By Alex Day, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Database
If Washington had a state hobby, I’m pretty sure it would be hiking. And who could blame us when the options for incredible hikes are nearly endless! From the sandy shores of the Olympic peninsula to idyllic glacial lakes, misty old growth forests, tidepools full of sea life, panoramic peaks with 360-degree views of volcanic mountains, and so much more – our state offers hiking adventures like no other. With all the options, it’s clear why hiking is such a popular pastime – and the national parks are premier destinations for hikers of all abilities.
Click the link to jump to recommendations: Mount Rainier | North Cascades | Olympic
It can sometimes feel like a challenge to locate a trail that offers the quiet, calm, and solitude that so many of us go hiking to find. To help you find the perfect trail this summer, we asked our friends at Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks which trails they would recommend to a hiker interested in the path less traveled (but just as rewarding).
If you’re one of those park visitors interested in the less well-known and loved park destinations, check out these top hikes to avoid the crowds in Washington’s national parks.
With over 260 miles of diverse maintained trails, Mount Rainier National Park is truly a hiker’s paradise, offering something for hikers of any level and views that will awe and inspire. It’s no wonder it attracts nearly two million visitors each year – many of whom come for Paradise and its subalpine meadows. If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, start with a visit to Mount Rainier’s Wilderness Camping & Hiking resource page and then check out these hikes recommended by our friends at the park.
NOTE: Starting on May 24, 2024, the Paradise Corridor will require a timed entry reservation and the Sunrise Corridor timed entry reservations will start on July 4, 2024. Reservations are required until September 2, 2024. Learn more about timed entry here.
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Reflection Lakes: Named for the stunning subalpine lakes that reflect views of Mount Rainier, the Reflection Lakes area is located about 1.3 miles east of Paradise Road along Stevens Canyon Road* and is home to several trailheads. Some favorite alternates to the crowds on Skyline or the Wonderland Trail include:
Trails along SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) and SR 410 (Chinook Pass): Another great option for less busy (but equally impressive) trails is on the east side of the park. Along state routes 123 and 410, Cayuse and Chinook passes, you’ll find enormous trees, rushing waterfalls, and plenty of tranquility on the trails. From south to north, look for:
Westside Road: Located in the southwest corner of the park, Westside Road was originally envisioned as part of an “around-the-mountain” network of roads encircling Mount Rainier but was never completed. It’s one of only two roads closed to vehicles that remains open to bicycling, and several trails branch off of it.
*Keep in mind that Stevens Canyon Road is only open to vehicles during the summer season (typically June-September).
A rugged wilderness sanctuary that’s home to over 300 glaciers and over 400 miles of trails, North Cascades National Park preserves some of the finest mountain country in North America. It’s also a premier destination for those who are in search of solitude in nature, with more than 90% of its land designated as wilderness. Check out all the resources to help plan your hike on North Cascades National Park’s Hiking page, and then beat the crowds by exploring these hikes suggested by park staff:
State Route 20: Right off State Route 20 (SR20), or the North Cascades Highway, you’ll find any number of trails with fabulous views. Because the highway is the easiest way to access the park, it tends to draw the majority of visitors, especially to popular locations like Diablo Lake overlook.
In the North-Western part of the park, bordering the Mount Baker Wilderness and Mount Baker Recreation Area (managed by the Forest Service), you’ll find a number of quieter trails. View the park map to orient yourself. Here’s one hike you’ll definitely want to check out:
Stehekin Valley: Located on the northernmost tip of Lake Chelan, Stehekin is a truly unique national park location. It’s only accessible by boat, plane, or foot, making it one of the least visited parts of North Cascades National Park and an ideal choice for those hikers in search of true solitude.
With more than 611 miles of trail and 64 distinct trailheads, Olympic National Park attracts hikers of all abilities to its diverse ecosystems. Where else can you hike through lush rain forest, rocky coastlines, subalpine meadows, and towering mountain peaks? Its incredible diversity also makes it incredibly popular. Our friends at the park offered up these recommendations for a less-crowded hiking destination:
Sol Duc Valley: Located in the northwest region of the park, just 40 minutes west of Port Angeles, the Sol Duc River valley is covered with old growth forest. The Sol Duc River serves as a key highway for coho salmon, running through the valley and ascending to the lakes and headwaters in the surrounding mountains.
Heart O’ the Hills: Up in the northern part of the park, Heart O’ the Hills Campground is a popular destination for visitors seeking the quiet calm of old growth forests. Visitors often encounter elusive banana slugs, Olympic torrent salamanders, and rough-skinned newts, and extra lucky visitors might even hear the call of a marbled murrelet, a sea bird that spends the winter months in the open ocean and summer months nesting in old growth forests. (Be sure to check the park’s website on this area, as it has ongoing construction efforts.)
Note: In the shoulder seasons, the road to Hurricane Ridge may be open if conditions allow. Be sure to check the park’s alerts & conditions page before you head out. Another great resource to incorporate in your plans is our webcams page! Fun fact: The Hurricane Ridge webcams were restored after the tragic day lodge fire thanks to WNPF donors!
Quinault Rain Forest: In the southwestern area of the park, about a three-hour drive from Port Angeles and one hour from Forks, visitors can find a pristine example of temperate rain forest in the Quinault Valley. The Maple Glade loop and the Kestner Homestead can be combined on a visit to this rain forest, with a great picnic option waiting for you at July Creek.
Ready to get out there? As you plan your trip and pack your sunscreen and lots of water, keep in mind that it’s important to Leave No Trace to preserve these special places. While it may be tempting to get “off the beaten path” to avoid crowds, you shouldn’t actually hike off-trail as you risk trampling fragile meadows during their brief growing season over the summer.
You can learn about Mount Rainier National Park’s meadow restoration efforts – a project supported by WNPF donors – in our project update.
See you on the trails!
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. We raise private support to fund scientific research, youth and family experiences, and projects that will keep our parks strong and vital now and forever, for everyone. Learn how you can give back to the parks at wnpf.org/projects.
Article last updated May 30, 2024. Cover photo: Olympic National Park by Elizabeth Gonzalez.