My wife and I love to hike. We've gone to a lot of places around Washington State and Oregon, so I'd like to share with you perhaps the hardest and most challenging hike in the Evergreen State.

Washington's Toughest Hike? This Trail Isn't for Beginners

We've done the Columbia Gorge quite a bit, but one place that might be worth tackling is the Three Fingers via Goat Flats Trail in the Boulder River Wilderness.

It could be one of the most technically demanding hikes in Washington.

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This 38-Mile Washington Hike Ends With Ladders Bolted Into a Cliff

According to a new study from Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, Three Fingers is quite challenging for most experienced hikers in the Evergreen State.

rik mikals
rik mikals

READ MORE: 5 Hiking Trails Around The Tri-Cities That You'll Love

This 38.1-mile multi-day route requires ice axes year-round, with crampons and climbing equipment also recommended. The final half-mile to the summit fire lookout requires traversing a glacier section, a rocky scramble, and ascending ladders rebarred into exposed rock.

It's a tough hike, and you'll need to bring the right equipment, but getting this one done could be quite rewarding. You should have decent hiking experience before tackling that hike.

Back in 2023, it took experienced hikers to get three stranded hikers back from the off-trail. It's one of those trails that you need an ice pick year-round to navigate.

From the Official Parks and Recreation Website:

Note: Please be aware that drones are prohibited from being launched, landed or controlled in the Boulder River Wilderness, which includes the trail and the lookout. Read tips on Responsible Recreational Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on National Forest Systems Lands on the Forest Service website.

Toilet Information

  • No toilet at the trailhead

Happy Hiking.

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Gallery Credit: Rik Mikals

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