Washington’s scenic hikes offer a place for you to leave behind your chaotic reality and enter the silent world of nature. You might think you’ve seen it all already, even so, whoever said discovering gems is easy? Commonly known as the “Evergreen State,” here, trails thrive anywhere and everywhere.
Hiking may not seem like the best idea with our ongoing rainy climate, but with spring season drawing closer, trails are bound to be fused with the complexity of Washington weather: damp grounds, blooming wildflowers, and sunbeams peeking through the trees.
Whether your taste in treading trails leans more on a strenuous, up-hill stride, or an effortless stroll, walking in nature provides you with its many benefits, regardless.
While all exercise is good for us, according to Jill Suttie on, “Five Ways Hiking is Good for You,” the experience of hiking is unique compared to your average exercise routine. Not only does it keep your heart healthy, but it also helps to, “keep your mind sharper, your body calmer, (and) your creativity more alive.”
Hiking provides us with one thing that sets it aside from many other forms of exercise – trails. “That means it requires navigating through a world that’s not totally predictable,” says Suttie. Coming across slippery grounds, wild animals, or any surprising obstacle allows us to take our time to think it through, all while enjoying the outdoor experience.
Aside from the healthy cognitive challenges hiking gives us, it also finds ways to keep us calm and happy. According to Suttie, simply walking in an urban landscape or alongside a road contributes to the “mental overload” we’re all too familiar with in the city. Walking in nothing but green space helps us to recover from that.
If you’re looking for an increase in creativity, many scholars believe that the benefits we receive from hiking also contribute to our sense of creativity. Being in nature helps our awareness to relax and allows our minds to wander, connecting “disparate ideas swirling around in our mind,” says Suttie.
If you find yourself more inclined to a peaceful, quiet and scenic path, Craig Romano, author of “Finding the Trail Less Traveled,” offers a list of tips in seeking out what you’re looking for. Although most hiking spots in our region require long distance drives, according to Romano, that isn’t always the case.
For Romano, finding more unknown trails boils down to, first, considering the countless “off the radar” trails we do have in the region. It might be difficult at the start, so here are some tips on staying within the “off the radar” search.
Previously, you might have immediately turned to social media searching for the trendiest spots, chose a weekend day, and shied away from the rain. While that can contribute to an extent, doing the exact opposite may be a better option.
According to Romano, “It’s essential to be creative in your planning, to take a chance on something different and head someplace unknown with excitement.”
Keep in mind that some trails may be harder to find, harder to hike, and sometimes not as picturesque. Nevertheless, you’ll find that they all have something to offer whether that is great views, great backcountry experiences, and/or, “very few other people,” says Romano.
An easily accessible source to finding these less-traveled trails is the Washington Trails Association Hiking Guide. Here, you can use any preferred search terms to find exactly what you’re looking for.
The WTA Hiking Guide offers a list of spots depending on how close to, or far from, home you prefer to hike. If long distance drives aren’t for you, Dash Point Park, located in Federal Way is one of the best places that include both hiking, biking, and a beach destination overlooking Dockton Island.
Located between Seattle and Tacoma, this area is a perfect place for water recreation. According to AllTrails, this 4.8-mile loop is considered to be a slightly challenging route, as it takes about two hours total walking to and from the beach. This park provides activities for anyone, such as beach exploration, wildflower discovery, towering trees, and small rivers along walking paths.
Located just North of Des Moines is Seahurst Park of Burien. This hiking spot also offers a beach destination, with a number of different paths to choose from. According to WTA’s Hiking Guide, these trails are submerged in a forested drainage with very green and tall trees. In spring, you are bound to come across at least a few wildflowers.
According to the City of Burien, Seahurst Park offers views of the Olympic Mountains, several trails, picnic shelters and tables. As for its natural features, this spot provides its hikers with streams, wetlands, wild birds, and a shoreline parallel to the trails.
If long distance drives don’t seem to be a hassle for you, Emerald Creek Park, located near Leavenworth, offers a long trail connecting Lake Chelan to the east, and the Entiat River Trail west.
This 18.9 mile out-and-back trail is generally considered a more challenging route, according to AllTrails. While the trip there takes about three hours, you’ll find that it’s worth the mountain views, meadows, and inclined, nontraditional hiking paths for those who enjoy the workout. Here, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter anyone else on your travels, as multiple trails connect to the heart of the park – a 12.5 hour long track.
The Moulton Falls trail, located around the outskirts of Vancouver, is a perfect place for those seeking out a simple, intermediate walking path. Great for all ages, the trail crosses a “picturesque” footbridge and follows the Lewis River to the right, says WTA. The trail is mostly flat, yet nonetheless an adventure.
As you begin your search for these less-traveled trails, it’s essential to keep in mind that preparedness is key to the outdoor experience. Hidden areas can also bring unpredictable obstacles, so it’s crucial to dress for the weather, bring company, a map, and especially your ambition for exploring.