Washington Trails

Stampede Pass is a mountain pass through the Cascade Range, just south of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. Its importance to transportation lies almost entirely with railroads, as no paved roads cross it. The pass was originally created to build and maintain the railways that traveled in both directions across the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. The incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountain range make this 12-mile offroad trip worth the time.

Naches Trail is a 12.26-mile-long trail from Western Washington over the Naches Pass into Eastern Washington and follows a wagon trail used by settlers in the mid-1800s. The trail is fairly easy for most 4x4 vehicles and does not require any special equipment. It rolls through deep dark forests up to high mountain meadows with beautiful views of surrounding valleys, canyons, and Mt. Rainier. There are several creek crossings, but most areas that might cause trail damage are protected by several wooden bridges. This trail is very popular, and you can expect to run into other rigs and motorcycles coming in the opposite direction. Because of its rich history and overall beauty, this trail is known to most as a favorite and must-do trail. This trail intersects the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a hiking trail from Mexico to Canada. It is at this point that a cabin was built that is free for use to all. While you are crossing over the pass, try to imagine wagon trains pulled by oxen struggling across the same terrain.

Spada Lake trail crisscrosses over Olney Creek as you climb up to Sultan Basin and Spada Lake Reservoir, surrounded by the Bald and Blue Mountains in this peaceful and windy wooded forest. Enjoy the quiet scenery of Spada Lake, or make a day of it and hike to Grieder and Boulder Lakes, which begin at the South Shore Recreational Site.

Lonesome Lake is a beautiful crystal clear alpine lake that is located at the top of FR-75. The name of the lake was adopted in the winter of 1935 when a young couple that made many trips to the lake got in a huge quarrel and split up. While Johnie and Clyde were split, Clyde went to the lake where he ended up snowed in with 8 feet of snow. While sitting lonesome by the fire one night he grabbed a piece of steel heated it up and wrote the words, "Lonesome Lake" on a piece of wood and nailed it to a tree. The name took like glue and today the lake is visited by more than 4000 people per year. The incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountian range make this 15-mile trip well worth the time. On a clear day, there will be many opportunities to take some stunning photos of majestic Mount Rainier.

NF-7720, just outside Wilkeson, WA, is in the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. This road is a 15.39-mile journey to "Cedar Lake" overlook. Cedar Lake is landlocked with no road access. There is a hiking trail at the end of the trail that you can take down to the lake for a truly magical experience. The road is picturesque and presents various challenges throughout the year. The trail can become muddy with early snowmelt in the spring and late fall rains, adding an element of difficulty for travelers. It winds through a network of Forest Service roads, offering stunning overlooks of Mount Rainier to the south, Tacoma and the Puget Sound to the west, and, on a clear day, the Canadian Cascades to the north. As travelers venture further, the last couple of miles become increasingly rugged, featuring a steep Hillclimb that leads to the end of the trail and the lookout onto Cedar Lake. Vehicles and passenger cars with high clearance and four-wheel drive may need help to navigate this demanding terrain. Additionally, the road travels through old-growth forests, providing a scenic and immersive experience for those who brave the journey.

Fortune Creek trail is located just North of Roslyn, Washington (home of the hit TV show "Northern Exposure"). It is only accessible for four-wheel drive vehicles from the middle of June till November. With the trail connecting to several other great trails in the area, it makes for an excellent day trip. It is a very easy nontechnical trail that can be enjoyed by any four wheel drive vehicle with adequate ground clearance. This trail follows an old mining road that was cut back at the turn on the century in search of gold. If you look carefully you will still see Federal mine claim signs just off the trail and old rusted mining equipment. At the end of the six mile trail, you will be surprised to find beautiful Lake Gallagher. This trail is filled with beautiful vistas, large mountains, and many areas to camp and explore.

Trail # 311 is located in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest within the Evans Creek ORV park and is one of a dozen or so trails available in this park designated for 4x4 use, for a total of over 45 miles of trail riding. Trails are well marked and rated from Easy to Most Difficult. This trail has one of the most beautiful views of Mt. Rainier if you are lucky enough to be here on a sunny day. The trail winds up through a mature dark forest, following along and above the access road that leads to the campground. While the rating isn't significantly high, you will still have to contend with tight, twisting turns around trees and stumps. There are some hill climbs that, while not difficult, might make you pucker just a little.