Hiking In Washington: Top 5 Destinations for Beginners

You’re in Washington state, and you’re ready to start hiking. Set yourself up for success by starting easy and slowly working your way to the longer hikes that take you to higher elevation. There are plenty of options for beginners hiking in Washington to choose from that offer a wide range of natural wonders.

We’ll give you five of the best hiking trails in Washington to get started with as you begin your rewarding new hobby.

1. North Kitsap Trails, North Kitsap Heritage Park

With clearly marked and maintained paths, this level trail system is perfect to start your hiking journey. There are 10 miles of trails, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all at once. Pick your own pace as you explore the park along decommissioned logging roads.

The nearby city of Silverdale provides many other walking trails to help you train for those rugged hikes to come. Granite Vapor has saved you time by compiling a list of the best ones.

2. Hoh River Trail, Olympic National Park

The Hoh River Trail is located in the lush rain forest of Olympic National Park. The well-maintained trail winds for 17 miles, but with the first 13 miles being fairly level, you can turn back whenever you choose.

No matter how long or short you make your hike, you are sure to be treated to stunning wildlife and the serenity of this Pacific Northwest forest.

3. Wallace Falls Trail, Wallace Falls State Park

If you’re hiking in Washington, this is an absolute must. There’s a reason they named the entire state park after this series of waterfalls.

Even though it has a moderate grade, this 5.6-mile round trip hike provides scenic views every step of the way. You’ll get to see all nine waterfalls on your hike, in addition to beautiful forest surroundings.

Because of its consistently breathtaking scenery and accessibility, this is one of our favorites. We recommend you arrive early to beat the crowds.

4. Sol Duc Falls Trail, Olympic National Park

Located in the Sol Due Valley, this 2-mile trail is great for beginners. It offers a level trail surrounded by beautiful rainforest scenery and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Sol Duc means “magic waters” in Quillayute and you’ll see why as you follow the river to a waterfall worth the trip.

As you become a hiking novice, you can return to this trail and continue deeper into the park. The trail climbs up higher to the Seven Lakes Basin, treating you to subalpine meadows and alpine lakes.

5. Cascade Pass Trail, North Cascades National Park

Head north to see why this is one of the most popular and accessible trails. The North Cascades provide a dramatic scenery of sharp peaks and glacial valleys. You may have to beat the crowds, so arrive early.

This seven-mile round trip introduces a gentle elevation grade to help train you for harder trails to come. However, with scenic views around every switchback, you might not even notice.

Start Hiking in Washington

Now that you know where to start, get your hiking boots on and your phone ready for some great pictures. Hiking in Washington provides some of the best scenery in the country, ranging from beaches to rain forests to mountains. Now it’s yours for the exploring, so get going!

If you’re looking for more ways to live healthier and how to start, check out our Health and Wellness section. We provide great insight and advice on how to feel your best.

*This is a collaboration post

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