If you like hiking and you like beer, Washington State is the place to be

Beer hiking is a way of life in Washington. With over 400 breweries in the state and countless hiking trails, opportunities to pair hikes and pints are endless. Seeking saltwater, lake, river, mountain, or desert canyon views? You’ll find it here, not far from the nearest brewery. And since 75 percent of the nation’s hops are grown in Washington’s Yakima Valley, you can expect fresh, hoppy brews statewide. Here are five favorite beer hikes in Washington State.

Each of these Washington hiking trails is within 10 miles of the nearest beer, so you won’t have to drive far for refreshment. Check trip reports from Washington Trails Association before heading out for current road and trail conditions.

1. Hike: Ebey’s Landing on Whidbey Island

5 miles roundtrip, 300 feet elevation gain

Photo: 2009fotofriends/Shutterstock

Drive or take the ferry to Washington’s largest island for a windswept bluffs-to-beach hike at Ebey’s Landing. This five-mile lollipop loop begins in prairie and passes by National Historical Reserve structures before making a beeline to the Salish Sea. Once you reach the bluffs, head in either direction to complete the circuit. Most folks turn right at the junction (about 0.75 miles from the upper trailhead) to climb higher on the bluffs before descending via switchbacks to the beach. Whichever way you choose, you’ll be rewarded with 200-foot high blufftop views to the Olympic Peninsula.

Use the upper parking lot at the end of Cemetery Road for free parking. Additional parking is available at the beach parking lot off Ebey’s Landing Road; there, you’ll need a Washington State Discover Pass to park.

Beer: Penn Cove Brewing

Photo: Penn Cove Brewing Company/Facebook

Located just 1.5 miles from the Ebey’s Landing trailhead, Penn Cove Brewing’s Coupeville taproom is within walking distance. Stop by for weekday happy hour and a solid lineup of beers — from the flagship Madrona Way IPA to seasonal stouts. Of course, this hike is best paired with Ebey’s Special Bitter if it’s on tap.

Penn Cove has three locations on Whidbey Island. If you’re heading north, check out their Oak Harbor taproom. South of Coupeville, Penn Cove’s newest location in Freeland offers a sprawling lawn and rooftop seating.

2. Hike: Cowiche Canyon Trails in Yakima

6 miles roundtrip, minimal elevation gain

Photo: Michelle Baumbach/Shutterstock

Over the Cascade Mountains in Central Washington, the Yakima Valley is a beer hiker’s paradise during shoulder season. Wildflowers color the desert trails in spring; fall brings foliage and fresh hop brews. The nonprofit Cowiche Canyon Conservancy manages over 30 miles of trails here. Check their site for maps and info, then head out on the six-mile round trip Cowiche Canyon Trail. This wide, flat trail follows Cowiche Creek as it winds beneath towering andesite and basalt canyon walls.

Optional side trails lead to the Uplands, or you can make your car do the climbing. The trailhead off Scenic Drive offers panoramic valley views from the get-go, with various Uplands trails leading to the canyon rim. The Uplands trails are generally well-signed, but it’s worthwhile to download the Cowiche Canyon – Uplands Map.

Beer: Cowiche Creek Brewing

Photo: Cowiche Creek Brewing Company/Facebook

With a dozen or so breweries in the Yakima Valley, it’s tough to choose just one. Cowiche Creek Brewing wins out for Cowiche Canyon hikers due to its trailhead proximity, gorgeous grounds, and stellar brews. Located on a 45-acre hilltop barley and hops farm, Cowiche Creek’s tiny taproom and park-like outdoor space are just a few miles from the Cowiche Canyon West Trailhead. Sample any and all of their rustic, hop-forward brews. Visit during Yakima’s annual Fresh Hop Festival in early October for the freshest hops available anywhere.

3. Hike: Lookout Mountain in Twisp

3 miles roundtrip, 1,100 feet elevation gain

Photo: Marina Poushkina/Shutterstock

For a relatively quick and uncrowded fire lookout hike in Washington, head to the Methow Valley. Perched at 5,500 feet in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Lookout Mountain Lookout was built in the 1930’s. It still towers over Twisp today with 360-degree mountain and valley views. The dirt road up can be rough, so check trip reports before heading out. After the drive, it’s a short, steep climb through forest and seasonal wildflower meadows to the top. Make sure to bring plenty of water, and consider hiking during late spring or early summer for the best conditions. This area can get extremely hot (and often smokey) during midsummer.

Beer: Old Schoolhouse Taproom

Photo: Old Schoolhouse Brewery Taproom/Facebook

Post-hike, backtrack six miles down the road to the town of Twisp. Old Schoolhouse Brewing, whose main brewpub is located nine miles up Highway 20 in Winthrop, operates a taproom at the TwispWorks cooperative space. This laid-back spot serves boozy Imperial IPAs, stouts, and all manner of award-winning brews. Try whatever seasonal you can get your hands on. Alternatively, head north to the main brewpub in Winthrop for a full food menu and even more beer options — all served in an adorable old schoolhouse building on the Chewuch River.

4. Hike: Beacon Rock in the Columbia River Gorge

2 miles roundtrip, 600 feet elevation gain

Photo: Simone Hogan/Shutterstock

Cut from the core of an ancient volcano, Beacon Rock rises from the banks of the Columbia like a formidable fortress. This rail-lined trail climbs 52 switchbacks to an 848-foot summit — all in one short, winding mile. You’ll take in sweeping river views as you zig-zag up the rock, peering out over Pierce and Ives islands and across the Columbia River to Oregon. There’s no other hike quite like it in the Gorge. Beacon Rock is located in a Washington State Park, so you’ll need a Discover Pass for parking. While you’re there, consider extending your hike with a longer trek to Hardy Ridge or Hardy and Rodney Falls.

Beer: Walking Man Brewing

Photo: Walking Man Brewing/Facebook

You’ll find stand-up beer just 9.5 miles upriver in the town of Stevenson. Inspired by European pub culture, Walking Man Brewing was established as a small-town community hub in 1999. Over 20 years later, this classic Columbia River Gorge brewpub is still standing strong. “Brewed in celebration of being erect for 2 million years,” their Homo Erectus Imperial IPA is all you’ll need to wind down after a hike. Walking Man’s location near the Pacific Crest Trail makes it a favorite stop for beer hikers throughout the region.

5. Hike: Chanterelle Trail in Bellingham

4.8 miles roundtrip, 1,000 feet elevation gain

Photo: Jaime Pharr/Shutterstock

This forested trail winds up Stewart Mountain’s slopes to an overlook 1,000 feet above Lake Whatcom. Opened in 2018, the moderately-paced Chanterelle Trail is already a local favorite in Lake Whatcom Park. At the overlook, enjoy expansive views across Lake Whatcom to Lookout Mountain, Bellingham Bay, and beyond. Fancy a dip in the lake? Back at the Chanterelle trailhead, follow a short connecter path down to the Hertz Trail on Lake Whatcom’s shore. This flat trail runs 3 miles (one-way) along the lakeshore and will eventually connect to the Chanterelle Trail for a lake-to-overlook loop.

Parking is free at Lake Whatcom Park. Navigate to “North Lake Whatcom Trail” for Chanterelle Trail access, or “Lake Whatcom Park” for the Hertz Trail.

Beer: Otherlands Beer

Photo: Otherlands Beer/Facebook

Drive 10 miles back to Bellingham for a beer experience like no other. Opened in 2020, Otherlands Beer has swiftly found its place in the Bellingham beer scene. Delicate, sessionable beers rotate often here, but there’s always a rustic lager, saison, and pale ale or IPA on tap. These farmhouse ales pair perfectly with Otherlands’ ever-changing food menu. Come for the beer and stay for a meal of pierogies, latkes, and other Eastern European-inspired foods in this cozy cafe.

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