We all know that backpacking is a great way to connect with nature and see some of the most beautiful places. This trip is also good for exploring places, meeting new people, and getting away from your everyday life. But whatever you love about it, there’s no doubt that Washington has plenty of trails for you!
Washington State is a great place to explore the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for some of the best hikes, camping spots, or want to see some scenery along the way to the pacific northwest, Washington has it all.
Here is a guide for those looking for the best backpacking trips to explore Washington State. So, consider adding these to your bucket list!
1. Seven Lakes Basin
This loop is a famous Olympic National Park perfect getaway that takes you to the high peak. The seven lakes basin loop is an eighteen-mile that gets you through one of the state’s best waterfalls. More than that, it gets through old-growth rainforests and up into a basin dotted with lakes and tarns.
Olympic National Park encompasses you to a beauty filled with glistening blue lakes. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to unwind at camp and put your toes in the lake. Furthermore, hike a side route for spectacular views of the Olympic Range.
2. Cascade Pass Trail
Despite its isolated location, this place is among the most accessible paths in the North Cascades National Park. You know this is going to be a remarkable trek the instant you pull into the trailhead parking area. It offers some of the most accessible terrains for getting deep into this magnificent alpine setting.
For a good reason, North Cascades Park is a popular day hiking destination. As you near the peak, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Pelton Basin.
3. The Enchantments Trail
The Enchantments Trail in Washington is the peak of high alpine exploration. As such, if you’re a first-timer, it’s a beautiful place to visit on your first hiking trip.
Imagine traveling through an old-growth jungle for 13 kilometers along the Quinault River, so be prepared for any climate. You never know what weather awaits there. However, you can complete the trail in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness in many days by getting a highly sought-after permit.
4. Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
If you’re backpacking in Washington, one of the best things to do is take a hike up Mount Rainier. The Skyline Trail is the major hiking trail in National Park’s Paradise hiking region.
Despite the high volume of visitors during the summer, the Skyline Trail provides plenty of scenery to enjoy. Plus, there are plenty of campsites along the way if you want to stay overnight. So, don’t forget your backpacking gear with you and ready-to-eat food.
5. Hoh River Trail
Olympic National Park in Western Washington adds features of a diverse range of breathtaking scenery. This park is home to a magnificent rain forest, a rugged ocean shore, and the snow lake of the Olympic Mountains.
The Hoh River valley on the park’s northwest side is a great place to start exploring this lush region. It’s almost 17 miles long and gives visitors a pick-your-own-adventure experience.
6. Sol Duc Falls Trail
The trail is a popular and family-friendly way to explore the nearby Sol Duc Valley. This also features flowing waterfalls. Sol Duc Falls is easily accessible from either its campground or the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
The roughly two-mile climb to the stunning falls starts a lengthier trail that leads deep into the national park’s center. Massages and a cozy place to recover before your next trip in the park are all available at the hot springs resort, which is open before and after your hike.
7. Chain Lakes Loop
Want to know a little secret about one of Washington’s best backpacking trips? The Chain Lakes Loop is a fantastic day hike with breathtaking vistas.
If you stay on an overnight trip, you will be able to enjoy this popular route in peace. Thus, it’s also a way to go to the pacific crest trail. Because most of this trail passes through ideal wildlife habitat, keep an eye out for marmots and mountain goats.
8. Wallace Falls Trail
The trail in Wallace Falls State Park is among Washington’s most popular hiking spots. These stunning views are found on a 5.6-mile round-trip. It’s easily accessible that draws many to this state park an hour from Seattle.
The backpacking trip includes separate waterfalls. Thus, each of them is stunning, showing cascading water, and is worth the trek in and of itself. Even if you don’t want to hike the entire place, the Wallace Falls Trail’s lower and middle sections have enough spectacular vistas of the surrounding Skykomish River Valley to keep you amazed.
Get ready to enjoy your trip!
Are you ready to travel to Washington State? Backpacking is a great way to explore the beautiful scenery that this state has to offer.
Whether you’re passing through or would love to give some time in the area, there are many incredible spots for backpacking trips in Washington. Enjoy your adventure during this weekend with our 10 lists of places to go through.
