9 Best Sunset Hikes in Washington
There’s really just something about sitting up on the top of a mountain or in front of an ocean at sunset.
Watching as the magnificent pinks, purples, and blues flood the sky with bright colors is one of the most peaceful things in life.
And over in the Pacific Northwest, there are plenty of amazing spots to watch a beautiful sunset.
In this post, I’ll tell you 9 of the best sunset hikes in Washington, so you can experience one of these magical events for yourself.
Best Sunset Hikes in Washington State
Below you’ll find the best hikes in the state with mountain views and beautiful places to watch the sun go down.
1. Summit Lake
Distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
This increasingly popular trail in Mount Rainier National Park is hard to get to, but worth it once you’re there.
A moderately challenging hike through a lush, green forest leads you to an overlook of the magical, blue Summit Lake.
With a view of the towering Mount Rainier in the background, you truly can’t go wrong with this hike.
Beargrass and wildflowers fill the meadows in the summer and snow covers the ground in the winter.
Plan your hike in late summer to experience this trail snow-free with the most beautiful flowers in all directions.
You’ll see mountain after mountain in the distance, and if you can name each of them, you’re the ultimate Washington expert.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail, as they’re abundant.
The best part of this hike is watching the sun go down and waiting until the beautiful colors fill the sky.
Alpenglow sets in over Mount Rainier and creates a magical experience for all those who are lucky enough to see it.
2. Harry’s Ridge
Distance: 7.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Mount St. Helen’s National Volcanic Monument
Pass Required: National Park Pass
The area around Mount St. Helens is some of the most unique and interesting scenery in all of Washington.
With so much history from the 1980 eruption and all of the amazing views, it may quickly become one of your favorites.
Harry’s Ridge is a beautiful trail, starting at the Johnston Ridge Observatory, that weaves through the blast zone towards Spirit Lake.
This trail is named after Harry Randall Truman, a man who refused to leave his home near the mountain after evacuation warnings were given prior to the eruption.
As you wind through the once-destroyed area, you’ll see many signs of life including regrown trees, wildflowers, and wildlife.
After about 4 miles, you’ll reach Harry’s Ridge and will have an amazing view of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens.
Look down into the lake and see the huge number of logs floating around, all from the blast, over 40 years ago.
This is the best place to catch the sunset, as you’ll get to see the sun fall over the lake and behind the mountain.
Although pretty much anywhere on this trail and at the Johnston Ridge Observatory are amazing viewpoints.
If you visit in summer, you may even have the chance of seeing the beautiful purple and orange wildflowers that fill the meadows.
3. Lake Serene
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
This long but fascinating hike leads you through a lush, green forest and to an amazing alpine lake, backed by tall mountains.
As you walk along the trail to get to the lake, there will be no shortage of views, as you can see across the valley to the mountains on the other side.
Stop to see Bridal Veil falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Washington state.
Plus, you’ll get a few glimpses of Mount Index, the towering mountain that sits behind the lake.
And once you’ve reached the lake itself, you’ll have a full understanding of where it got its name; it’s simply a serene place.
If you’re planning on watching the sunset on this hike, I would recommend hanging out by the lake until 5-10 minutes before sunset.
Then head back out on the trail and watch as it sets over the rolling hills, mountains, and valleys to the west.
Be sure to have a light source for your way back to the parking lot because there are a lot of exposed tree roots and rocks on the trail.
4. Ruby Beach
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Olympic National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
Watching the sunset over the ocean is such a magical experience that I hope everyone gets to experience it at least once in their life.
Especially when it’s somewhere as beautiful as Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park.
Here you’ll find huge rock formations jutting out of the water that make this beach a favorite for visitors.
And with the forest sitting right behind the beach, it truly gives that full feel of what Washington is truly like.
Something that makes this place so great for everyone is that you don’t need to walk far to catch a beautiful sunset.
Since it’s a beach, you can simply walk from the car to the beach, or you can make your way further down the shore.
I recommend finding somewhere that has rock formations in front of you, so you can get some epic shots of the rocks, ocean, and the sun.
Then sit and relax as the sun drops below the ocean, seeming to disappear, only to reappear in the morning.
5. Skyline Trail
Distance: 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
The popular Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park isn’t just fantastic for daytime use, but also when the sun is going down.
Start on the paved path to Myrtle Falls, which in itself is a great place to stop and view the sunset.
This spot is only about 1-mile roundtrip from the parking lot, being perfect for beginner hikers and those with kiddos.
If you’re able, continue on the trail, which turns into dirt, to view the incredible Mount Rainier, Washington’s tallest mountain.
As the sun begins to go down, you’ll start to see that beautiful, orangey alpenglow setting in on the towering mountain.
This is one of the most gorgeous things to see in the Pacific Northwest, and you’ll be glad that you stayed for dark.
During the summer, you might see wildflowers scattered in the fields and meadows surrounding Rainier.
This really just adds to the effect and makes it that much better of a sunset hike in Washington.
6. Chain Lakes Loop
Distance: 7.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
The area around Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan is one of the most beautiful places that I’ve ever been.
From the views of these two massive mountains to all of the smaller peaks surrounding them, you will truly feel like you’re on top of the world.
You’ll start this hike at the Artist Point parking lot, which already provides the most incredible views.
In fact, for a shorter hike, head up to Huntoon Point, which is just 1-mile roundtrip from the parking lot.
You’ll be amazed at the views that you can get for such little effort up in this area of Washington!
But heading out for the Chain Lakes Loop is a great move as well, as you pass by 6 lakes in a matter of just 7 miles.
In the summer, there are chances for swimming in the lakes, and in the fall, golden larches fill the meadows.
You also might get to grab a quick snack of huckleberries along the way if you’re visiting during the picking season.
As the sun set beyond the two large mountains, Baker and Shuksan, you’ll see the beautiful pink glow that settles on them.
And the reflection in the lakes of the trees, mountains, and setting sun are so worth that long drive up the side of the mountains.
7. Kelly Butte Fire Lookout
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
One of the biggest bangs for your buck hikes on this list of best sunset hikes in Washington is the Kelly Butte Fire Lookout.
This incredible trail is especially great in summer, from late July to August when the wildflowers are blooming.
The fields fill with orange, purple, and yellow flowers along with white, fluffy beargrass that looks straight out of a fairytale.
Because this hike is just over 3 miles, it’s perfect for sunset, as you won’t have to walk too far down in the dark.
As you make your way up the steep ascent to the top, notice the huckleberry bushes along the route, as well as those wildflowers I mentioned.
I mean, you really couldn’t miss them!
Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll see a fire lookout with an absolutely incredible view of Mount Rainier.
Watch as shades of orange and pink bleed into the sky and the mountain soaks up that color.
The beargrass and flowers really make this hike stand out and seriously is one of the best on this list!
8. Mount Ellinor
Distance: 5.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Location: Olympic National Forest
Pass Required: Northwest Forest
Over on the Olympic Peninsula, you’ll find the 5,952-foot Mount Ellinor, the southernmost peak on the eastern Olympics.
This strenuous hike leads you up to a beautiful viewpoint over the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding areas.
Although your legs will definitely be burning after this one, you’ll be happy you overcame the difficulty of it.
With a difficult climb sure comes an epic viewpoint!
And at sunset, this view becomes even better, as you’re able to look 360 degrees around you.
Beautiful colors of pink, purple, and blue paint the sky and create a fairytale-like scene for you to enjoy.
It’s different from any of these other hikes because you feel like you’re almost in the sky, rather than just looking at it.
You may even have the chance to spot some mountain goats, who are actually not native to the Olympics and are being transported back to the Cascades.
This is one of the best sunset hikes near Seattle, at just 2.5 hours away.
9. Mount Fremont Lookout
Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Mount Rainier National Park
Pass Required: National Park Pass
You won’t ever find a list of the best hikes in Washington without seeing Mount Fremont Lookout on it.
Popular as both a sunrise and sunset hike in Washington, this spot in Mount Rainier National Park is one of the best for many reasons.
Firstly, the entire trail provides views of Rainier, as she soaks in all the colors of the sun, from yellow to pink to purple.
Secondly, you’ll have a great chance to spot some wildlife including mountain goats and marmots, as they roam the meadows.
And lastly, the fire lookout provides the perfect spot to take off your bag, rest, and take in all of the incredible views around you.
From the lookout, you’ll have views of the big mountain herself, Mount Rainier, as well as distant peaks.
It truly feels unreal being in this location, especially at sunset or sunrise when the sky fades from blue to shades of orange and pink.
And if you’re lucky, you may get to experience the amazing phenomenon of a cloud inversion.
This is when the clouds are low, and you’re standing above them, making it feel as if you’re soaring high above.
The mountain will typically peek out just above the sea of white, creating one of the most impressive sights I’ve ever seen.
Tips For Catching an Epic Sunset
If you’re looking to catch the best sunset possible, you can help your case by following some basic tips.
Here are a few things to look for so you can see the best sunset ever.
Know Sunset Time — You don’t want to miss the sunset, so always know when it’s supposed to go down.
Stay Late — Sometimes this can be hard to do on a hike, but some of the best colors come out after the sun has already set.
Low Humidity — Sunsets are best when the humidity is low, because it brings out the best colors. This means that fall and winter can be better seasons to watch.
Cloud Coverage — You want a night when cloud coverage is between 30 and 70% for the best colors.
Fog — Obviously, you don’t want there to be any fog, because this will block the sun and not allow you to actually see the sunset.
What to Pack for a Sunset Hike
It can definitely be intimidating to head out for a sunset hike, knowing that you’ll have to hike in the dark for part of it.
Being prepared and having all of the essentials will help calm your nerves.
So here are a few of the top essentials to pack for a sunset hike in Washington.
☀️ Headlamp: Of course to see the path on your way to the car.
☀️ Spare Batteries: Just in case the ones in your headlamp go dead.
☀️ Bear Spray: Animals are most active at dawn and dusk.
☀️ Flashlight: It’s good to have an extra light source. This one is waterproof and light.
☀️ Shelter: If you get stuck out there longer than intended, you’ll need a shelter.
☀️ Fire Starters: Same as shelter, you’ll need warmth if you’re not back as intended.
☀️ Knife: For food preparation, emergency needs, first aid, etc.
☀️ First Aid: Carry a small first aid kit just in case you get hurt and need it.
☀️Warm Clothes: After the sun sets, the temperatures get cooler.
☀️ GPS System: To help you stay on track, use an app like All Trails.
☀️ Snacks: Especially for longer hikes, you’ll want snacks to keep you energized.
☀️ Water: It’s always important to stay hydrated when hiking.
Note: Many of these are part of the 10 essentials that you should carry with you on any hike.
For more information on packing for a hike, read my post here!
When Should I Hike in Washington?
There are many trails that can be done year-round in Washington, but most of the trails on this list are best done in summer.
Snow tends to linger on higher elevation trails into late summer, so it’s best to wait until mid-July to hit these hikes.
Mid-July to October are typically the best times for hiking in Washington.
While these are the busiest times of year on the trails for tourists and locals alike, you’ll see the best conditions, plus warm weather.
Tips for Hiking In Washington
Wrap-Up: Best Sunset Hikes in Washington
With so many epic hikes around the state of Washington, it can be tough to choose which to do first.
If you’re looking for somewhere with open views and beautiful places to watch the sunset, this list has surely got you covered.
Head out on one of these best sunset hikes in Washington and you truly won’t be disappointed by the beauty that you will see.
