The Best 14 Hiking Trails in Northern Washington!

Northern Washington has some of the most beautiful and diverse trails in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there is a trail for everyone in this area. With its rugged mountains, lush forests, and stunning coastline, this region is a hiker’s paradise. To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, here are some of the best hikes in northern Washington, featuring Mount Baker, North Cascades National Park, Deception Pass State Park, and Larabee State Park.

Mount Baker Wilderness

Mount Baker is a massive snow-capped peak that dominates the skyline of northern Washington. It’s also home to some of the best hiking trails in the area. Must-do hikes in Mount Baker include the Chain Lakes Loop, Heliotrope Ridge Trail, Table Mountain Trail, Huntoon Point, and Ptarmigan Ridge Trail.

All trails listed start at the Artist Ridge trailhead parking lot. The winding mountainous road takes you to a leveled paved lot between two smaller peaks in the middle of Mount Baker wilderness. Parking overnight is allowed (check the signs and any parking apps like iOverlander beforehand as this can always change.) I highly recommend staying there for a night or two and soaking in the 360-degree views. Sunrise and sunset are especially spectacular.

• Chain Lakes Loop: This 7.1-mile loop trail is a popular day hike that takes you through alpine meadows and past stunning glacial lakes. The trail offers incredible views of Mount Shuksan and the surrounding peaks. The elevation gain is around 1800 feet, and the difficulty level is moderate.
• Table Mountain and Huntoon Point Trails: These two trails branch off from the parking lot at Artist Point and require very little work for breathtaking views of Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, and the surrounding wilderness. Table Mountain clocks in at 2.8-miles roundtrip with 700 feet of elevation gain, while Huntoon Point is 1.5 miles with 265 feet of elevation gain. The difficulty is easy. These hikes are perfect for families. They also serve as prime locations for engagement/wedding photos.
• Ptarmigan Ridge Trail: This out-and-back trail is 11.6 miles with nearly 2500 feet of elevation gain, but you don’t have to go far to get views of both Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. This trail is rated moderately difficult. You will traverse a series of high alpine meadows and ridges, which offer panoramic views of the North Cascades mountain range.
• Heliotrope Ridge Trail: This hike is located in a different area of the park, but it’s a worthy mention. This 5.9-mile out-and-back trail takes you through lush forests and up to the base of the Coleman Glacier. The trail offers stunning views of Mount Baker and the surrounding mountains. The elevation gain is about 2000 feet, and the difficulty level is moderate.

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a rugged and remote wilderness area that offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in northern Washington. Nicknamed the “American Alps,” for its dramatic peaks, some must-do hikes in North Cascades National Park include the Diablo Lake Trail, Cascade Pass Trail, Sahale Arm Trail, and Blue Lake Trail.

• Diablo Lake Trail: This 7.2-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the shores of Diablo Lake, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters and the surrounding mountains. The elevation gain is 1500 feet, and the difficulty level is moderate.
• Cascade Pass Trail: This 6.7-mile out-and-back trail takes you through alpine meadows and past stunning glaciers, offering incredible views of the surrounding peaks. The elevation gain is 1700 feet, and the difficulty level is moderate. This trail is great for those wanting to experience fall colors. Red-leafed bushes line the paths, giving the mountains gorgeous pops of color.
• Sahale Arm Trail: This 12.4-mile out-and-back trail is a challenging hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of the North Cascades. The elevation gain is 5400 feet, and the difficulty level is difficult. The trail takes you through alpine meadows and past stunning glaciers. It’s a popular hike, so be prepared to run into other people.
• Blue Lake Trail: This 4.6 mile out-and-back trail takes you through dense forest and ends at a breathtaking alpine lake. The elevation gain is 950 feet and is rated moderate. This hike is perfect for those wanting a shorter day hike with rewarding views. In the fall the larches lining the lake change colors, and the tips of the surrounding mountains peek at you over the tops of the trees.

Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass State Park is a beautiful and accessible park located on the Puget Sound. It offers a variety of trails for hikers of all levels. Must-do hikes in Deception Pass State Park include the Rosario Head Trail, Lighthouse Point Trail, and Goose Rock Trail.

• Rosario Head Trail: This 1.5-mile loop trail takes you along the cliffs of Rosario Beach, offering stunning views of the Puget Sound and the surrounding islands. The elevation gain is 200 feet, and the difficulty level is easy.
• Lighthouse Point Trail: This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the rugged coastline, offering incredible views of Deception Pass and the surrounding wilderness. The elevation gain is 200 feet, and the difficulty level is easy. Combine it with Rosario Head for a hike of 4.7 miles.
• Goose Rock Trail: This 2.1-mile loop trail takes you to the top of Goose Rock, offering panoramic views of the Puget Sound and the surrounding islands. The elevation gain is 600 feet, and the difficulty level is moderate.

Larabee State Park

Larabee State Park is a sweet little gem tucked in along the coast just south of Bellingham. If you’re looking for the dense green rainforests that Washington is known for, this is the park for you. The trails are fairly easy and accessible, while offering beautiful mossy forests and glimpses of the coastline.

• Fragrance Lake Trail: This 5.5-mile loop trail takes you through lush forests, offers occasional viewpoints that overlook the Puget Sound, and leads to the serene Fragrance Lake. The trail is rated as moderate, with an elevation gain of 1100 feet.
• South Lost Lake Trail: This 9.8-mile loop trail ventures through a vibrant rainforest, offers mountain views, and features a waterfall. The elevation is 2100 feet and the difficulty is moderately challenging.
• Clayton Beach Trail: This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail is a short but captivating hike that offers stunning coastal views of the bay and nearby islands. There is minimal elevation gain and the difficulty is easy. This trail is currently closed for construction so be sure to check online before going to make sure it’s open.

When to Visit

I’ve visited in both summer and fall, and fall is my favorite time to visit. The colors are spectacular and there tend to be less crowds than in the summer. Keep in mind that although the weather is beautiful, fires can be common this time of year. Make sure to stay up to date on the locations of fires since they can spread quickly. Be prepared for smoke preventing you from experiencing some of those breathtaking sights.

Northern Washington State offers a diverse range of hiking opportunities for people of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a moderate day hike or a challenging multi-day trek, the trails in this region offer incredible views of the surrounding wilderness and are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

No matter which trail you choose, you’re sure to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of this region. Happy hiking!