9 Best Hikes in Central Washington

If you ask me, these Central Washington hikes don’t get enough love. Yeah, yeah, I get it: The coolest parts of the state are around Seattle and on the Northwest coast, but is that really all there is to see in the state? Is there nothing else to see?

I’m guessing that you’re catching on that the answer is no! There’s more! And I’m hoping this list of cool hikes makes you rethink your next road trip around Washington.

1. Maple Pass Trail

Distance: 6.5 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet

We are starting off strong with one of our favorite hikes in Washington. The Maple Pass Trail is a real stunner that gives you a full workout and some of Instagram’s most brag-worthy pics. This nearly 7-mile loop will have your calves singing by the end, thanks to its 2,000-foot climb. But hey, the views? Totally worth it.

You’ll walk through wildflower meadows and past glacial lakes and get top-notch views of the North Cascades. Bring plenty of water and maybe a snack—you’ll need the energy!

There are several epic rocks to chill on and let your legs have a break. Fair warning – your knees will be aching on the descent; it’s rough going. Go clockwise for a more gradual descent but a steeper climb up, or counterclockwise if you want more dramatic views while heading up.

TIP: If your legs allow it, do the easy Rainy Lake trail that starts at the same trailhead!

2. Blue Lake Trail

Distance: 4.6 miles
Type of Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 915 feet

Just down the road from Maple Pass is the Blue Lake Trail which offers a magical alpine lake, surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery. It’s also a much milder hike if you’re still woozy from Maple Pass.

It’s a 4.4-mile trek with moderate difficulty—meaning you’ll work a bit for the views, but nothing too crazy. The crystal clear lake makes it a prime spot for chilling and maybe even a picnic. You can enjoy the views from above or take a bit of a scramble down the rocks along the lake.

3. Steamboat Rock

Distance: 4 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 995 feet

Steamboat Rock is easily seen from the road, but why not get up top for some great views? This loop hike offers a bit of everything: stunning views, a decent workout, and plenty of photo ops.

Oh, right, and like absolutely no shade, so bring lots of sunscreen, wear a hat, and bring extra water too! It’s moderately challenging but doable. You get most of the hard stuff over with in the beginning, too, so that’s a plus.

The highlight? The panoramic views you get from atop the massive basalt plateau. It’s like standing on the deck of a ship, if that ship was perched on a rock and surrounded by scenic beauty. It’s not the typical Washington you’re used to seeing from up here!

4. Lake Lenore Caves

Distance: 1.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 173 feet

Ready for another non-typical Washington hike? It’s a bit alien over here, but very cool! The Lake Lenore Caves is a chill hike—phew! I know these Central Washington hikes have been a bit challenging so far!

It’s perfect if you want to take it easy or have little adventurers tagging along. It’s a short 1-mile trek that won’t make you huff and puff too much. The coolest part? The caves, of course! Formed thousands of years ago by the Ice Age floods, they’re not just a treat for the eyes but also a slice of history.

You can scramble within the caves and get some great lake views from above. You’re unlikely to meet anyone else on this trail.

5. Icicle Ridge Trail

Distance: 5.5 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate

Icicle Ridge Trail is a moderately difficult out-and-back trail that runs from near Icicle Road to a beautiful ridge where you can take epic mountain views of the surrounding area. It is 5.5 miles in length and consists of several switchbacks.

It is all uphill, and then you can walk along the ridge for a bit and take in the views. This is one of the best things to do in Leavenworth because of its proximity to town. You need to drive down Icicle Road to reach the trailhead; then, you can start hiking up. The parking lot can get full, so plan accordingly.

You’ll have some great beer waiting for you back in town, so use that as some motivation to make it through the hike.

6. Lake Valhalla and Mount McCausland Trail

Distance: 7.9 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard

The Lake Valhalla and Mount McCausland Trail is one of our favorite hikes in the whole state. However, it’s rated as difficult and is about 7 miles, with a short side trip to see the lake.

There are many switchbacks at the start, and then it’s a short but steep uphill climb until you get to Mt. McCausland. It’s worth the climb—there are excellent views from the top and lots of beautiful flowers, berry bushes, and trees, depending on which time of year you are there!

During our visit, we picked tons of huckleberries. We recommend summiting Mt. McCausland first and then climbing back down to see the lake. It’s an extra mile to see the lake as a side trip, but it’s a dreamy place to take a break and eat lunch.

Many people skip the Mt. McCausland summit and head straight to the lake, but honestly, it’s so worth the extra time to head up if you can make it. I’m sure once you get back to your cabin in Leavenworth to rest, you’ll be glad you pushed yourself!

TIP: Use this as the trailhead. There’s another one near Steven’s Pass, but it’s a longer and less scenic route.

7. Saddle Rock Trail

Distance: 2.6 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 885 feet

Saddle Rock Trail is your go-to for a quick escape into nature without venturing too far from civilization. It’s a moderate hike just outside of the underrated town of Wenatchee in Central Washington.

So, what’s the reward after hiking up over a mile? Sweeping views of the Wenatchee Valley that’ll have you feeling like the king or queen of the world as well as legendary up-close views of volcanic rock protrusions along the hillsides!

8. Cowiche Canyon Trails

Cowiche Canyon is actually a labyrinth of cool trails where you can get totally lost wandering, making detours and side quests. It’s just outside of Yakima, and it’s a cool spot to explore a canyon in a desert landscape.

You’ll cross over bridges and bubbling streams, get epic views over the canyon wall, see snow-capped mountains in the distance, and even have a chance to stop at a winery along the trail (yes, really!).

TIP: Keep your eyes peeled for cute and not so cute wildlife… Lots of rattlesnakes in these parts. These are all the trails in the area although you don’t really need to follow a certain trail since they all intersect.

9. Palouse Falls

If you’re all about the ‘wow’ moments, Palouse Falls will not disappoint. And the best part? It’s more of a quick wandering than a hike, I’m not even including trail details because it’s so short!

Here, you’ll find a colossal waterfall thundering into a striking canyon—in the middle of nowhere! The falls are a sight to behold, and anyone can enjoy it; no strenuous hike is needed.

TIP: This spot is truly in the middle of nowhere, like… there’s nada out here! Download maps, bring water, and be careful of snakes.

This lineup of hikes in Central Washington showcases the beauty and adventure awaiting in this underrated part of the state. Have a great hike!