WASHINGTON HIKES #3: HOH RAIN FOREST LOOP
The Hoh Rain Forest Loop is actually a combination of two shorter trails, Spruce Nature Trail and Hall of Mosses. They leave from the same parking lot and make a great pairing if you’re in the Hoh Rain Forest area of Olympic National Park. Being so flat and short in length, these trails can be enjoyed by pretty much anyone!
My favorite time to do this hike is in the spring when the greenery is in its prime, but it is still beautiful at any time of the year.
- Location: Olympic National Park
- Native lands: Hoh, Quinault
- Distance: 2 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass/permit: National Park Pass
- Dogs: No
- Road access: Paved road, 2×2 friendly
WASHINGTON HIKES #4: HEYBROOK LOOKOUT
Heybrook Lookout might be the closest lookout tower to Seattle, and as a result is a great little after-work hike in the summer months. Don’t let the short length of this hike fool you though! There are a couple of sections that are quite steep, so make sure to pack some water and wear comfortable hiking clothes/shoes.
The lookout provides gorgeous views of Mt Index and the surrounding peaks, and there is also a picnic table at the bottom if you want to have a snack break. Sunset is a great time to be up at Heybrook Lookout as the light can be really stunning!
- Location: Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
- Native lands: Coast Salish, Snohomish, Tulalip
- Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 850 feet
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: Yes, leashed
- Road access: Paved road 2×2 friendly
- Insider’s tip: You can add on nearby Heybrook Ridge for a longer day of hiking
WASHINGTON HIKES #5: RATTLESNAKE LEDGE
Rattlesnake Ledge is a classic Washington hike for good reason! Being so close to Seattle (35 minutes from downtown) and having such great views of the cascades/Rattlesnake Lake below, it draws crowds from all over Puget Sound.
Keep in mind that this is not the hike to escape from crowds, but it is an excellent one to work on your cardio and hiking legs. Due to the relatively low elevation, this hike is also snow-free the majority of the year, allowing you to keep your fitness up during winter when many other hikes will be inaccessible without snowshoes.
- Location: Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area
- Native lands: Coast Salish, Duwamish
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1160
- Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
- Pass/permit: NA
- Dogs: Yes, leashed
- Road access: Paved road, 2×2 friendly
- Winter tip: Take shoe traction such as microspikes
WASHINGTON HIKES #6: LAKE TWENTY-TWO
Lake Twenty-Two is one of Washington’s classic beginner-friendly alpine lake hikes. Located along Mountain Loop Hwy, it’s easy to access and has a well-maintained trail. This one is a good one to “graduate” to once you feel comfortable on shorter hikes such as Rattlesnake Ledge, Barclay Lake, etc… or for those who are coming into hiking already relatively fit.
The trail can be rocky and root covered in parts, so be sure to watch your step. The views at the top are beautiful and you will come out of the trees to a clear alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. This is a great spot for a snack or some lunch before heading back down to the car. Do note that parking lot can fill quite early, so plan to get there bright and early OR later once the day-trippers are coming down from lunch.
- Location: Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
- Native lands: Coast Salish, Snohomish, Tulalip
- Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1350 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass/permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs: Yes, leashed
- Road access: Paved road, 2×2 friendly
- Insider’s tip: The parking lot can fill quite early, so plan to get there bright and early.
WASHINGTON HIKES #7: SKYLINE LOOP TRAIL
Skyline Loop Trail is the perfect hike for getting up-close and personal with Mount Rainier! You will leave from the bustling Paradise parking lot, but the crowds will disperse once you get further out on the trail. This is one of my favorite summer hikes when the wildflowers are peaking (July/August) as the flowers are abundant and SO vibrant!
If you do the whole loop there is quite a climb to reach the highest point, so make sure to bring some snacks and water. The beginning of this loop is actually paved, and a good one to take older relatives who might have a hard time on regular trails.
- Location: Mount Rainier National Park
- Native lands: Puyallup
- Distance: 5.5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1450 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass/permit: National Park Pass
- Dogs: No
- Road access: Paved road, 2×2 friendly
