Heart of Pacific Northwest, the natural world is larger in Washington State where volcanoes are quiet and conifers drip with green mosses. Its national parks range from seldom toured North Cascades national Park to often-visited Olympic National Park. And throughout the state, communities small and large tempt with island getaways, beaches and lakes for pleasure boating. Its East side is more cowboy, where the world gets skies and majority of its apples. Whether you are new to Washington or lived here for years, one must-do hikes in Washington as it is home to world’s best hikes. So, book your cheap flights tickets and go for these amazing hiking trails:
- Horseshoe Basin
Located at North Cascades, Horseshoe Basin is among few places in Lower 48 to have arctic tundra and is home to deer, bears and bighorn sheep. It is unique and beautifully remote place where visitors can spend a day or week exploring wonders of its alpine landscape. Its highest point is at 7200 feet, and water is scarce along the section of trail. One can camp at the trailhead to explore this basin, where camping is available without a water source. The best season to go hiking here is July-October, and don’t forget to bring plenty of water with you.
- Park Butte
Built in 1932, Park Butte is located south of Mount Baker and is most popular hike. It is famous for variety of reasons – moderately steep trail, amazing mountain views, maintained historic fire lookout and more. Hiking here means coming face-to-face with Koma Kulshan and getting panoramic views of Twin Sisters, Mount Baker, and remaining part of North Cascades. The route to this trail offers wildflower-filled alpine meadows, campsites, variety of mushroom species and rushing waterfalls. With highest point at 5450 feet, the best season to go on hiking here is late summers or fall.
- Anderson and Watson Lakes
With highest point at 4900 feet, this trail is perfect destination for first-time backpackers and families. Meadows with wildflowers, beautiful hemlock forest, mountain views, gleaming lakes, excellent camping place and juicy berries are available here. At the top of meadow, there’s beautiful forest draped in moss. For rugged experience, hike on to Upper Watson Lake. The walls and shorelines are much rockier and berries are prolific. This area is known for its bugs, so best season to visit this area is August to October.
- Spider Meadow and Phelps Basin
With highest point at 5400 feet, Spider Meadow and Phelps Basin are famous overnight destinations. Hikers use Spider Meadow as their first stop for trips in beautiful areas to east of Glacier Peak. As you go on old mining road, you will come across 16 seasonal creek crossings. After these creek crossings, the trail takes to fabulous views of glaciers.
- Chain Lakes
With the highest point of 1,700 feet, Chain Lakes is gorgeous loop hike with alpine lakes for swimming, views of Mounts Baker, well-maintained winding through heather and meadows. The best season to go hiking here is late July to mid October.
