Trail Talk: Best Beginner Trails in Washington
1. Mt. Fremont - Mt. Rainier, WA
Located in the Mt. Rainier National Park, this wonderful hike is great for beginners. It’s 5.5 miles round trip and has a 1,200-ft. gain which may sound daunting to people new to hiking, but once you start moving you’ll see that it’s not bad at all. This hike combines epic views of Rainier with the whimsy of a fire lookout!!! It’s a long drive to the hike but definitely worth it.
2. Snow Lake - Snoqualmie, WA
Snow Lake is like something out of a fairy tale! This hike is 6.4 miles round trip. This trail is a little tougher with a 1,669-foot gain, but you’ll forget all about that when you arrive at the lake. There are plenty of spots to picnic, and the lake is very accessible. It’s easy to lose track of time at the lake so I recommend making a day trip out of it.
Pro Tip:
While it’s not hiking accessible in the Winter, you can snowshoe up the trail. It can be hard to find the trail in the snow - I can’t even say I’ve completed it! Though, it was a blast to throw on some snowshoes and march through the mountains until we couldn’t march anymore!
3. Heybrook Lookout - Gold Bar, WA
This is a deceptive trail…it’s a measly 2.4 miles round trip, but the 1.2 miles up to the top are ALL uphill. You will have to tackle a nearly 1,000 foot gain in just over a mile. However, this fire lookout is awesome! It offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and in the Spring and Summer, there are tons of Grey Jays and Blue Jays. You can even rent the room on top of the fire lookout! Though I have not done that myself, it does sound fun!
Pro Tip:
If you go in the Winter to see the snowcapped mountains, wear spikes! This trail gets icy, and your Nikes can’t handle it! If you don’t go prepared, you will slip… I’ve seen it before.
4. Hurricane Ridge - Port Angeles, WA
This is another National Park hike located in the Olympic National Park. This trail is only 1 mile and only has a 200-ft. gain so easy peasy! It does offer amazing views though! There’s plenty of wildlife around too. It’s not uncommon to spot deer and marmots and other critters. After enjoying the 1 mile trot through the Hurricane Ridge trail, you can add on by checking out Hurricane Hill. Even if you add on the Hurricane Hill trail, it’s only 3 miles round trip and that INCLUDES the Ridge so there’s no excuse not to!
5. Franklin Falls - Snoqualmie, WA
This is a VERY popular trail! Expect to run into people unless you get up PAINFULLY early. Parking can be a challenge so be prepared to wait for spots. The hike is 2 miles and with a 367-ft. gain. There are lots of spots to access the creek and plenty of space to picnic at the fall itself. Definitely a staple to be added to any hiker’s repertoire.
6. Twin Falls - Northbend, WA
This hike can get pretty busy in the Summertime. It’s a beautifully waterfall along what feels like a big tree house of a trail! You need to take the stairs to see the big falls then head back up and continue up the trail to the bridge for a viewpoint of some smaller waterfalls. This hike is 3.6 miles with a 967-ft. gain in elevation. It’s great hike for families!!!
Pro-tip:
You want to park in the lower lot off 159th ST. There’s a bathroom at this parking lot, and this will set you up to hike up to the viewpoints and come downhill on the return. You’ll also have creek access. Parking at the upper lot means hiking down to the viewpoints which is fine until you realize you are doing the hard part when you turn around to go back to your car… that’s a pretty big bummer… Learn from my mistakes, kids.
7. Wallace Falls - Gold Bar, WA
This high traffic trail has plenty of parking! Pack some food and picnic at one of the many viewpoints this hike offers. This waterfall is beautiful and perfect for all skill levels. You can race to the top and back or go slow and steady. Make sure to bring a camera because there are some great spots for pics.
8. Rattlesnake Ridge - Northbend, WA
While this is a VERY heavy traffic trail, it’s easy to see why when you reach the top. It offers panoramic views of the Snoqualmie Valley! This trail is accessible nearly year-round and great for family outings, though not the easiest for tiny tots. During the Summer or Winter, this view is one of the best in Washington!
9. Teneriffe Falls - Northbend, WA
This waterfall is best visited during the Fall. A thousand elegant, little streams trickle down the rock wall and glisten like something out of a fairytale! It’s so dope! Dog-friendly, family-friendly, and only 5.5 miles round trip.
10. Oyster Dome - Bellingham, WA
Oyster Dome is another awesome hike with panoramic views! You are definitely gonna need spikes to make it up the trail during the Winter. It’s close proximity to Bellingham and Western Washington University make it really heavily trafficked. You have to park on the shoulder, and it’s really important not to leave valuables in the car as it is not uncommon for terrible people to break into vehicles there. Don’t risk it! As for the hike, it is tough but beautiful, and there are great spots to picnic at the top!