Summer Hikes

Long days and less snow in the mountains: for some, summer is the best hiking season. With so many possible destinations, how do you pick where to go? Let us help. These features highlight some of Washington's best locations, and some you may not have heard of, but are definitely worth a visit.

If you don't already have one, create an account with us so you can save hikes you're interested in while you're browsing. We promise you'll find more than one here you'll want to do. And if you're new to this whole hiking thing, we've got a handy Hiking 101 page you'll want to check out.

Hike Like a Pro

Where to Pitch Your Tent | How to Keep Cool | How to Read a Map | A Guide to Washington's Hiking Jargon

Half a Day or Farther Away: 11 Hikes for Summer

From shaded trails enshrouded in moss-covered trees to vast, rolling hills to rugged, ice-capped mountains, trails are everywhere. The kind of public lands that host these trails vary just as much as the landscapes themselves. Some of your favorite backyard hikes are on city and county lands, but some of those epic trips are served up on federal lands like national forests and parks.

Learn Your History: Layered Stories on Washington's Lands

Next time you go hiking, seek out histories of the trail you might have missed, and realize the complexity of history isn't in knowing the dates of important events, but it's how those events affected the people who weren't writing the history books.

19 Hikes for Stretching Your Legs on Summer Road Trips

Skip the rest stops and instead opt for one of these easily-accessible roadside rambles the next time you’re touring the state.

Overnight Backpacking Destinations

Enjoy an overnight stay in the backcountry this summer. Extending a day hike into a longer overnight trip adds an entirely new experience, with opportunities to watch the sun rise and set, and stargaze.

Weekend Backpacking Trips

Immerse yourself in the backcountry with some longer hikes. The backpack trips described here are all between 10 and 25 miles — some can be hiked in two days (one night), but several would be much more enjoyable if you take three days.

The Best Hikes for Your Astrological Sign

If you're looking for hike inspiration based on an arbitrary set of characteristics determined by what time of year you were born, look no further.

Long Hikes, Overnights for Labor Day Weekend

Whether you have one, two or three days in mind, make your way into the backcountry this holiday weekend. You can go for the day, or turn these long day hikes into overnights.

22 Short Summer Hikes with Giant Views

Find big summer views without putting in long miles.

Hike Washington's National Forests

Get to know the national forests in Washington.

Conditioning Hikes

Have some big adventures planned for summer? Get your body used to the demands of being on trail so you have a lot more fun and you feel more sure on your feet.

16 Hikes For Close-to-Town Vistas

Get high and get a good view close to town. Now add sparkles.

Shady Hikes for Hot Summer Days

This summer, take to the trees to enjoy some respite from the sun, and while away the hours basking in the simple sounds and delights that can only be found outside.