Wahkeena-Angels-Devils-Rest Loop Hike – Columbia River Gorge
This challenging loop starts at Wahkeena Trailhead, climbing to Wahkeena Springs, Angels Rest, and Devils Rest for a great conditioning hike.
Clackamas River Hike – Mount Hood
This shuttle hike on the Clackamas River Trail runs from Fish Creek to Indian Henry, featuring Pup Creek Falls and a riverfront break spot called The Narrows.
Indian Point Loop Hike – Columbia River Gorge
A tough but rewarding hike to Indian Point via the Herman Creek, Nick Eaton Way, and Gorton Creek Trails.
Klicikitat River Hike – Columbia River Gorge
In the spring when it’s still cloudy and rainy in Portland, head east to the sunny and drier environment of the Eastern Columbia River Gorge, an area that looks much like the wild west of old movies.
Opal Creek to Jawbone Flats Hike – Williamette National Forest
Trails in the Opal Creek area were significantly damaged in 2020 wildfires and remain closed. This post covers the hike before the wildfire.
Tamanawas Falls Hike – Mount Hood
Tamanawas, meaning 'friendly spirit guide,' is a fitting name for this scenic hike, featuring mossy Cold Spring Creek canyon and the impressive Tamanawas Falls.
Bennett Pass Snowshoe Hike – Mount Hood
This snowshoe route at Bennett Pass offers sweeping views of Mount Hood and the surrounding landscape.
Timberline Lodge to Silcox Hut Snowshoe Hike – Mount Hood
On a clear day, this snowshoe trek above Timberline Lodge showcases expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Trillium Lake Snowshoe Hike – Mount Hood
Snowshoers and cross-country skiers frequent this scenic Trillium Lake loop, known for its sweeping views of Mount Hood.
Upper & Lower Twin Lakes Snowshoe Hike – Mount Hood
Trek through winter wonderlands near Mount Hood on this forested snowshoe hike to two small mountain lakes.
Dosewallips River Trail Backpacking Trip – Olympic National Park
The Dosewallips River Trail provides access to trails in the Olympic National Park via an old road bed. A former campground at the end of the closed road makes a great backpacking location, with many campsites next to the river.
Duckabush River Trail Backpacking Trip – Olympic National Park
The Duckabush River Trail is located on the Hood Canal side of the Olympic Peninsula and makes for a great early season backpacking trip with multiple camp areas in low elevation forest next to the scenic river.
Upper Falls Creek Backpacking Trip – Southwest Washington
The Upper Falls Creek area has several campsites next to the creek above the super scenic (and extremely popular) Falls Creek Falls waterfall, and makes a great base for exploring less traveled trails in the area.
Blue Lake Backpacking Trip – Indian Heaven Wilderness
My favorite backpacking location in the fall is Indian Heaven Wilderness. On this easy trip, we camped at Blue Lake and explored trails through meadows filled with brilliant colors.
Thomas Lake to Blue Lake Backpacking Trip – Indian Heaven Wilderness
Wanting an easy backpacking trip to see fall color in Indian Heaven, we hiked in to Blue Lake for a one night backpacking trip via the Thomas Lake trailhead.
Junction Lake Backpacking Trip – Indian Heaven Wilderness
I've backpacked at Indian Heaven almost every year and thought I'd skip it this year. But I couldn't stay away – and this time, it completely stole my heart as I showed my young friend the beauty of this place.
Cultus Creek to Bear Lake Backpacking Trip – Indian Heaven Wilderness
Indian Heaven Wilderness is my favorite place to backpack in the fall due to the brilliant display of color. On this four day backpacking trip, we hiked the Lakes Basin loop and explored around Lemei Rock.
East Crater Trail to Bear Lake Backpacking Trip – Indian Heaven Wilderness
My favorite place to see fall color is at Indian Heaven. On this two night backpacking trip, we hiked in via the East Crater Trail, camped at Bear Lake, and day hiked to Lemei Rock.
Junction Lake Backpacking Trip – Indian Heaven Wilderness
Indian Heaven Wilderness is my favorite place for fall color, and this year was exceptional with spectacular color and warm weather – a great way to end backpacking season.
Jefferson Park Backpacking Trip – Mount Jefferson Wilderness
On this two night backpacking trip in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness, we hiked in via the Whitewater Trail and camped at Rock Lake.
Marmot Pass Backpacking Trip – Olympic National Forest
On this four day backpacking trip, we hiked in to Camp Mystery to setup a basecamp and hiked each day to Marmot Pass and explored the area.
McKenzie River Trail Backpacking Trip – Williamette National Forest
The McKenzie River Trail is popular with mountain bikers, but it's also a good location for a backpacking trip. The southern section of the trail parallels the river (and the highway) as it travels through old-growth forest.
Killen Creek, Pacific Crest Trail & Foggy Flat Backpacking Trip – Mount Adams Wilderness
On my first backpacking trip at Mount Adams, we camped at Killen Creek and did day hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail. There were meadows full of wildflowers, views of nearby peaks, waterfalls and scenic lakes, and plenty of swarming mosquitoes.
Killen Creek & High Camp Backpacking Trip – Mount Adams Wilderness
On this two night backpacking trip, we camped near Killen Creek's upper waterfall and hiked to High Camp, then left a day early when high wind and wildfire smoke threatened to impact the area.