Hiking & Biking Trails in the INW
Karene Garlich-Loman
Karene, a seasoned real estate professional with two decades of experience, is a true industry luminary...
Karene, a seasoned real estate professional with two decades of experience, is a true industry luminary...
Washington and Idaho offer some of the best hiking and biking trails. And nature is the best place to spend Summer! We made a list of trails for you to explore the beautiful evergreen trees across the pacific northwest:
Hiking Trails
Palouse Falls State Park (Palouse Falls, ID - 1.2 miles)
From snowshoeing in the winter to walking through puddles in the spring to catching sunsets with a picnic in the summer--whether you seek waterfalls or mountain tops our region offers plenty of adventurous trails to keep you and your family tethered to nature and enjoying fresh air.
Riverside State Park-Bowl and Pitcher (Spokane, WA - 2 miles)
With clearer summer skies, it is a must for you to get out and explore our city and state parks. If you are looking for a new adventure, some more off the beaten path then others here are a few of my favorites. Pull on your boots, grab your backpack and add these hikes to your list.
Mount Rainier Wonderland Trail Loop (Buckley, WA - 93 miles)
The Wonderland Trail completely circles Mount Rainier. The trail covers all areas of Mount Rainier from lowland forests to meadows and wild flowers, to rivers & scenery of ice glaciers. Expect snow covered trails until mid July, and constant changing weather conditions. Open all year; however weather allows more access in July and August.
Big Creek Falls (North Bend, WA - 10 miles)
This trail offers a back country road. Viewing waterfalls and ancient forests this trail is a quieter secluded trail on Big Creek. It is widely used as a dog trail. Open year round, approximate hike 5 hours.
Lake to Lake Trail (Bellevue, WA - 19 miles)
A greenbelt of many trails, this a trail from Lake WA to Lake Sammamish. Great for beginners, as many of the trails offer shorter distances.
Central Alpine Lakes Loop (Cle Elum, WA - 35 miles)
Lying between Snoqualmie & Stevens Pass, this trail is a very popular backpacking trip. Hike is strenuous, and you must make arrangements for transportation. To enjoy a scenic hike, a loop trip is commonly recommended.
High Point Trailhead (Issaquah, WA - 7.5 miles)
High Point offers three different trails, and is considered ideal for children. Includes easier climbs, and extras such as bat caves to capture familiesโ attention. Trail is good most of the year.
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park-Wilderness Creek and Wilderness Peak Loop Trail (Issaquah, WA - 3.5 miles)
The second highest point on Cougar Mountain at 1,483 feet, this trail is more secluded than others on Cougar Mountain. The trail leads to the parks summit, while offering viewpoints along the way.
Olympic Hot Springs (Port Angeles, WA - 5 miles)
This Day hike leads to popular soaking pools in Olympic National Park. The hot springs are located between lush forests and the white water rapids of Boulder Creek. The trail is mostly paved, and is considered an easier hike.
Hoh River (Forks, WA - 35 miles)
Spanning from Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center to Glacier Meadows, this trail has it all. Hikers will trek through primeval rainforests to windswept ice fields. Trail is busy during the on season, so hikers can expect large crowds. Permits are required to hike through the terrain.
Enchantment Lakes (Leavenworth, WA - 25 miles)
This hike goes through the Enchantment Lakes. Although it is a distance, this hike is often looked at as the best there is. With several lakes, small and large, and granite peaks it is described as breathtaking. The Lakes are so popular only a few permits are granted to hikers each season. The best bet is to try to hike during the week on the off season. Early fall is the best time to experience this hike.
Camp Muir (Ashford, WA - 8.6 miles)
Described as a very steep hike this trail leads to views of Mount Adams, The Goat Rock, Mount St.Helens, and the Tatoosh Range. The peak reaches to 10,080 feet, making it a hike for the physically fit.
Rocks of Sharon (Spokane, WA - 4.6 miles)
Rocks of Sharon Trail is a 6.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Spokane, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September.
Waikki Springs Trail (Fairwood, WA - 1.9 miles)
Waikiki Springs Trail is a 1.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Spokane, Washington that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching.
Indian Canyon Mystic Falls (Spokane, WA - 0.80 miles)
Mystic Falls is a small waterfall located just 3 miles west of downtown Spokane in Indian Canyon Park. The trail is short and suitable for the whole the family. In the spring, summer, and fall seasons, the trail is easily accessible and moderately trafficked by other hikers. In the winter months, the falls and adjoining creek freeze, which makes it a popular ice climbing destination.
Dishman Hills Natural Area Trail (Spokane Valley, WA - 4 miles)
Dishman Hills Natural Area Trail is a 4 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Spokane, Washington that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until November.
Blackhorse Lake (Cheney, WA - 1.2 miles)
Blackhorse Lake Hiking Trail is a 1.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Cheney, Washington that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until November.
Biking Trails
South Sea Tac (Des Moines, WA - 10 miles)
Once an audio buffer zone for SeaTac International Airport, it is now several miles of smooth biking single track. Riding is great for any level of biker. This trail also offers a BMX zone for bikers.
Tiger Mountain State Forest-Poo Poo Point (Issaquah, WA - 15 miles)
Intermediate trail for bikers offering moderate climbing and descending on gravel road. It is a steep climb to Poo Poo Point, but once there the Sammamish River offers scenic views, along with views of Puget Sound Basin & Olympic Mountains.
Tolt MacDonald Park (Carnation, WA - 15 miles)
Offering views of Snoqualmie River and well groomed, twisty trails. New trails are being carved out every month, making it an exciting trail for bikers. Singletrack and gravel road.
Tokul Creek (Fall City, WA - 30 miles)
This trail has moderate climbs and tons of descents. Originally an all equestrian trail this trail cuts through thick greenery and berry bushes. Trail surface is singletrack, dual track, and forest roads. Located 45 minutes from Seattle and the East Side.
Devil's Gulch (Carnation, WA - 24.4 miles)
In the heart of the eastern cascade foothills lies Devils Gulch. Spanning through the woods along Mission Creek, this trail is not too difficult. The combination of the trails leads to what is said to be one of the best Mountain Biking trails in the state. Beautiful views and descends 14 miles on singletrack.
Capitol State Forest-Larch Mountain Loop (Des Moines, WA - 10 miles)
Located on the western side of the Cascades, Capitol State Forest offers multiple trails, with lots of climbs through the forest. Experienced bikers describe the trail as great fun, but caution to take care in reading road signs carefully.
Foothills Trail (Sumner, WA - 29.8 miles)
This biking trail extends through small towns, new subdivisions and wooded countryside. This trail also leads cyclists to Mount Rainier, to the road that encircles the Mountain. It is described as a leisurely ride.
Black Diamond Coal Mine (Black Diamond, WA - 20 miles)
These trails border the south end of Lake Sawyer, Frog Lake and Ravensdale Creek. This trail offers lots of turns and twists. The terrain is smooth, and goes through lush greenery. The trail is open year round.
Beaver Lake (Issaquah, WA - 6 miles)
Located in the Issaquah Plateau this is an excellent trail for quick rides. Rolling trails still offer excitement for advanced riders, but are also excellent for novice riders. Singletrack runs throughout the whole trail.
Rattlesnake Lake (North Bend, WA - 13.2 miles)
This trail is easily accessible, and offers scenic view, and not too technical trails. Climbing is minimal, but still offers beautiful greenery and waterfalls. Trails are a mixture of singletrack, gravel and railroad.
Hiawatha Trail (Spokane, WA - 15 miles)
The Route of the Hiawatha mountain bike or hike trail is 15 miles long with 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles.
Take a look at Summer activities from last year!
