Vancouver, Washington
Top Spots in and near Vancouver
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Toutle, Washington
Loowit Viewpoint
5.0From roughly May to September, both star gazers and photographers alike travel to the darkest locations in order to capture something truly magnificent- the galactic core of the milky way. The Loowit Viewpoint is unlike any around due to the perfect combination of it's remote location, higher ele...Read more -
Toutle, Washington
Mount Margaret's Ridge Camp via Coldwater Trailhead
3.57.12 mi / 1634 ft gainThe hike is relatively easy. I'd say intermediate due to the incline at the beginning. Also intermediate due to it being an backpacking camp adventure. A friend of mine and I backpacked in to shoot the sunset and sunrise. We went a little early in the season so it was also to scout for future ad...Read more -
Toutle, Washington
Hike to the Summit of Coldwater Peak
12.2 mi / 2000 ft gainWhile thousands of visitors come to witness the raw power and devastation left behind from Mount St Helens' famous 1980 eruption, few wander past the groomed paths surrounding the Johnston Ridge Observatory. It is beyond these paths where you come across the more commonly designed backcountry tra...Read more -
Toutle, Washington
Hike to Coldwater Peak via Boundary Trail
5.014.8 mi / 2700 ft gainThe Boundary trail is amazing. It's 54 miles long and runs for the most part along a ridge in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You can climb various peaks and viewpoints right off the trail, but this trip report is for climbing Coldwater Peak and hiking up to Harry's Ridge Viewpoint on the way. H...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Veda Lake Trail
4.02.5 mi / 748 ft gainThis hike starts at the Fir Tree Trailhead and is an out and back 2.8 mile round trip. It's short, but there's 660 feet of elevation gain. To start, you climb steeply then it's an easy hike to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the lake. The trail descends via switchbacks down to the lake for the ...Read more -
Toutle, Washington
Backpack to Snow Lake by Mt. Whittier
5.016 mi / 2700 ft gainThe Coldwater Lake Recreation Area has restrooms, telephones, and a picnic area. Make sure you have already acquired your permits for camping in the Mt. Margaret back country.Follow trail #211, which runs along the entire 4.5 mile length of Coldwater Lake. It is a beautiful and fairly flat hike w...Read more -
Scotts Mills, Oregon
Upper Butte Creek Falls
4.00.73 mi / 308 ft gainFrom Scott Mills Follow Crooked Finger RD NE for 13.3 Miles to the Upper Butte Creek Trailhead. The last 2-3 miles or so is gravel road with some potholes but most cars shouldn't have a problem. The path down to the falls starts near the bathrooms. A short .3 mile walk on a few switchbacks and...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Climb the Mt. Hood Summit
4.87 mi / 5239 ft gainStarting at 6,000 ft of elevation at Timberline Lodge, start your climb up the south side of Mt. Hood. If you head out at noon, in 6 hours you can make it about an hour past the last ski lift, called Palmer, where you can set up camp for the night. You may need to dig out a flat spot for your ten...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Hike Paradise Park
5.012 mi / 2300 ft gainThe hike begins at Timberline Lodge, which sits on Mount Hood at 6,000 feet of elevation. Find the Timberline trail behind the lodge by following any of the maze of trails heading east and you will be on your way! After 1.2 miles, you reach Little Zigzag Canyon where you will descend approximatel...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Climb to Mt. Hood's Illumination Rock
5.06 mi / 3600 ft gainThe Pacific Northwest has an abundance of beautiful, technical and fun Alpine ascents. For those looking to feel the rush of mountaineering but not wanting to push for a summit attempt, Illumination Rock on the southwest ridge of Mt Hood, offers a beautiful way to spend an afternoon or potential...Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Snowshoe to the top of Mount Hood's Palmer Ski Lift
4 mi / 2560 ft gainEnding just a few thousand feet shy of the mountain top, Palmer Lift doesn't start operating until most ski resorts are nearing their close. This leaves most of the mountain nearly uninhabited and ideal for exploring with close up views of the complex summit above and well into Oregon down below....Read more -
Government Camp, Oregon
Photograph the Wildflowers at Timberline Lodge
4.0From the mount hood scenic byway in Government Camp, Oregon turn on the road that heads up to the Timberline Lodge. Follow that road to the end and park in the lot all the way at the top. In the ski season you need a pass to park there, but if you go in June, July, Or August (aka when the wildflo...Read more -
Nehalem, Oregon
Hike the Salmonberry Train Track Trail
4.010 mi / 275 ft gainBeware, there is no actual trailhead! This trail (Lower Salmonberry River Hike) starts on Lower Nehalem Rd (Foss Rd) where the Salmonberry River and the Nehalem River meet. Before you cross the tracks, find parking there (but be aware of private property) and follow the train tracks into the fore...Read more