7 Small Summer Towns With the Best Hikes in Washington
Summary
- Washington’s charming small towns offer scenic hiking trails for all levels, and Leavenworth and Winthrop offer stunning alpine scenery.
- North Bend, Packwood and Castle Rock offer hikers endless options, from rewarding vistas to family-friendly waterfalls.
- Port Townsend and Coupeville offer coastal views and forest trails perfect for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes.
Washington State is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering diverse landscapes, breathtaking views, hidden gems, and amazing waterfalls. The state has an abundance of charming small towns that offer scenic beauty and access to the state’s best hiking trails. There are endless opportunities for hikers of all levels, and few require a hiking permit to hike in Washington.
The charming small towns of Washington listed here offer some incredible summer hikes to kick off your adventures on. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk with the kids, a strenuous mountain challenge, or some of the best hikes in Washington to escape the big cities, these small summer towns with bucket list local hiking trails have something for everyone.
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7 Leavenworth
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers rugged peaks, breathtaking views – and a good workout!
Leavenworth, Washington is a charming Bavarian village nestled in the scenic Cascade Mountains. Known for its unique architectural style and festive atmosphere, Leavenworth transports visitors to a picturesque European setting. The town exudes a lively atmosphere year-round, with seasonal decorations and events adding to its appeal. Whether you’re looking for adventure, exploring hiking trails, or enjoying Bavarian food, Leavenworth offers an unforgettable mountain getaway.
Leavenworth is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering breathtaking hiking trails. From a pristine mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks, to views and untouched wilderness, to a workout with every step, there’s a trail for every adventurer.
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6 Winthrop
Washington DNR Trail Systems and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offer easy to challenging hikes
Winthrop, Washington is a charming little community in the Methow Valley of northern Washington. Known for its unmatched alpine scenery and sunny weather, this famous mountain town boasts a themed town center reminiscent of the Wild West of the 1850s. Winthrop offers a cozy and less touristy alternative to Leavenworth, with cheaper hotel rates and a more secluded feel.
Winthrop offers a scenic hiking landscape with 61 scenic trails to explore. Whether you’re an avid hiker, trail runner, or just enjoy the outdoors, there’s an option for you.
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5 North Arc
Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area and Olallie State Park have excellent hiking trails and bird watching opportunities
North Bend, Washington, is located on the banks of the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and was an important area for connecting the native tribes along the Cascade Range. The first settlers arrived in the Snoqualmie Valley in 1858. Over time, North Bend developed into a prosperous bedroom community in Seattle. The area is known for its spectacular location at the foot of the massive Mount Si. Idyllic cafes, parks and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape add to the city’s appeal.
North Bend offers a variety of popular and challenging hiking trails with breathtaking views, impressive elevation gain, rewarding vistas, and family-friendly trails that lead to scenic waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, mountain views, or lush forests, North Bend offers a variety of hiking options.
4 Packing wood
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers spectacular hiking trails and a diverse landscape
Packwood, Washington is a hidden mountain town gem with small-town atmosphere, natural beauty, and a warm community feel. It is located at the base of Mount Rainier National Park and surrounded by the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The city is an outdoor playground for mountain lovers, who can explore nearby hiking trails such as Box Canyon, Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls in the summer. Quieter hiking trails can be found at Packwood Lake and Skate Creek Park.
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3 Castle Rock
Seaquest State Park and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument offerscenic views and excellent opportunities for hikers and cyclists
Located in the heart of the state, Castle Rock, Washington offers a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and a close-knit community. It also serves as the gateway to stunning Mount St. Helens. The small town is named after a volcanic rock outcrop called “The Rock” that stands 190 feet tall. Today, it is home to the Rock Community Park, which features hiking trails, picnic tables, and a historical marker.
Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or running, the city of Castle Rock offers challenging trails, stunning views, and scenic terrain. The best time to hike in Castle Rock is from late spring to early fall. From May to September, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and less rainfall.
|
Number of hiking trails |
4 |
|
Top rated hiking trails |
Seaquest #2, #5, #9 Loop, Seaquest #1, #1A, #8, #2 Loop, Spirit Lake Memorial Highway to Mount St. Helens, Camelot Spur and Cook Ferry Trail |
|
Things to do |
Nutty Narrow Bridge, Treehouse Island Zipline Adventure, Castle Rock Lavender |
2 Port Townsend
Fort Townsend Historic State Park, North Beach Park and Fort Worden State Park offer excellent hiking trails for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Port Townsend, Washington is a charming city with a rich blend of history, Victorian architecture, the natural beauty of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Port Townsend Bay. There is a thriving arts scene with numerous cultural events throughout the year. The city also serves as a maritime center for independent boat builders, related industries, and crafts.
Whether you’re looking for leisurely strolls, forest trails, or beach adventures, Port Townsend offers trails with longer adventures, coastal views for both novice and experienced hikers, and a beautiful campground at Fort Worden and Point Wilson Lighthouse.
1 Coupeville
Fort Ebey State Park offers popular hiking trails with coastal views and forest sections
Coupeville, Washington is a charming coastal town on Whidbey Island. The town features a quaint historic downtown along Front Street, lined with bookstores, wine tasting rooms, restaurants and boutiques. Take a stroll and enjoy the scenic boardwalk and water views.
The hiking scene in Coupeville offers views, historic sites, and moderate challenges for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. The state park is a great place to combine camping and hiking for the whole family while enjoying the stunning scenery.
