Best fall hikes in Washington state: detailed overview! 

Are you looking for the best fall hikes in Washington state? If so, you’re in luck — the Pacific Northwest is full of amazing elevation gain fall hiking trails with fall colors that are even more stunning during October when the leaves turn a brilliant orange and yellow.

The next time you have a free weekend, why not take a trip out to Washington state and explore some of these amazing fall hikes? Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a strenuous hike, there are plenty of fall hiking paths to choose from.

Every one of these routes offers something different; from breathtaking views of Mount Rainier to picturesque forests with an array of colorful foliage. So grab your boots and let’s go explore some of the best fall hikes in Washington state!

Overview of Washington’s most beautiful fall hiking trails

Fall in Washington is a magical time of year and nothing captures that quite like getting out and exploring the great outdoors. From the stunning coast to majestic mountains, Washington state is full of amazing elevation gain fall hikes to take during this season.

If you’re looking for some of the best fall hikes in Washington, you can’t go wrong with these most popular fall hikes like Mount Teneriffe, Sauk river trail location, and Franklin Falls. The first takes you through lush evergreen forests and gives you spectacular views of Puget Sound.

Franklin Falls, on the other hand, features an easy two-mile elevation gain loop with a spectacular waterfall as its centerpiece. You can even catch glimpses of dazzling autumn colors all along the trail.

To see some of the most stunning fall leafage in Washington, head to Wallace Falls State Park or Deception Pass State Park. These elevation gain trails provide amazing views of red, orange, and yellow leaves surrounded by evergreens.

The colors are especially vibrant after a few rainy days in October and will take your breath away! Joining a ranger-led hike at either park is a great way to get even more out of your experience.

Best fall hikes in Washington state: Iron Goat trail for a railroading journey

Nothing quite beats the Iron Goat Trail for a railroading journey. This two-mile hike winds through the scenic Cascade Mountains and provides stunning views of alpine meadows, raging rivers, and evergreen forests.

Along the way, you will pass some historical relics, including old railroad bridges and tunnels, that remind you of Washington’s past of industrial strength as a mining and logging hub.

The Iron Goat Trail is divided into two parts — the eastern and western ones — each offering its own unique set of features.

The Eastern part is full of interpretive signs, which provide insight into the area’s history; while the Western part contains a series of switchbacks perfect for taking in stunning views on the way up to Windy Pass above Steven’s Pass.

In October, the Iron Goat Trail is an especially beautiful place to take in fall colors and foliage. With brilliant orange, yellow, and red hues adorning each tree, you’ll feel like you’re walking through a real-life painting!

If you time your hike right, you can also enjoy snowfall (start early!) for an even more magical experience.

Best fall hikes in Washington state: lake Ingalls for a slower pace

If you’re looking for a slower-paced elevation gain hike with plenty of foliage, then Lake Ingalls is your place. The 9-mile round trip is relatively level and presents stunning views of Ingalls Peak and Mount Stuart.

Don’t forget to peek over the edge of the trail to catch sights of Lake Ingalls, located amongst the trees down below.

The trail begins with numerous wildflower meadows, transitioning in October to include vibrant autumnal leaves. Further along are the rocky ridge lines that encompass the area, offering views of both peaks and lakes simultaneously.

The area can be windy at times, so be sure to bring a jacket. A small boulder field will be encountered near the end of your journey, but don’t worry, it doesn’t take long to pass if you are patient.

There are no major technical sections like scrambling or rock climbing, so it is suitable for most skill levels.

All in all, this is one of my favorite places to wander off into nature and take in the beauty that fall has to offer!

Best fall hikes in Washington state: elevation gain for a spectacular autumn view

If you are looking for an amazing view of stunning fall foliage hikes in Washington state, the fall hike to Deception Pass is one of the best. The five-mile out-and-back trail will take you about four hours to complete and offer plenty of elevation gain with a spectacular lookout at the top.

You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from the bridge connecting Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island, as well as a breathtaking autumn scene with trees transforming from green to yellow, orange, and red.

The trail is rated as moderate difficulty and is perfect for beginning hikers who want something a bit more challenging. Although there’s quite a bit of elevation gain, most sections of the path are quite easy; however, there are some steeper areas that might require some extra effort.

For those wanting some added challenge and variety on their way up, head right at the start of the trail where you can find various rocky sections, tree roots, and rocky streams hidden in the forest.

If you’re looking for an adventure, try scaling down onto Deception Pass beach just before reaching the bridge—you won’t regret it! While this route doesn’t add much time to your hike, it will add a unique experience that is right out of a fairy tale during the autumn months.

Best fall hikes in Wahington state: Mountain Loop Highway

The Mountain Loop Highway, located in Snohomish County, is an incredibly scenic drive for fall foliage hiking. With its towering evergreens, alpine meadows, and high jagged peaks, this highway is a great way to view the changing colors of the season.

The Loop circles around several mountain peaks, winding through forests and valleys that are full of breathtaking autumn colors. Several hikes near the highway offer stunning views at every turn.

Big Four Ice Caves Trail

The Big Four Ice Caves trail is a great hike for all skill levels and rewards you with sweeping views of Mt. Baker and Wild Sky Wilderness Area.

The trailhead is located at the end of Mountain Loop Highway and winds through a forest before leading you to the ice cave itself. It’s easy to access and allows for plenty of photo ops along the way!

Verlot-Barclay Lake Trail

The Verlot-Barclay Lake trail is an easy 5-mile loop that offers spectacular fall views of the Cascade Mountains and surrounding valley. This trail begins at the Verlot Ranger Station and leads you to Barclay Lake before returning to where you started.

Along the way, you’ll find yourself passing by berry-laden bushes and plenty of old-growth coniferous trees that offer one-of-a-kind photo ops in autumn!

Wallace Falls State Park

Wallace Falls State Park offers 11 miles of hiking trails for almost any level hiker or backpacker, no matter your preferred activity level or duration.

You can take short hikes around town or longer overnight trips if you want more adventure! This park has so much to offer including gorgeous waterfalls, and forested hills.

Best fall hikes in Washington state: Naches Peak Loop trail

Naches Peak is a wonderful autumn experience that everyone should try. This trail offers an incredible view at its summit and is the perfect way to observe fall colors foliage. With a total distance of 8 miles, this is considered moderate difficulty and usually takes about 4-6 hours to complete.

The first part of the trail goes through a dense forest and then reaches the top of Naches Peak with stunning views.

Once you get to the summit, you can see Mount Rainer and Yakima Valley painted in the most beautiful orange and yellow fall colors, offering one of the most memorable experiences that you can have in Washington.

What else will you find?

Besides amazing views, along Naches Peak Loop Trail you’ll find different kinds of wildlife like blacktail deer or Columbian ground squirrels. Also, along the way, there are many flowers like wild geraniums or alpine phlox blooming. And if you’re really lucky, you’ll be able to spot some big horn sheep on the rock walls near the summit!

Best fall hikes in Washington state: Maple Pass Loop

If you’re looking for a spectacular fall hike, look no further than the Maple Pass Loop. This trail is an 8.2-mile loop with 2,462 feet of elevation gain and breathtaking views of the North Cascades peaks. It’s an easy to moderate hike that follows Roberts Creek through meadows and old-growth forests from Heather Meadows uphill to Rainy Pass.

The highlight of this hike comes in the beginning at Picture Lake, where Mount Shuksan is reflected in crystal clear water. As you ascend higher on the trail, the landscape becomes more picturesque with mountain views and plenty of alpine wildflowers to admire.

The path takes you past small tarns and leads you up to Maple Pass, where you are treated to stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, and Glacier Peak in every direction.

The overall route is well-marked and easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for some difficult elevation gains as they make their way up the trail toward Maple Pass. Additionally, the temperatures can drop quickly in autumn — so make sure to bring plenty of warm layers even on mild days and appropriate footwear for any slippery spots along your route!

Best fall hikes in Washington state: North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades National Park is a must-see fall hike for anyone looking for the best fall hikes in Washington state. It’s an extensive and beautiful park, home to over 300 glaciers and 500 miles of hiking trails.

Of all the trails, the Cascade Pass trail is one of the best for viewing beautiful, fall foliage. The climb to Cascade Pass is moderate, but when you reach the top you are rewarded with awesome views of jagged mountains and bright meadows blanketed in autumn color.

The trailhead starts near Marblemount on State Route 20 and goes past Lake Ann before climbing 3 miles up to 5400 feet at Cascade Pass. There is also a side trip available to Sahale Arm that offers even more breathtaking views. Whichever route you take, make sure you bring a camera. You’ll want to remember this amazing experience for years to come!

Exploring the Old Sauk River trail

The Old Sauk River Trail is a 15.5-mile long trail that takes you through some of the most beautiful and varied forestlands in Washington. It is especially beautiful in October, with its spectacular fall foliage and glowing autumn colors.

The fall hike follows an old logging road and climbs alongside two major creek systems, including Peepsight and White Salmon Creeks.

There are several stops to enjoy a break or snap scenic photos, and lookout points at Cedar Butte and Poore Mountain offer excellent viewpoints into nearby valleys and peaks. Monte Cristo Peak provides a panoramic view of the entire Sauk River Valley.

Taking the Pacific Crest trail

If you’re up for a real challenge, why don’t you check out the Pacific Crest Trail? It’s a long-distance trail that crosses the entire state of Washington and goes all the way to Canada.

You can hike the whole thing but if that’s a bit much, there are some sections you can do to get a taste of it and still see some spectacular autumn foliage. Check out the following sections and see which one is right for you.

Stevens pass to Snoqualmie Pass

This section is around 37 miles long and goes through forests as well as high mountain passes. You will get access to incredible views as well as some of Washington’s most stunning fall colors.

White Pass to Chinook pass

This stretches around 30 miles, with amazing views of Mt Adams and the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

Suiattle River to Rainy Pass

This section is one of the more challenging hikes, with some steep elevation gain over 24 miles. It’s worth it though, with breathtaking scenery and plenty of wildlife sightings along the way!

Whether you want an easy stroll or a tougher challenge, taking part in the Pacific Crest Trail will reward you with an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years to come!

Soaring over the Enchantment Lakes

Here’s another one of Washington’s hidden gems that you won’t want to miss. The Enchantment Lakes offer beautiful reflections of the leaves on the lake and stunning views of jagged peaks and ridges. The trail starts at the Snow Creek trailhead and winds up through alpine meadows, pine forests, and a few lakes before you reach the summit.

You’ll want to prepare for a pretty strenuous hike––it takes around eight hours to complete––and you should also plan to bring along plenty of snacks, a lot of water, and warm clothing in case the weather changes. But once you get to the top, it’s worth it for the incredible sights.

Atop the ridge overlooking Little Annapurna & Little Annapurna lookout you can enjoy:

• Spectacular views from 7,800’
• Crystal-clear lakes
• Mysterious & majestic mountain ridges
• Wildflower meadows
• Lovely alpine forest trails
• Unforgettable landscapes

Reaching the highest peaks with Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is a paradise for hikers, with its snow-capped peaks, towering cliffs, and dense meadows of wildflowers and foliage. The 8-mile roundtrip hike to the summit offers stunning views of Seattle’s skyline and Mount St. Helens in the north.

Tips for hiking at Mount Rainier National Park

It is important to prepare for this hike by wearing appropriate clothing, bringing winter clothing, bringing snacks, starting early, and taking photos along the way. It is an 8-hour round-trip trek and the earlier you start, the better chance you have of reaching the peak before nightfall.

No doubt hiking at Mount Rainier, and surrounding mountains offer a great way to experience some amazing fall foliage in Washington!

Conclusion

Hiking in the fall is a great way to get out of the house and into nature for elevation gain.

Central Washington has some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the country, and the Pacific Northwest has many great hikes to choose from like Northwest Forest Pass, Lake Ingalls trail, and Blue Lake (distance 4.6 miles, elevation gain: 921 ft.) Naches Peak Loop (distance 3.2 miles, elevation gain: 600 ft.), and many more.

Whether you’re a beginner wanting to explore the Iron Goat or an experienced hiker wanting to take on Mount Rainier, there’s something for everyone. Experience the peak of autumn’s beauty with a great hike and take in the special sights, smells, and sounds of the season.

More travel inspiration for American National Parks:

• Exploring the Contrasts: Appalachian Mountains vs. Smoky Mountains
• Sedona or Grand Canyon? [Uncover 6+ Key Aspects and Decide Where to Visit]
• Best spring hikes in Washington to be closer to nature
• Top 15 Best National Parks for Spring Break
• Hiking the Narrows for beginners: what you need to know for the best hike in the Zion National Park
• Is Big Bend National park safe: your trip guide
• Olympic National Park vs. Mount Rainier: what is the best?

Here is more about fall hikes