Beautiful Pass will grant you access to just about all the parks on this list. Also, check if your trail requires a permit, which is the case for several hikes in the PNW. 

5. Arrive Early: Unless you’re planning a sunset trek, it’s always best to arrive at the trailhead early. PNW trails, especially in summer, get really busy, and parking lots fill up quickly. Getting there early will mean you won’t be hiking while the route is packed, and you’re more likely to get a parking spot.

PS: I cover even more tips and tricks in my Washington ebook. Grab your copy here!

Ultimate Packing List for Hiking in the Pacific Northwest

• Waterproof Hiking Boots: Make sure they have a good grip and are super comfortable. >>>Compare These Hiking Shoes
• Rain Jacket: The weather can turn at any moment, so be sure to bring a quality jacket. >>>View My Favorite Rain Jackets
• Cap: Keep your face out of the sun to protect yourself from sunburn with a comfortable hat. >>>Buy This Cap 
• Sunscreen: Nobody wants to get sunburned, so bring some quality sunscreen with you. >>>Get This Sunscreen
• Hiking Pants: Wear comfortable pants. Waterproof pants or warm winter leggings are great choices.
• Plenty of Layers: Bring a couple of layers, like a vest, a long-sleeve shirt, a warm sweater, and your rain jacket.
• Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential, especially for longer hikes. >>>Get This Hydro Flask
• Daypack: Be sure to have a daypack that can fit all your essentials, no matter how long the hike is. >>>Look At These Daypacks
• Trekking Poles: With steep inclines and wet paths on some trails, hiking poles can help you keep your balance. >>>Compare My Top Trekking Poles
• First Aid Kit: Anything can happen during a hike, so stay safe and pack a first aid kit. >>>Buy This First Aid Kit
• Headlamp: For those sunset hikes and early morning treks, a bright headlamp will come in handy. >>>Get This Headlamp
• Bear Spray: If exploring in summer, be sure to bring bear spray for wildlife safety. >>>Look At This Bear Spray

FAQs About the Best Pacific Northwest Hikes

Before you start exploring the Pacific Northwest on your own, here are some handy facts to keep in mind.

What Is the Longest Hiking Trail on the West Coast?

That would be the Pacific Crest Trail, covering 2,650 miles along the coast from Mexico to Canada. It’ll take you a crazy five months to hike the entire route. 

Where Is the Best Place to Fly in for a PNW Hike?

Without a doubt, flying into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the best option. It provides easy access to the most striking hikes in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s central to other states in the area.

What Is the Best Area to Visit for PNW Hiking Trails?

This is another one of those topics that are up for debate, but Washington State definitely has a wealth of hiking options. With the North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Park all in Washington, there’s a trail to suit every type of hiker.

Final Thoughts on the Best PNW Hikes

The Pacific Northwest will always be one of America’s top hiking destinations. With countless national parks in the area, and a whole host of unique ecosystems to explore, the opportunities truly are endless.

And if you want an even more in-depth look into the trails in this post (and more), grab your copy of my Washington eBook today!

Pin For Later: Best Hikes in the Pacific Northwest