There are forest roads which extend to the base of Mount Washington. The Pacific Crest Trail is the major path through the Mount Washington Wilderness, extending from the northern to southern edge of the area. Traversing lodgepole pine forest and lava flows, the trail passes over the western side of Mount Washington. The hike is challenging, ranging in elevation from with little sources of water. Other trails include a loop around the Patjens Lakes, the Hand Lake trail, and the Benson Lake route. Friendly for families and children, the Patjens Lake trail runs for , only gaining in elevation. Water is abundant along the route, which passes through lodgepole pine forests with the occasional meadow. The Hand Lake and Benson Lake trails are also easy day hikes, lasting and , respectively. One of the trails within the wilderness area, known as the Dry Creek Trail, is not maintained by the United States Forest Service and is no longer recommended as a hiking route due to fallen trees in fire-damaged forest. The U.S. National Geodetic Survey Data Sheet for Mount Washington notes that climbing the volcano is challenging and dangerous and thus is not recommended for inexperienced climbers or climbers without proper equipment.