Image courtesy of Backpacker.
Spanning from Oregon up to British Columbia and beyond, the Pacific Northwest provides a huge spectrum of natural wonders ranging from gigantic peaks to glacial meadows and coastline. With so much to see, the only problem you’ll have is deciding which day hike you’ll want to take! This is why we’ve put together this list of five definitely worth considering.
55210 238th Ave E | Ashford, WA | nps.gov/mora
Mt. Rainier, WA,
4.5 miles -- Easy
SR 410, WA, US
Naches Peak Loop trail, located in Washington State on the outskirts of Mt. Rainier National Park, is a relatively easy 4.5 miles hike that intertwines with the legendary Pacific Crest Trail. While you won’t actually get to Mt. Rainier, the Naches Peak Trail gives some of the most uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the historic mountain and has a plethora of wildflowers to frolic through, so bring your camera because you’re going to have a new profile picture after this footslog.
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“This was an awesome activity for a weekend morning! Take snacks and water as it'll take a bit, but the experience was excellent and worth the trip!” -Yelp Review
17 Miles – Difficult
Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC, CA
While this hike in British Columbia is a doozy at 17 miles out and back, it’s been called one of the best for those seeking panoramic views of mountains and overall wilderness wonder. Just under 2 hours north of Vancouver, this day hike will take you into timber forest, through glacial meadows, and across ridgelines until you finally arrive at Panorama Ridge overlooking the coastal mountain range and turquoise Garibaldi lake.
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“ The lake itself is beautiful with surrounding mountains and glacier... I highly recommend this hike.” -Yelp Review
600 E Park Ave | Port Angeles, WA, US | nps.gov/olym
Olympic National Park, WA
7-8 Miles– Easy
Forks, WA, US
The Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park offers people the chance to experience a rare coastal rainforest in an area that receives up to 14 feet of rain annually. While the trail does run over 17 miles to the base of Mt. Olympus, a day hike as far as you’d like and back will give you plenty of opportunity to see lush, moss-covered forest. It is also known as the quietest place in the United States, and is called “One Square Inch of Silence.” You don’t have to be approaching a climb of Mt. Olympus to enjoy the Hoh River trail, which is beautiful year-round and just a pitching wedge away from Portland.
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“Hoh Rainforest was one of the most magical places I've ever visited. The forest is just gorgeous.” -Yelp Review
20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE | Silverton, OR, US | oregonstateparks.org
10 Mile Loop – Moderate
Sublimity, OR, US
If you’re looking for a day hike with plenty of gravity testing water, look no further than Silver Falls State Park’s Trail of Ten Falls in Oregon. This 10-mile loop offers you views of 10 breathtaking waterfalls, ranging from 27-footers to several well over 100 feet. The trail not only takes you to these experiences of water trapeze, but even goes as far to meander behind four of them, giving you every perspective you could ask for. When it comes to seeing spectacular waterfalls, few places will offer you so many in such limited time, making the Trail of Ten Falls one of the best day hikes in the Pacific Northwest.
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“You can really spend a day here and take in the beauty that nature offers. The trail was well kept and what's cool is that you can go behind the waterfalls!” -Yelp Review
Highway 26 and Highway 35 | Hood River, OR, US | fs.usda.gov/mthood/
Mt. Hood, Oregon
12 Mile Loop – Moderate
Hood River, OR, US
The Paradise Park loop from Timberline Lodge offers some of the best views of Oregon’s tallest peak, Mt. Hood. The 12 Mile part loop gives hikers the chance to march along fields of broadleaf lupine and other wildflowers (if you time it right) and takes you through ZigZag Canyon, giving this day hike a little bit of everything. From beautiful flowers, canyon exploration, and views of the dormant volcano Mt. Hood, all in one day, it doesn’t get better than the Paradise Park Loop.
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“Would definitely recommend giving this hiking spot a try if you're ever in the area. The views are unforgettable and the scenery will make you feel like you're in another world.” -Yelp Review
Are you embarking on a future Pacific Northwest hiking trip, or relaxing after completing one? Let us know your favorite day hikes to take by tagging us on Twitter.