Best Hikes in Washington

[@geohost6811]

If you're local to Washington, I probably wouldnt recommend rattlesnake ledge. It's a decent hike with a nice view, but the proximity to Seattle and its popularity as a tourist destination means that you're likely to be hiking up in a crowd of people. Honestly, I've been on far less well known hikes that struck me as far more scenic. I think Rattlesnake Ledge's reputation is undeserved. A close alternative would be Cedar Butte. There are typically very few people there, the distance is about the same as rattlesnake ledge, and while the view isn't as spectacular as the ledge, you wont have to stand shoulder to shoulder to take it in. If you do hike rattlesnake mountain, I'd continue to the middle or upper ledge. Each offers relatively the same panoramic view, and I find that both are often deserted even when the lower ledge is packed.

[@melindaschneider5740]

Thanks so much for sharing!! Having lived in Washington my whole life, I've done these and must say, the most stunningly beautiful hikes are in the North Cascades. Try Maple Loop, Hidden Lake Lookout and Cascade Pass/Sahale arm.

[@melindaschneider5740]

@Paul Kryder that's a good one two but I prefer the other three. My favorite hike is Trappers Peak. Its GORGEOUS on top.

[@Jodoodman]

Beautiful shots and some amazing views. Love the area

[@universalsoldier2293]

This was so incredibly helpful for us planning our Seattle trip. One of things that struck us most about the WTA website was how many (!!) hikes there are available...and we've had a hard time narrowing it down for our upcoming six-day trip. You have a beautiful state!

[@vanessahaldeman5257]

Went to Kendall Katwalk and Lake Serene because of this video. Thanks for your awesome suggestions!

[@Hollowsmith]

I've done all 3 of these. I have one that's better than any of them. In North Cascades National Park, hike the High Cascades Trail to Sahale Arm Trail, all the way to the glacier at the end. Absolutely stunning.

[@LuxiaTV]

Literally the best

[@MrHuntingsAdventures]

Those are some great hikes....definitely want to check them out sometime...Dog Mountain almost did....thanks for sharing!

[@lovelikebecca]

Great video!! Strongly suggest Blanca lake hike as well! It is so challenging but so worth it! The lake is a teal blue and looks like Gatorade. It’s so beautiful!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Kendall Katwalk is one of my all-time faves too! Lake Serene is Mother Nature's Stairmaster, beautiful but so much damn climbing!!

[@fpv-giu4035]

Good for you’re wealth

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice video Brian! Makes me stoked to get outside!!!

[@BrianKirby]

Thanks! Hope you get to check out some great trails this summer!

[@LANY_Nguyen]

I plan go Cascade but I don't know how far hiking. Your video help a lot .Thank you

[@robin100012001]

Nice intro dude, going to Seattle soon, will try these

[@musikpal]

For isolated n spectacular hike, check out lake Byrne. On my 1st time in late September, 2 ppl came down when I went up n 2 ppl went up when I came down. My dog and I were there alone for 5 days. It requires an overnight rest before u get there unless u start very early n r very very fit.

[@bertman4]

Some nice choices but you really need to expand out further. Head north to near Mount Baker. Park Butte Lookout is my favorite and a great one to hike much of the year. Go see a glacier from Heliotrope Ridge. Fall colors await on Skyline Divide. I wish you safe hiking.

[@byjev7881]

Hiking past the summit of defiance to Thompson lake is pretty fun. Thanks for the suggestions on the car walk and dog mountain!

[@TheMrktanis]

Just did Index Town Hall. I agree ! It’s amazing

[@iamcharleskrause]

I grew up in Port Angeles, and just the small things I would do were magnificent. Washington state is so beautiful. I am excited to explore it more!

[@ErnestormExplores]

Great video! Keep up the great work!

[@ctippy1122]

Thanks for making this video I did Margaret's trail yesterday

[@WanderingSoleTV]

Great video and great list. I'm impressed! Greetings from British Columbia!

[@pnwrider171]

Hiked mout defiance peak from Mason lake at 4am in the dark to catch the sunrise. It was so worth it.

[@elroon1964]

Great camerawork and editing! This helps make up for the much too common dreck on KZbin.

[@509trailblazers5]

Awesome video I’ve done most of those hikes and love them all.

[@210SAi]

Beautiful video thanks for sharing

[@dallashill23]

Thanks for this dude, guys are straight to the point, women hikers yawn on and on and on

[@thetacomaone6444]

Awesome places!

[@MrHuntingsAdventures]

Sweet! Will have to check out the catwalk . I would just change your commentary to say definitely recommend jumping in ice cold water!

[@TheeKoa]

Rattlesnake is awesome! never been to defiance but you should check out Glacier View in Eatonville! Catwalk looks awesome too! Great recommendations!

[@zjoutdoorfun]

Love Washington! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@GhostOfJulesVerne]

What, no love for the Olympic Mountains? My Top 3 are: Lake Chelan's Lakeshore Trail, Upper Lena Lake in Olympic Natl. Park, and Lake Ingalls.

[@Joffner120885]

Have you ever done Lake Constance in Olympic? If not please add this epic trail to your list.

[@recurrenTopology]

A few notes on traveling to Snow Lake during the winter: 1) Please have the knowledge and equipment necessary for backcountry travel in the winter, particularly with regards to avalanche safety; 2) Familiarize yourself with the current avalanche conditions, the northwest avalanche center (NWAC) is a invaluable resource; 3) The summer route to Snow Lake is not recommended in the winter as it passes through particularly avalanche prone terrain, instead travel to Source Lake and then proceed over Snow Lake Divide from there (though no route there is not free of risk). Two teens were killed in an avalanche this year en route to Snow Lake Divide and were following the summer route. It is an especially gorgeous yet easily accessible area in the winter and as a result is very popular with snowshoers and backcountry skiers, but like any mountainous area in Washington outside a ski resort, avalanches pose a real risk and it is important to take the necessary precautions.

[@Tillerjunkey]

Good video Brian, was surprised the enchantments didnt make the list as it seems they are on most everyones.

[@BrianKirby]

I haven't had a chance to make it up to the enchantments yet. A big group of us tried to get permits for this summer and none of us were lucky enough to get one. Next year!

[@Tillerjunkey]

Us too so it was a day trip instead ... a very LONG day trip. lol

[@daveinindy]

As you likely know - you don't need a permit to make the Lake Colchuck hike - which technically puts you in the Enchantments (although it's the part beyond the very strenuous hike up Asgaard Pass that most think of as "the Enchantments". Colchuck is a great hike - although usually pretty crowded.

[@dbettencourt2]

This is a great video! Love the hiking recommendations and your channel

[@BrianKirby]

Thanks dude!

[@daveinindy]

Enjoyed the video, and will add Dog Mountain (now requires a permit) and Mount Defiance to our list. Agree about the Kendall Katwalk - uniquely awesome place. Surprised that some I consider classic Washington day hikes weren't on your list (all seasonal), e.g. Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm, Burroughs Mtn. 3, Heather/Maple Loop, etc.

[@BrianKirby]

Ya... It's hard to get all of the hikes in, so the list isn't complete. Always more hiking to do!

[@bismahaziz5207]

YAY!! Love it. Also glad to see one of my recommendations made the list ;)

[@ctippy1122]

Thank you for the video! I was able to check out Dog mountain yesterday and go there just in time if it wasn't for this video.

[@musikpal]

I agreed on Snowlake, easy yet great reward.

[@totoandtobyinnw1634]

I hope I would hike one of them someday.

[@teamre.zero.1004]

정말 좋은 영상입니다. 잘 보고 갑니다 .

[@anthonygreen4288]

Great video man. Keep them coming for sure

[@BrianKirby]

Thanks! Much more to come!

[@rzturbo4380]

Are we allowed to take our dogs there or we have to get some kind of permit?

[@LANY_Nguyen]

Wow love your video. Did you used drone for video?

[@nicolestacy4524]

What trail did you do to get that view of Mount Defiance?

[@Kitzishot]

You need a pass to camp at Snow Lake and those passes can be really difficult to get. If you actually camp at Snow Lake without a pass the fines and get caught the fines can be massive and you could also face jail time of up to 6 months.

[@NorthwestMariner]

Awesome video man, just what I was looking for

[@BrianKirby]

Glad you like it! There sure are some great hikes out there!

[@eriksanchez8970]

I don't want to sound dumb, but my birthday is in January and wanted to try some of the easier listed hikes. Does anyone recommend against it? Would it be safe? Not looking to camp overnight either. I would just be there for a weekend

[@lukesmith5816]

Mount saint helens is a really nice hike and also hard have you done it?

[@deroux]

I don't recommend snow lake during winter due to the avy risk, which is high. Most of the hikes listed are pretty busy so keep that in mind and seriously avoid rattlesnake ledge. Terrible hike to recommend. Try Teneriffe Falls instead or Twin Falls. If you are more adventurous try Yellow Aster Butte(mt Baker) in the Fall or Mt. Dickerman. The hikes he lists are mostly in the I-90 area and are quite touristy.

[@jenn1ferschonberger]

I’m wondering if you found Hidden Lake just outside the town of Marblemount.. Twenty years ago it was a pristine trail but is almost threadbare with the switchbacks. Still go see it!

[@BrianKirby]

I'll have to add it to my list! It's hard to see all the hikes out there, but I really appreciate the recommendation!

[@Elpirata253]

Going to have to check some of this spots. Thanks, great video btw

[@BrianKirby]

I'm really glad you liked it!

[@chia-liamyyu109]

Exactly what i need! Thanks for sharing

[@WildandGrowing]

Awesome video! My boyfriend and I did a few hikes when we visited Washington but it was right when that massive snow storm hit so we weren’t able to hike as much as we wanted to. Filmed a couple though, if anyone wants to check it out. Definitely keeping these suggestions in mind for our next video! Thank you!

[@w8stral]

Not sure you are into hiking and this is 4 years old comment so here goes anyways, I'll copy paste for you in case his horrid suggestions did not put you off... So, Lake Serene and hike in Columbia river gorge Dog Mt. are actually good, the others are just "hikes" on I-90 this guy has done in his VERY short life and most are not "good", but rather Hikes to AVOID like the PLAGUE!!! Though Defiance is ~ok only if you are late in the day and do not want the S Slope of Granite Mountain which is VASTLY superior in EVERY way other than number of people. Here are some REAL hikes to do: Mt. Dickerman or Granite Mt. or Snow lake if you love LOTS of people and they are all beautiful... A little farther afield and there are MUCH superior hikes like Sauk Mountain on hwy 20 with next to ZERO people and you get to a mountain top. If Sauk Mt. is too tame and looking for something harder, Lookout Mt. a ways past Marblemount is awesome though you had better be in good shape as it has over 4500ft elevation gain especially if you go to summit. Cascade pass as a day hike is just AWESOME, or to Thunder Mt above Surprise Lake off Hwy 2(some cross country at top), but gorgeous meadows. .... HINT: Nearly Everything off I-90 is for the dogs... good exercise, but not scenic. A bit off I-90 is Ingalls lake as a MUCH superior option, just beware the goats here will nearly drink your piss off the spigot...

[@LANY_Nguyen]

So amazing.

[@johnconphoto]

You should check out High Rock Lookout sometime if you haven't already

[@CaseyKCRichards]

Does anyone know which hike trail crosses the border into Seattle WA., and reverse . I did it before 14 yrs ago . Is border parol relaxed as at the time we did it without checks . My wife and I are going to Vancouver - after Covid . We desperately need to be liberated and free from restrictions . Just hike and lose ourselves in this now crazy world.

[@JLDavie]

Brian, what are your thoughts about Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains?

[@BrianKirby]

Everything I've done has been amazing. Need to update this video at some point!

[@valeriumoscalu7580]

awesome video!!! found here my next target:)

[@BrianKirby]

Thanks! Have a great time exploring!

[@monkeyrainbow542]

Beautiful ❤️

[@BrianKirby]

Thank you!

[@EmilioExploring]

Interesting places.

[@mrarfarf]

Great video! Thank you!

[@LANY_Nguyen]

I want to go North Cascade someday

[@CamF72790]

I love you Washington ❤️❤️❤️

[@JoeDoeOutdoors]

Hi sweet page ☺ Keep it up!

[@BrianKirby]

Thanks!

[@SunitaGupta-ro8rd]

Lovely seen 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@anom3778]

Anyone know any good backpacking in eastern wa?😃

[@210SAi]

anom Mt Spokane?

[@willardwooten9582]

This spring will be my first hike in 30 years in the G.R. but I am truly sorry but I don't believe any of them would appear in my top 10. It all depends on what one person likes. Any of the 5 ways up to Old Snowy in the Goat Rocks , a day or overnight to St Helens , A day or week on the coast from La Push to Shi Shi Beach , any of the 4 temperate rain forest , any hike in the Olympics with the over growth virgin trees and not to count over 50 hikes in the North Cascades and of course Eastern Wash with the desert trails.

[@ajgree6]

Agreed. I always enjoy hiking the North Bend/Cascades trails but they're easily the most crowded due to proximity to Seattle. I really love Mailbox Peak but I think I'm starting to prefer the mysterious world of the Olympic Peninsula a lot more.

[@hike2]

Wow, just found your channel, I wish I had your videography skills! Mind sharing what camera you use? Subbed

[@BrianKirby]

Thanks! I use a Panasonic GH5!

[@khmerbraveheart]

Go Bandara Mt. Blanca Lake. Rattle Snake is boring...... You gotta do Gem Lake. Let me know if you wanna team up on any hikes! I've done over 30 Hikes! And believeit or not. My Fave Hike is actually an Easy one. Dennys Creek. But you'll have to climb a little up the rocks and You'll see the best thing ever... Let me know if you wanna see a video of it. I can post it.

[@anirudhsrinivas2403]

What is the camera you used to shoot the video?

[@BrianKirby]

I use a GH5

[@BossChronicles]

Wow Washington blows Colorado out of the water

[@BrianKirby]

Really? That surprises me!

[@profd65]

Why the fuck should it surprise you? Washington has everything Colorado has and then some. How are Colorado's rain forests and ocean beaches, by the way? A lot of orca watching in Colorado?

[@themoondrinksmerlot4260]

Brian Kirby It just depends on the experience you are looking for. Colorado is INCREDIBLE. But if you are someone who doesn’t enjoy the unique desert landscape to the south and far west (and being land-Locke’s), then Colorado isn’t “better” than Washington. The ocean is beautiful and I like to visit every now and again, but I’m not a beach gal. I’ve had so amazing adventures living relatively close to Moab, UT, driving down to the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, The Great Sand Dunes close to the NM border (largest Sand Dunes in N. America), Grand Mesa (that’s where the landscape totally changes!), all the SW Native lands, the SW part of the state (also known as “America’s Switzerland”). I could go on and on... HOWEVER, I’m moving to Spokane in about a month and very excited for new adventures. I absolutely LOVE the Yellowstone area (WY/MT/ID) and all the beautiful rivers/evergreens, etc. So I know I’m going to love Washington (outside of Seattle). Thank you for this video - I’ve saved it so I can compile my summer hikes!

[@blainepatten1841]

+The Moon Drinks Merlot agreed. You can not compare these two states. Colorado is unbelievable and has amazing nature. But the PNW is amazing as well. They cannot he compared they are both beautiful

[@opencase9903]

Blaine Patten WA is better hands down

[@naomiblackerby6780]

Where are The Enchantments?! Otherwise these look great! I’m out of Spokane so these might be a bit far from this side

[@BrianKirby]

I know! Still waiting on a permit to go check the Enchantments out! Definitely not a perfect list, but it's great for the majority of people! Thanks for watching!

[@naomiblackerby6780]

Brian Kirby we are going in August. Trying to do it all in a day so wish us luck haha. I’ll let you know! I’m excited to see the goats

[@BrianKirby]

That's awesome! Have a great time!

[@foxoutdoorsupplies7701]

you don't have to go far in washington ro scenic recreation

[@bowenbottorff1283]

No marmot pass?!

[@BrianKirby]

Still gotta get out there! I have a feeling this list will never be complete. You really can't go wrong in Washington

[@DSPNWtoCali]

Wish I can move to Washington. My birth state and I am here stuck in California. Cost of living are the same out there and in here as I heard many time over. Was able to explored much of Seattle surrounding but never walk on any mountain trails, though done alot in California. Something about Washington, it's calling me.

[@Matryoshkabomb]

I just hiked mnt si in my McDonald's shoes that don't fit and destroyed every joint from the waist down.

[@briankelly6113]

Shoulda called it Best Hikes in Western Washington. BTW, there are no good hikes in Eastern or Central Washington. None, zero, zip, nada, don't even bother trying to find one.

[@nathans6852]

Brian Kelly a good adrenaline rush is going through every alley in spokane with a rolex.

[@ajgree6]

Lots of hiking in the Leavenworth/Wenatchee area. I consider that central. Also Yakima River Canyon is very picturesque during spring.

[@briankelly6113]

@@ajgree6 Shhhhh.......

[@iGHaydenTYT]

I did shi shi beach hike

[@jonathanlockwood8851]

You left out the annoying and ugly Gov Comm Station at the top of Defiance..making itnlook like a pristine mountaintop

[@w8stral]

So, Lake Serene and hike in Columbia river gorge Dog Mt. are actually good, the others are just "hikes" on I-90 this guy has done in his VERY short life and most are not "good", but rather Hikes to AVOID like the PLAGUE!!! Though Defiance is ~ok only if you are late in the day and do not want the S Slope of Granite Mountain which is VASTLY superior in EVERY way other than number of people. Here are some REAL hikes to do: Mt. Dickerman or Granite Mt. or Snow lake if you love LOTS of people and they are all beautiful... A little farther afield and there are MUCH superior hikes like Sauk Mountain on hwy 20 with next to ZERO people and you get to a mountain top. If Sauk Mt. is too tame and looking for something harder, Lookout Mt. a ways past Marblemount is awesome though you had better be in good shape as it has over 4500ft elevation gain especially if you go to summit. Cascade pass as a day hike is just AWESOME, or to Thunder Mt above Surprise Lake off Hwy 2(some cross country at top), but gorgeous meadows. .... HINT: Nearly Everything off I-90 is for the dogs... good exercise, but not scenic. A bit off I-90 is Ingalls lake as a MUCH superior option, just beware the goats here will nearly drink your piss off the spigot...

[@neuralpathic]

You obviously have some camera skills. [edit: I just checked your Instagram and I really like your work.] Maybe you could use that to somehow encourage sustainable use of public lands, instead of just exposing them to more use (and overuse). I think the more time you spend out here, the more you will notice the negative impact the uninformed public is having on the beautiful places you love. Just a suggestion, all the best.

[@BrianKirby]

You are absolutely right. I am going to try and incorporate some more of that into my future videos! Thanks!

[@w8stral]

Other than mt defiance/dog Mt: this is a list of hikes NOT to do. Margarets way is ok in Fall. All other seasons? meh Kid: Hike something other than I-90. Go to Baker, Ranier, Olympics, mt loop highway, Hwy 20, St. Helens, Goat rocks, etc.

[@dontask8979]

Its a shame you wasted a good video with crappy music thats WAY TO LOUD.

[@willhiteweb]

Good video, well done but in 10 years you will laugh at your choices. These are tourist trails....ok, you just ended the video admitting "you've just scratched the surface". Think of yourself as a first grader and there are 11 more grades coming before you really know what is out there.

[@Captain_Fantasy]

Eric Willhite what are some of these 12th grade hikes you speak of? I mostly expect to find tourist hikes on KZbin lists but if you'd like to share your favorite lesser known hikes I won't mind. I'm currently looking for a 3-4 day dog friendly backpacking trip in the Cascades anywhere from 10-40 miles.

[@rdnugent1]

Condescending.

[@washingtonwebfoot9908]

Sourdough Mountain. It is one of the real thigh crunchers. It's about 5 miles to the old fire look out and gains around 1,000 feet a mile. Has unreal views and you can see back toward Azure lake at the headwaters of Stetattle Creek. Used to live right next to the trailhead and made the attempt once when I was 15. Me, my brother and a buddy didn't know much though and we started out on a scorching mid August day with very little water. We figured we'd get our fill and cool off in the creek near the summit. Unfortunately, the snow fed "creek" was little more than slightly damp sand by then and my brother was getting heat illness. We turned around within sight of the lookout. I've let myself go since then and there isn't a chance in hell of me making it up now. But, if you want to give it a go, simply go North on I 5 from Seattle, East on Highway 530 at Arlington or East on Highway 20 at Burlington, past Newhalem, just before crossing Gorge lake, turn left into Diablo. It's not a big place and it shouldn't be too hard finding the sign for the trailhead. Or, you can cross the lake and continue up to cross again at Diablo dam and turn right towards the trailhead at the Environmental Learning Center to save yourself a few hundred feet of elevation.

[@MPMCFBC]

Have you tried Goat Rocks. We have taken our daughters dogs up there. 9 miles in 8 miles out in a loop.