Sometimes a hike is just a hike… and sometimes it’s an all-out adventure. Did you know Washington has a few hiking trails where you can veer off the beaten path and dig for your own beautiful crystals? While some of those spots are well-kept secrets, one of the best places to go for crystal hunting (and the most well-known) is Hansen Creek. This Western Washington hike is absolutely gorgeous, and you just might find some serious treasure along the way.

You'll find the Hansen Creek Trail in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, near North Bend. From I-90, you'll take Exit 47 and make a few turns before you reach the trailhead (the WTA website will have specific directions).
Lucas Schell / alltrails.com
This is a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail. Due to some elevation gains, it's ranked as moderate.
You'll enjoy breathtaking sweeping views from the top of the trail, as well as wildflowers along the way, depending on the season.
Yaz Obara/alltrails.com
And if you come properly prepared, you can dig for your own crystals along the way.
Make sure you bring along a basic hiking safety kit, a lightweight hand-held spade, a cloth or plastic bag for your treasures, and a sand sifting tray.
Rene LaPlante / alltrails.com
You might also want to bring a head lamp and a rock pick if you're serious about finding the biggest and best crystals. Wear good hiking shoes or boots in case you veer off the beaten path.

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So... what might you discover here? You never know, actually.
James Petts / Flickr
Quartz crystals are the most commonly found treasures on this trail, and they are certainly abundant.
Dig a little deeper and you just might discover some amethysts as well.
Anders Sandberg / Flickr
These are a little tougher to find, but they are also scattered around this area. The amethysts here tend to be very light in color, so you may have to wash them off first to see what they are.
Digging for crystals can be done anytime, but start in late spring to make sure you avoid the snow.
Rene LaPlante / alltrails.com
This is a fun activity the entire family can enjoy. If you've never done it, there are plenty of instructions online from families who have discovered beautiful crystals on this very trail.

Have you ever hunted for crystals at Hansen Creek?

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Hansen Creek, Washington 98045, USA