We try to hike all year round, but there's something different about summer hiking in the PNW. Here's a list of my top 5 favorite hikes we did in Summer 2021.
3. Santiam Lake
2. Shriner Peak
5. Marion Mountain, Central Oregon
Distance: 9.5 miles
Elevation Gain: About 2,000'
Route Type: Out & back
Pass: NF Forest (or America The Beautiful) & Central Cascades Wilderness Permit
This was the first hike we did this summer in Central Oregon and it exceeded my expectations. From the trailhead, after about 2 miles, you will get to Marion Lake, which is very scenic in itself and will provide you with forest and mountain views surrounding the lake.
From there, the climbing ramped up, but it felt very gradual. We hiked through a former burn area with many barren trees and finally reached the summit to find this view.
4. Mount Washington, Olympic Wilderness, WA
Distance: 4.1 miles
Elevation Gain: About 3,200'
Route Type: Out & back
Pass: NF Forest (or America The Beautiful)
This is more of a scramble than a hike. This one left quite the impression. It took us 5 hours to complete this hike. Boy, is it steep. This hike became worth it twice...at the summit and when we got back to the car 😂. From the start, it went straight up and that's pretty much how it was the whole time.
3. Santiam Lake, Central Oregon
Distance: 11.5 miles
Elevation Gain: About 1,400'
Route Type: Out & back
Pass: NF Forest (or America The Beautiful)
This is another hike that exceeded my expectations and we didn't decide to do this one til the day before. 1,400' gain seems like even less because the gain doesn't all take place on the way out. There are many very nice views along the way of Three Fingered Jack and Mount Washington and the view of Santiam Lake makes the whole hike worth it!
2. Shriner Peak, Mount Rainier, WA
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: About 3,350'
Route Type: Out & back
Pass: NF Forest (or America The Beautiful)
Awesome hike! With over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, this wasn't an easy one, but it was also not overly challenging. Most of this hike is through the forest until the last 3/4 mile or so, as you begin seeing views of Mount Rainier. The view from the lookout tower is of course, my favorite view of the hike (and the summit).
1. Canyon Creek Meadows Loop, Central Oregon
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: About 1,600'
Route Type: Lollipop loop
Pass: NF Forest (or America The Beautiful)
This ended up being my favorite hike we did this summer! The entire hike was very scenic, not overly crowded, and the perfect distance and level of challenge. It's funny, though, because I did feel like by the time you get to the very end, it did feel like more than 1,600' of gain. Here's a view from the very top!
Thanks so much for checking out my blog! Comment below what your favorite hike of the summer was. And as always, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram, @traveltrachs!
I did Shriner Peak. Love that one