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BACKPACKING SEATTLE WA
What is Backpacking?
Backpacking in the PNW with Gearhouse – Your Ticket to the Wild! Nothing beats the magic of waking up in the forest, sipping coffee by a mountain creek, and realizing your only “to-do” for the day is to keep exploring. Backpacking near Seattle or deep into Washington’s wild places is the perfect mix of adventure, challenge, and pure outdoor bliss—especially when you find yourself camped beside an alpine lake. With Gearhouse, you'll discover the best hiking guide options for trails with details like roundtrip elevation, total miles, and suggested roundtrip routes. Backpacking here means bragging rights for carrying everything you need while enjoying the unbeatable beauty of Washington trails—and maybe even learning how to pack light (no promises, though).
Best Overnight Backpacking Trips in Washington
Washington state is an incredibly beautiful place, and we’re fortunate to have access to thousands of miles of trails that take us to some unbelievable locations. While we love going out hiking for the day, there’s something truly special about getting to spend the night out there and really soaking in your surroundings. Enter: backpacking! If you’re willing to strap some extra weight to your back, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful wilderness experience, and often some of the most unforgettable sunsets and sunrises of your life!
When prime summer weather hits in Washington (typically mid-June through mid-September), you will find us in the mountains backpacking every chance we get. Based on those experiences, we’ve rounded up our top picks for some of the best overnight summer backpacking trips in Washington to help inspire your next outing. While every trail and individual is different, we’ve done our best to rank these Washington backpacks from easiest to most difficult, based on our experience and perspective.
What Gear You'll Need to Get Started for Lake Trail Adventures and Washington Trails
A well-fitting pack is required for a successful overnight trip, especially when backpacking trails that span many miles roundtrip. Having the right gear can make the difference between a fun adventure and a painful experience.
Pads and sleeping bags provide insulation and comfort, essential for resting after a long trek.
PNW Backpacking Packing List for Lake Adventures and Washington Trails
1. 10 essentials - food, water, sun protection, clothing, navigation, headlamp, fire starter, repair kit, first aid, emergancy blanket.
2. 50+ liter pack depending on the length of your journey
3. Sleeping system - Pad, sleeping bag, Shelter (tent, tarp, or hammock)
4. Cook kit
5. Hygiene, keep it simple, toothbrush, hand-sani, toilet paper, maybe a couple of wet wipes.
Optional:
-Charging kit for electronics
-Binoculars
-Fishing kit
-Watercolors
Skill Check
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Walking… but with extra weight – If you can hike, you can backpack. Just be ready to feel like a turtle carrying its home—especially when you’re tackling trails in the North Cascades or backpacking Washington routes with serious elevation gain. Whether it’s a short loop or a trail with major roundtrip elevation gain, the extra challenge leads to extra special views and is part of what makes overnight adventures so rewarding.
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Packing smart – Bring the essentials, leave the kitchen sink. When you're climbing up rugged trails, every ounce in your pack matters. Your future self will thank you for keeping it light and efficient. .
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Camp craft 101 – Pitching a tent, filtering water, and knowing which logs are safe to sit on (spoiler: not the wet ones) are must-have skills for any solid adventure. Whether you're tackling backpacking destinations with dozens of miles round trip or planning a trip you found through WTA hiking+, mastering the basics will keep you comfortable—and a lot happier—in the wild.
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Trail food mastery – There’s an art to packing meals that are lightweight, delicious, and won’t turn into a crushed mess.
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Being okay with dirt – You will get sweaty, dusty, and maybe even a little smelly. It’s part of the experience.
A sense of humor – Because when it rains again and you realize you left your spoon at home, laughter is the best survival tool.
Where to Go
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Enchanted Valley – A perfect intro trip through the lush, mossy wonderland of Olympic National Park.
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Twin Lakes via the Pacific Crest Trail – An alpine classic with stunning lake views, plus plenty of blueberries in late summer.
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Spider Meadows & Phelps Basin – Wildflower heaven with epic mountain views, ideal for a first big adventure.
