Pacific Northwest Hikes
Wayne R. Brown
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Things To Bring On a Hike, Part 2
Part two of what to bring on a hike will discuss clothing ideas and considerations for hiking in various types of weather.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sometimes it's just too hot for a trek through the woods. Lava River Cave near Bend, Oregon, provides a cool hiking alternative.