5 Best Washington Hikes with Dogs in July

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As we say in Washington, summer doesn’t start until 4th of July. The rains have ceased and summer is upon us. So too are the bugs, so plan accordingly. Every day brings the possibility of new adventures to push ourselves physically and mentally. Start building up muscle and stamina (for you and your dog) now so that you can tackle more difficult hikes later in the summer.

  1. Glacier View: 4.4 miles round-trip, 950 feet elevation gain, South Cascades and Mount Rainier region, Northwest Forest Pass. Wildflowers, wildlife, mountain views, and old growth forests combine for a fun and rewarding (save for a sunny day) Mount Rainier hike outside the park where dogs are allowed. Stop by Copper Creek Inn Restaurant pre-hike or post-hike for a good meal and even better blackberry pie.
  2. Blue Lake: 4.4 miles round-trip, 1050 feet elevation gain, North Cascades region, Northwest Forest Pass. This high alpine (6254 feet) hike is like stepping into another world. Meadows of wildflowers give way to looming granite peaks and an icy mountain lake. Breathtakingly beautiful in summer as well as autumn. Grab a brisket sandwich or a pulled pork sandwich at Moose Creek BBQ in Arlington for some post-hike nourishment; or stop by Nutty’s Junkyard Grill in Arlington if you’re craving a milkshake and some fried goodness.
  3. Noble Knob: 5.0 miles round-trip, 500 feet elevation gain, South Cascades and Mount Rainier region, Northwest Forest Pass. Known for its wildflowers and mountain views, this former fire lookout offers great rewards for minimal elevation gain. Noble Knob is great hike along a ridgeline offering views of Mount Rainier (and beyond on clear days) while being dog-friendly as it is outside the national park boundary. Wally’s Drive-In in Buckley is very popular–the milkshakes and fries are good but I found the fish to be inedible–probably one of the grossest things I’ve ever tried to eat.
  4. Wallace Falls: 5.6 miles round-trip, 1300 feet elevation gain, Central Cascades and Snoqualmie region, Discover Pass. You absolutely must get to the trailhead early to enjoy the true tranquility of this popular hike. It’s a gorgeous hike along the river with diverse scenery and nine waterfalls. Timber Monster Brewing Co in Sultan is a fun place to stop for an elk burger and beer or for a delicious weekend brunch head to Purple Cafe and Wine Bar in Woodinville for a flight of mimosas, and food too.
  5. Summit Lake: 6.1 miles round-trip, 1300 feet elevation gain, South Cascades and Mount Rainier region, Northwest Forest Pass. Much of the forest is second- or third-growth, giving way to lush meadows and mountain views (save for a sunny day) surrounding an alpine lake with several campsites. Wally’s in Buckley is a good food stop with outdoor seating for the puppers.