Mount Saint Helens, Washington

This is a rather long out and back, however, it can also be done as a backpack, which would give you more time to explore the Goat Rocks Wilderness, which is highlighted in other Adventures. For your trip to Elk Pass, begin your trek in the Snowgrass Flats parking lot. A Northwest Forest Pass is ...

Located just south of Mountain Rainier National Park, Tatoosh Lakes and Tatoosh Wilderness area are a great hiking destination to find scenic views, wildflowers, wildlife, and two beautiful alpine lakes.Tatoosh Trail #161 does not waste any time getting down to business as it ascends almost 3000 ...

The trip to Goat Lake starts at the Walupt Lake campground parking lot. You will start on the Walupt Lake Trail (#101) and a short distance from the campground, take Trail #98 (Nannie Ridge) as it branches off and climbs steeply northeast onto an open, scenic ridge top. Continue on to Sheep Lake...

Hike up into the forest (take the right path, not the one going left), and follow it all the way until you get to "Carpenter Lake" (which always seems to be just an empty, marshy field). Keep going and do not take the right path at the first Y split off. Instead, stay left, until you come to anot...

Park at the Herman Creek Trailhead in Cascade Locks 2 miles from the exit. Remember to bring your Northwest Forest pass or a $5 payment to park.  Start ascending on the Herman Creek trail a little over a mile until you hit a three-way junction for Gorton Creek Trail #408, Trail #400, and Herman ...

Each trail is well maintained and easy to navigate through the area.  All trails are either packed dirt or gravel depending on which trail you’re on. The Douglas-firs, hemlocks, ferns, Oregon grape and many other native tree and plant varieties grow in the area that make the area abound with wild...

Once you reach the parking lot, walk down the hill and find the trail head, which is easily seen as it is marked. Begin your trek up the trail. The way up is pretty much all uphill, and is a great workout for the legs. You will walk through forests and over many rocks on the way up. As soon as y...

This is a perfect easy hike close to Portland on Sauvie Island that offers more than just a walk through a forest. At the end of the 3 mile trail is a long secluded beach and the Warrior Rock Lighthouse. This has become one of my favorite go-to runs on a summer weeknight evening or for a quieter ...

This is a 4.4 mile out and back hike with only 710 feet in elevation gain. From the parking area at the Bridge of The Gods Trailhead, make your way across the road to the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs parallel with I-84. Shortly you'll run into a street that goes under I-84. Make your way up...

This is a relatively tame hike through the beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest, winding to the Goat Rocks Wilderness. With only 600 feet of elevation gain over 4.6 miles in, I would recommend it for hiking or trail running. Keep in mind this trail is open to horses and other stock so you ma...

Hamilton Mountain has one of the best views in the Columbia Gorge. The hike starts out with a gradual uphill climb through an old-growth forest. After about a half-mile in you will come to a clearing where you can see the ridge line going up to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From there you'll pass...

Located along the Hamilton Mountain Trail, the Hardy and Rodney falls out and back hike is a good alternative for those looking for a shorter hike compared to the 7.6-mile hike to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, you will follow the trail through thick trees fo...

Beacon Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s an 848-foot basalt monolith (a singular piece of rock) that was once the core of an ancient volcano. To access the rock, park in a developed parking area at the rock’s base that has room for about 30 cars. ...

Make the 3.2 - 4.5 mile hike up groomed trails to the Mt Tahoma High Hut (4750 feet) for the perfect winter getaway. Spend the day outside sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and playing in the snow with a spectacular view of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. Afterwards go inside and en...

This ridge is one of the lesser known paths from the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Instead of taking Ruckel Creek Trail, find the trail leading up Ruckel Ridge. It is a far more difficult hike of about 7 miles leading up to Benson Plateau. Along the way there are beautiful lookout points for Mount Hood,...

Note: The overlook at Metlako Falls is closed. Find out more info here. This is a fairly short hike. 2 miles in to Punchbowl Falls (past Metlako Falls) and then 2 miles out. I’ve done it in all sorts of conditions from 95 degree sunny summer days to a trip in a deep freeze where I got in my wets...