Note that these are just suggestions: check the WTA website for a jillion other ideas
🌡️ = Hike accessible in the winter as well as summer
🥾 = Completed by Troop
3.5 mi loop; 450' gain; 525' peak
Location: Kirkland
Drive time: 0h05 to trailhead (Raven Trailhead)
Description: There are three main loops for this forest stroll: the mile-long Raven Trail; the interpretive Trillium Trail (1.7 mi), and the Coyote Trail (3.5 mi). They can be mixed-and-matched to get the distance you want. Your Scoutmaster likes walking to Bridle Trails from her home and then doing the Coyote Trail for a 7mi hike. Throw on a weighed-down backpack for an extra challenge. Great place for the hiking activities listed at the bottom of the page.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
Coal Creek Falls 🌡️🥾
2.5 mi roundtrip; 416' gain; 1066' peak
Location: Issaquah Alps, Cougar Mountain
Drive time: 0h20 to trailhead (Coal Creek Falls Trailhead)
Description: Good beginner hike (maybe with Webelos), the trail ends at a pretty waterfall that Scouts love to scramble around.
Accessibility: No passes required.
Choose your own adventure, distance-wise; this trail is super flat
Location: Kirkland
Drive time: none...enter the trail all over Kirkland
Description: You all know this trail really well. It's a great place to get some distance in your legs (or to cycle). Enter anywhere, and plan on a roundtrip or talk your parents into picking you up at Totem Lake after you get pizza or ice cream as a troop.
Accessibility: No passes required, but you'll need to pick an entry point with some parking options if you're not getting dropped off.
Discovery Park and Highlands Loop 🌡️
5.1 mi roundtrip; 380' gain; 345' peak
Location: Seattle
Drive time: 0h30 to trailhead (Discovery Park Visitor Center)
Description: Discovery Park is a Seattle gem, and there are trails throughout that you can take to adjust the length of your trip: this is only one suggestion. Hike through the relatively uncrowded southeast corner of the park, head up to the South Meadow for the views, then get down to the beaches and enjoy a close-up view of the West Point Lighthouse. You'll come back up to the park highlands by a different route for a close look at old buildings in the Fort Lawton Historic District.
Accessibility: No passes required
6 mi roundtrip; 1345' gain; 3642' peak
Location: Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass
Drive time: 0h50 to trailhead (Denny Creek Trailhead)
Description: Popular trail thanks to gentle grade and amazing destination. Natural waterslide area at Denny Creek is very popular, and there are several pretty waterfalls along the trail. You could also tack on a hike to Franklin Falls at the beginning or end (a 2.0 roundtrip hike with a great payoff of a beautiful waterfall.)
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
5.6 mi roundtrip; 260' gain; 260' peak
Location: Puget Sound, Whitbey Island
Drive time: 1h50 to trailhead (Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve Visitor Center)
Description: Note that the drive to the trailhead includes a ferry, so best to plan this hike as part of a camping trip to maximize bang for buck in terms of drive time and ferry fees. Many trails in the area, all in site of the water. Kapaws Iskreme on Front Street in Coupeville is a great stop after hiking.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
10 mi roundtrip; 2200' gain; 4857' peak
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Drive time: 0h58 to trailhead (Snow Lake Trailhead)
Description: Higher elevation than its larger neighbor, Snow Lake: If you're coming from Snow Lake, follow the Main Trail signs all the way around the lake and continue higher to Gem Lake. Beautiful colors in the autumn.
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
3.3 mi roundtrip; 775' gain; 1327' peak
Location: Central Cascades, Stevens Pass West
Drive time: 0h55 to trailhead (Heybrook Ridge Trailhead)
Description: Popular, moderate trail. Can combine with hiking to the Heybrook Lookout to extend the fun.
Accessibility: No passes required
6.5 mi roundtrip, 2420' gain, 4320' peak
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Drive time: 0h53 to trailhead (Ira Spring Trailhead)
Description: Really pretty hike past Talus Rock fields. There are designated campsites along the shore of Mason Lake, but know that it's a steep hike for carrying a pack. Mason Lake is a great place for trout fishing. You can extend the hike by also exploring the Little Bandera Mountain summit (0.6 mi steep uphill hike with great views...the trail to the summit branches off from this trail before the descent to Mason Lake)
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
6 mi roundtrip, 700' gain, 2800' peak
Location: Central Cascades, Stevens Pass West
Drive time: 1h30 to trailhead (Iron Goat/Martin Creek Trailhead)
Description: Gentle walk along the old Great Northern railroad grade built over the Cascades in 1892, with many switchbacks. Start at the Martin Creek trailhead, the three mile trail that takes you through several old tunnels. Then continue on to the upper loop (follow signs to the Windy Point crossover trail).
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
5.4 mi roundtrip, 1350' gain, 2400' peak
Location: North Cascasdes, Mountain Loop Highway
Drive time: 1h6 to trailhead (Lake Twentytwo Trailhead)
Description: The lake itself is Alpine wetland near Mt. Pilchuck. The hike there takes you through mountain rainforest, old-growth, wetlands, and mountain views. Extremely popular (and crowded) hike. The trail is always damp, as this is a rainforest environment. You will see berries along the trail, and you are never far from water and will see many waterfalls.
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
Lake Whatcome Park Chanterelle Trail 🌡️
4.8 mi roundtrip; 1000' gain; 1314' peak
Location: Bellingham
Drive time: 1h40 to trailhead (Chantarelle Trailhead)
Description: Long switchbacks though a mix of forest types, ending with a view of Lake Whatcome, Bellingham Bay, and the San Juan Islands. 20 minutes outside the college town of Bellingham, which we could also visit and has great places for food. Can be combined with the Hertz Trail to increase distance.
Accessibility: No passes required
Lake Whatcome Park Hertz Trail 🌡️
6.2 mi roundtrip; 100' gain; 130' peak
Location: Bellingham
Drive time: 1h40 to trailhead (Hertz Trailhead)
Description: A comfortable walk, run, or bike along a lakeshore with pretty views. 20 minutes outside the college town of Bellingham, which we could also visit and has great places for food. Can be combined with the Chanterelle Trail to increase distance.
Accessibility: No passes required
7 mi roundtrip; 625' gain; 750' peak
Location: North Cascades, Mountain Loop Highway
Drive time: 1h00 to trailhead (Lime Kiln Trailhead)
Description: This hike takes you to the ruins of a lime kiln that looks like a jungle ruin, with artifacts along the way.
Accessibility: No passes required
Little Si 🌡️
3.7 mi roundtrip; 1300' gain, 1550 peak
Location: Snoqualmie, North Bend
Drive time: 0h35 to trailhead (Little Si Trailhead)
Description: Moderate grade trail, good for beginners who are looking to get into shape. Expect crowds, even in winter. (Mt. Si and Little Si are known together as the "Resolution Peaks" for all of the hikers that appear after Jan 1. Good prelude to hiking Rattlesnake Ridge. Check WTA for snow conditions, but possible to have a snow-free hike in the winter.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
9.4 mi roundtrip; 4000' ft; 4822' peak
Location: Snoqualmie, North Bend
Drive time: 0h47 to trailhead (Lower Mailbox Peak Trailhead)
Description: Definitely a proving ground for area hikers: challenging hike that should not be attempted without training in uphill hiking! There is a famous mailbox at the top of the peak where you can take goodies left by other hikers and leave something behind yourself.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
Margaret's Way and Debbie's View 🌡️
6.5 mi roundtrip; 1500' gain; 1730' peak
Location: Issaquah Alps, Squak Mountain
Drive time: 0h25 to trailhead (Margaret's Way Trailhead)
Description: Pretty forest with lots of creeks and ravines. Sidetrip to Debbie's View is a great lookout to Mt. Rainier (Begin on Margaret's way, turn right on Chybinski, and another immediate right on Perimeter Loop, and watch for a sign to Debbie's View.) Very popular trail.
Accessibility: No passes required
8.0 mi roundtrip; 3150' gain; 3900' peak
Location: Snoqualmie Region, North Bend Area
Drive time: 0h38 to trailhead (Mount Si Trailhead)
Description: To call Mount Si a popular trail is an understatement. It is hiked each year by upwards of 100,000 people. Its rugged beauty and its proximity to Seattle all but guarantee that the parking lot is overflowing on any nice (and many a not-so-nice) day. Gaining 3,100 feet in a little under four miles, this is definitely a strenuous hike. Conventional wisdom says if they can reach the end of the trail in under two hours, they’re ready to conquer the state’s tallest peak.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
5.6 mi roundtrip; 1585' gain; 2370' peak
Location: Snoqualmie Region, North Bend Area
Drive time: 0h36 to trailhead (Mount Teneriffe Trailhead)
Description: Definitely a strenuous hike, but it ends at a spectacular waterfall. Go in the spring when the path is snow-free and the waterfall is flowing at full volume. There are loose rocks on the trail, so wear sturdy boots. Hike can be extended by continuing on to the peak.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
13.0 mi roundtrip; 3800' gain; 4585' peak
Location: Snoqualmie Region, North Bend Area
Drive time: 0h36 to trailhead (Mount Teneriffe Trailhead)
Description: WTA calls this a "Hard" hike: believe them! This is a less busy alternative to Mt. Si.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
8.0 mi roundtrip; 700' gain; 2800' peak
Location: North Cascades, Mountain Loop Highway
Drive time: 1h22 to trailhead (Monte Cristo Trailhead)
Description: Hike along the South Fork Sauk River to an old mining town. There are a few relics there to see, but treat the structures with respect and Leave No Trace. Access to the trail closes in the winter.
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
3.2 mi roundtrip; 600' gain; 5850' peak
Location: Mt. Rainier area
Drive time: 2h17 to trailhead (Chinook Pass Overlook Trailhead)
Description: Popular hike in an alpine setting (think wildflowers and huckleberries) that follow the PCT on the northern flank of Naches Peak and the Naches Peak Trail on the Southern flank. The loop is best done counterclockwise for views of Mt. Rainier. Park at the Tipsoo Lake parking area (no pass required) or at the Chinook Pass Overlook Trailhead (NW Forest Pass required)
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail 🌡️🥾
3.8 mi roundtrip, 1760' gain, 1850' peak
Location: Issaquah Alps, Tiger Mountain
Drive time: 0h27 to trailhead (Poo Poo Point Trailhead)
Description: Steady uphill climb to a beautiful lookout view that is a launch point for paragliders. Seattle standard.
Accessibility: No pass required
Completed by Troop: January 2022
8.0 mi roundtrip; 1600' gain, 4600' peak
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Drive time: 1h15 to trailhead (Rachel Lake Trailhead)
Description: Uphill hike, quite steep in areas, that tops out at beautiful Rachel Lake. There are campsites by the lake, and more sites if you continue up toward Rampart Lakes (1.0 mi) or Lila Lakes and Alta Peak (0.75 mi), but know that if you're planning to camp, this will be a very steep trail to haul your pack. Beautiful colors in mid-September: looks like a Japanese garden. In the Huckleberry zone, so good snacking in August)
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
4.0 mi roundtrip; 1160' gain, 2078' peak
Location: Snoqualmie, North Bend
Drive time: 0h35 to trailhead (Rattlesnake Ledge Trailhead)
Description: Name refers to the steam whistle sounds heard in the area in the early days of logging. Peak is a launching pad used by paragliders. Steady uphill hike
Accessibility: No passes required
7.2 mi roundtrip; 1800' gain; 4400' peak
Location: Snoqualmie Pass
Drive time: 0h45 to trailhead (Snow Lake Trailhead)
Description: Popular hike that launches from the Alpental ski resort: this trail was rebuilt and improved in 2022. This is a moderately hard hike that ends with a crystal clear lake surrounded by towering peaks. Recommended as a weekday hike as it gets very crowded on the weekends. This hike can be continued on to Gem (10 mi roundtrip) and Lower and Upper Wildcat Lakes (17 mi roundtrip), and there are opportunities for dispersed camping at all three. (Note: these latter two hikes require route-finding experience.)
Accessibility: NW Forest Pass required
Squak Mountain Central Peak Trail 🌡️
6.6 mi roundtrip; 1684' gain; 2024' peak
Location: Issaquah Alps, Squak Mountain
Drive time: 0h25 to trailhead (Squak Mountain Trailhead)
Description: There are many ways to reach the peak of Squak Mountain: Central Peak Trail is the most direct.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
Wallace Falls 🌡️🥾
5.6 mi roundtrip; 1300' gain; 1500' peak
Location: Central Cascades Stevens Pass - West
Drive time: 1h22 to trailhead (Wallace Falls Parking Lot)
Description: Consistently gorgeous out-and-back trail along the Wallace River that passes by nine falls. Hike from Middle Falls to Upper Falls is the steepest grade. Can extend the hike to continue on to Wallace Lake.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required
Completed by Troop: November 2021
5.0 mi roundtrip; 2100' gain; 2525' peak
Location: Issaquah Alps, Tiger Mountain
Drive time: 0h22 to trailhead (Highpoint Trailhead)
Description: Excellent training hill for mountaineers. Very popular trail, but wide path. Summit has space for a lunch or to catch your breath. There are many other hikes that can branch off from this one if you want to extend your mileage.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required (can park outside of pass requirement area and hike up to trailhead)
4.7 mi roundtrip; 630' gain; 1160' peak
Location: Issaquah Alps, Tiger Mountain
Drive time: 0h22 to trailhead (Highpoint Trailhead)
Description: High Point Trailhead to West Tiger 3 Trail to Talus Rock Trail to Section Line Trail to High School Trail to Adventure Trail to Big Tree Trail to Swamp Trail to West Tiger 3 Trail...this is a great loop for practicing following a map and reading trail signs! It's also much gentler than going to the peak of Tiger 3, although the first mile is still a thigh burner. It's fun to hang out at the big rocks at Talus Loop, and to see the giant Douglas Fir on the Big Tree Trail, and the trail also passes a beautiful waterfall on the Talus Rocks Trail. If you'd like to add enough milage to make a five mile hike, add in the small Around the Lake Trail/Bus Trail loop to bring your mileage to 5.8mi.
Accessibility: Discover Pass required (can park outside of pass requirement area and hike up to trailhead)
Completed by Troop: February 2023
Hiking Activities
Rain Hike: Go on on the rainiest day we can find (great lesson in being prepared!)
Penny Walk: Start at a known location and walk. At each corner, flip a penny to decide which way to turn. When half your time is gone, find the way back (with map and compass?).
Watershed Walk/Contour Line Walk: With a topographical map, start at a location. Go for a walk/hike while using the map to NOT change elevation at all. Or, choose to follow a route that goes only down or only up. Good for map reading and navigation. (We did this from Lake Washington United Methodist Church. We chose “down” and ended up at the pond behind Costco. I didn’t even know there is a pond behind Costco.)
Full Moon Hike: A little hard to do in the PNW in the summer, since sunset is so late, but a lot of fun, especially on a campout.
Rescue Hike: Lash together a stretcher, and take turns carrying each other along the trail (as you would do if a scout got hurt)