These are the Best Hiking Trails for Snakes in Washington State

I would think most would want to avoid snakes on hiking trails but there are some who might want to find these hiking trails in Washington State.

One such person went to Reddit asking for the best hiking trails in all of Washington State as they're a herpetologist (researching reptiles and amphibians).

Though they were specifically looking for trails in Western Washington and even into Oregon, they got some great responses from the locals who know they've seen snakes on our trails in this past.

Best Washington State Hiking Trails to see Snakes

You can use this list to find snakes or even which ones to avoid if you don't want to see any snakes.

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Especially for us here in Eastern Washington, MisterComrade said this:
Eastern WA generally is good for rattlesnakes, personally found some around Hanford Reach and the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. I’m told the trails around Lake Chelan have them too but…. Well that’s currently on fire

Western WA I’ve found Rubber Boas rarely, which are really freaking cool. Elwha River was last place I saw them.

Unexpected neat thing? Multiple breeding balls around Coldwater Lake on Mt St Helens, here is a video I got of them https://youtu.be/OAlKi3uyr8U?si=XcRwxETBe4Mw6C31

Speaking of garter snakes, TONS of them around the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. Can’t handle them but cool to see them out and about!

Not snakes, but I think literally everytime I’ve done the Norse Peak trail I’ve seen alligator lizards. And I’ve done that trail a ton— they seem common around the rockpile before the trailhead.

Spruce Cat also mentions:

A little more on the East side, but I always see some Bull snakes and/or rattlers on the Deschutes River trail out by The Dalles.

I did see quite a few garters in the Coldwater Lake area near St. Helens. (No breeding ball though).

Also just a side note, I love following these comments for my 10 year old self. I remember visiting Washington for the first time from the Rockies when I was young and super into reptiles. I researched before hand and learned about the rubber boas. I never saw one, but I was convinced there was a chance I would see one under every fern.

Funky Pigment says "pipestone canyon trail outside of winthrop is known for rattlesnakes."

HandLogJumping mentioned, "Badger creek trail for rattlers"

Tidder119 says, "Umtunum Ridge - saw a lot of bull snakes (so many that I carried my small dog)"

cjjoy mentions, "This is all in WA, but the whole area around Quincy Lakes/Ancient Lakes has lots of rattlesnakes, bull snakes, garters, and probably others. I’ve also seen lots up around Banks Lake/Northrup Canyon.

The trail to Icicle Ridge via Fourth of July Creek, near Leavenworth, is very well known for rattlesnakes. Same with the Chelan Lakeshore trail, although that area is closed right now due to fire.

I’ve never not seen multiple garters when I’ve gone to Alder Lake."

and a host most from Reddit. Check it!