North Bonneville, Washington

This is a somewhat incomplete report because we did not venture too far into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The sky had been threatening us with rain for the duration of our hike along Eagle Creek and we did not want to push our luck too far since we were hoping for an early start on our drive ...

This ridge is one of the lesser known paths from the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Instead of taking Ruckel Creek Trail, find the trail leading up Ruckel Ridge. It is a far more difficult hike of about 7 miles leading up to Benson Plateau. Along the way there are beautiful lookout points for Mount Hood,...

From the Rock Creek Pass Trailhead, begin the short hike to Three Corner Rock by heading south on the Pacific Crest Trail from its crossing of Road CG 2090. After a steady 1.5-mile climb of roughly 600 feet, look for a large fallen sign marking the junction to Three Corner Rock. Shortly after, an...

Does camping right next to an epic swimming hole sound like a pretty good way to spend a hot summer weekend? If so, you need to add Dougan Creek Campground to your list of weekend getaways. The Dougan Falls area of the Washougal River is packed with at least a dozen deep swimming holes, but the ...

Beginning at the Wahtum Lake trailhead, follow the Wahtum Lake Express trail down to the shore and head east (right) around the lake. At the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail, follow the Herman Creek Trail to the east (right, again). You'll begin your ascent out of the Wahtum Lake bowl and to...

The easy version of the Chinidere Mountain hike starts Wahtum Lake Trailhead. The road to the parking lot for Wahtum Lake is paved and thus very easy to access in summer and before snowfall in autumn! The mountain sits across the lake from the parking lot and there are several trails that will ta...

Park at the Wyeth Trailhead parking lot and start hiking south along the old road bed. At the junction with the Gorge-Wyeth Trail, bear left and follow the Wyeth Trail as it goes beneath several power lines. Follow the trail as it goes back into the woods and crosses Harphan Creek. Continue on an...

When the temperature starts to creep up in the summer, Lost Lake is the perfect escape. The campground provides you with everything you could want – miles of scenic hiking, a multitude of water activities, and even a general store for anything you might have forgotten at home.The lakeside tent ca...

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...

The Grouse Vista Trailhead is located through the town of Washougal off of highway 14 just past Camas. Once you leave the city, the road will turn to gravel and dirt though it is fairly well maintained until snow arrive and accessible by most cars so long as you're willing to get drive over loose...

The hike to McNeil Point begins at Top Spur Trailhead, in the Mt. Hood National Wilderness. Follow signs for McNeil Point along the Pacific Crest and Timberline Trails heading north. Though there are numerous camping opportunities along the way (most of the route follows the PCT), an old stone s...

After getting your back country permit from a park ranger, you can park your car and head up Zigzag Mountain. There's a tiny 'parking lot' (lot of dirt) where you park that's right by the trailhead. The hike up to the campsites is roughly 4 miles, and it is all uphill. Not only are you surrounde...

Built in the 1930's, the Tilly Jane A-Frame sits on the North side of Mount Hood at around 6,000ft. The cabin is very popular during winter months as it is located only 1,000ft below the tree line and offers beautiful snowshoeing, hiking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities, yet is also a popul...

When you park at the top of the trail, all you see is layers and layers of emerald trees and ground clear of any underbrush. Once on the trail, you start on a rapid decline that brings you to the first of the many streams along this hike. Cross the bridge made out of logs and head towards the ma...

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...

Starting at 6,000 ft of elevation at Timberline Lodge, start your climb up the south side of Mt. Hood. If you head out at noon, in 6 hours you can make it about an hour past the last ski lift, called Palmer, where you can set up camp for the night. You may need to dig out a flat spot for your ten...