Skip to main content
Articles & guides

OutsideAtlas Blog

421 articles — hiking safety primers, beginner guides, camping strategy, and state-by-state ranked lists. Every post is grounded in real trail data.

Browse by state

Washington

8 ranked-list guides for hiking and parks in this state.

Open dedicated state blog →
All posts

Complete catalog

8 articles. Newest first.

Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Washington, Ranked

Washington's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

Washington's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Washington trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Washington

Ten gentle, well-marked Washington trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Washington

Washington's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Washington

Federal parks and recreation areas in Washington ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Washington: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Washington's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

Hiker on a high alpine ridge above a glacial valley at dawnPhoto: Tobias Mrzyk
State Rankings

Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Washington: Leash-Welcome Trails

Hikes in Washington where dogs are explicitly welcome — picked for moderate length, manageable terrain, and verified leash access.

Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Washington: Easy Trails for Kids

Short, gentle Washington trails sized for kids, grandparents, and recovery days. The ones we'd take our own families on.