This lesser-visited hike to the top of Bunker Hill features woodland wildflowers, a steep climb, and views over the Wind River Valley.
Featuring expansive mountain views and rugged terrain, this loop to Silver Star Mountain via Ed’s Trail included rocky scrambles, fall color, and panoramic vistas of five Cascade volcanoes.
My third visit to the Lower Lewis River Trail offered quiet solitude, lush old growth, and the perfect early-season spot to test new gear before the high country melts out.
I’ve been enjoying hiking on less traveled trails recently. This section of the PCT near the Panther Creek campground had plenty of solitude, several unexpected wildflowers, and two great viewpoints.
The Upper Falls Creek area has several campsites next to the creek above the super scenic (and extremely popular) Falls Creek Falls waterfall, and makes a great base for exploring less traveled trails in the area.
This hike in Southwest Washington begins at Moulton Falls Park and goes up to the summit of Bells Mountain through mossy forests and open formerly logged sections with views towards the Silver Star Mountain area.
The Lower Lewis River is a good early season option when there’s still snow at higher elevations. Highlights include old-growth forest, uncrowded trails, and of course, the Lewis River.
Stunning Falls Creek Falls is the highlight of this loop hike that combines an easy hike alongside a mossy creek in old-growth forest with an upper ridge trail and canyon views.
The low elevation forested canyons of Trapper Creek Wilderness provide an easy getaway for relaxing backpacking trips.
Trapper Creek Wilderness, located in Southwest Washington near the Wind River, includes around 25 miles of trails in old-growth Douglas-fir forests.
This longer loop to Silver Star Mountain takes the Tarbell and Sturgeon Rock trails to the summit, then returns via the Grouse Vista trail.
Silver Star Mountain, located in the Yacolt Burn area, is filled with summer wildflowers and includes panoramic views of the Cascades from the summit.
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