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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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10 Best Backpacking Trips Ideas in Washington State

Discover Washington's Wilderness Treasures

Embark on a journey through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes that Washington state has to offer. From the misty rainforests to the rugged alpine peaks, Washington's backcountry is a mosaic of wilderness waiting to be explored. Each trail offers unique experiences, whether it's the serene beauty of old-growth forests, the challenge of ascending a mountain pass, or the peacefulness of an alpine lake. You'll have the chance to witness the diverse flora and fauna that call these environments home. Prepare to be captivated by the natural grandeur of Washington's wild lands as we unveil the best backpacking trips that beckon outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.


Recommended Activities

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    Alpine Lakes Wilderness

    With over 700 lakes and mountain ponds, Alpine Lakes Wilderness offers stunning scenic beauty and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Its plethora of trails provide access to its majestic terrains ranging from dense forests to rocky alpine landscapes. This area is known for the vibrant blue of its lakes, most notably the famed Colchuck and Snow Lakes, making it a prime location for backpacking and photographic pursuits.
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    Olympic National Park

    Olympic National Park is renowned for its ecological diversity and expansive wilderness. It encompasses nearly one million acres with a variety of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine peaks and rugged coastline. The park's isolation has preserved its integrity, showcasing miles of untamed beaches and ancient forests that can be explored by intrepid backpackers seeking solace in nature.
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    North Cascades National Park

    Known as the 'American Alps,' North Cascades National Park boasts some of the most untouched and rugged terrain in the United States. It features striking jagged peaks covered with glaciers and is a prime destination for mountaineers and hikers looking for challenging trails. The park's diverse landscape offers a true wilderness experience with opportunities for wildlife sightings and breathtaking vistas.
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    Enchantments

    The Enchantments is a series of alpine lakes and peaks that form one of the most spectacular areas in the Cascade Range. It is beloved for its dramatic granite landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning larch trees that turn golden in the fall. It’s a prime destination for backpackers who are rewarded with enchanting views after a challenging hike through this mystical area.
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    Mount Rainier National Park

    As an iconic landmark of Washington state, Mount Rainier National Park offers a dramatic landscape centered around the towering 14,411-foot Mount Rainier. Visitors come for its wildflower meadows, glaciers, and vast network of trails that range from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. It's a natural wonderland for anyone wanting to experience the grandeur of one of America's tallest volcanoes up close.
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    Goat Rocks Wilderness

    Goat Rocks Wilderness is an alpine wonderland that offers a taste of high mountain adventure with a fraction of the crowds found in other popular destinations. It provides a stunning backdrop of old volcanic peaks and ridges, wildflower-filled meadows, and clear mountain streams. Hikers and backpackers enjoy the scenic beauty and the chance to spot mountain goats and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
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    Pasayten Wilderness

    The Pasayten Wilderness offers one of the most remote backcountry experiences in Washington with over 600 miles of trails. This vast area is a mosaic of dense forests, open larch and pine stands, and high steep ridges, providing habitat for diverse wildlife, including lynx and wolves. It is an ideal destination for backpackers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.
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    Spider Gap - Buck Creek Pass Loop

    The Spider Gap - Buck Creek Pass Loop is a quintessential North Cascades backpacking experience that features a stunning mix of snow-capped peaks, meadows brimming with wildflowers, and sweeping valley views. It's less crowded than other popular trails, offering a sense of wilderness and adventure without heavy foot traffic, making it a must-visit for those who enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations.
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    Wonderland Trail

    Circumnavigating the majestic Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail is a challenging and rewarding backpacking trip. It spans 93 miles and provides continuously changing perspectives of the mountain. Hikers on this trail are treated to incredible vistas, glacier-fed rivers, and a full range of ecosystems that encircle the towering volcano. The trail's beauty and variety make it an unforgettable expedition for seasoned backpackers.
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    Hoh River Trail

    The Hoh River Trail takes you through the heart of one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States. As part of the Olympic National Park, it offers hikers the unique experience of walking amidst towering old-growth forests, draped with mosses and lichens, alongside the turquoise, glacier-fed Hoh River. It's a serene and magical place, providing opportunities to see wildlife, including the Roosevelt elk, and to find tranquility in the forest's enchanting silence.
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Restaurants

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    The Pink Door

    The Pink Door

    Located in Seattle's Pike Place Market, this restaurant offers Italian-American dishes with a side of live cabaret and trapeze entertainment.
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  • Canlis

    This high-end Seattle staple since 1950 presents innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine in a mid-century modern home.
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    The Herb Farm

    The Herb Farm

    Nestled in the Woodinville Wine Country, it offers a seasonal nine-course tasting menu featuring Pacific Northwest ingredients paired with local wines.
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    Dining In The Dark

    Dining In The Dark

    A Seattle experience where guests dine in complete darkness, enhancing their other senses for a unique culinary adventure.
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    Rainforest Cafe

    Rainforest Cafe

    Designed to transport you to a tropical rainforest, including animatronic creatures and thunderstorm effects, located in Seattle.
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    Gorge Inn

    4.9

    Gorge Inn

    Tucked away in Newhalem, this eatery has a historical charm, providing a cozy dining experience right in the heart of the North Cascades.
    4.9
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  • SkyCity

    This revolving restaurant is at the top of the Space Needle, serving Pacific Northwest cuisine with 360-degree views of Seattle and its surroundings.
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  • Tilth

    An intimate organic restaurant in a converted craftsman house in Seattle offers a sophisticated menu of locally-sourced, sustainable ingredients.
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Hotels

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    TreeHouse Point

    TreeHouse Point

    Nestled in the forest near Issaquah, TreeHouse Point offers guests a secluded retreat in custom-built treehouses.
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    The Edgewater Hotel

    The Edgewater Hotel

    Seattle's only waterfront hotel, The Edgewater boasts lodge-like rooms with rock fireplaces and pine furnishings, some famously hosting legendary rock bands.
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    Olympic Lagoon Resort

    Olympic Lagoon Resort

    Located in Port Angeles, this resort offers repurposed shipping containers as unique hotel accommodations with unspoiled views of the Olympic Peninsula.
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    Palouse Falls yurt

    Palouse Falls yurt

    Stay in a traditional yurt with modern amenities for a unique experience near the Palouse Falls State Park.
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  • Cave B Inn

    Overlooking the Columbia River, this inn offers unique cliff houses and cavern rooms integrated with the basalt rock landscape of the region.
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    Hotel Ballard

    Hotel Ballard

    In the historic Ballard neighborhood, this hotel juxtaposes Old-World charm with luxury, offering a unique stay in one of Seattle's hippest areas.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Day Out With Thomas (TM)

    Day Out With Thomas (TM)

    *RAIN OR SHINE* Please arrive 30 min prior to departure.Pop on board a train ride adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine! Day Out With Thomas: Bubble Tour is heading to heritage railways across the country with loads of bubble themed games and activit...
    Map IconNorthwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie (10.82 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Jul 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

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    As the title alludes to, I want to know r/backpackings recommendations for a 4 day, 3 night backpacking trip in Washington state. Ive been searching for something in the North...

    Best 3-4 day trip in Washington?

    As the title alludes to, I want to know r/backpackings recommendations for a 4 day, 3 night backpacking trip in Washington state. Ive been searching for something in the North...

    /r/backpacking
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    A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. Backpacking defined as: Multi-day ...

    Recommendations for a 3-4 day backpacking trip in Washington

    A subreddit dedicated to backpacking in the wild places on earth - where people are few, cell signal is nil, and Mother Nature still reigns. Backpacking defined as: Multi-day ...

    /r/WildernessBackpacking
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    Hey there, I'm looking to backpack for ~5 days in Washington State in late August or early September. I'd like to get a mix of terrain but would especially love to spend time ...

    Advice for a Washington State Backpacking trip

    Hey there, I'm looking to backpack for ~5 days in Washington State in late August or early September. I'd like to get a mix of terrain but would especially love to spend time ...

    /r/WildernessBackpacking
  • Reddit Icon

    We are planning our very first trip to Washington and would love backpacking recommendations. We are thinking 2 nights and 3 days in June. Were pretty experienced hikers. What...

    Washington Backpacking

    We are planning our very first trip to Washington and would love backpacking recommendations. We are thinking 2 nights and 3 days in June. Were pretty experienced hikers. What...

    /r/backpacking
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    Business, Economics, and Finance. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. Crypto

    Recommendations for three day backpacking trip in Washington State?

    Business, Economics, and Finance. GameStop Moderna Pfizer Johnson & Johnson AstraZeneca Walgreens Best Buy Novavax SpaceX Tesla. Crypto

    /r/backpacking

Music for Your Journey

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    Shylah Ray Sunshine - Into the Wild

    Shylah Ray Sunshine - Into the Wild

    A song that captures the essence of adventure and the call of the wilderness.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    Of Monsters and Men - Mountain Sound

    An upbeat track that echoes the joy of hiking through scenic landscapes.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    The Head And The Heart - Rivers and Roads

    A reflective melody about change and distance, perfect for contemplating life on the trail.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Bon Iver - Holocene

    Bon Iver - Holocene

    A tranquil tune that complements the profound beauty of nature's vistas.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Leif Vollebekk - Big Sky Country

    Leif Vollebekk - Big Sky Country

    An ode to the open skies and unbound spaces that you encounter while backpacking.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Rolling Stones - Wild Horses - 2009 Mix

    The Rolling Stones - Wild Horses - 2009 Mix

    A classic that evokes a sense of freedom as you roam through the wild.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Mumford & Sons - The Cave

    Mumford & Sons - The Cave

    An empowering anthem to help you push through the challenges of the trail.
    Listen on Spotify
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    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    A feel-good song that connects you with the comfort of nature's embrace.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Grateful Dead - Fire on the Mountain - 2013 Remaster

    Grateful Dead - Fire on the Mountain - 2013 Remaster

    An energetic track that resonates with the adventurous spirit of high-altitude treks.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You into the Dark

    Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You into the Dark

    A gentle acoustic piece, soothing for quieter moments under the stars.
    Listen on Spotify
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