Going for a hike in Washington is amazing, especially on a beautiful Pacific Northwest day. But not everyone has time to cover 10 miles or even five miles … and not everyone wants to (or is able to), either. The solution? A short-and-sweet little hike — perhaps something a few miles long; and believe us, there are many here in the Evergreen State! Check out the following nine trails under three miles, which we happen to think are some of the best hikes in Washington.
- Cape Flattery Trail
Bill Watson / alltrails.com Located at the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula near Neah Bay, this trail is only 1.2 miles. Because of the perpetually wet conditions, you’ll be walking on raised boardwalks for much of the path. Cape Flattery Trail, Washington 98357, USA
- Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
Karissa Ross / alltrails.com You’ll find this beautiful trail in Mount Rainier National Park near Paradise. It’s an easy 2.5-mile long hike that feels heavenly indeed. Bench and Snow Lake Trail, Packwood, WA 98361, USA
- Bowl and Pitcher Loop Trail
Tim Kubow / alltrails.com This two-mile trek is located near Spokane in Riverside State Park. Your hike can start near the Spokane House of Riverside State Park or near Bowl and Pitcher. Bowl and Pitcher, Audubon-Downriver, WA 99208, USA
- Horan Natural Area
JillyBean9827 / TripAdvisor You’ll find this 2.5-mile trail located in Wenatchee Confluence State Park in East Wenatchee. The trail is easy to navigate, and there are some great viewing stations along the way. Horan Natural Area, Apple Capitol Recreational Loop Trail, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA
- Franklin Falls
Anne Yopps / alltrails.com The highlight of this two-mile trail is obviously the beautiful waterfall, but you’ll see lots of amazing scenery along the way. The Franklin Falls Trail is located near Snoqualmie Pass. Franklin Falls, Washington 98045, USA
- Bagley Creek Loop Trail
Anita Elder / alltrails.com The 1.4-mile-long Bagley Creek Loop Trail sits way up in Northern Washington near Maple Falls. It’s quiet, peaceful, and easy to enjoy. Bagley Creek, Washington 98362, USA
- Nisqually Vista Trail
Nicole Gentry / alltrails.com This mile-long trail is located near the Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park. While it’s often covered in snow, during the summertime everything is green and beautiful. Nisqually Vista Trail, Washington 98304, USA
- Saddlerock Trail
Paul Robertson / alltrails.com Saddlerock Trail is a 2.4-mile loop you’ll find in the Wenatchee area. While parts of it are a bit steep, it’s considered a great trail for beginners and advanced hikers alike. Saddlerock Trail, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA
- Cowiche Canyon Conservancy Trail
France Freeman / alltrails.com Confession: The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy Trail is actually about 3.3 miles. But it’s so peaceful and relaxing in this canyon, which is located just outside of Yakima, that you won’t mind the extra steps one bit! Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, 302 N 3rd St #201, Yakima, WA 98901, USA
We hope you enjoy as many of these short, easy hikes as possible. And when you have a little more time, check out this list of the best hikes in Washington that are under five miles.
Bill Watson / alltrails.com
Located at the northwest tip of the Olympic Peninsula near Neah Bay, this trail is only 1.2 miles. Because of the perpetually wet conditions, you’ll be walking on raised boardwalks for much of the path.
Cape Flattery Trail, Washington 98357, USA
Karissa Ross / alltrails.com
You’ll find this beautiful trail in Mount Rainier National Park near Paradise. It’s an easy 2.5-mile long hike that feels heavenly indeed.
Bench and Snow Lake Trail, Packwood, WA 98361, USA
Tim Kubow / alltrails.com
This two-mile trek is located near Spokane in Riverside State Park. Your hike can start near the Spokane House of Riverside State Park or near Bowl and Pitcher.
Bowl and Pitcher, Audubon-Downriver, WA 99208, USA
JillyBean9827 / TripAdvisor
You’ll find this 2.5-mile trail located in Wenatchee Confluence State Park in East Wenatchee. The trail is easy to navigate, and there are some great viewing stations along the way.
Horan Natural Area, Apple Capitol Recreational Loop Trail, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA
Anne Yopps / alltrails.com
The highlight of this two-mile trail is obviously the beautiful waterfall, but you’ll see lots of amazing scenery along the way. The Franklin Falls Trail is located near Snoqualmie Pass.
Franklin Falls, Washington 98045, USA
Anita Elder / alltrails.com
The 1.4-mile-long Bagley Creek Loop Trail sits way up in Northern Washington near Maple Falls. It’s quiet, peaceful, and easy to enjoy.
Bagley Creek, Washington 98362, USA
Nicole Gentry / alltrails.com
This mile-long trail is located near the Paradise Inn at Mount Rainier National Park. While it’s often covered in snow, during the summertime everything is green and beautiful.
Nisqually Vista Trail, Washington 98304, USA
Paul Robertson / alltrails.com
Saddlerock Trail is a 2.4-mile loop you’ll find in the Wenatchee area. While parts of it are a bit steep, it’s considered a great trail for beginners and advanced hikers alike.
Saddlerock Trail, Wenatchee, WA 98801, USA
France Freeman / alltrails.com
Confession: The Cowiche Canyon Conservancy Trail is actually about 3.3 miles. But it’s so peaceful and relaxing in this canyon, which is located just outside of Yakima, that you won’t mind the extra steps one bit!
Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, 302 N 3rd St #201, Yakima, WA 98901, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Washington April 01, 2022 Sarah M. What are some beautiful overlooks to hike to in Washington? With so many scenic places and hikes in Washington, there are some seriously spectacular overlooks you’ll come across. If you are up for a hike, we recommend the Naches Peak Loop Trail, an easy pathway with an overlook where you can see a valley and Mount Rainier (although the mountain can be seen throughout the entire hike). One of our favorite overlooks is in the Columbia River Gorge. Lauded as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. Located on Highway 14 near Stevenson, Washington, the Cape Horn Lookout offers a glimpse of the unique beauty of southern Washington. While the windshield views are amazing, you should definitely take the time to stop and check out the overlook. And if you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your boots and set out on the Cape Horn Loop Trail. This 7.5-mile loop trail is definitely an all-day hike, but the views along the way are well worth it! Another beautiful overlook in Washington is the Washington Pass Overlook – and it’s one you don’t even have to hike to. Located along the North Cascades Highway, simply park the car in the parking lot and get out to have a look at miles of scenery in front of you. You’ll find some other overlooks in Washington with jaw-dropping views in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Washington
April 01, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some beautiful overlooks to hike to in Washington? With so many scenic places and hikes in Washington, there are some seriously spectacular overlooks you’ll come across. If you are up for a hike, we recommend the Naches Peak Loop Trail, an easy pathway with an overlook where you can see a valley and Mount Rainier (although the mountain can be seen throughout the entire hike). One of our favorite overlooks is in the Columbia River Gorge. Lauded as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. Located on Highway 14 near Stevenson, Washington, the Cape Horn Lookout offers a glimpse of the unique beauty of southern Washington. While the windshield views are amazing, you should definitely take the time to stop and check out the overlook. And if you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your boots and set out on the Cape Horn Loop Trail. This 7.5-mile loop trail is definitely an all-day hike, but the views along the way are well worth it! Another beautiful overlook in Washington is the Washington Pass Overlook – and it’s one you don’t even have to hike to. Located along the North Cascades Highway, simply park the car in the parking lot and get out to have a look at miles of scenery in front of you. You’ll find some other overlooks in Washington with jaw-dropping views in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With so many scenic places and hikes in Washington, there are some seriously spectacular overlooks you’ll come across. If you are up for a hike, we recommend the Naches Peak Loop Trail, an easy pathway with an overlook where you can see a valley and Mount Rainier (although the mountain can be seen throughout the entire hike). One of our favorite overlooks is in the Columbia River Gorge. Lauded as The Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is the largest natural scenic area in the United States. The mighty Columbia River serves as the border between Oregon and Washington, and there are all sorts of treasures awaiting you on both states’ sides. Located on Highway 14 near Stevenson, Washington, the Cape Horn Lookout offers a glimpse of the unique beauty of southern Washington. While the windshield views are amazing, you should definitely take the time to stop and check out the overlook. And if you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your boots and set out on the Cape Horn Loop Trail. This 7.5-mile loop trail is definitely an all-day hike, but the views along the way are well worth it!
Another beautiful overlook in Washington is the Washington Pass Overlook – and it’s one you don’t even have to hike to. Located along the North Cascades Highway, simply park the car in the parking lot and get out to have a look at miles of scenery in front of you. You’ll find some other overlooks in Washington with jaw-dropping views in this article.
