
Lower Lewis River Backpacking Trip – Southwest Washington
The Lower Lewis River is a good early season option when there's still snow at higher elevations. Highlights include old-growth forest, uncrowded trails, and of course, the Lewis River.

Your Guide to Hiking, Backpacking & Camping in the Pacific Northwest

The Lower Lewis River is a good early season option when there's still snow at higher elevations. Highlights include old-growth forest, uncrowded trails, and of course, the Lewis River.

My third visit to the Lower Lewis River Trail offered quiet solitude, lush old growth, and the perfect early-season spot to test new gear before the high country melts out.

Our four-day camping trip at Washburne State Park included scenic hikes, tide pooling, and beachcombing. From exploring Heceta Head to searching for jaspers, each day offered something new along the Oregon Coast.

The Salmon River Canyon trail is usually snow-free in the winter, with higher water levels in the river and streams – and the forest at this time of year is lush with many shades of green.

Hike beside the Salmon River through a mossy forest with old-growth cedar and fir, primitive campsites, and spring wildflowers to a canyon viewpoint above the river.

This loop hike takes you across rolling sand dunes, through lush tree islands, and onto a secluded beach, showcasing the diverse and untamed beauty of the Oregon coastline.

On this four day trip at Mount Adams, we camped at Killen Creek, explored the spectacular scenery at High Camp, and hiked to Foggy Flat.

Part of the Three Capes Scenic Tour on the Oregon Coast, the sandstone formations at Cape Kiwanda have been sculpted over time by the ocean. A steep climb up the dunes lead to views of this unique and constantly changing landscape.

During the first warm days of spring, I camped for two nights at Cape Perpetua, exploring its dramatic coastline – stopping for a beach walk at Seal Rock Wayside on my way home.

The Cougar Rock campground at Mount Rainier National Park, located between Longmire and Paradise, provides great access to many hiking options within the park.

The Ochoco Divide campground, located in the Central Oregon's Ochoco Mountains, makes a good basecamp for exploring the Painted Hills.

Tillicum Beach campground, located on the central Oregon coast between the towns of Waldport and Yachats, provides great access to hiking in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.

Located on the Oregon Coast between the towns of Yachats and Florence, the Carl G. Washburne State Park includes a day use area for beach access and a scenic forested campground.

Oregon's largest campground has a long history, featuring a military installation dating back to the Civil War, and the remains of Peter Iredale shipwreck from 1906.

During our three-day camping trip at Beachside, we relaxed at the sandy beach and took a short drive to explore Cape Perpetua's coastline features.

On this camping trip, we spent two nights at Beverly Beach State Park near Newport, Oregon, and explored Devils Punchbowl and Otter Crest Beach at sunset.

Winters in the Pacific Northwest can be dreary, with endless days of rain. However, it can also be a great time to camp at the coast whenever there's a break in the wet weather.

One of my favorite spring destinations, Smith Rock's high desert area is a great location to kickoff camping and backpacking for the year.

The Southern Oregon Coast is scenic and rugged, with sea stacks and tree-topped islands along the coast line. Camping at Harris Beach State Park makes a great basecamp for exploring the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor.

Located near Coos Bay, the Sunset Bay campground provides access to several scenic miles of the Oregon Coast Trail, which winds its way along the shoreline from Sunset Bay all the way to Cape Arago.

The Sunset Bay campground provides access to several scenic miles of the Oregon Coast Trail, which winds its way along the shoreline from Sunset Bay all the way to Cape Arago.

On this four day camping trip at Tumalo State Park near Bend, we hiked in the Oregon Badlands and explored trails next to the Deschutes River.

Cape Disappointment is located at the southern end of the Washington Coast – where the Columbia River meets the ocean. I spent three days exploring the area and practicing landscape photography skills.

On this three-day camping trip, we explored Cape Perpetua’s old-growth forest, rugged coastline, and tide pools at Strawberry Hill.