6 great hikes on WA’s Highway 20 for this summer

Highway 20 is the state’s longest highway, spanning 436 miles from Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula all the way to the Idaho border. Also known as the North Cascades Highway, most folks think about Highway 20 as the main route to reach the North Cascades National Park Complex and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. On Highway 20, you’ll find countless hikes, viewpoints and car campgrounds. Grab a buddy, pack your gear and head out this summer — here are six hikes for all different levels.

Trail of the Cedars

Main Street and Ladder Creek Lane, Newhalem

Round-trip distance: 0.3 miles 

Elevation gain: none

Pass required: none

This wheelchair-friendly nature trail makes for a great leg stretcher after a long day of driving — or the perfect starter hike for kids. The trail is accessed via the Newhalem town center, where you can also find restrooms and a general store. Before even getting to the trail, cross over the Skagit River on a suspension bridge, which is fun for kids and adults alike. You’ll have a lot to take in in a short time — the loop trail will take you by a number of interpretive signs and also by the Gorge Powerhouse, all while passing by towering old growth.

Thunder Knob

Colonial Creek Campground, Highway 20

Round-trip distance: 3.6 miles 

Elevation gain: 635 feet 

Pass required: none

This trail starts on the north side of Colonial Creek Campground, making this an ideal hike if you are camping there. Start by crossing the creek on a series of bridges; be sure to watch your footing. You’ll then enter into a wet, mossy forest before a drier forest as you climb upward. Pause to take in the views before continuing on. At the end of the hike you’ll be rewarded with a bench to take in the panorama, which includes Colonial and Pyramid peaks, Jack Mountain and an alternative view of the iconic Diablo Lake.

Pyramid Lake

Highway 20 at Pyramid Creek, outside Diablo

Round-trip distance: 4.2 miles 

Elevation gain: 1,500 feet

Pass required: none

This hike is more about the journey than the destination. The forested trail is unremarkable to start, except for its steepness. After about a mile, the trail becomes lush and green and flattens for a bit. Try to pay attention to all the little details along the way, from moss and ferns to unassuming wildflowers. Continue the climb upward before a short drop takes you down to the lake. The lake itself is nice enough, but the star is really the views of nearby Pyramid Peak — and the quiet solitude.

Blue Lake

Highway 20 near the Washington Pass Overlook

Round-trip distance: 4.4 miles 

Elevation gain: 1,050 feet

Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass

Blue Lake is simply a stunning hike. This, combined with its relative shortness, make it extremely popular, so keep that in mind. At the edge of the North Cascades, you can see the landscape start to shift toward the drier, eastern side of the mountains. The hike begins on boardwalks through the forest before picking up some steam. You’ll climb steadily on a dusty and rocky trail, but the mountain views will propel you forward. Before long, you’ll find yourself at the lake, a crystalline turquoise body of water set against a backdrop of towering granite peaks. 

Easy Pass

5879 Highway 20, between Diablo and Mazama

Round-trip distance: 7 miles 

Elevation gain: 2,800 feet

Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass

Despite its name, the hike up to Easy Pass isn’t all that easy. In fact, it packs quite the punch, with about 800 feet of elevation gain per mile. You’ll begin your hike crossing over creeks and through the shady forest, but soon, you’ll be hiking through meadows and valleys. While this provides for beautiful views, it can get quite hot, so be sure to have sunscreen and extra water. After several series of switchbacks, a boulder field and more meadows, you’ll reach the pass. Every direction has something to look at; take it all in.

Cutthroat Pass

Rainy Pass Trailhead Road, between Diablo and Mazama

Round-trip distance: 10 miles 

Elevation gain: 2,000 feet

Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass

Washingtonians are lucky to be able to access the Pacific Crest Trail for a day hike. The comfortably graded trail up to Cutthroat Pass, combined with the views at the top, are enough to make a day hiker consider a longer stretch on the PCT. The first 3 miles are mainly in the trees, surrounded by the soothing sounds of water from various creeks. Breaking out of the tree cover is where the real magic begins, though. You will find yourself hiking on both sides of a valley, each side providing equally stunning views. The steepest part of the trail comes just before your destination, with some switchbacks and a steady grade. Crest over the hill and suddenly there are sweeping mountain views in every direction. Have a snack before heading back; the views on the way down are equally lovely.