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 railroading, 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. This route will take you over over the pass on many different forest service roads. The roads are fairly well maintained and the pass can be completed by any suv or truck. The incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountian range makes this 30 mile trip well worth the time. The roads are wide enough for vehicles coming the opposite direction to pass.

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.

Criss-Cross over Olney Creek as you climb up to Sultan Basin and Spada Lake Reservior, where you'll be surrounded by the Bald and Blue Mountains in this peaceful and windy wooded forest trail. Enjoy the stumps and 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.

Located just outside of North Bend, this route affords visitors from the Seattle area access to the wild forest without requiring a long drive. Although not technically challenging, this road offers great views of the Snoqualmie River, making it a top destination for fishing and kayaking enthusiasts. Looking for some free camping? Well, you would be making a good choice by taking this route as there are many campsites scattered along the way. Several primitive trails allow vehicle access right down to the riverbank, making for great picnic or camping opportunities. Due to its low elevation, this road is accessible throughout the year, which also makes it rather popular in the winter months. Those looking for more adventure can continue along one of the several forest roads that branch out at the end of this route.

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 is a 15.39-mile journey to "Cedar Lake" overlook and can be accomplished by most stock vehicles. The road winds you through a network of smaller forest service roads, many of them unnamed that travel out to various lookouts of Mt. Rainier to the east and the Tacoma Valley and Puget Sound to the west. You will travel through old-growth forests crossing two beautiful creek bridges. The last mile or so is a climb up some loose rock and ends with a lookout upon "Cedar Lake". It is about a quarter-mile hike down to the lake but there is not really any trail taking you there. If you to trailblaze your way down to the lake you can expect some serious fishing for Rainbow & Brook trout. Though they are small, this lake does not get much pressure so the fish are pretty hungry. Almost one fish per cast. This trip would make for an excellent weekend outing or day-long​ exploration for the kids and family.

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.

The trail is a nice gravel road that can lead you to some beautiful hiking destinations. Humpback Mountain, Little Saint Helens, and Scout Lake are all short trails that have their hiking trailheads at various spots along this forest road. Note that short does not mean easy in this case, you will work your way over rocks, steep hills, and a few ruts to get to the unique and picturesque views. If the snow level drops to 3000ft don't forget to spend some time at the parking lot/borrow pit at the end and enjoy the tranquility.