Natural Areas

Goat Rocks Wilderness

Dramatic alpine peaks and glacier-fed streams define this rugged wilderness south of Mount Rainier, where hikers traverse windswept ridges offering panoramic views of the Cascades. The remote terrain and pristine backcountry lakes make it a paradise for experienced trekkers seeking solitude among jagged summits.

37 reviews

Clearwater Wilderness

This lesser-known gem near Enumclaw protects old-growth forest and cascading waters in the shadow of the Cascades, offering peaceful trails through lush greenery and secluded camping spots. Perfect for those seeking pristine wilderness without the crowds of more famous parks.

1 review

Henry M. Jackson Wilderness

Named after the conservation champion, this wilderness presents a rugged escape into dense forests and alpine meadows with stunning views of glacier-capped peaks. Hikers will discover pristine alpine lakes, cascading streams, and the kind of remote tranquility that defines the North Cascades.

1 review

Glacier View Wilderness

Positioned for stunning Mount Rainier views, this wilderness combines accessible trails with dramatic mountain scenery across pristine subalpine terrain. Wildflower meadows and turquoise alpine lakes create a photographer's paradise just outside the national park boundary.

8 reviews

Salmo-Priest Wilderness

Washington's most remote and wild corner, this northeastern wilderness spans the Cascades with pristine old-growth forests, mountain streams, and rare wildlife habitat rarely seen by visitors. Adventure seekers who venture here discover true backcountry solitude and ancient wilderness character.

3 reviews

Mount Baker Wilderness

A mountaineer's dream anchored by the dramatic peaks and Baker Lake views, this wilderness offers challenging alpine routes, pristine snowfields, and cascading waterfalls in one of the wettest corners of the Cascades. Both technical climbers and wilderness hikers find their perfect adventure here.

13 reviews

Stephen Mather Wilderness

This vast, roadless wilderness stretches across the North Cascades with countless alpine lakes, granite peaks, and challenging backcountry terrain for experienced adventurers. Remote and pristine, it rewards dedicated hikers with some of the most untouched scenery in Washington.

1 review

Buckhorn Wilderness

Tucked into the Olympic Mountains' heart, this wilderness protects dense rainforests, crystal-clear streams, and rugged alpine terrain with minimal crowds. The combination of old-growth forest and high-country scenery makes it a hidden treasure for wilderness explorers.

4 reviews

Mount Rainier National Park

America's most iconic volcano dominates this vast national park, where visitors ascend wildflower-carpeted meadows, witness cascading waterfalls, and stand beneath glaciers that crown the Pacific Northwest's most sacred peak. With over 260 miles of trails and countless vistas, Mount Rainier offers unparalleled alpine adventure.

19924 reviews

North Cascades National Park

Jagged granite peaks, turquoise glacier-fed lakes, and dramatic waterfalls create an otherworldly landscape in this northern Cascades jewel that rivals any mountain range in North America. Scenic drives and hundreds of trails offer access to some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery on the continent.

1724 reviews

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

This vast national forest blankets the southern Cascades with dense wilderness, volcanic features, and pristine lakes ranging from accessible day hikes to remote backcountry adventures. Ancient lava fields, old-growth forest, and Mount Adams views provide endless exploration opportunities.

3526 reviews

Indian Heaven Wilderness

High-elevation lakes and forested ridges characterize this volcanic landscape where hundreds of alpine lakes hide among subalpine meadows and scattered peaks. The relatively easy access to extraordinary alpine terrain makes it a favorite for families seeking mountain scenery without extreme difficulty.

26 reviews

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

From temperate rainforests to alpine peaks, this sprawling forest offers incredible biodiversity with waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and dramatic mountain vistas accessible via hundreds of miles of trails. The combination of accessibility and wilderness character makes it endlessly appealing to visitors of all skill levels.

7278 reviews

Wallace Falls State Park

A spectacular 260-foot ribbon of water plunges through an old-growth forest in a short, scenic hike that rewards visitors with misty spray and pristine wilderness close to civilization. This easily accessible waterfall and fish ladder facility showcases the raw power of Pacific Northwest streams.

2594 reviews

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

This vital estuary sanctuary protects critical wetland habitat where migratory birds, river otters, and native plants thrive in the delta where the Nisqually River meets Puget Sound. Easy boardwalk trails and observation areas offer intimate wildlife viewing and restoration success stories.

4344 reviews

Olympic National Park

Encompassing rainforests, rugged coastline, and glacier-crowned peaks, this vast park spans three distinct ecosystems offering dramatic contrasts from temperate wilderness to alpine grandeur. Whether exploring the Hoh Rainforest, climbing to Hurricane Ridge, or walking pristine beaches, Olympic National Park delivers unmatched Pacific Northwest diversity.

10575 reviews

Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area

Over 700 pristine alpine lakes nestled among dramatic granite peaks define this wilderness where backpackers discover turquoise waters, challenging passes, and some of the Cascades' most spectacular scenery. Steep trails reward dedicated hikers with authentic alpine beauty and solitude.

64 reviews

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Stretching across eastern Washington's mountains, this vast forest offers volcanic peaks, pine-covered ridges, and countless recreation opportunities from scenic drives to challenging backcountry expeditions. Desert and forest ecosystems blend here, creating unique landscape diversity rare in the Pacific Northwest.

5119 reviews

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

This sandy spit wilderness hosts migrating shorebirds and elk herds while offering peaceful beach walks with views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympics. The combination of wildlife viewing and serene waterfront scenery makes it a tranquil escape.

1314 reviews

Granite Falls Fish Ladder

Modern fish ladders here allow visitors to watch chinook and coho salmon fight upstream past churning whitewater in their epic spawning journey. The visitor center and observation windows provide intimate glimpses into one of nature's most remarkable and determined migrations.

1002 reviews

Woodard Bay Conservation Area

This serene tidal estuary near Olympia offers visitors a chance to explore diverse wetland habitats where freshwater streams meet Puget Sound, making it an ideal spot for bird watching and peaceful nature walks along well-maintained trails.

692 reviews

Redmond Watershed Preserve

A pristine forested watershed preserve that protects one of the region's most important water sources while offering visitors scenic trails through old-growth forest, wetlands, and creek corridors teeming with native wildlife.

714 reviews

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

This expansive refuge showcases the Channeled Scablands' unique geology with a mosaic of lakes, grasslands, and shrublands that provide critical habitat for migratory birds and offer visitors excellent opportunities for wildlife observation year-round.

606 reviews

Evans Creek Preserve

Nestled in the Cascade foothills east of Redmond, this hidden gem combines mixed conifer forests with riparian areas along Evans Creek, creating a peaceful retreat perfect for hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

650 reviews

Paradise Valley Conservation Area Parking and Trail Head

A beloved local favorite featuring rolling meadows, towering Douglas firs, and the sparkling waters of Paradise Lake, with well-groomed trails that appeal to visitors of all ages seeking both scenic beauty and accessible outdoor recreation.

942 reviews

Hoh Rain Forest

One of North America's most magnificent temperate rainforests, the Hoh envelops visitors in lush emerald moss, towering Sitka spruces, and the soothing sounds of pristine rivers—a truly otherworldly experience in the heart of Olympic National Park.

3287 reviews

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

This unique wildlife park combines a drive-through safari with hiking trails where visitors can observe native Pacific Northwest animals like bison, elk, and wolves in spacious, naturalistic settings that prioritize animal welfare.

5693 reviews

The Nature Conservancy in Washington

A conservation organization dedicated to protecting Washington's most precious natural lands, offering educational resources and opportunities for visitors to support and learn about the state's diverse ecosystems.

22 reviews

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

Located along the Pacific Flyway, this coastal refuge is a critical stopover for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, offering visitors stunning estuary views and exceptional bird watching opportunities during spring and fall migrations.

405 reviews

Kukutali Preserve State Park Heritage Site

This island heritage site protects a rare coastal ecosystem with native prairies, oak woodlands, and shoreline habitats, providing visitors with an intimate glimpse of the Salish Sea's natural heritage and cultural significance.

293 reviews

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Spanning the pristine Willapa Hills region, this refuge protects vast salt marshes, tidal flats, and forested uplands that create a haven for migratory birds and provide visitors with authentic coastal wilderness experiences.

528 reviews

Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

An expansive high desert refuge featuring a network of lakes, wetlands, and shrubsteppe habitats that support abundant wildlife including sandhill cranes, antelope, and raptors, offering visitors excellent nature photography and observation opportunities.

371 reviews

Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge

Tucked away in the remote Northeast Washington forests, this quiet refuge protects pristine lakes and conifer woodlands teeming with wildlife, offering dedicated nature enthusiasts a chance to experience relatively undiscovered natural beauty.

95 reviews

Pasayten Wilderness

A rugged alpine wilderness straddling the Cascade crest with dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and alpine meadows that reward backcountry hikers with stunning vistas and an authentic experience of the high Cascades.

11 reviews

Norse Peak Wilderness

This dramatic alpine playground features jagged volcanic peaks, cascading waterfalls, and subalpine meadows that transform into wildflower displays each summer, challenging hikers with rewarding backcountry adventures.

4 reviews

Noisy-Diobsud Wilderness

A remote and rugged wilderness of steep forested ridges and pristine streams tucked into the North Cascades, ideal for experienced backpackers seeking solitude and untouched alpine and subalpine terrain.

2 reviews

The Brothers Wilderness

This wild and scenic Olympic mountain wilderness features dense old-growth forests, cascading streams, and remote ridgelines that offer serious hikers an authentic backcountry experience away from developed trails.

2 reviews

Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness

A pristine mountain wilderness characterized by steep terrain, alpine lakes, and dramatic ridge lines, offering experienced backcountry adventurers an intimate encounter with the North Cascades' raw natural beauty.

3 reviews

Wonder Mountain Wilderness

An undeveloped wilderness area in the Olympic Mountains awaiting exploration by adventurous hikers, promising a pristine backcountry experience with minimal infrastructure and maximum opportunities for solitude in the high country.