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End of Summer Hikes

Gorgeous Washington hikes for all fitness levels.

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It feels like summer has just begun, but in the PNW we know that fall is just around the corner, and with fall comes the rain and shorter days. Here are 9 scenic hikes to tick off the list while still enjoying the warm weather and beautiful sunshine!

Easy:

End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Twin Falls

Twin Falls

Distance: 2.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
A Seattle Classic. Get a view of both the Lower and Upper Falls on this trail that’s great for families and beginner hikers.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-falls-state-park
End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Barclay Lake

Barclay Lake

Distance: 4.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Follow Barclay creek for 2.2 miles until reaching the lake. The trail continues another half mile along the lakeshore.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/barclay-lake
End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Naches Peak Loop

Naches Peak Loop

Distance: 3.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Stroll along this loop hike from Tipsoo Lake that passes by small lakes, Dewey Lake, and gorgeous views of Rainier.
https://www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/go-hiking/hikes/naches-peak-loop

Moderate:

End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls

Distance: 5.6 mi
Elevation Gain: 1300 ft
Take in all 9 falls on this popular hike off Highway 2. The trail gets steeper the further you go, so feel free to turn around at any of the different falls.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/wallace-falls
End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Burroughs Mountain

Burroughs Mountain

Distance: 9 mi
Elevation Gain: 2500 ft
Get up close and personal with Rainier on the Sunrise side of the mountain. There is no shade on the trail so be sure to take a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water and aim for cooler days.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/burroughs-mountain
End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Harry's Ridge

Harry’s Ridge

Distance: 8.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 970 ft
Walk along the ridge from the Johnston Ridge Visitor’s Center at Mt St Helens to view the blast zone, the valley, wildflowers, surrounding mountains, and of course great views of Helens itself.
https://www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/go-hiking/hikes/harrys-ridge

Difficult:

End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Gothic Basin

Gothic Basin

Distance: 9.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 2840 ft
Hike and scramble past a waterfall and Weeden Creek up to Gothic Lake for beautiful views of the Basin. Keep an eye out for marmots!
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gothic-basin
End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Kendall Katwalk

Kendall Katwalk

Distance: 12 mi
Elevation Gain: 2600 ft
Walk part of the Pacific Crest Trail and into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness for views as far as the eye can see.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/kendall-katwalk
End of Summer Hikes Bartrails Upper Lena Lake

Upper Lena Lake

Distance: 14 mi
Elevation Gain: 3900 ft
Follow a busy trail to Lena Lake, but continue onward toward Upper Lena Lake, crossing into Olympic National Park. Bit of a rough-and-tumble hike in the last mile or so, you’ll be rewarded with solitude and an alpine lake nestled in between peaks.
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/upper-lena-lake