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Vancouver, Washington

Top Spots in and near Vancouver

  • Cascade Locks, Oregon

    Mount Defiance

    3.7
    12.55 mi / 5167 ft gain
    This hike starts at the Starvation Creek Rest Area. After parking, head west back along the shoulder of the freeway, where you’ll see a wooden sign stating “Mt. Defiance Trail.” Continue heading west along the abandoned Columbia River Highway. Keep going west as you pass the junction with the Sta...
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  • Cascade Locks, Oregon

    Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

    3.7
    2.69 mi / 1001 ft gain
    Starvation Creek Falls is an impressive 190 ft. waterfall just a few feet from the parking lot. If you don't know it's there, you'll miss it. Keep walking past the restrooms, away from the trail head to see this beautiful two-tiered waterfall. There are a couple of picnic tables near the creek to...
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  • Cascade Locks, Oregon

    Starvation Creek Falls

    3.5
    The Starvation Creek Falls drops 141ft down into a naturally formed bowl, cascading past a wooded picnic area and onto the Columbia River. The falls are one of the easiest falls to access in the Columbia River Gorge along with Multnomah Falls, but are far less Crowded. The short 300ft walk from t...
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  • Cascade Locks, Oregon

    Warren and Lancaster Falls

    4.5
    1.89 mi / 571 ft gain
    The hike along Mt. Defiance Trail to Warren and Lancaster Falls is great if you want to get away from some of the more crowded destinations in the gorge, or just want to catch some shade during the summer. The trail is fairly easygoing, though the last 1/4th of a mile to Lancaster Falls is a bit ...
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  • Rhododendron, Oregon

    Little Zig Zag Falls

    5.0
    0.66 mi / 131 ft gain
    The hike along Little Zig Zag River is definitely one of Oregon's hidden gems. Although the waterfall isn't as highly rated in comparison to other impressive falls like Multnomah Falls, Abiqua Falls, or Bridal Viel Falls, it is still quite the sight to see, and most definitely worth the visit. T...
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  • Skamania County, Washington

    Indian Heaven to Blue Lake

    4.5
    6.71 mi / 997 ft gain
    Crowds and mosquitoes were nonexistent as we went a bit early in the season. The trails were all covered in snow, but we were able to do some way finding with a GPS and topo map. 3.5 miles in we found a dry spot next to Blue Lake and set up shop. After dropping off our gear we climbed up Gifford...
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  • Silver Lake, Washington

    Getaway to Silver Lake Resort

    3.0
    This resort sits right on Silver Lake, which makes it easy to do multiple activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. Whether you want to tent camp or stay in a cabin, Silver Lake Resort has you covered.Silver Lake Resort offers boat/canoe rentals or if you have your own there is also a b...
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  • Government Camp, Oregon

    Tom Dick and Harry Mountain

    5.0
    8.28 mi / 1726 ft gain
    Looking to score those iconic photos of Mt. Hood? Climb the well-graded trail to Tom Dick and Harry Mountain, one of the most accessible summit hikes to Portlanders, and see where they were all taken. Starting from the busy Mirror Lake Trailhead, climb roughly 900 feet and 1.5 miles to Mirror La...
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  • Government Camp, Oregon

    Mirror Lake Trail

    4.5
    4.09 mi / 810 ft gain
    I was out doing the Ramona Falls hike, and I decided that I needed to find a lake that provided me with a great view of Mt Hood. My first stop was Trillium Lake, but with that being a “drive up” lake, there were tons of people. Tons of people only means one thing…turbulent waters! As I was dr...
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  • Government Camp, Oregon

    Snowshoe Tom, Dick, and Harry

    5.0
    8 mi / 1710 ft gain
    Your day of adventure will start at the Skibowl West parking lot. Unfortunately, due to snowplowing, the roadside parking to the Mirror Lake trailhead is covered in snow. If you are doing this hike in the summer, be sure to check out this adventure: Climb Tock, Dick, and Harry Mountain!After you ...
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  • Skamania County, Washington

    Camp Forlorn Lakes & Explore Guler Ice Cave

    Camp at scenic and easily-accessible Forlorn Lakes, where the 25 campsites ($10/night) are both isolated and roomy. Sites have a picnic table and fire ring and provide access to the series of lakes, as well as the East Crater Trailhead which leads into the Indian Heaven Wilderness.Nearby, explore...
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  • Scotts Mills, Oregon

    Abiqua Falls

    4.9
    0.69 mi / 115 ft gain
    This trail is unmarked and a little rough and rugged. The land is privately owned by Mount Angel Abbey, but they don't appear to have problems with courteous hikers. Walking out of the parking area back up the road in the direction you came from, you’ll pass one dirt trail right at the ending of ...
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  • Hood River, Oregon

    Punchbowl Falls

    4.5
    0.42 mi / 92 ft gain
    Getting to Punchbowl Falls is a super quick hike to a fun cliff-jumping swimming hole and waterfall. Be careful hiking the steep trail to the falls. Make use of the rope. Be VERY careful approaching the edge of the cliff higher up and know your limits when it comes to jumping. Always walk down a...
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  • Toutle, Washington

    Hike the Hummocks Trail

    2.4 mi / 0 ft gain
    The trail has a number of ups and downs as you pass the many ponds and ash/rock/mud hills (hummocks) on your way towards the North Fork Toutle River. There is abundant wildlife in the area including birds, beaver and elk.This is also a great place to park and extend your day of hiking on the Boun...
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  • Mount Hood, Oregon

    Kayak Laurance Lake

    5.0
    This lake is found about 25 miles south of Hood River, Or. $5 for day use and now other passes are accepted, just keep that in mind. There are camping sites all over the lake as well, so if you are thinking of making a weekend out of it.  It wasn't very crowded on a weekend during the summer so y...
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  • Cook, Washington

    Spirit Falls

    4.0
    1.5 mi / 516 ft gain
    NOTE: Access to this hike is currently closed. A Part of this hike goes through private land. At this time, the landowner is not granting access to hikers. There are no signs or trail head for the falls, but it's a popular spot for kayakers and photographers, so look for a faint boot path direct...
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