🏕️ 10 Unforgettable Overnight Backpacking Trips in Washington

Epic routes, pro-tips, and local insights from a Washington-based hiking mama

If you’re eager to add some fantastic backpacking adventures to your list, you’re in the right place. After years of exploring Washington’s wild backcountry, I’ve rounded up 10 overnight trips that I think everyone should try at least once. Whether you’re craving alpine lakes, glacier views, or larch-filled valleys, this list covers it all.

New to overnight trips? Check out What I Pack for a One-Night Backpacking Trip in Washington (Summer Edition) before you go!

🧭 Before You Head Out

Preparation is everything. Here are a few essentials I always bring (yes, these are affiliate links – all of these items, I use and love them!):

• Navigation: AllTrails+ and Gaia GPS + paper map
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot
• Shelter: SOL Emergency Bivvy for day hikes, ultralight tent for overnights
• Water Treatment: Sawyer Squeeze or LifeStraw Gravity Filter
• Emergency Comms: Garmin inReach Mini 2

And don’t forget to tell someone your itinerary + expected return.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I genuinely use and love. Thanks for supporting my adventures!

🧰 The Ten Essentials (Refresher)

This isn’t just for epic treks—bring them for all hikes:

1. Extra water
2. Navigation (GPS & map)
3. Headlamp
4. Sun protection
5. First aid
6. Knife or multi-tool
7. Fire starter
8. Shelter
9. Extra food
10. Extra layers

Leave No Trace isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being thoughtful. Pack out your trash (yes, even the tiny stuff like food bits and toilet paper), stay on trail, and set up camp away from lakes and fragile plants. If you need to wash up, do it away from water sources, and keep things low impact so others can enjoy the same wild beauty. These places feel like magic, and it’s on all of us to help keep them that way.

Best Overnight Backpacking Trips in Washington

Rampart Lakes + Alta Mountain

Location: North Cascades National Park
Distance: 12 miles (varies if you add Black Peak)
Elevation Gain: 3,800 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass

Trail Guide: Rampart Lakes and Alta Mountain

Rampart Lakes is one of those places that makes you want to stay a while—hidden campsites, alpine views, sunrise reflections, and plenty of cold, clear water for swimming. It’s perfect for staying up for a few days.

The trail starts off mellow through the forest, then gets steeper and more rugged as you climb toward Rachel Lake. It’s a perfect spot to take a break and jump in—cold, refreshing, and exactly what you need before the final push.

From there, it’s a short climb to Rampart, where a chain of alpine lakes spreads out across a rocky basin. Wildflowers, granite slabs, and quiet corners to pitch your tent. It’s kind of hard to leave.

Bonus: You can make a an afternoon out of a hike to Alta Mountain. From Rampart Lakes, follow the unmarked but well-worn path that ascends steeply towards the summit. The climb is demanding, but the panoramic views from the top are INCREDIBLE. From the summit of Alta Mountain, you’ll enjoy 360-degree vistas of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Pro-Tip: If you have the time, add Lila Lakes to your itinerary making it more of a multi day backpacking trip. Lila Lake is just a pretty as the Rampart Lakes so you cant go wrong!

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Lewis + Wing Lake

Location: North Cascades National Park
Distance: 9 miles (varies if you add Black Peak)
Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass

Trail Guide: Wing Lake

Tucked high in the North Cascades, Wing Lake feels like a secret you earn. The hike starts mellow enough on the Maple Pass Loop, but things get real after a couple miles—boulder fields, a quiet pass by Lewis Lake, and then a golden tunnel of larches that feels like it was made for fall. But it’s the lake that makes you stop. Cold, clear, and ringed in gold, Wing Lake is the kind of place you want to stay for a while. Pitch your tent on a little rise above the shoreline, watch the larches light up at sunrise, and wake up to still water reflecting jagged peaks. It’s quiet, it’s wild, and it’s absolutely worth the climb.

Pro-Tip: Walk around to the far side of the lake for the best views. Campsites are scattered along the shoreline, but the farther back you go, the better the scenery. This is one epic spot for a backpacking trip!

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Gothic Basin + Foggy Lake

Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 9.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,139 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass

This one’s a grind—but Foggy Lake and the view of Del Campo and Gothic Peak make it all worth it. The trail kicks off at Barlow Pass and climbs fast through thick forest before spilling out into classic North Cascades drama: jagged peaks, open ridges, and rocky everything. There are so many rocks on this trail. Did I add rocks?

It’s tough going in spots, but when that blue lake finally comes into view beneath Del Campo Peak, you forget all about your legs. Foggy Lake is cold and wild and unbelievably beautiful, especially in the morning when the peaks reflect off the surface like glass. For the best camp spot, head to the far end of the lake—less traffic, more views, and the kind of stillness you hike this hard to find.

Bonus: Catch sunset from Gothic Peak if you have the energy!

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Ptarmigan Ridge + Goat Lake

Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 11.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,480 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass

Goat Lake sits tucked into a rugged bowl beneath Mount Baker, and getting there feels like walking through a postcard that keeps outdoing itself. The trail starts at Artist Point with sweeping views right out of the gate, then winds past Table Mountain and weaves through rocky terrain that feels more alpine with every step. Around mile 4, Goat Lake comes into view—deep blue, cold, and absolutely stunning. It’s the kind of spot that begs you to stay the night, with glacier-fed water perfect for a polar plunge and stars that seem to double when they hit the surface. If you’ve still have some energy, push a little farther to the edge of Coleman Glacier—where Mount Baker looms so close, it feels like you could reach out and run your hand along the ice.

Camp at Goat Lake for an unforgettable sunset behind Mt. Baker. For even better views, head to the saddle between Goat Lake and Mt. Shuksan, where you’ll get Baker on one side and Shuksan on the other.

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Goat Rocks Wilderness – Old Snowy Via Snowgrass Flats

Location: Goat Rocks Wilderness
Distance: 13.6 miles (+ Knife’s Edge detour)
Elevation Gain: 3,850 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass

Goat Rocks feels like stepping into a dream—wide open ridges, wildflowers everywhere, and views that stretch all the way from Rainier to Adams to St. Helens. The trail winds through high meadows before climbing toward Goat Lake, a clear little gem tucked beneath craggy cliffs. Camp here and you’ll wake to quiet water and soft morning light on the peaks—pure magic. From there, the real fun begins. The Knife’s Edge is everything it’s hyped up to be: narrow, wild, and wide open, with mountain views in every direction and wind that makes you feel alive. Old Snowy is right there if you’re craving a scramble, but honestly, just being up here is enough.

Pro-tip: Ridge below Old Snowy, offering sunrise and sunset views of Mounts Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens.

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Gem Lake via Snow Lake

Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,670 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass

Just beyond the crowds at Snow Lake, Gem Lake lives up to its name—a quiet, crystal-clear alpine pool tucked into the mountains. The trail starts from the same busy trailhead, but once you pass Snow Lake and start climbing toward the ridge, the crowds thin out and the views get even better. Gem Lake appears like a secret—clear, cold, and perfect for a dip if you’re brave enough. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a while, perched on a rock in the sun with your feet in the water. If you’ve got extra time (and energy), a quick hike up Wright Mountain gives you the full panorama—jagged peaks, endless ridges, and a bird’s-eye view of the lakes below.

Pro-tip: There are campsites by the lake, but the best ones are on the east side, with lake views and easier access. Plus, you’ll catch the most amazing sunrises and sunsets from there!

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High Divide Seven Lakes Basin

Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Distance: 19.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,387 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: National Park Pass / Overnight Permit

Trail Guide: High Divide Seven Lakes Basin

Seven Lakes Basin isn’t easy to get to—and I don’t just mean the hike. Permits go fast, and getting the right camps lined up can feel like a game of Tetris. But if you pull it off, it’s so worth it. Big alpine views, quiet lakes, and a real sense of being out there. Mt. Olympus shows up above Heart Lake like something out of a storybook, and you might spot a bear or two snacking on berries along the way (they’re usually not interested in people—just give them space).

We did it in 3 days and 2 nights, which felt like a sweet spot—enough time to take it in without rushing. Starting counterclockwise gave us early views and saved our knees on the way out. The trail begins in classic Olympic rainforest: mossy, green, and soaked in waterfall sounds. Sol Duc Falls is an early highlight and kind of sets the tone—lush, wild, and deeply Pacific Northwest.

Camping up in the basin is something else. Quiet mornings, cold lakes, and peaks that catch the light just right. It’s not the easiest trip to plan, but once you’re out there, it’s exactly where you want to be.

Pro-tip: There are several campsite locations along the loop to book but I found Lunch Lake and Heart Lake to take the cake! You have to book the specific campsite and stay at these designated sites.

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Thunder Mountain via Tunnel Creek Trail

Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 12.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,940 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass

Trail Guide: Thunder Mountain

Thunder Mountain feels like discovering a hidden oasis. Just as you’re wondering, “Where is this place?” you round a corner to find a stunning blue lake cradled by rugged peaks. Unlike most trails, parts of this route aren’t clearly defined—you might scramble over rocks or weave through small trees, but you’re still on track. Much of the hike follows the heavily traveled PCT, contrasting with these wilder sections.

Starting at the Tunnel Creek Trailhead, the trail climbs steadily through dense forest. Though relentless at first, it rewards persistence. You’ll reach Hope Lake before continuing north on the PCT, where steep, rocky terrain offers jaw-dropping views of surrounding peaks. After about 3.5 miles, take the junction to Thunder Lakes, nestled in an alpine basin surrounded by cliffs and meadows. It’s pure magic.

As part of the fragile Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this area deserves your care— please stay on the trail and avoid trampling plants to help preserve its beauty.

Pro-tip: You have many options here, on the lake, above the lake, its really hard to go wrong. I stayed down by the lake but if I could do it again I would sit up a little bit hight to enjoy the sunset just a little longer.

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Cascade Pass / Sahale Arm Glacier

Location: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Distance: 12.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,029 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass

Trail Guide: Cascade Pass

If you’re building a Washington backpacking list, Sahale Arm needs to be on it. It’s one of those hikes that just keeps getting better the farther you go—switchbacks, meadows, glaciers, and finally, a ridgeline that feels like you’ve stepped into another world.

The day starts with 23 switchbacks (yep, I counted), but they’re shaded and steady, and once you hit Cascade Pass, the views start showing off. From there, it’s all alpine—open meadows, jagged peaks, and if you’re lucky, a bear or two doing their thing way off in the distance. I once turned a corner and came face to face with one—about 14 feet away. Heart-pounding and totally unforgettable.

As you climb higher toward the glacier, the trail gets steeper, but so do the views. The real magic kicks in at Sahale Arm. If you can snag a permit, camping up there feels unreal—perched above it all, with stone-ringed tent spots, sweeping mountain views, and mountain goats that occasionally wander through like they’re checking in. Sunset hits different up there, and morning light? Forget it. You’ll never want to leave.

It takes effort to get there, but trust me—this one stays with you.

Pro tip: If you don’t win the lottery, try for a walk-up permit at the Marblemount Ranger Station. Same-day and next-day spots pop up, and it’s worth checking Recreation.gov too. I slept in the parking lot and was second in line at 7am—it worked. Waking up at Sahale Glacier under the stars was one of the most unforgettable nights I’ve ever had in the mountains.

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Robin + Tuck Lakes

Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness
Distance: 12.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,389 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass

Trail Guide: Tuck and Robin Lakes

If there is a destination that really make you work for it, this is it. Getting to Robin Lakes with a pack is no easy feat. It is at times a haul that makes you grab onto whatever you can find to hoist yourself up the next rock. But that is part of the fun and the reward. You gotta love Type II fun. Always.

The sunrises and sunsets up at Robin Lakes are unbeatable. And the views of Mt.Daniel just as epic. Remind yourself of this when the going gets tough. It helps.

The good thing with this one is that there is Tuck Lake down below Robin Lakes. And if you think the climb is too much, set up camp at Tuck, go for a swim, (the lake is amazing) then day hike up to Robin. Leave the pack and all the heavy stuff behind. Its an option lots of people take.

If you do make it up to Robin and are craving more, hike up Granite Mountain. Its a fun small scramble that has large views all over the cascades including Mt.Rainier. Its worth every step.

Pro-Tip: If you hike up to Granite Mountain, don’t take the same trail down. There is an AWESOME boot path the heads around the East side of the lake which has stunning views of Mt.Daniels. And in the fall it’s ALL RED! And a pretty easy and more mellow way down.

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In conclusion.

Washington has endless backpacking potential—this list just scratches the surface. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started with overnights, these trails will blow you away.

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