On any clear weekend in Washington, trailhead parking lots fill up before noon and many of the hikers aren’t adults. They’re teenagers. From quick afternoon walks in local forests to weekend trips near
Mount Rainier National Park, hiking has become one of the most popular ways for students to spend their free time. In a state known for its mountains and evergreen landscapes, teens seem to be embracing the outdoors more than ever.
A Break from Screens and Stress
With school pressure, social media, and constant notifications, many students say hiking gives them a mental reset. Being surrounded by trees, water, and fresh air can reduce stress and improve mood. Washington’s natural landscape, especially areas near the Cascade Range makes it easy to escape into nature without traveling far. Sophomore Corinne Sadlemyer shared “For me it doesn’t get better than hiking in Washington, it puts my mind at peace!”
An Affordable Way to Have Fun
Unlike going to the movies, shopping, or eating out, hiking is mostly free. Aside from gas or basic gear, it doesn’t cost much. In a time when many teens are saving money or working part time jobs, hiking offers a low cost way to socialize. Most teens have slowly transitioned from hanging out at malls to hiking in the mountains.
Washington’s Hiking Identity
Hiking is not just a trend in Washington it reflects the state’s outdoor culture. Washington stands out nationally for its access to public lands and natural spaces. Nearly 43 percent of Washington’s total land area is publicly owned, including national parks, forests, and protected wilderness (Washington Public Lands Inventory). This gives residents easier access to trails compared to many other states. Washington is also one of the few states in the country with three national parks: Mount Rainier, Olympic, and the Northcases (National Park Service). In many other states, hiking destinations can require long travel times or limited access. In Washington, however, forests and trailheads are often less than an hour away from cities and suburbs. That accessibility helps explain why hiking feels less like a trend and more like part of Washington’s identity.
Citations
Washington Public Lands Inventory. (n.d.). Washington State Legislature, July 2014, from lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2015-16/Htm/Bill Reports/House/1192 HBA CB 15.htm.
National Park Service (U.S. national park service). (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2026, from https://www.nps.gov/state/wa/index.htm
