Pocket Guide: 7 Most Scenic Hikes in the Pacific Northwest

Waves and trees, mountains, rainforests, rivers… in the game of ‘epic vista’ bingo, the PNW comes up Yahtzee. It’s been a while since we’ve played the game, but we do know that this could’ve easily turned into the ‘27 Most Scenic Hikes…’ or even ‘70 Most…’. We’ve whittled it down to a round seven. Round-ish. Plus a shortlist from local PNW-ers and Passenger flag-flyers from across the Atlantic. Also, Little Spruce’s home tarmac rebranded the ‘Spruce Moose’—we’re kicking ourselves—in safe hands with Dylan in Portland OR.

Proper Roamer country, the Pacific Northwest is home to a tangle of round-and-backs, scrambles, ascents, river routes and long-distance trails. You’ve got the Olympic Peninsula and Cascade Mountains, Long Beach, Crater Lake and Seaside. No prizes for placenames but plaudits go out to some of the best hiking country in the US, each route holding a little magic and plenty of ‘wow’ moments.

Here we walk the 7 Most Scenic Hikes in the Pacific Northwest—in our opinion—take in the sights, sounds and hear from the local crew with their gear picks and insider trail know-how. If the PNW has yet to make the travel list, get it added. If it’s got a spot, we hope this guide bumps it up a few places.

We’ve been roaming the Northwest for a while now, with a few Passenger folk based out that way. But our home has—and will—always be the New Forest, UK.

 CLALLAM COUNTY, WASHINGTON  

-

NOTES: Our opener takes us to the coast and a challenging backpacker’s route in Olympic National Park. The trail is well-maintained and snakes between forest, cliff, and sand. Pitch up at one of many camp spots: Chilean Memorial, Norwegian Memorial, Cape Alava, or Shi Shi Beach. Permits are required.

ROUTES: Just over 30 miles in total, a there-and-back trail that’s mostly flat—prepare for scrambling large boulders and slippery rock bluffs on the beach. It ticks all the boxes of an oceanside adventure, wading tide pools and hauling up makeshift ladders. There’s no set trail, but keeping the Pacific to your left—or right—should do it. We advise a map, also.

HIGHLIGHTS: Seastacks, arches and the classic PNW postcard come alive. It’s an incredible part of the world, with a distinct ‘waves and trees’ landscape that stretches to the horizon. Driftwood litters the shore and big birds circle up top, the bald eagle being one of them.

FOOTNOTES: An incoming tide can scupper things, as certain river crossings like the Ozette should only be forded at low tide. You can circle any big cliff climbs that may seem daunting, but only if the tide allows. Check, recheck and call ahead.

HIKING TIPS: Solid ankle support and a good pair of boots are a must-lace. You’ll be slipping, sliding and scrambling over wet rocks and kelp for large parts of the route. Quick-dry gear is a good shout, check out the Scrambler Recycled Softshell Trouser for men and the Rowan Outdoor Legging for women.

 KLICKITAT COUNTY, WASHINGTON 

-

NOTES: Trout Lake nearby and Mount Adams above, you’ll take in some epic scenery along the way. Camping en route is well worth it, with plenty of spots to pitch up and slow things down. Dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash. Backpackers also welcome, bring lots of water and start early.

ROUTE: 10 miles in total, possible in a day’s good walking but worth a campout if time allows. Forest Road 120 takes you to the trailhead; it’s a bumpy ride. You’re likely to face a few fallen trees and poor cell service, so a pre-downloaded map and analog equivalent are worth pocketing. It can be hard going with tough terrain and river crossings closer up towards the avalanche glacier. A PCT cameo makes for some stunner views of Mount Adams - head to Washington State Trails for a full rundown.

HIGHLIGHTS: Horseshoe Meadow in autumn. The wildflowers and views of Mount Adams are pretty special—a good place to rest weary legs. You can turn back here, or link up with another trail to prolong your trip. Backpackers take note.

FOOTNOTES: This area has been badly hit by wildfires over recent years, part of the hike taking you on through burn scars and ashen ground. Call ahead to check if it’s accessible, the local Forest Service are on hand with updated info.

HIKING TIPS: Take plenty of water with you, coffee and a post-hike brewski. For layering tips, head over to our Hiking Essentials Checklist, Backpacking Essentials Checklist and What To Wear Backpacking.

 OLYMPIC PENINSULA, WASHINGTON 

-

NOTES: A best-loved route on the south side of Olympic National Park, better known as the ‘East Fork Quinault River Trail’. It’s a good multi-day hike—O’Neill Creek, Pyrites Creek and Enchanted Valley provide solid camping options along the route. Expect it to be a little busier than most and an Olympic National Park Wilderness Permit is required.

ROUTE: 28 miles in total, starting things off at the Graves Creek Trailhead. Pony Bridge is about 3 miles in, which takes you across the river and then runs parallel-ish to the flow of water with many ups and downs. You’re met with a number of streams to cross and a few more campsites nearing the 9-mile mark. It’s a good woodland wander from there into the Enchanted Valley itself.

HIGHLIGHTS: Looking up the East Fork Quinault, you’ll spot the historic chalet. It’s stood since 1931, providing a rest stop for hikers and horseback riders. It’s now closed to hikers due to its proximity to the channel, but a sight still worth ticking off the list.

FOOTNOTES: For the uninitiated, a permit is required to walk the Enchanted Valley route. This is commonplace across US national parks, so it’s worth reading up on the rules before heading to the Olympic Peninsula.

HIKING TIPS: Beware of bears. Store food up high, keep heads on a swivel and back away slowly if you do spot one on the trail. Look out for elk, also. For autumn, we’d recommend the Wintergreen or Solitude Fleece Pullover or one of our other Polartec® fleeces. For summer, a moisture-wicking layer will do the job. 

 ENUMCLAW, WASHINGTON 

-

NOTES: A tale of switchbacks and nearly 3,000ft of elevation, made good by clear views of Crystal Mountain with Mount Rainier behind. Some scrambles up high to the possibility of mountain goats and elk grazing the meadows - all worth it in the end.

ROUTE: Just under 10 miles in total, some hard-to-spot trailmakers add to the fun. This is due to part of the trail being rerouted to maintain habitat integrity and limit erosion. You’re looking at 4 miles of scrambling and a panoramic view up top of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Glacier Peak, and the Olympics (on a clear day).

HIGHLIGHTS: Basin Lake is a lovely spot for a dip if conditions allow. You can camp nearby and start the next day with a swim pre-coffee. It’s classic PNW views all around, another route that’s never too crowded.

FOOTNOTES: Walk in late summer to catch the wildflowers in bloom, with enough light to see you up and down in good time. Again, a quick check of the Forest Service’s website should give you any info on closures or diversions due to wildfires.

HIKING TIPS: Good socks make a world of difference. The Sierra or Tahoma—your feet will thank you. If you’re looking to explore the area and clock up some trail miles, Backpacking Washington by Craig Romano is worth keeping to hand.

 JOSEPH, OREGON 

-

NOTES: Climbing the west side of the Lostine River canyon, well worth it for the Maxwell Lake summit. Clear waters, snowcapped peaks and easily doable in a day. It’s an out-and-back route, heavy on the calf muscles as you follow a series of switchbacks in Eagle Cap Wilderness. Scramble up the north-side peaks beyond the lake for views across the Bowman and North Minam drainages.

ROUTES: Just under 8 miles in total, but a steep 2,400ft elevation gain. The trail crosses the Lostine River on a solid footbridge and then on to Maxwell Creek, with no bridge. A good rock hop should do it, then it’s switchback time and views across the Lostine Valley. Final stop, Maxwell Lake.

HIGHLIGHTS: The lake itself sits hidden in a granite alpine cirque beneath sheer rock and treeline. You can set down canvas and take in the scenery over a night or two, but the mosquitoes will drive you to madness in the summer months—July especially.

FOOTNOTES: A popular route, especially over the summer months. The last mile up is a lung buster, but the fact it can be done in a day means a quieter moment is a little easier to come by. Expect heavy snow and hard going over winter.

HIKING TIPS: For summer day hiking we recommend the 365 Trail Short, for men and women. An active tee and lightweight cap round things off. For winter, the Ashland and Northstar will keep you sufficiently toasty.

 COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, WASHINGTON 

-

NOTES: Loosely fits the ‘hike’ criteria, but still well worth a visit. Multnomah Falls is one of the most popular in Columbia River Gorge, with Benson Bridge spanning the upper splash pool a favorite for photographers and selfie-takers. We say an early plod up to the bridge, click, and then to something more challenging.

ROUTES: Only 1.2 miles in total, but worth it for Multnomah Falls. Also a great option for anyone with mobility issues, as it’s relatively flat and well-paved. However the slope up to Benson Bridge is pretty steep, so assistance is advised. You can follow the eleven switchbacks—yes eleven—up to the summit but be ready for crowds and steep terrain.

HIGHLIGHTS: As the falls are so close to Portland and Vancouver, access is a breeze from all directions. Expect crowds, but don’t let that stop you from taking in the natural beauty of Multnomah Falls. It’s a stunner.

FOOTNOTES: To see the falls at its most epic, head over in winter or early spring. The increase in water flow adds to the spectacle. If you’re itching for more miles, you can link up with the Wahkeena Trail and Return Trail to circle back a 5.5-mile loop.

HIKING TIPS: Waterproofs, for the spray. For colder days, the Elevate and Eclipse provide extra warmth courtesy of Thermore® Ecodown insulation. The Shaded Organic Bucket Hat is a fun one, also.

 RIALTO BEACH, WASHINGTON 

-

NOTES: Another shorter route, accessed at low tide to give time to explore. Hole in the Wall at Rialto Beach is a natural rock formation that lives up to its name. The trail follows the high-water mark with ocean to your left. Explore the tide pools and driftwood stacks left behind on the beach, taking the time to slow down and breathe in the sea air.

ROUTES: A 3.3-mile roundtrip, but a solid 95% is over soft sand. You want to plan the hike so you arrive at Hole in the Wall for low tide to give time to explore, so work back from there time-wise and park at Rialto Beach. You’ll be able to spot the seastacks from way down the beach, so navigation is pretty easygoing.

HIGHLIGHTS: A lighter trek in Olympic National Park, well worth taking slow. Beachcombing is good fun, the Pacific feels wild and powerful, and Bald Eagles can sometimes be spotted up high in the pines. Proper Waves and Trees country.

FOOTNOTES: Getting the tides just right is key, carefully climbing round the rocks to get a good look at Hole in the Wall. You’ll still likely get wet feet, so a good pair of boots and spare socks are a good shout. It’s slippery when wet, and it’s always wet.

HIKING TIPS: Spare socks are a yes, a small pack for snacks and water also. The Boondocker is made for hikes like these, compact enough to handle the basics and big enough to haul the essentials.

A few were sent over from PNW locals; lesser-known routes and personal faves. Home turf to these Northwest folk, we hope their stories from the trail inspire you to write—and walk—some of your own. There’s nothing better than a group hike with an early start and strong coffee to kick things into gear.

Don’t rush, embrace the journey and breathe it in.

Boone Rodriguez - Photographer

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, GREENWATER, WASHINGTON 

-

“We did it as a day trip and timed it to catch sunset on the walk down, getting the peak just before golden hour. It was a real treat for the eyes, surprisingly few people, and not too hard in my opinion. We didn't see any mountain goats but plenty of goat hair stuck to shrubs and flowers.

“Lots of people enjoy La Tourell Falls, Angel's Rest, and Beacon Rock in the Gorge. I'd also recommend Smith Rock. I forget what hike it is specifically, but it goes by Monkey Face, a rock that looks like a monkey's face. One more honorable mention is God's Thumb. It's out on the coast and just really unique.”

Nate Duffy - Creative Producer

SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, MT. RUTH, WASHINGTON 

-

“Ruth is tucked up between the Canadian Border peaks and in the shadow of legendary Mt. Shuksen and the iconic Mt. Baker. The views are absolutely insane as you rise out of the valley floor and gain elevation. You're surrounded by giants. You do not have to do the ski/board summit attempt, it was just a bonus for us. The hiking trail is accessed off HWY 542 as you near the Mt. Baker ski area, and we saw a ton of hikers / backpackers. In the summer you can hike all the way to the base of the mountain (see meadow chilling photos).

“Sitting at the foot of Mt. Ruth is what I can only describe as a 'Kerouacmoment’, it felt straight out of the book "The Dharma Bums" by Jack Kerouac. Really makes you feel small in all the right ways. Not an insane hike, about 7 miles in and 7 out if I remember right, and that was from the car park to the summit, a little less if you're just getting to the base. You have to stop at the infamous Chair 9 in Glacier, WA on the way out for their pizza, it was only fitting for us to order the pie named after Mt. Ruth.

“If you're out for a mellow day hike, Mt. Ruth will not disappoint. If you're feeling wild at heart, climb to the top and have your mind blown. If you can, sleep up there at the foot of the mountain, it's one of the most peaceful places I have ever slept.”

Matt Chung - Creator Crew

NEAR WHISTLER, BC 

-

“Garibaldi Lake is a classic on the BC coast, and for good reason. Panorama Ridge is a 18.5-mile round trip hike that takes you to the base of Garibaldi Lake and eventually to a ridgeline that overlooks it. At the top, you're able to see the crystal blue water and glacial peaks that surround it. Of all the views I've seen in the PNW and the world, it's one of the most memorable.”

Matt Liddle - US General Manager

MOUNT HOOD, OREGON 

-

“Perhaps the most defining characteristic of the Cascade Range is its volcanoes - snowcapped, absolutely massive, rising in profile far above the treelined ridges and peaks below. Here in Portland, we’re blessed to have a number of the Cascade volcanoes within a couple hours drive, but none are more tied to the city of Portland than Mount Hood. It’s incredible to have a mountain that big - and that iconic in form - so dang close to the city. If you asked a little kid to draw a mountain, they would probably draw something that looks a lot like Mount Hood. 

“There’s a bunch of hikes along the flanks and shoulders of Hood that are standouts for their views, but Cooper Spur is pretty special. The Cooper Spur takes you as high as you can hike on Mount Hood via an established trail, ending at Tie-In-Rock close to 8500 feet above sea level with incredible views of the Eliot Glacier and the northeastern face of Hood. The reward is a view of the high alpine world of rock and ice that is often only accessible via more technical mountaineering.

“You can access the trail from a few starting points, but we like to start in the summertime from the small campground below the Cloud Cap Inn - a historic high alpine resort built in 1889, long closed to the public and now serving as a base of operations for the Crag Rats, the local mountain rescue group. Most of the hike has you above treeline, hugging the south side of the Eliot Glacier moraine. You’re going for the views, so it’s best to pick a sunny clear day with low wind. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sun / wind layer as the route is exposed the whole time.”

Jordan Williams - Head of Brand & Marketing US

 MOUNT RAINIER, CASCADE RANGE 

-

“Norse Peak to Basin Lake is a classic central Cascades route. Some soul-crushing deep forest switchbacks right out of the car immediately make you wonder why you’re doing this at all. But then you get a view of Crystal and Rainier and are reminded. Hit the high alpine above treeline, and you start asking yourself why you don’t do this more often. Cool off by jumping into Basin Lake turns the question to how you can do this every weekend.”

• Leave only footprints. Stick to it, pick up litter and double-take when leaving.

• Trust the PNW locals. it’s their home turf, they know what’s what.

• Don’t get caught out, research backpacking and hiking permits before visiting.

• If you see a bear, stay calm and assess the situation. Let it know you’re human. 

• Check the weather, then check it again. Rain and snow, likely…

• Note the terrain and incline before leaving, it’s a real climb. 

• Avoid shortcuts, look out for signs and carry a reliable GPS—a must pocket.

• Start early and check tide times if near the coast, pack a headtorch as well.

• Read our Hiking Essentials Checklist for insider knowledge and crew packing lists.

• Stick a notebook and pen in your pack. The best ideas spring up on the trail.

• A good-sized water bottle, ours has mountains on it.

• Don’t forget to slow down, look around, and take each step as it comes.

• Rain, wind, cold and mud are all a part of the journey, embrace the ups and downs. Easier said than done, but a positive mindset goes a long way.

What’s the best time of year to visit the Pacific Northwest?

The Pacific Northwest is a year-round destination for hikers, best visited June through September. Summer is pretty magical, but winter brings snow and a whole new challenge for walkers.

Which is the most visited National Park in the Pacific Northwest?

The most visited National Park in the PNW is the Olympic National Park in the northwestern corner of Washington state. It’s home to temperate rainforests, rugged coastline and glacier-topped mountains.

Do I need a permit to hike in the Pacific Northwest?

You may need a permit to hike in the Pacific Northwest, depending on the trail and where you plan to set down canvas. A backcountry permit is required to camp in Glacier, North Cascades, or Olympic National Parks. Find out more here.

How do I know if the trail is accessible?

Find all the info you need on the Pacific Northwest Trail Association site. They post regular updates on weather, trail closures, wildfires and downed trees. If you’re still unsure, you can call them.

What do I do if I need to figure out what clothes to pack for my trip?

If you're unsure about what clothes to bring, think first about the weather and terrain. Layering is key, especially over the colder months. Read our What To Wear Backpacking and Backpacking Essentials Checklist for more on the topic.

Are Passenger’s products suitable for hiking adventures? 

We have a whole range of Hiking Essentials; toasty fleeces, jackets, trousers, beanies and loads more. Passenger clothing is built for the roam, with stories of escapism woven into the fabric of all our products. Find out more here.

How does Passenger support responsible travel?

Always be respectful to locals and the landscape. Stick to the Leave No Trace principles and avoid straying from the path. Access the Parks via public transport (if possible), pack good gear that’s built to last and why not take a small tent for a proper off-grid adventure.