WASHINGTON HIKES #8: HEATHER-MAPLE PASS LOOP
Heather-Maple Pass Loop is one of my favorite hikes in Washington. It’s more challenging than some others on this list, but it’s easily accessible, relatively well-trafficked, and relatively easy to navigate. Be prepared for an uphill climb to the top, but the views are absolutely worth it! I recommend this hike for those who have a little more experience under their belt as the elevation gain can be challenging for some.
Keep in mind that there are a couple of points where the trail breaks off in other directions, so having a map is recommended for those unfamiliar with the area. Being a few hours away from Seattle, I recommend camping at one of the nearby campgrounds and making a fun getaway out of it!
- Location: Okanogan – Wenatchee National Forest
- Native lands: Nlaka’pamux, Okanagan, Chelan
- Distance: 7.2 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 2000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
- Pass/permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs: Yes, leashed
- Road access: Paved road, 2×2 friendly
WASHINGTON HIKES #9: MOUNT PILCHUCK
Mount Pilchuck might be the most popular fire lookout hike in Washington, and having done this a few times I can see why. The 360 degree views up the top of the cascades, Mount Rainier and Glacier Peak are incredible! This hike covers a decent amount of elevation gain, so I would definitely put it in the moderate – strenuous category. It’s a good one to undertake once you feel confident on some of the previously suggested easier hikes.
This hike is best done from July-October when it’s more likely to be snow-free, but it can also be a nice late spring hike with the right equipment for light snow travel. Like many of the other hikes on this list, the parking lot can be quite busy so I suggest getting there first thing so you are not disappointed (or go later in the afternoon).
- Location: Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
- Native lands: Coast Salish, Snohomish, Tulalip
- Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 2300 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
- Pass/permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs: Yes, leashed
- Road access: Paved road most of the way, 2×2 friendly
WASHINGTON HIKES #10: COLCHUCK LAKE
Colchuck Lake is the most strenuous hike on this list, but it’s a popular and maintained trail that is easy to access. If you are new to hiking, I wouldn’t do this as your first trail, but I’d definitely recommend it once you clock up some miles! The views of Colchuck Lake at the top are some of the best in Washington, and on a warm summer day you can even jump in the lake to cool off.
To camp here you must have a permit (obtained through a lottery system), but day hikers are permitted. Be aware that the parking lot often fills up very early, so plan to arrive as early as possible (especially if you are visiting on a weekend). This hike is also best done as a summer hike once the snow clears out, so plan to hike from June – October depending on snow conditions. I also recommend visiting the nearby town of Leavenworth after your hike for a delicious meal before heading back to Seattle!
- Location: Okanogon – Wenatchee National Forest
- Native lands: Yakima, Wenatchi
- Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 2280 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate – Strenuous
- Pass/permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs: No
- Road access: Paved road most of the way, 2×2 friendly
WASHINGTON HIKES #11: ARTIST POINT
*This is a beginner-friendly WINTER hike!
This is probably my favorite accessible winter activity in Washington. During summer you can drive right up to Artist Point, but in winter the road is closed about 2 miles from the top and you need to park at Bagley Lake trail head. This is definitely a hike for those who are a little more experienced as there’s a small amount of route finding, and you will need to wear snowshoes.
- Location: Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
- Native lands: Nlaka’pamux, Coast Salish, Nooksack
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1000 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pass/permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs: Yes, leashed
- Road access: Paved road but beware of snowy conditions
