As spring weather rolls in and the trails start to clear up, it’s time to compile your list of must-trek trails near Renton, Washington. Here are five backpacking destinations – ranging from moderate to strenuous – you should definitely tackle this season.
Pro tip: Before heading to any destination, always check for adverse weather or trail conditions, dress for the temperature and bring layers, and prepare for your trip by purchasing any required permits or passes.
Seven Lakes Basin
You can power through this 18ish-mile loop in roughly three days. Set in stunning Olympic National Park, this is a classic PNW backpacking trip perfect for those getting back into the swing of the season. Here, you’re sure to catch some incredible views of stunning alpine lakes and rocky ridges along the entire journey. And if you really want to level it up, detour off to the Bogachiel Peak along the High Divide that sits at almost 5,500 feet high.
Skokomish Lower South Fork Trail
Make your way to Olympic National Forest and you’ll find plenty of prime backpacking territory. Topping out at only 900 feet in elevation, snow conditions are light in the early spring season on the Skokomish Lower South Fork Trail. Your 10-plus-mile trek starts off with some easy switchbacks and a few hundred feet of elevation gain before leveling out with some epic river, mountain, and territory views. Don't forget your Northwest Forest Pass for this trip!
Iron Horse State Park
At Cedar Falls in the Cascade Mountains, just over 30 miles east of Renton, is Iron Horse State Park. With more than 100 miles of trails and 1,600 acres of territory, this is the perfect backpacking destination for a local trip. No matter which direction you go in the Iron Horse State Park, you’ll be treated to amazing alpine views.
Cascade Pass
With almost 700,000 acres of forest and conservation land, there’s so much to explore in North Cascades National Park along the Cascade Pass. Just a few hours northeast of Renton, North Cascades is rich with jagged peaks, panoramic views, and 300-plus glaciers. Park at the Cascade Pass Trailhead and begin your journey – right away, you’ll be hitting 30-plus switchbacks 3 miles in. Follow the trail south and east to the Upper Stehekin River Valley and head toward Horseshoe Basin for an epic hike. Before making your trip, check road, weather, and trail conditions.
Tolmie Peak & Mount Rainier National Park
A roughly two-hour drive south of Renton, the Tolmie Peak Trail and Mount Rainier National Park is the place to be for your next late spring backpacking adventure. Start at the Tolmie Peak Trailhead and head south past Mowich Lake and around the south side of Mother Mountain. Check out the insanely cool Carbon River Suspension Bridge on this trip. From there, you can spend as much time backpacking around Mount Rainier National Park as you’d like. For an all-out adventure, hike all the way around the base of Mount Rainier – plan for 10 to 14 days – or head out and back at any point along your trip for a shorter journey.
Be sure to check for weather conditions before making this trip and purchase a required permit ahead of time. For this strenuous trip, you’ll want to bring all your winter gear, hiking poles, and possibly even some snowshoes or traction shoes depending on weather conditions. Snow has been known to stick around here until as late as July!
Your Stuff Matters. So Does Your Journey.
When you’re not trekking trails, taking in epic views, and exploring the wilderness, you’ll need a home for all your backpacking gear. Check out our Renton, Washington, StorQuest Self Storage location today to start storing your stuff.