Washington is an outdoor playground—national parks, wild beaches, endless trails, ski resorts, rivers, and forests stacked into one state. You could spend a lifetime here and still not scratch the surface. Whether it’s your final road trip stop or just a waypoint on the way to B.C., Alaska, or down the Pacific Coast, Washington delivers year-round adventure. Bike, hike, climb, surf, or ski—whatever your thing is, you’ll find it here. We know The Evergreen State better than most, so here’s our guide to the heavy hitters and can’t-miss spots, no matter which direction you’re rolling in from. And if you need a soundtrack for the drive, OR Athlete Micah Evangelista’s got you covered with his PNW-inspired OR Road Trip Spotify playlist. Mountain Biking Washington's riding is world-class—diverse terrain, endless trail networks, and a friendly, welcoming scene. Our Freewheel MTB Collection has everything you need to take on Washington’s finest trails. Galbraith Mountain [North/Bellingham]: If you don't know about Galby yet, you’re in for a treat. The trail count is ridiculous, and the build quality is top-notch. Midweek rides mean fewer people; weekends can get busy. Post-ride beers at Kulshan Brewing or a coffee at Cafe Blue are basically mandatory. Raging River / Tiger Mountain [Central/Seattle]: Seattle's after-work training ground. Raging's Poppin' Tops → Flow State lap is pure fun; Tiger's Predator is one of the most legit steep tech descents in the area. Late spring and early fall are prime time. Carpool if you can. Duthie Hill Bike Park [Central/Seattle]: Where riders of all ages cut their teeth. You can literally progress from your first berm to tabletops in the same evening. Start on Bootcamp, then move to Ryan's Eternal Flow, and eventually, if you're feeling spicy, TQ or Voodoo Child. Summer evenings here are gold. Leavenworth [North]: Small trail network, massive scenery. Freund Canyon delivers views for days; Rosy Boa is a twisty flow gem. Bring more water than you think you'll need—it bakes out here—and end the ride with a brat and beer at München Haus. Port Angeles / Dry Hill [West/Kitsap Peninsula]: Tech downhill with a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You might want a full face and pads here. Shuttles run during certain events, but most days you'll pedal. The ferry ride over is half the fun—just don't miss the last boat home. East Side [East/Spokane]: Drier, sunnier, and a great shoulder-season escape. Sun Mountain is mellow XC; Buck Mountain feels remote. Beacon Hill in Spokane is a local favorite for rocky, rowdy lines—and it rides earlier in spring than anywhere west of the Cascades. Pro Tip: Most of these trails ride year-round, but west side roots are slick in winter. Trailforks is your best friend. Volcano Skiing / Climbing Washington is home to five stratovolcanoes, offering endless routes and year-round snow. But these aren't casual hikes—although the snow melts out on many routes during the summer, glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and solid navigation skills are usually mandatory. Our Snow, Sun, and Alpine Collection has the layers you need to dial in your kit before you head out. Mt. Baker [North]: Big snowpack, technical routes. The Coleman–Deming route is the classic, but there's routes on every aspect. Late spring brings corn harvest. One of the best places to fine-tune your glacier travel skills. Glacier Peak [North]: The most remote of the five—18 miles to the top from the nearest trailhead. Most make it a 2-3 day mission. This one offers solitude and summit views you won't forget. Mt. Rainier [Central]: The heavyweight. Even if you never summit, spending time in Rainier's alpine is worth it. The DC and Emmons routes are the most climbed, and Fuhrer Finger is THE ski descent when conditions allow. Mt. St. Helens [South]: Best in late winter/early spring for smooth corn turns. Crater rim views are unreal—just mind those overhanging cornices. Permits are required and can be hard to snag on a Saturday. Mt. Adams [South]: Home of the SW Chutes—3,500 feet of sustained 30° corn skiing. The standard route up the southern flank is a long but straightforward climb. Start early to beat the heat and time the corn cycle. Pro Tip: Avalanche skills are just as important as glacier travel know-how here. Always check the NWAC site or app, and be ready to back off if the weather turns. Surfing Washington surf is more about the adventure than perfect barrels. Think 5/4 with hood, gloves, and booties—even in August. Our Sun Protection Collection is stocked with the gear you’ll want before and after you change into your wetsuit. Olympic Peninsula [North]: Hobuck is beginner-friendly and mellow; La Push has more punch and a tighter lineup. Swell windows are short, so watch the forecast closely. Westport [Central]: The state's most consistent break thanks to the jetty. Summer crowds are real, winter brings the best swell. Capt’n Jack’s is your coffee warm-up spot. Long Beach [South]: Miles of forgiving whitewater for beginners, but rips are no joke here. Best in small summer swells with light wind. Pro Tip: Local surf shops in Westport rent complete setups if you left your gear at home. Rock Climbing From roadside crags to big alpine routes, Washington climbing offers something for every style of climber. Check out our Alpine, Sun, and Hike Collection for harness-friendly and insulating alpine layers built for the climbing life. Sport Climbing / Bouldering: Vantage [Central, East] offers sun when the west side's socked in; Leavenworth's Icicle Creek [North] has both sport and legendary granite boulders. Exit 38 [Central/Seattle] is Seattle's quick-hit crag. Flyboys (5.9)—the tallest bolted route in the U.S—in Mazama [North] is an all-day adventure. Trad / Alpine: Index [North] is the crown jewel for hard granite trad. Washington Pass [North] gives you Liberty Bell and Early Winters Spires in a jaw-dropping setting. Forbidden Peak [North] is not to be missed. The Enchantments' Prusik Peak [North] is alpine perfection—just be ready for a long approach. Pro Tip: Spring in Leavenworth is prime for dry rock before the summer heat; late summer is best for Washington Pass when snow's melted out. Backpacking Tens of thousands of miles of trail mean you can wander here for a lifetime. Many popular zones require permits, so plan early or get creative. Our Hike, Sun, and Run Collection has the perfect layer for these classics. The Wonderland Trail [Central]: 93 miles around Rainier—this is a bucket list trip. If you can't snag a full loop permit through the lottery but have a flexible schedule, show up at the ranger station because they can usually sort you out with a custom itinerary. The PCT [North, Central, South]: Washington's stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail is varied and stunning. Goat Rocks Wilderness is a must-see section—especially the Knife's Edge. Hoh River Trail [North, West]: Flat and mossy for the first dozen miles, then turns alpine as you near Blue Glacier. Fall colors here are underrated. Sahale Glacier Camp [North]: One of the best one-night trips in the state. If the permits are gone, Cascade Pass still makes a killer day hike. The Enchantments [North]: Lottery permit odds are brutal—so many locals do it as a long day hike (almost 20 miles). The alpine lakes and mountain goats make every step worth it. Fire Lookouts [North/Central]: Hidden Lake, Park Butte, and Pilchuck are the classics. You can overnight in some if you're lucky enough to beat the crowds. Pro Tip: Check WTA trip reports and the local forecast before heading out. Ski Resorts Underrated, storm-hammered, and way less flashy than the Rockies—which is exactly why we like them. Our Snow Collection is built for the variable weather and terrain of the PNW. Mt. Baker Ski Area [North]: Powder legend for a reason—most locals ride with a beacon/shovel/probe. If you're here in early February, check out the Legendary Baker Banked Slalom—it's the heart of the mountain's culture. Mission Ridge [North, East]: Sunny skies, dry snow, and wide-open terrain. Midweek powder days here are criminally empty. Stevens Pass [North]: Balanced mix of terrain with easy sidecountry access. Parking can be a pain on weekends—make a reservation and try to carpool. Summit at Snoqualmie / Alpental [Central/Seattle]: Close to Seattle, rowdy when it's deep. Alpental's back bowls are legendary. Summit West/East are where half the city learned to ski. Crystal Mountain [Central]: Best lift network in the state. The Northway area skis like mini backcountry laps. On clear days, the Rainier view from the top is ridiculous. White Pass [Central]: Family-friendly with surprising steeps if you know where to look. Midweek here feels like your own private mountain. Mt. Spokane [East]: Affordable, fun, and home to legit night skiing. Locals love it for good reason. Pro Tip: Weekends can be hectic. Early bird scores a parking spot, and reservations are required at a few of the busier resorts. Ready to Explore Our Home State? Washington’s mountains, volcanoes, and forests are full of paths waiting to be explored. With the right gear and a readiness for whatever the weather brings, you’ll find an adventure that’s all your own—whether exploring the sunny east side or wandering a misty coastal rainforest. Load up your car, grab your kit, and hit the road—your ultimate Washington trip is waiting. And when you get to Seattle, be sure to swing by our flagship store just south of the sports stadiums in SODO.
