Climbing Mount St. Helens is a bucket list worthy experience. As a Washington hiker, it was on my list for years before I finally was able to climb Mount St. Helens in 2024. The trail is a bit different from most trails, with specific rules and considerations you’ll want to keep in mind as you…
Chain Lakes Loop is a bucket list worthy hike that you definitely don’t want to miss in Washington. It’s got everything that makes for a spectacular day: gorgeous mountain views of not one but TWO major mountains (Shuksan and Baker), wildflowers in summer months and fall foliage in autumn, broad vistas and ridgelines to admire,…
The North Cascades area is one of the most gorgeous places in all of Washington state, heck, probably even in the entire Pacific Northwest region! It is filled with stunning mountain peaks, glacial water, alpine lakes, and rich wildlife. It is also known as being a hiker’s paradise…for intense hikers. The majority of the hikes…
The Misery Ridge and River Trail hike is located in the striking Smith Rock State Park. If it isn’t on your must-do list for Oregon, add it now! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Smith Rock State Park and the Misery Ridge and River Trail hike. Smith Rock State Park Location and Features…
Waterfall hikes are always a joy. The Pacific Northwest is just about bursting with waterfalls to explore! Oregon in particular is an incredible spot for waterfall lovers. Given its high precipitation and mountainous terrain of the Cascade Mountains, there are hundreds of waterfalls you can explore year round. While there are endless opportunities for waterfall…
We decided to do the longest hike of our trip on our final day in Glacier: Iceberg Lake! Located in the Many Glacier area of the park, it’s a stunner. You won’t want to miss it if you’re in the area. Hiked: Early JulyBest time to hike: May-OctoberAccessibility: The road to the Many Glacier area…
Red Rock Falls is a good bang-for-your-buck hike. It’s minimal effort and lots of reward. Between lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and mountain views, it’s got pretty much everything you’d want in a great hike. Hiked: Early JulyBest time to hike: May-OctoberAccessibility: The road to the Many Glacier area was under construction during our visit and involved…
Grinnell Lake is stunning and worth a visit. It’s less popular than the Grinnell Glacier Trail — many people want to get up close and personal with a glacier. But I think Grinnell Lake made for a fantastic little hike and one I’m glad we did. Grinnell Lake Hike Hiked: Early JulyBest time to hike:…
The Highline Trail in Glacier National Park is legendary. On any list of the best hikes in the park, you can bet that the Highline Trail will be at or near the top. The trail is along the Continental Divide and provides near constant incredible, panoramic views of the surrounding area. Hiked: Early JulyBest time…
Avalanche Lake: the essential hike near the West Glacier entrance of Glacier National Park, and the first trail we completed during our trip to the park. Hiking Avalanche Lake, Glacier National Park Hiked: Early JulyBest time to hike: June-OctoberAccessibility: Entirely paved highway and roadLength & elevation: 5.9 miles round trip, 757 feet elevation gainDifficulty: EasyCrowds:…