Pack

🎒 A day hiking backpack

Clothing

🥾 Comfortable hiking shoes

👖 Comfortable pants or shorts

👕 Comfortable shirt

Food/Water

💦 Water bladder or bottle full of water

🔫 Water filter if you cannot carry sufficient water for the hike (on most day hikes, this won't be necessary)

🥨 Snacks

Additional Gear

🔦 Headlamp (if you might be out when it's dark, especially for sunset or sunrise hikes)

🔋 Portable cellphone battery bank + charging cord

🩹 Small first aid kit

🔪 Small knife or multi-tool

Optional & Weather Dependent

This gear is all dependent on your personal needs, the type of hike, and the weather you may encounter.

⛷ Hiking poles - great for hikes with a lot of elevation change, or if you struggle with balance

⛸ Microspikes - if there will be ice on the trail

🦵 Knee braces - if you need them

🕶 Sunglasses

🌞 Sun hoodie

🧴 Sunscreen

🧥 Lightweight jacket

🌧 Weatherproof jacket

🌬 Hard-shell layer jacket

If you're looking or some inspo for some great day hikes, check out my Best Alpine Lakes Hikes Guide in Washington ⬇️

Robert John

Best Alpine Lake Day Hikes in Washington

If you've never been to an Alpine Lake, be prepared to become obsessed. This guide offers my favorite Alpine Lake hikes in Washington that you can do in a day. If you're a beginner hiker and are wanting to get into some of the best views in the state, or just love alpine lakes, this guide is for you. Details include hike locations, hiking routes, best times to visit, parking instructions, camping requirements, gear suggestions, photography tips, and general information. It's basically everything you need to conquer each hike & experience it to the fullest. I highly recommend utilizing the map view to allow you to have a game plan to accomplish as many hikes as you'd like during the time you have.

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