The Pacific Northwest is teeming with scenic rivers and creeks. These backpacking trips feature some of the best destinations for backcountry camping with the sound of rushing water to lull you to sleep.
These backpacking trips to mountain lakes range from short and easy trips for relaxing – to tough and challenging treks with stunning scenery.
These backpacking trips are all focused on close-up mountain scenery in the High Cascades, including Mount Hood, Mount Adams, the Three Sisters, Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.
Backpacking at the coast can be challenging – with traverses over headlands, muddy trails, and needing to be mindful of tides. But there’s nothing that compares to backcountry camping in these coastal locations.
The Ohanapecosh campground, in the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park, is surrounded by lush old-growth forest with the scenic Ohanapecosh River running through the campground.
The Bivouac campground at Smith Rock State Park isn’t just for rock climbers – it’s also a great place for hikers to camp when visiting this high desert location.
Smith Rock State Park is located in the high desert of Central Oregon. An internationally renowned location for rock climbing, the park also has plenty of trails for hikers who want to experience the majestic rock scenery.
Crater Lake was formed when Mount Mazama (12,000 ft.) exploded about 7,700 years ago, leaving a caldera that eventually filled in and formed the lake. These four hikes feature the best of the park’s unique scenery.
The six hikes listed here are my favorites on the Oregon Coast, including trails to secluded beaches, through coastal rainforests, to summits with panoramic views, and along the coastline with tidepools, spouting horns, and if you are lucky, views of migrating whales.
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