As someone who was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, I can't help but be completely in-love with nature. I love the green, the vibrancy, the leaves, the grass, plants, mountains and rivers... it almost hurts because they're all so pretty. I am also someone who loves a good adventure. My heart yearns to experience everything there is, whether that be traveling, hiking, exploring, or even just spending quality time with someone; and one of my most favorite things in the world is spending time outside. It is in nature that I find I feel the closest to God as I see the beauty He has created. There are breathtaking views that make me feel so small, yet so in awe of the crazy beautiful world we live in. We've only got one life to live, so I want to take in as much as I possibly can. So, I thought I'd create a list of some great hikes that I have still yet to experience in the Pacific Northwest.
In Oregon:
1. Munra Point
A six-mile round-trip hike in the Gorge that leads to an overlook on the Columbia River. It gets steep at the top, which just adds to the adventure, but the end view looks gorgeous. You also get to cross some pretty waterfalls along the way.
2. Tunnel Falls
A 12-mile hike starting in Eagle Creek also in the Gorge leads to a natural carved-out "tunnel" where you can walk behind the waterfall.
3. Cape Horn
A seven-mile loop closest to Portland in the Gorge. It leads to a lake and two waterfalls with some pretty cool views too. It's got a little bit of everything in a hike.
4. Dry Creek Falls
In the Gorge, a four-mile trek to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by a giant cliff face. Looks like it'll make for some pretty great pics.
5. Proxy Falls
In Central Oregon, there's a cascade of light water called Proxy Falls in the Cascade Mountains off the Mckenzie River. It reminds me of something out of a fairy tale.
6. Saddle Mountain
Out near the Oregon Coast is a 5.2 mile hike that displays rolling hills, the Pacific Ocean and Mount Hood.
7. Canyon Creek Meadows
About 45 minutes from Bend is a beautiful 6.5-mile hike that leads to a meadow full of flowers and a close-up look of Three Fingered Jack mountain. An added bonus of this hike is passing a waterfall.
8. Neahkahnie Mountain
A view of the Oregon coast? And for only eight miles? What could be better?
9. Crater Lake
I know, I'm from Oregon and I haven't been to one of the most famous things in Oregon. Someday. Soon. I will go and experience this beauty. Some hikes around here are Garfield Peak, a 3.4 mile trip with views of Wizard Island and Phantom Ship. Grizzly Peak is 5.2 miles with views of the Cascades and Rogue Valley. Mt. Scott is the highest peak hike at Crater Lake with a distance of five miles all uphill. Toketee Falls has an 80-foot waterfall for only a mile walk.
In Washington/Idaho:
1. Mineral Ridge
A beautiful view of Lake Coeur d'Alene gives this 2.5-mile hike a thumbs up in my book.
2. Highpoint Trail
Also in Idaho is a beautiful ridge hike with lots of trees and a small view of a lake. Plus, it's only three miles. Not bad, not bad at all.
3. Iller Creek
Finally, something in Spokane. I know, it took a while. Iller creek is a five-mile trip with views of some rocks and great scenery.
4. Mt. Spokane day hikes
It's a mountain. Nuff said.
5. Dishman Hills
Out in the Spokane Valley tucked away near some residential homes is a four-mile easy out and back trail with lots of options and a pretty viewpoint. I mean, look at that sunset.
6. Liberty Lake
Eight miles worth of shade, a waterfall and of course, a lake
7. Palisades Park
Not much of a hike, but a beautiful walk through the park with some pretty cool basalt pillars. It was created to help Spokane's motto of "near nature, near perfect."
8. Mt. Baker: Chain Lakes and Artist's Point
Two to eight miles leads to this snowy wonderland.
Artist's Point is just drive up a road, and at the end of it lays views of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker with plenty of photo ops.
Montana:
Literally all and any part of Glacier National Park. Like, there's way too many to keep track that I could write a whole separate article on all the various sites I want to see here.
This list is only the tip of the iceberg. I could spend all day just researching, listing, sharing, bookmarking, dreaming and hoping that soon I can experience these pictures for myself in real life. I hope this spurs your sense of adventure as much as it has done for mine. If you wanna do some of your own research, here's a couple of good places to start:
Happy hiking!
