Washington state offers an incredible bounty of natural beauty, making it a prime destination for outdoor adventures. While day hikes are fantastic, spending a night under the stars truly immerses you in the wilderness. This is where planning a 2 day backpacking trip in Washington comes into its own. It’s the perfect way to disconnect, witness breathtaking sunsets and sunrises from remote locations, and experience the tranquility that only comes with deep nature exploration. If you’re ready to carry your gear and venture deeper, Washington’s trails offer unforgettable experiences for every skill level.
Summer is the ideal season for a 2 day backpacking trip in Washington, typically from mid-June through mid-September, when mountain trails are most accessible and wildflowers are often in bloom. Based on numerous trips, we’ve curated a selection of some of the best overnight options that fit perfectly into a two-day itinerary. We’ll guide you through choices ranging from relatively easy strolls to challenging ascents, ensuring you find the ideal 2 day backpacking trip Washington has to offer based on your experience and fitness.
Easy 2 Day Backpacking Trip Washington Options
If you’re new to backpacking or looking for a relaxed weekend getaway, these options offer stunning scenery without excessive mileage or elevation gain. They are excellent choices for your first 2 day backpacking trip Washington state.
Sheep Lake
- Stats: 3.6 miles roundtrip, 400′ elevation gain
- Area: Mount Rainier area
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 48 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
Sheep Lake is a superb beginner-friendly option for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington near Mount Rainier. The trail is gentle, leading you to a beautiful lake nestled below scenic peaks. Setting up camp here allows ample time to relax and soak in the views. You can extend your trip slightly by day-hiking up to Sourdough Gap and Crystal Lake on the second day for even more stunning vistas before heading back to the trailhead. It’s a simple out-and-back that’s hard to beat for ease and payoff.
Skyline Divide*
- Stats: 9 miles roundtrip, 2,500′ elevation gain**
- Area: North Cascades, Mount Baker area
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 30 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
*As of July 2023, the road to this hike is washed out 9.6 miles before the trailhead. Check WTA.org for the most recent status.
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**Although WTA lists 9 miles roundtrip, you can drop off your pack and set up camp after only about 2 miles and continue on as a day hike from there with a lighter load. By doing this, we found this to be a very easy, beginner-friendly backpack.
For a truly spectacular 2 day backpacking trip Washington experience, especially during wildflower season, Skyline Divide is phenomenal. While the full trail is longer, you can hike in a couple of miles, find an established campsite, and drop your heavy gear. The remaining distance can be explored with just a day pack, making the majority of the trip much easier. Witnessing sunset and sunrise over the North Cascades and Mount Baker from this vantage point is an unforgettable part of this potential 2 day backpacking trip Washington adventure. Remember to camp only on designated sites to protect the fragile meadows.
Skyline DivideAdmiring the wildflowers and Mt. Shuksan in the background on a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Skyline Divide, a great place for wildflowers near seattleSunset views at Skyline Divide during a Washington backpacking trip.
Summit Lake
- Stats: 6.1 miles roundtrip, 1,300′ elevation gain
- Area: Mount Rainier
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 46 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
This is another excellent option for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington. Hike to the beautiful Summit Lake with majestic Mount Rainier as your backdrop. The elevation gain is manageable for most. For even more spectacular views, continue a short distance up to Summit Lake Ridge. Securing a campsite with panoramic views here makes the second day’s hike out incredibly scenic. Timing your trip for mid to late July can reward you with vibrant avalanche lilies near the ridge, adding extra beauty to your 2 day backpacking trip Washington adventure.
View from our ridge campsiteCamp view from the ridge on a 2 day backpacking trip Washington to Summit Lake.
Tubal Cain Mine to Buckhorn Lake
- Stats: 12 miles roundtrip, 2,000′ elevation gain
- Area: Olympic Peninsula
- Distance from Seattle: 3-3.5 hours
- Pass/Permit: Wilderness permit – self-issue at trailhead (no fee)
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
Embarking on this trail for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington on the Olympic Peninsula offers a unique experience. The initial miles wind through dense rhododendron forests (especially beautiful in early summer). The destination, Buckhorn Lake, is a striking turquoise gem. This trail provides a nice mix of forest and lake views. You can even take a short side trip to see remnants of an old plane crash, adding a touch of history to your 2 day backpacking trip Washington outing. It’s a great way to explore a different region of the state.
Buckhorn Lake on the left, and hiking out on the trail with the moody PNW weather on the rightBuckhorn Lake and the trail on a 2 day backpacking trip Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
Park Butte
- Stats: 7.5 miles roundtrip, 2,200′ elevation gain
- Area: North Cascades, Mount Baker area
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 13 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
Hiking to Park Butte is a classic choice for a scenic 2 day backpacking trip Washington offers in the North Cascades. The trail provides continuous, stunning views of Mount Baker, the Twin Sisters, and surrounding peaks as you ascend towards a historic fire lookout. Setting up camp near the lookout allows for incredible sunset and sunrise photos. If you’re lucky, the lookout itself might be empty, offering a unique first-come, first-serve camping spot. This trip delivers immense scenic payoff for a moderate effort over two days.
Park Butte Fire Lookout for sunsetThe historic Park Butte Fire Lookout at sunset during a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Mt. Baker views on our way up to the lookout after dropping our packs at our campsiteViews of Mount Baker while hiking towards the lookout on a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
More Challenging 2 Day Backpacking Trip Washington Hikes
For those with more experience and fitness, these trails offer greater challenges and equally rewarding views, pushing your limits on a demanding 2 day backpacking trip Washington state adventure.
Lake Ingalls
- Stats: 9 miles roundtrip, 2,500′ elevation gain
- Area: Snoqualmie Region, Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 19 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? No dogs allowed
Lake Ingalls provides a challenging but incredibly scenic 2 day backpacking trip Washington hikers can enjoy. The hike takes you to a stunning deep blue lake with Mount Stuart as a dramatic backdrop. Camping isn’t allowed directly at the lake, but Headlight Basin, about 0.8 miles before the lake, offers many sites with great views. While the gain is significant, breaking it into two days makes it achievable. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions in the basin and choose your campsite strategically. Encountering mountain goats is a common and delightful bonus on this trail.
My neighbor for the nightA mountain goat visitor at the campsite on a 2 day backpacking trip to Lake Ingalls.
The deep blue Lake Ingalls looking over at Mt. StuartThe view of Lake Ingalls with Mount Stuart during a Washington backpacking trip.
Camping on the rocks down in Headlight Basin, but the wind got the best of me at night!Campsite in Headlight Basin during a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Snowgrass Flats and Goat Lake Loop
- Stats: 12.3 miles roundtrip, 2,706′ elevation gain
- Area: South Cascades, Goat Rocks area
- Distance from Seattle: 3 hours
- Pass/Permit: Wilderness permit – self-issue at trailhead (no fee)
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
Loop hikes are fantastic for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington because they offer constantly changing scenery. This loop delivers expansive views of Mount Adams, vibrant wildflowers, and a beautiful lake. Camping near Goat Lake allows you to enjoy the stunning mountain basin. Waking up to a cloud inversion, as we did, is a magical experience. The trail can be windy near the lake, so sturdy tent stakes are a must. For the adventurous, an optional side trip to Old Snowy Mountain adds challenge and incredible views, making this a diverse 2 day backpacking trip Washington option.
Plentiful wildflowers along the trail as we neared Goat LakeWildflowers on the trail near Goat Lake during a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Snow Grass FlatsCloud inversion scene at Snowgrass Flats during an overnight backpacking trip in Washington.
Paddy-Go-Easy Pass
- Stats: 6 miles roundtrip, 2,560′ elevation gain
- Area: Snoqualmie Region, Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 25 min
- Pass/Permit: Wilderness permit – self-issue at trailhead (no fee)
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
While the mileage is shorter, the elevation gain makes Paddy-Go-Easy Pass a demanding but rewarding 2 day backpacking trip Washington hike. The payoff is often having the area mostly to yourself, including views of gorgeous Sprite Lake and distant Mount Daniel. There’s even a small, old mine shaft (use caution!) on the southwest ridge near where the photo below was taken, adding a unique historical footnote to your journey. This is a great option if you prefer solitude on your 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Overlooking Sprite Lake from the ridge near the old mineView overlooking Sprite Lake from the ridge near the old mine on a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Navaho Peak
- Stats: 13.7 miles roundtrip, 4,223′ elevation gain*
- Area: Snoqualmie Region, Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 58 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
This trail might seem intimidating for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington, but it can be tackled by strategically breaking it up. Pitching your tent in the meadow below Navaho Pass allows you to cover the most significant mileage and elevation gain on day two with lighter day packs. The final push to Navaho Peak is challenging, but the 360-degree views of the surrounding ranges are well worth the effort. It’s a strenuous but highly rewarding option for an experienced backpacker looking for a significant 2 day backpacking trip Washington challenge.
Sunset views of the Mt. Stuart rangeSunset views of the Mount Stuart range during a 2 day backpacking trip Washington to Navaho Peak.
Meadow campsite below Navaho PassCampsite in the meadow below Navaho Pass, ideal for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington strategy.
Rachel & Rampart Lakes
- Stats: 9 miles roundtrip, 2,539′ elevation gain*
- Area: Snoqualmie Pass
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 23 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
*First 2.5 miles are essentially flat, so this is a deceptively challenging hike with all of the elevation gain coming over just two miles.
This 2 day backpacking trip Washington hike to Rachel and Rampart Lakes is deceptively difficult due to the concentrated elevation gain. The trail is also known for being wet, rocky, and rooty, requiring careful footing. However, both Rachel and the upper Rampart Lakes are incredibly beautiful destinations. While Rachel Lake is lovely, pushing on to the Rampart Lakes basin offers more camping options and even better scenery across numerous small lakes. The climb between the two is steep but short, leading to a rewarding upper basin for your overnight stay.
Looking down on Rachel Lake on our way up to RampartView looking down on Rachel Lake while ascending towards Rampart Lakes on a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Enjoying all the water up at Rampart LakesEnjoying the water at Rampart Lakes during a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Marmot Pass via Upper Big Quilcene Trail
- Stats: 11.5 miles roundtrip, 3,489′ elevation gain
- Area: Olympic Peninsula
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hour, 30 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
Marmot Pass is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding destination for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington style. The ascent is significant, making it feel tougher than the stats might initially suggest. Many backpackers opt to set up camp at Camp Mystery below the pass and hike up to the pass for sunrise, which is highly recommended for truly spectacular views. The meadows and wildflowers around Marmot Pass are sensitive, so always camp on established sites. Rolling out of your tent to sunrise views from the pass is a memorable experience on this Olympic Peninsula hike.
Sunrise on the ridge just to the left of Marmot PassSunrise view from the ridge near Marmot Pass on a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Surprise Lake to Thunder Mountain Lakes
- Stats: 14.5 miles roundtrip, 4,287′ elevation gain
- Area: Stevens Pass
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour, 30 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
While this trip is often done over three days, it can be a challenging, long 2 day backpacking trip Washington for very fit and fast hikers by focusing on reaching Thunder Mountain Lakes for the overnight. Starting from the Surprise and Glacier Lakes trailhead, you’d hike past Surprise Lake and continue up the connector trail towards Trap Pass and Thunder Mountain Lakes. The trail between Surprise and Trap Pass involves many switchbacks. Campsites at Thunder Mountain Lakes are limited and often on rock. Despite the length and gain, the numerous beautiful lakes make the effort worthwhile.
Getting ready to make a splash in Thunder Mtn LakeEnjoying the water at Thunder Mountain Lake during an overnight Washington backpacking trip.
Lewis and Wing Lakes
- Stats: 12 miles roundtrip, 2,652′ elevation gain
- Area: North Cascades
- Distance from Seattle: 3 hours
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
Lewis and Wing Lakes is a spectacular destination for a 2 day backpacking trip Washington, especially if you time it for the golden larches in the fall. The trail shares the first couple of miles with the popular Heather-Maple Pass Loop, so start early or visit on a weekday. The turnoff to Lewis and Wing can be tricky to spot, and there’s a significant boulder field to navigate after that. The vibrant turquoise Lewis Lake is stunning. The climb between Lewis and Wing Lakes is tough but offers incredible views looking back down. For experienced scramblers, the push to Black Peak offers even more commanding views of the basins below.
Lewis and Wing Lakes in the fallSunrise over the North Cascades at Lewis and Wing Lakes during a fall Washington backpacking trip.
Lewis and Wing Lakes hammock spotCampsite view overlooking Wing Lake from above during a 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Tuck & Robin Lakes
- Stats: 11.96 miles roundtrip, 3,354′ elevation gain
- Area: Snoqualmie Region, Salmon La Sac/Teanaway
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hours, 30 min
- Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
- Dogs Allowed? Dogs allowed on leash
Often considered one of the more challenging trips, Tuck and Robin Lakes is a beautiful but demanding 2 day backpacking trip Washington offers. The first 3.5 miles are flat, but the subsequent 2.5 miles involve significant and steep elevation gain, particularly the final ascent to Robin Lakes. This concentration of gain can be difficult, especially with a full pack. Despite the physical challenge, the stunning alpine lakes basin at the top is incredibly rewarding. It’s a popular destination, and the beauty makes the struggle worthwhile for a memorable 2 day backpacking trip Washington. Proper training is highly recommended for this one!
Overlooking Robin Lakes from our campsiteCampsite view overlooking Robin Lakes on a challenging 2 day backpacking trip Washington.
Choosing a 2 day backpacking trip Washington provides a fantastic opportunity to truly connect with the state’s spectacular wilderness. Whether you opt for a gentle lake stroll or a strenuous mountain climb, spending a night surrounded by nature is an experience that stays with you. Remember to check conditions, secure necessary permits, pack appropriately, and practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve these beautiful places for others. Get out there and plan your perfect 2 day backpacking trip Washington!