Must Try Beginner Trails In Washington For The Perfect Fall Getaway
Fall in Washington brings crisp air, colorful leaves, and some of the most beautiful hiking opportunities you’ll find anywhere. If you’re new to hiking or just want a relaxing outdoor experience without the challenge of steep climbs, Washington has plenty of beginner-friendly trails perfect for autumn adventures.
I’ve put together this list to help you discover trails that offer stunning fall scenery without requiring advanced skills or exhausting effort.
1. Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
When fall colors hit the Cascade foothills, Rattlesnake Ledge becomes one of the most rewarding short hikes around. You’ll climb about 1,160 feet over just under two miles, which sounds steep but the well-maintained switchbacks make it manageable for most beginners.
At the top, Rattlesnake Lake spreads out below you like a shimmering mirror reflecting golden larches and red maples. Bring your camera because this viewpoint is absolutely Instagram-worthy, especially on clear October mornings.
The trail gets crowded on weekends, so I recommend arriving early or choosing a weekday visit. Wear layers since the summit can be breezy even on warm days.
2. Franklin Falls Trail
Did you know that some of Washington’s best waterfalls are accessible year-round? Franklin Falls sits just off I-90 and offers a gentle two-mile round trip through old-growth forest that explodes with autumn color.
The trail follows an old wagon road, making it wide and easy to navigate even for families with young kids. You’ll hear the waterfall before you see it, and when you finally reach the 70-foot cascade, the mist feels refreshing after your walk.
Fall is actually ideal for this hike because summer crowds thin out and the surrounding vine maples turn brilliant shades of orange and red. Pack a snack and enjoy the view from the rocks near the falls.
3. Lake Twentytwo Trail
If you’re ready for something slightly more challenging, Lake Twentytwo rewards your effort with an alpine lake that looks like it belongs in a postcard. The 5.4-mile round trip gains about 1,350 feet, but the gradual incline makes it approachable for determined beginners.
Boardwalks protect the fragile wetlands along the route, and interpretive signs teach you about the area’s ecology. In fall, the deciduous trees create a canopy of gold and amber above you.
The lake itself sits in a rocky basin with small waterfalls feeding it from above. It’s a popular spot, so weekday visits offer more solitude and better parking opportunities at the trailhead.
4. Wallace Falls Trail
Are you looking for multiple waterfall viewpoints on a single hike? Wallace Falls delivers exactly that with three different viewing areas along a well-marked trail system. I suggest taking the Woody Trail route, which is slightly longer but much gentler than the Railroad Grade option.
The middle falls viewpoint sits about 2.7 miles in and offers the most dramatic perspective of the 265-foot cascade. Fall colors frame the rushing water beautifully, especially in late October.
You’ll gain around 1,300 feet of elevation, but the trail is never overly steep. Bring plenty of water and take breaks at the benches thoughtfully placed along the way for tired hikers.
5. Heather Lake Trail
Though this trail gains about 1,000 feet over two miles, the destination makes every step worthwhile. Heather Lake sits in a dramatic cirque beneath Mount Pilchuck, and the surrounding heather meadows turn russet and gold in September and October.
The trail crosses several wooden bridges over bubbling creeks, and the forest canopy provides shade for most of the journey. When you finally reach the lake, find a comfortable rock and soak in the mountain reflections.
This hike gets muddy after rain, so waterproof boots are essential in fall. The parking lot fills quickly on nice weekends, making early starts or weekday adventures your best bet for a peaceful experience.
6. Twin Falls Trail
How does a three-mile round trip to not one but two gorgeous waterfalls sound? Twin Falls delivers exactly that with minimal elevation gain and a well-maintained path suitable for almost anyone. The trail follows the South Fork Snoqualmie River through a forest that transforms into a painter’s palette of yellows and reds each fall.
You’ll cross a suspension bridge that offers thrilling views of the lower falls before continuing to the upper falls viewpoint. Both cascades are impressive, especially after autumn rains increase the water flow.
The trail can get slippery near the waterfalls, so watch your footing on the rocks. This is a great option for a quick afternoon adventure when you don’t have time for a full-day hike.
7. Oyster Dome via Samish Overlook
It’s hard to beat the views from Oyster Dome, where the San Juan Islands stretch out before you like emerald jewels scattered across blue water. The 6.4-mile round trip involves about 1,900 feet of elevation gain, making it the most challenging option on this list but still manageable for fit beginners.
Taking the Samish Overlook route provides a gentler grade than the steeper Chuckanut alternative. Fall hiking here means cooler temperatures and clearer skies for those spectacular coastal panoramas.
Pack extra layers because the exposed summit can be windy. The rocky outcrop at the top provides plenty of space for lunch with a view that’ll make you forget about tired legs.
8. Little Si Trail
Are you training for bigger adventures or just want a solid workout without committing to an all-day trek? Little Si offers a condensed hiking experience with a 1,300-foot elevation gain packed into just 2.4 miles one way. The trail climbs steadily through Douglas fir forest that’s carpeted with golden leaves in October.
Multiple viewpoints along the way let you catch your breath while admiring the Snoqualmie Valley below. The summit boulder field requires a bit of scrambling if you want to reach the very top.
This trail is popular with locals getting their exercise fix, so expect company on the path. The workout is real but totally achievable if you pace yourself and take breaks when needed.
9. Iron Goat Trail
When you want history mixed with your hiking, Iron Goat Trail delivers fascinating glimpses into Washington’s railroad past. This nearly flat trail follows the old Great Northern Railway grade, making it perfect for beginners who want distance without elevation gain. You can hike as much or as little as you like, with multiple access points along the route.
Interpretive signs explain the railway’s history and the tragic 1910 Wellington avalanche. In fall, the gentle grade becomes a corridor of golden foliage framing old railroad artifacts.
The trail is accessible and well-maintained, making it suitable for families and those wanting a leisurely autumn walk rather than a strenuous climb. Bring a jacket since temperatures drop quickly in the mountains during fall afternoons.
10. Fragrance Lake Trail
Hidden within Larrabee State Park, Fragrance Lake offers a peaceful escape just minutes from Bellingham. The five-mile round trip climbs about 900 feet through coastal forest that transitions beautifully from green to gold as autumn progresses. You’ll notice the change in vegetation as you gain elevation, moving from lowland species to mountain varieties.
The lake itself is small but charming, with lily pads floating on its surface and dragonflies darting about even into early fall. A wooden dock provides the perfect lunch spot.
This trail sees less traffic than many others on this list, giving you a better chance at solitude. The park requires a Discover Pass, so grab one before you arrive to avoid any hassle.
11. Ebey’s Landing Trail
If mountains aren’t your thing, Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island provides spectacular coastal hiking with minimal elevation change. The 5.6-mile loop traverses windswept bluffs above Puget Sound, offering panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains across the water. Fall brings migrating birds and dramatic weather that makes the seascape even more compelling.
The prairie sections of the trail showcase native grasses turning golden brown, while the beach portion lets you search for driftwood and shells. It’s a completely different hiking experience from mountain trails.
Wind can be fierce on the exposed bluffs, so bring a windbreaker even on sunny days. The parking area near Sunnyside Cemetery serves as the main trailhead for this historic national reserve.
12. Ira Spring Trail to Mason Lake
Are you ready to earn your views? Mason Lake requires more effort than some options here, with 2,400 feet of elevation gain over 3.2 miles, but the alpine scenery justifies every switchback. The trail climbs through forest that transitions to subalpine meadows where huckleberry bushes turn brilliant red in September.
Mason Lake sits in a rocky bowl with Mount Defiance rising dramatically behind it. The clear water reflects surrounding peaks on calm days, creating photo opportunities that’ll fill your social media feed.
This trail gets snow earlier than lower-elevation options, so check conditions before heading out in late fall. Bring layers and plenty of snacks to fuel your climb and recovery at the lake.
13. Padilla Bay Shore Trail
When you want absolutely zero elevation gain and maximum bird-watching opportunities, Padilla Bay Shore Trail fits the bill perfectly. This 2.25-mile shoreline path follows the edge of a protected bay where thousands of migratory birds stop during fall. Bring binoculars because you’ll spot herons, eagles, and countless shorebird species.
The flat, well-maintained trail works wonderfully for families with strollers or anyone wanting gentle exercise with big views. Fall colors appear in the marsh grasses and shrubs lining the path.
The interpretive center near the trailhead offers educational displays about the bay’s ecosystem. Time your visit with the tides for the best wildlife viewing, and dress in layers since coastal breezes can be chilly in autumn.
14. Lake Serene Trail
Though Lake Serene sits at the upper end of beginner difficulty with 2,000 feet of elevation gain over four miles, the payoff is absolutely worth it. You’ll pass Bridal Veil Falls about halfway up, where the 1,200-foot cascade provides a perfect excuse for a breather. The trail continues climbing through forest that glows with fall color before opening to the lake.
Lake Serene lives up to its name, nestled beneath towering cliffs that create an amphitheater of stone. The water is incredibly clear and cold, fed by snowmelt and underground springs.
This popular trail requires a parking pass and fills up quickly on weekends. Start early to secure a spot and enjoy the lake before afternoon crowds arrive seeking their own autumn adventure.
