If you’re anything like me, you took growing up in Washington for granted and never fully realized how good you had it. As a kid I hated being forced to go hiking with my parents, but as soon as I moved away for college I realized how much I missed the evergreen trees, verdant mountains, and crystal blue glacier lakes. Now, in Washington after being out of state for college, I’m trying to take advantage of my home and go hiking, like, all the time.

Included in the list below are some of my favorite hikes, as well as hikes that are on my list of must-dos. Don’t worry; these are more than your average Rattlesnake Ridge! From trails that allow you to explore Middle-Earth to those that take you hiking through lava caves, this is a list of hikes you just cannot miss.

1. Mailbox Peak – for bragging rights.

Snoqualmie Region

9.4 mi. round-trip, 4000 ft. elevation gain, approximately .75 hr. from downtown Seattle

One of the most insane hikes near North Bend, this is one to train for. Once upon a time, there was only a 5.2-mile round-trip trail with the same elevation gain, but it became too dangerous so the Department of Natural Resources created this slightly, more reasonable trail. This path climbs very steeply, it is common to feel like your legs just won’t move anymore only a quarter up this hike. Despite that, its still a must-do for any Washington hiker. During this hike you gain more than elevation-- you gain pride, respect, bragging rights, and 360-views of the surrounding valleys and peaks (including Mt. Rainier). The most intriguing part of this hike, though, is the legendary mailbox at the peak, for which this trail got its name. Originally, in the 1990s, the mailbox was used to hold the summit register, but since then, climbers have been carrying up random, interesting items leave at the top. At one point there was a fire hydrant, newspaper box, ladder, and flagpole. For those of us who know this is the hardest day hike we will ever do, bringing those heavy items up sounds impossible. But for others, this is a training hike for larger peaks they will summit. The stories from this hike cause us to wonder: what will we discover at the top?

2. Lake 22 – for when you want to go to Middle-Earth

North Cascades

5.4 mi. round-trip, 1350 ft. elevation gain, approximately 1.25 hr. from downtown Seattle

There’s no other way to describe this hike, except by saying its like visiting Middle-Earth. (For those of you, who aren’t up on your nerd lingo, that’s the world in which The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are set.) The terrain changes from mountain rainforest, to talus slope, to temperate woodland, and finally to wetland surrounding the lake. Coming into view of Lake 22, you can’t help but gasp at the beauty of the lake, backed by the sharp face of Mount Pilchuck. At the base of the lake is a bridge to cross over 22’s outlet stream-- stop here and take a picture before continuing left around the lake. Built over part of the trail around 22 are wooden bridges and paths, which lend to the Middle-Earth feel of this hike. I recommend continuing to the southern (opposite) side of the lake where there are boulders situated on the lakeshore where you can stop, relax, swim, and take in the views. As you travel through the changing landscapes of this hike, circumnavigate the lake, and gaze up at the sheer mountain faces-- you will not be able to help but think of yourself as Bilbo Baggins bravely traveling towards Lonely Mountain.

3. Blanca Lake – for when Banff is too far

Central Cascades

7.5 mi. round-trip, 3300 ft. elevation gain, approximately 2.75 hr. from downtown Seattle

This glacier-fed lake is one of the most breathtaking places in Washington. Several miles off Highway 2, just past Skykomish, begins this switchback-heavy hike. Depending on how many times you lose count, there are about 25-30 switchbacks before reaching a ridgeline from which incredible views can be seen between pockets of trees. The trail continues along the ridgeline before dipping down to the very small Virgin Lake; from there the trail drops about 600 feet in .6 miles until (at last!) reaching Blanca. This lake has been described as “seafoam green” and reminds hikers of the light blue waters of Banff National Park. So for those who are dying to explore Banff, but cannot get off work long enough to drive 11 hours each way, Blanca Lake is the perfect alternative. The Columbia Glacier directly feeds this lake, making it almost too cold to swim in, but for those polar-plungers out there, taking a dip in the freezing water is worth it.

4. Minotaur Lake – “for the love of God”

3.5 mi. round-trip, 1905 ft. elevation gain, approximately 2 hr. from downtown Seattle

1905 feet of elevation gain in 1.75 miles already sounds pretty steep, but when you realize that gradient takes place in the first two-thirds (1.2 mi.) up to Minotaur, you may consider skipping this hike. Let me be the one to tell you: do not skip it. Despite the uphill being excruciating enough to make you say “for the love of God” many times under your breath, this is a lake you have to visit. Fisherman created this trail deprived of switchbacks, just trying to get to the deep, fish abundant waters of Minotaur as quickly as possible. Why the Washington Trail Association has not carved a longer and more gradual path since then beats me, but the pain is still worth this destination. Minotaur is picture-perfect: rich, calm, and surrounded by Labyrinth Mountain. (Don’t you just love the Greek mythology thrown into the naming of Washington’s topography?) Make sure not to miss my favorite part of this hike: the view of neighboring Theseus Lake. At the base of Minotaur is an outlet stream; here cross over and walk approximately 100 feet to a cliff overlooking Theseus. The incredible views are not to be neglected.

5. Colchuck Lake – for a taste of the Enchantments

8.0 mi. round-trip, 2280 ft. elevation gain, approximately 3.5 hr. from downtown Seattle

The Enchantments, a backpacking region close to the town of Leavenworth, is known very well among passionate backpackers. Unfortunately, because of the popularity of this region, to camp there during peak season (June 15-October 15) an overnight permit is required, which can be obtained during a pre-season lottery (February through early March-- More information here.) Luckily, day hikers can still visit without that special lottery permit by filling out a free day-use permit at any of the three trailheads entering the Enchantments. Allegedly, Colchuck is the most beautiful of the day-hike accessible lakes within the Enchantments. A beautiful, bright aqua in sunlight, and a deep blue in shade, this lake enlightens an understanding of why the Enchantment region is so popular. After this visit, zealous hikers are sure not to miss next season’s lottery so that they can return for a longer, deeper exploration of this incredible, jaw-dropping region in Washington’s Alpine Lakes wilderness.

6. Ape Caves – for an experience unlike anything else

South Cascades

4.1 mi. round-trip, 200 ft. elevation gain, approximately 4 hr. from downtown Seattle

The longest lava tubes in the continental United States, this trail travels through the upper and lower Ape Caves of Mount St. Helens. The caves were named for an outdoor club, the “Mount St. Helens Apes,” that found and explored the tubes in the 1950s. Not for those scared of the dark or confined spaces, warm clothes, flashlights, and headlamps are necessary for the exploration of these two caves. The main entrance is located between the two caves, where you can choose to descend by ladder to either the upper or lower. The lower cave is a .75 mile down and back and is relatively easy to travel. The upper cave, however, is 1.3 miles and is more difficult as it contains many large boulder piles to climb. You can choose to either enter the upper cave at the main entrance and climb up the boulder piles, or use the overhead surface trail to the upper entrance and travel through the cave the opposite way, scaling down the drops. These caves draw many visitors so they can be crowded during the summer, but the experience is worth it. Where else in Washington can you freely explore deep, dark caves carved by lava so many years ago?

Part one of a two week series. More awesome hike information coming soon!