My Favorite Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful wonderland. Just hours from Seattle, you can find winding switchbacks that lead to craggy peaks, pristine alpine lakes the color of sparkling gems, and meandering trails through lush forests blanketed in moss. Living here grants you access to hikes plucked from fairytales. 

​With so many trails to explore, you may be thinking, "where do I begin?" Well, don't worry, I have rounded up my favorite hikes in the Pacific Northwest just for you. 

The North Cascades

North Cascades National Park holds a special place in my heart. Located about three hours from Seattle, it is worth the drive. Once you enter the park, you're transported into a landscape that is truly wild. Jagged peaks stretch as far as the eye can see, beautiful lakes nestle throughout the mountainous wilderness, and wildlife abounds. The North Cascades are probably most known for the larches that make a spectacular and limited appearance in October, but the park is a great place to visit from July - November. 

My favorite hikes in the North Cascades National Park include Maple Pass Loop, Blue Lake, and Cutthroat Lake.  

Mt. Baker

It may be a far drive from Seattle, but I have never regretted making the trek up to Mt. Baker. Every year, I tell myself I want to explore this area more. You can go year-round, just be aware of winter conditions. Snowshoeing to Artist Point is a popular adventure. We have also skied in the backcountry, and it was unbelievably beautiful. It also probably didn't hurt that it was a bluebird day. 

This fall, I took my little adventurers with me to hike a couple trails, and we checked off some easy, kid-friendly hikes. 

A couple of our favorites included Bagley Lake, Artist Point and Picture Lake. You can do them all in a day! Each of these are relatively short. I wouldn't say Picture Lake is a hike - more like a short stroll - but you have to stop and snap a picture there. 

The Enchantments

As the name suggests, the Enchantments are enthralling. There are so many incredible hikes just outside the adorable Bavarian town of Leavenworth, and you need to add them to your bucketlist. 

Colchuck Lake is arguably the most popular - and for good reason. The moderate hike leads to a breathtaking alpine lake surrounded by mountains that seem to leap straight out of the sparkling blue water. 

If you venture further - up Aasgard Pass (a thigh screaming, chest burning climbing quite literally straight up) - you'll be rewarded. It's known as the gateway into the Enchantments. Reach the top of the steep pitch, and you'll be transported into what feels like a different planet.

My favorite hikes near Leavenworth include Colchuck Lake, Eightmile Lake and Lake Vivienne. 

Stevens Pass

I finally checked Lake Valhalla off my hiking list this year, and I'm so incredibly happy I did. This was one of my favorite hikes. It's a well-maintained trail just past Steven's Pass Nordic Center, and the views are spectacular. Fair warning, it's well-traveled as well. Expect crowds. If you go, add on Mt. McCausland. The short offshoot rewards hikers who brave the switchbacks up the hillside with mountain views that go on as far as the eye can see.

 If you're looking for an easier alternative near Stevens Pass, check out Barclay Lake. It's not quite as far, and it's a great hike for kids. I did this hike twice this year, one time with my little ones, and another time solo just to get some miles under my boots. Barclay Lake has almost no elevation gain, and the payoff is a lake with a towering mountain jutting out of its cool, blue surface. Barclay Lake is also a great option for first time campers. Along the banks of the lake are campsites perfect for families. 

North Bend

We recently discovered Middle Fork, and it's now one of our favorite places to adventure. If you like bridges, rushing rivers, tranquil forests and waterfalls, this one is for you. You can hike along this trail for miles, or you can do a short out and back hike and choose your length. The Pratt River Trail connects all the way to Pratt Lake. 

Seattle

If you're looking for hikes closer to home, one of my favorite hikes to do with kids is Meadowdale Park Trail. The hike is only around 2.5 miles. The way down to the beach is the easy part, so keep some energy for the stroll back up the staircases (you'll see what I mean when you check this hike off your to do list). 

The trail meanders through the thick forest, into a gulch that leads to Meadowdale Beach. Pack a lunch and enjoy the many picnic tables offered near where the babbling creek meets the beach.