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The Best Hiking in Darrington

Looking for the best hiking in Darrington? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Darrington. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near Darrington

  • Darrington, Washington

    White Chuck Mountain Trail

    3.89 mi / 1562 ft gain
    White Chuck Mountain Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Darrington, Washington.
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  • Arlington, Washington

    Three Fingers Lookout

    4.5
    14.31 mi / 4357 ft gain
    Approximately 11 miles east of Granite Falls, WA, on the Mt. Loop Highway,  turn onto Forest Service road 41 and follow this road for 18.0 miles to the trailhead. The road is quite rough and it is recommended you have a four-wheel drive vehicle. There is a washout about halfway along the road, an...
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  • Arlington, Washington

    Hike the Boulder River Trail

    4.3
    8.6 mi / 700 ft gain
    Boulder River is a great outing for those days when you feel like you just need a good hike through the forest. This makes for a nice long day hike, but because both of the large waterfalls are within the first half of the trail, you can still see the falls without going the whole way. The trailh...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    North Lake via Independence Lake

    5.56 mi / 2431 ft gain
    North Lake is everything you could want in a subalpine lake: emerald green hues, cold, clear water, lots of brook trout and far from cell-phone reception. This backpack is perfect when the weather gets hot and sunny, though it does reside in what is known as “the wettest section of the Cascades,...
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  • Darrington, Washington

    Scramble Mount Pugh

    5.0
    11 mi / 5300 ft gain
    Not for the faint of heart - or those with a fear of heights - Mount Pugh offers some of the most rewarding summit views in the Cascades.Located off the northern end of the Mountain Loop Highway, this is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Puget Sound area. Though finding the trailhead can be t...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Dispersed Camp near Beaver Creek Group Camp, Mt. Baker Snoqualmie NF

    This campsite is located along the Mountain  Loop Highway. There are various options for dispersed camping around the area, as well as some you can reserve ahead of time such as the Coal Creek Campground and the Beaver Creek Group Campground. This campsite is located just before Beaver Creek grou...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Big Four Ice Caves

    4.3
    2.38 mi / 289 ft gain
    Disclaimer: Hiking into the caves is extremely dangerous as there is potential for the ice to fall. We do not recommend hiking inside of them and if you choose to do so, you're doing it at your own risk. This is a short hike at just 2.3 miles roundtrip with little elevation change. The hike take...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Lake 22

    4.6
    5.98 mi / 1434 ft gain
    If you're looking for a taste of the Mountain Loop Highway area, but don't have it in you for a longer, steeper journey, look no further than Lake 22. The trail starts out as flat and well-maintained, from the parking lot, before becoming a true mountain rainforest trail. Water and dampness are f...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Heather Lake Trail

    4.3
    4.33 mi / 1165 ft gain
    The trail takes you on a gradual climb up to Heather Lake with beautiful second growth to admire along the way. The trail can be very wet and muddy with many tree roots to catch your toes, so make sure to wear a sturdy pair of tennis shoes or hiking shoes. Dogs are permitted on this trail on-leas...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Hike to Perry Creek Falls & Mount Forgotten Meadows

    11.5 mi / 3700 ft gain
    Most visitors park at this trailhead to hike Dickerman Mountain.  Until this spring, so did I.  However, don't overlook this stunning valley hike to Perry Creek, Mount Forgotten Meadows, and the scramble up Mount Forgotten!Begin this hike on the Perry Creek trail, which begins on the far left sid...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Mt. Dickerman Summit

    7.93 mi / 3675 ft gain
    In general, this is a strenuous hike or snowshoe at approximately 8 miles round trip with nearly 4000 elevation gain. Be aware of current snow conditions and avalanche risk if heading up in the winter. Do not attempt a winter trip without proper knowledge, skill, and gear. Some previous winter tr...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail

    4.0
    6.21 mi / 1978 ft gain
    Along the Mountain Loop Highway, past the crowds crawling over Mt. Pilchuck, lies the muddy, unkempt Walt Bailey Trail into a verdant subalpine basin speckled with tiny tarns. The Cutthroat Lakes are a delightful location to spend the night with optional day hikes up to exposed ridgelines and cra...
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Walt Bailey Trail

    8.4 mi / 2579 ft gain
    Walt Bailey Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Granite Falls, Washington.
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  • Granite Falls, Washington

    Mount Pilchuck Lookout

    4.8
    5.22 mi / 2113 ft gain
    Hike the well-maintained Mount Pilchuck Lookout trail through a variety of terrain: old-growth forest and granite boulder fields. At the top, you'll reach a lookout tower perched on Mount Pilchuck. Pilchuck sits on the western edge of the Cascades, which offers up amazing panoramic views once you...
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  • Darrington, Washington

    Hike to Goat Lake

    4.5
    10.4 mi / 1400 ft gain
    The trail starts by lazily winding through beautiful forest. Fairly quickly, you'll reach a fork for the Upper and Lower Elliot Creek Trails. Both will take you to Goat Lake in about the same distance (~3 miles), but each offers a different take on the area. The lower trail winds along as it foll...
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  • Darrington, Washington

    Camp at Goat Lake

    4.3
    10.4 mi / 1400 ft gain
    If you just loved your day hike to Goat Lake so much that you want to return and spend some more time, you're in luck - the lake offers a camping area that holds at least 15 campsites and even comes with a pit latrine. This is a great overnight option if you aren't looking for a difficult hike in...
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