Spring is arriving, the itch to get outdoors is real, and you are tired of waiting for high-elevation trails to clear of snow. The good news: Washington State has an excellent selection of low-elevation early-season backpacking routes that are snow-free weeks — sometimes months — before the alpine trails open up. Whether you are brand new to backpacking or simply looking for somewhere accessible to kick off the season, this guide covers 10 of the best early-season backpacking trips in Washington, organized roughly from easiest to most challenging. Check the forecast, read recent trip reports on the WTA, and always leave a travel plan with someone you trust before heading out.
1. Gothic Basin and Foggy Lake
Located along the Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls, Gothic Basin is one of the most rewarding beginner overnighters within reach of Seattle. The trail packs a lot into a relatively short distance — a steep but manageable climb, a scenic waterfall, a mountain pass with views of the Monte Cristo peaks, and a dramatic alpine basin at the top. Camping is permitted without a permit, but arrive early on weekends since this popular area fills up quickly. In early season, expect some snow lingering near the basin and beautiful wildflowers beginning to emerge on the lower sections of the trail.
2. Ancient Lakes
Ancient Lakes in Central Washington offers something genuinely rare: a taste of Utah canyon country without leaving the state. Located roughly two and a half hours from Seattle, this desert landscape of recessional-catacylsm canyons, pale basalt cliffs, and shimmering lakes is one of the most geologically fascinating places in Washington. The basin is accessible by several routes — upper and lower trails wind through rich desert vegetation past Judith Pool and the main lake clusters. April and May are prime early-season months here, when wildflowers dot the canyon walls and temperatures are still comfortable. One important note: the lakes are not suitable for water filtration, so bring all the drinking water you need for your entire stay.
3. Barclay Lake
Barclay Lake is a classic easy backpacking trip near Seattle that is often overlooked as an overnight destination. At just 4.4 miles roundtrip with minimal elevation gain, it is ideal for families or first-timers who want a gentle introduction to sleeping under the stars. The payoff is genuine Pacific Northwest lakeside camping amid old-growth forest — it does not get more quintessentially PNW than that. This area gets significant rainfall year-round, so come prepared for wet weather regardless of the forecast. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5/day or $30 annually) is required and must be displayed on your dashboard. Be sure to pick one up before arriving, as they are not always available at the trailhead. If you are heading out in wet conditions, our guide on how to keep your shoes dry while hiking in the rain is worth reading first.
4. Second Beach, La Push
If you have ever wanted to camp on a wild Washington beach, Second Beach at La Push in Olympic National Park is one of the best places to start. The approach is a short trail through temperate rainforest that opens suddenly onto a stunning cove framed by sea stacks, driftwood logs, and the roaring Pacific. It is one of the most accessible and dramatic beach campsites in the state — great for beginners and families. A wilderness camping permit and a bear canister are both required. Pick up your permit from the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles before heading out to the coast. Come in summer for spectacular sunsets behind the offshore sea stacks, or in the shoulder season for a more solitary experience.
5. The Ozette Triangle
The Ozette Triangle (also called the Ozette Loop) in Olympic National Park takes you deep into Washington’s temperate rainforest and out to one of the most remote and beautiful sections of the Washington coast. The loop covers roughly 9 miles and is an excellent choice for a first multi-night backpacking trip, as it is not technically difficult but genuinely remote-feeling. You will walk through cathedral-like old-growth forest on elevated wooden boardwalks, sleep on the beach to the sound of the ocean, and explore some of the wildest coastline in the contiguous U.S. On your way to or from the trailhead at Ozette Lake, the side trip to Cape Flattery is strongly recommended — it sits at the very northwestern tip of the contiguous United States and is one of Washington’s most dramatic viewpoints. For more Olympic Peninsula day trip ideas while you are in the area, check out our guide to things to do in Port Townsend and the Port Angeles vs Port Townsend comparison.
6. Enchanted Valley, Olympic National Park
The Enchanted Valley is one of the most breathtaking destinations in all of Olympic National Park — but it is worth being upfront: this is not a beginner or “easy” trail. The route follows the East Fork Quinault River for approximately 13.5 miles one-way (27 miles roundtrip), making it a serious multi-day backpacking commitment. What awaits at the end, however, is extraordinary: a wide, glacially-carved valley ringed by 3,000-foot walls streaming with dozens of seasonal waterfalls, and the famous Enchanted Valley Chalet at its center. Built in 1931 as a commercial backcountry lodge, the chalet was repurposed as an Aircraft Warning Service station during WWII to watch for Japanese aircraft flying up the Quinault River Valley. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and closed to entry, though hikers can view and photograph it from outside. A wilderness camping permit from Olympic National Park is required, and bear canisters are mandatory. The low elevation of the valley means it is accessible earlier in the season than most Olympic Park destinations. Our guide to the best Hoh Rainforest hikes covers another iconic Olympic Peninsula rainforest experience worth combining with this trip.
7. High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop
For those ready to step up to something more challenging, the High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop in Olympic National Park is an exceptional step-up route. Higher elevation than the previous entries, this loop rewards hikers with clear-night stargazing, wildflower meadows bursting with color in late summer, multiple sub-alpine lakes, and panoramic views of Mount Olympus on a clear day. Between May 1 and September 30, advance reservations are strongly recommended for this popular area. Half of the campsites are held for walk-up permit holders, so last-minute permits are possible but not guaranteed — always have a backup plan. Permits are available through Recreation.gov.
8. Hidden Lake Lookout
Fire lookouts are one of Washington’s most beloved summer hiking goals, and Hidden Lake Lookout in the North Cascades is among the most spectacular. The lookout sits just outside North Cascades National Park boundaries, meaning you do not need a permit to stay overnight in the lookout building itself — though space inside is strictly first-come, first-served, so weekday visits dramatically improve your chances. Note that permits are required if you camp between the lake and the ridge below the lookout, so have a reservation or backup plan. The hike is popular but the views — sweeping across the Cascade peaks in every direction — are genuinely worth it.
9. Snow Lake / Gem Lake
Snow Lake is one of the most heavily trafficked hikes near Seattle, but extending the trip one lake further to Gem Lake turns it into a quieter, more rewarding overnighter. Hike past Snow Lake to reach Gem Lake’s stunning turquoise blue water for peaceful camping and exceptional summer sunsets. The lake is swimmable in warmer months — a perfect reward after the climb. No reservations are required for this trip, but a Northwest Forest Pass must be displayed in your vehicle. The miles-to-elevation ratio makes this one of the more manageable overnight challenges near the city, ideal for hikers who have done a few day hikes and are ready to step up to their first overnight.
10. Lena Lake
Lena Lake in the Olympic Mountains offers a classic Pacific Northwest backpacking experience suitable for hikers of all experience levels. The trail begins with forested switchbacks before delivering you to a beautiful lake surrounded by old-growth woodland. Camping near the shoreline with the sounds of the forest and the lake is about as quintessentially Pacific Northwest as it gets. For those looking to extend the trip, the Upper Lena Lake and The Brothers Wilderness offer more challenging terrain above. This is an ideal final-entry on a beginner’s Washington backpacking bucket list before moving on to more demanding adventures.
Planning Your Early-Season Backpacking Trip in Washington
Build up gradually
If you are new to overnight hiking, spend a season doing day hikes first. Get comfortable in your boots, learn how to pace yourself on the trail, and get a feel for Washington’s notoriously unpredictable weather before adding the weight of a pack and the responsibility of a campsite. When you are ready to make the jump, start with a single overnight — ideally with someone who has backpacked before. Organizations like The Mountaineers run guided overnight trips specifically designed for beginners and are an excellent way to learn in a supported environment.
Research your trail thoroughly
Washington’s trails vary enormously in condition from year to year depending on snowpack, rainfall, and storm damage. The Washington Trails Association (WTA) maintains one of the best trail report databases in the country — always check recent trip reports before you commit to a route. If recent reports are sparse, call the nearest ranger station to ask about current conditions, downed trees, and river crossing levels. Guidebooks like the WTA Hiking Guide and the Hike Finder tool are excellent planning resources. Make sure to also pack enough shelf-stable food that travels well for the duration of your trip, and review our tips on cleaning dishes while backpacking to keep your camp kitchen hygienic with minimal water and waste.
Passes and permits
Before hitting the trail, confirm what passes and permits are required for your specific destination. Most Forest Service trailheads in Washington require a Northwest Forest Pass ($5 for a single day, $30 annually), displayed on your dashboard. National Park trails like the Enchanted Valley and Second Beach require wilderness camping permits, obtainable through Recreation.gov or at park visitor centers. Some popular areas also require bear canisters. Getting this wrong can cost you — both in fines and in a spoiled trip if a ranger turns you back at the trailhead. When in doubt, call ahead to the relevant ranger station.
Create a travel plan
Before any overnight trip, write out a travel plan and leave it with a trusted person at home. It should include who is hiking, contact numbers, your planned trailhead and parking location, which campsites you intend to use, your expected return date and time, and your vehicle make, model, and license plate. Instruct your contact to call search and rescue if you have not made contact by a specific time. It is also good practice to drop a copy at the trailhead ranger station if you are venturing into remote terrain. Always update your contact if plans change before you leave the trailhead.
Navigation essentials
For your first backpacking trips, stick to well-marked, well-trafficked trails to minimize navigation demands. That said, always carry a topographic map of your trail and surrounding area, along with a compass — and know how to use them before you need to. Green Trails Maps and Custom Correct Maps are the standard for Washington hiking and are regularly updated with current trail data. USGS topo maps are more detailed but less frequently updated. All can be printed on waterproof paper from a number of software platforms, which is a smart precaution in Washington’s wet climate. Read our broader guide on exploring the Pacific Northwest for more context on planning a broader Washington adventure.
Gear up properly
Washington’s early-season weather is genuinely unpredictable. Rain, wind, and cold can arrive on any day of the year in the mountains and on the coast. Layer your clothing, always carry rain gear, and make sure your footwear can handle wet and muddy conditions. Our guide on what to wear hiking in Seattle covers the practical clothing essentials for Pacific Northwest trail conditions. If you are tent camping for the first time, our tent camping checklist is a useful packing reference, and our guide to hammock camping is worth reading if you are considering a lighter sleep setup on your trips.
Have you completed any of these early-season backpacking routes in Washington? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below — your trip reports help other hikers plan their adventures!
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