Get Some Space: Wide Trails for Hiking Together
If you go hiking with a large group and want to spread out, it can be tough to find the right trail because a lot of trails are narrow with limited space to step aside while others pass. This is especially true on switchbacks where the edge of the trail can literally be a drop off, or on trails where stepping off the tread means trampling fragile vegetation.
Finding Wide Trails
The following list compiles just a few of the many spacious trails in Washington. To find others, consider road-to-trail conversions, and rail trails. These two categories offer wide tread that makes it easy to pass safely. Head to our Hiking Guide and find the Keyword Search on the left side of the page. Search phrases like "road to trail," or "old road" or "rail trail." You can also filter by region to find wide trails close to home. Read through the trail description and recent trip reports to see if it fits your criteria.
Even the widest trails may have some narrow sections, so be sure to follow our tips for recreating responsibly.
Southwest Washington
Chehalis River Discovery Trail
Location: Centralia Area
Mileage: 3.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 310 feet
Chehalis River Discovery Trail sign. Photo by Beaverdawg.
This trail takes visitors through farmland to the shores of the Chehalis River. Landmarks abound, with rustic barns standing in contrast to the native riparian habitat that has been restored along the riverbanks. Big trees line the opposite shore and birds dive through the air above the water. The trail is wide and forms a T shape, offering lots of space to spread out.
> Plan your trip to the Chehalis River Discovery Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
castle Rock Riverfront Trail
Location: Lewis River Region
Mileage: 3.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Photo by Anna Roth.
The ADA-accessible trail along the Castlerock Riverfront is a lovely jaunt, clocking in at just over three miles roundtrip, along a section of the Cowlitz River. A mountain bike course, playground, and several picnic areas dot the trailside, and with various access points to the town of Castle Rock.
> Plan your trip to the Castle Rock Riverfront Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Northwest Washington
Cascade Trail
Location: Sedro Woolley
Mileage: 22.5 miles, one way
Elevation Gain: 60 feet
Cascade Trail. Photo by hikinglindsay.
Travel through Skagit farmland on this old railroad grade that connects the towns of Sedro Woolley and Concrete. This wide corridor parallels the north cascades highway, but hugs the Skagit River for much of its course. It's a popular path for cyclists as well as runners, walkers and hikers.
> Plan your trip to the Cascade Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Tommy Thompson Trail
Location: Anacortes
Mileage: 6.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: minimal
Water views from the Tommy Thompson Trail. Photo by parisrobin.
This ADA accessible trail offers a mix of urban and natural. The trail starts in the town of Anacortes, with quick access to shops and restaurants, then extends out to the shores of Fidalgo Bay and out into the bay on an abandoned railroad trestle. The water views are expansive and likely to include a great blue heron or two soaring across the horizon.
> Plan your trip to the Tommy Thompson Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Puget Sound and Islands
Taylor Mountain
Location: Issaquah/Hobart
Mileage: varies
Elevation Gain: varies
Bridge over Holder Creek. Photo by George & Sally.
The network of trails on Taylor Mountain is extensive. The old logging roads which crisscross this King County park are your best bet for getting some space. These roads curve and climb and take visitors through a lush forest. Narrow singletrack trails connect to these access roads, but you'll have no trouble filling a day by staying on the main thoroughfares.
> Plan your trip to Taylor Mountain using WTA's Hiking Guide
Chambers Bay Loop
Location: Tacoma Area
Mileage: 3.25 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 315 feet
Sculptures along the Chambers Bay Loop. Photo by brittanywanderlust.
This unique trail circumnavigates the Chambers Bay golf course. Wide paths wind around the 18 holes with almost constant views out over the Puget Sound. The trails are wide with plenty of space to step aside while others pass, and, if you do the whole loop, you'll get some great exercise.
> Plan your trip to Chambers Bay Loop using WTA's Hiking Guide
Central Washington
Swakane Canyon
Location: Wenatchee Area
Mileage: 6.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,470 feet
Big skies on the Swakane Canyon Trail. Photo by explorerdogs.
Since this hike is along an old road, there is plenty of space. And the scenery is magnificent in the spring when the wildflowers are out and the hills pop with color. And that's not all--Views of the Columbia River valley, interesting geology, and wildlife keep visitors energized.
> Plan your trip to Swakane Canyon using WTA's Hiking Guide
Candy Mountain Trail
Location: Richland Area
Mileage: 3.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 555 feet
Wide open views on the Candy Mountain Trail. Photo by Elicha.
The Candy Mountain trail exists as a testament to the over 240 volunteers who helped build it. And we're glad it's here because it offers a great option for a hike close to the Tri-cities. The trail is gentle and climbs steadily to the summit, passing some interesting geology on its way.
> Plan your trip to the Candy Mountain Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Eastern Washington
Colfax Trail
Location: Colfax Area
Mileage: 6.2 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 260 feet
Railroad tunnel in the distance. Photo by RichP.
Follow the course of an old railroad along the banks of the Palouse River. It's a calming scene with the cool water gently flowing through the golden grass. The way is mostly flat, so it's a good place to casually stroll and let your mind wander.
> Plan your trip to the Colfax Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide
Mount Kit Carson Loop Road
Location: Mount Spokane State Park
Mileage: 13.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Kit Carson Loop Road. Photo by California Girl.
Numerous trails wind through Mount Spokane State Park, but this one is especially good for physical distancing since it is on an old road. In the winter it's a popular snowshoeing destination, but in the spring, when the snow melts out, it's a great loop hike as well. Starting out in the forest, you will climb to grand vistas.
> Plan your trip to the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road using WTA's Hiking Guide
Olympic Peninsula
Dosewallips River Road
Location: Hood Canal
Mileage: 13.0 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Dosewallips River Road. Photo by Eric Nagle.
This mossy corridor is wide and wonderful. Hikers can luxuriate under the big leaf maples that act like arches over the trail while listening to the river splash along its course. The valley carries hikers gradually uphill with a few steep sections, and eventually arrives at the boundary to Olympic National Park.
> Plan your trip to the Dosewallips River Road using WTA's Hiking Guide
Olympic Discovery Trail
Location: Northern Coast
Mileage: 126.6 miles, one way
Elevation Gain: varies
Wetlands along the Olympic Discovery Trail. Photo by Must Hike Must Eat.
When completed, this trail will span the entire northern portion of the peninsula. For now each of the multiple segments offers a little something different. Most sections are wide enough to have two lanes for bikers, runners, and hikers; some are paved, others are dirt or gravel. With so many access points and so many miles of trail, there is plenty of room to spread out and get some miles in.
> Plan your trip to the Olympic Discovery Trail using WTA's Hiking Guide