Pacific Northwest Hikes
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Things To Bring On a Hike, Part 1
If you're going to trek about up in the woods somewhere, you should equip yourself properly. Here are some of my observations on the subject.
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Black Butte
If you've ever driven through Oregon's Santiam Pass, you couldn't help but notice Black Butte, the ancient cinder cone that looms above the highway. Those adventurous enough to climb this mountain will be rewarded with incredible views of Central Oregon.
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Drift Creek Falls
This is a three mile hike on a beautifully maintained trail. It comes complete with a thrilling walk across a suspension bridge and a good view of a one hundred foot waterfall.
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Indian Heaven
This is a challenging, fairly high altitude hike in southern Washington. It's a good place to enjoy open meadows and small lakes. I do not recommend it for those who are not in reasonable shape.
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Mary's Peak
Mary's Peak, outside of Corvallis, is the highest point in the Oregon stretch of the Coast Range. There you will find awesome views of the Willamette valley and the Cascades as well as a number of hiking opportunities.
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Paulina Lake
Paulina Lake sits at 6330 feet above sea level in a mostly extinct volcano. The hike around the lake provides relative solitude and wonderful views of the water and nearby Paulina Peak.
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Canyon Crek Meadows/Three Fingered Jack
Situated high in the Oregon Cascades, this hike boasts beautiful meadows with wildflowers. For the adventurous hiker there is a demanding climb right up next to 7,800' Three Fingered Jack.
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Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park offers a place to hike, camp, bike, and enjoy the beach. Anyone who enjoys a little history should find the World War Two gun batteries to be of considerable interest.
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Lava River Cave
Sometimes it's just too hot for a trek through the woods. Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon, provides a cool hiking alternative.
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Tom McCall Preserve
For a short, easy hike under the rays of the full sun, try the Tom McCall Preserve. The scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge are not soon to be forgotten.
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Eagle Creek
This trail follows Eagle Creek on the south side of the Columbia River Gorge. It will take the traveler on a breathtaking journey complete with narrow trails and dizzying views of the creek and the waterfalls beyond.
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Timothy Lake
Timothy Lake is nestled in the Cascade Range just south of Mount Hood. The trail around the lakeshore provides an easy hike with views of the lake and Mount Hood.
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Kings Mountain
This can be a leisurely hike through quiet forests or a challenging trek up a steep trail to to the scenic summit of a coatal mountain.
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Saddle Mountain
Saddle Mountain juts up from the coast range like some monolithic, prehistoric beast. The hike can be challenging but the views along the way are unbeatable.
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Neahkahnie Mountain
Neahkahnie Mountain provides a challenging but fun hike that includes quiet forests and panoramic views of the Oregon Coast. If you're looking for a good hike, this one is hard to beat!
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Silver Falls
Silver Falls State Park is a wonderful place to get away from it all. Memories of the tranquil trails and roaring waterfalls will stay with you long after you've returned to everyday life.
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Multnomah Falls
There is a reason that Multnomah Falls is one of the biggest tourist draws in Oregon. Simply put, it's beautiful! The hike to the top of the falls is one of my favorites. If anything, the hikes above the falls may be even better.
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Galen McBee Airport Park
Galen McBee Airport Park provides a short hike for those touring the Yamhill County wine country, pasing through the McMinville area, or just looking for a break from the hubbub of everyday activities.
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