Carson, Washington

Sadly because of the devastating Eagle Creek fire on the Oregon side of the Gorge, most of the trails are closed for restoration. As a result more hikers are heading to the Washington side and heading further east for Gorge day hikes. Heading east gets you some sunnier skies and prime wildflower ...

The trailhead for this short hike is right off of the Columbia River Highway just west of Multnomah Falls. You can't miss the parking lot for it; there is a sign for Bridal Veil and the parking lot is visible from the road. The hike is only 0.6 miles and has hardly any elevation gain (70 feet). ...

The Grouse Vista Trailhead is located through the town of Washougal off of highway 14 just past Camas. Once you leave the city, the road will turn to gravel and dirt though it is fairly well maintained until snow arrive and accessible by most cars so long as you're willing to get drive over loose...

The hike to McNeil Point begins at Top Spur Trailhead, in the Mt. Hood National Wilderness. Follow signs for McNeil Point along the Pacific Crest and Timberline Trails heading north. Though there are numerous camping opportunities along the way (most of the route follows the PCT), an old stone s...

The hike to the caves begins at Top Spur Trailhead. The hike to McNeil Point is 5.4 miles one way, and 2200 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts in the forest, but will eventually open up to views of Mt Hood, as well as St. Helens, Adams and Rainier on a clear day.There is a shortcut up to Mc...

Starting at the parking area, cross the dirt road to start hiking up from the Top Spur Trailhead. In 0.4 miles you will reach the Pacific Crest Trail intersection, take a right onto the Pacific Crest Trail. In a couple hundred feet you will reach a larger intersection of a bunch of different trai...

An 1.5 hour drive NE from Vancouver, WA this section of the Lewis River makes for a perfect day fishing trip.  Heading North on I-5 for approximately 20 miles take the Woodland / HWY 503 exit East and head towards Mt St. Helens.  You'll follow the Lewis River along Hwy 503 (Lewis River Road) the ...

The trail begins at the parking for McClellan Overlook. Head out of the parking area and cross over the highway before heading onto a faint, unmarked trail. You may have to do a little routefinding, so it's best to download this map before heading out so you can make sure you stay on path.  This...

Heads up! There's construction going on at the eastern part of the trail and the main parking lot is closed. But don't worry, you can still get to the trail from the west entrance turning this hike into an out-and-back. For the latest updates, check out the Oregon State Parks website: https://sta...

I'd been wanting to do this hike for quite a while, and when I found work taking me to Portland, I made my return trip through the Mt. Hood wilderness area. I started this Hike from the Ramona Falls trailhead, which is the most popular starting point. The easiest way to find the trailhead, is t...

Cooper Spur is located on the north east side of Mount Hood. This is the hike to do if you want to get up close and personal with the mountain. To get there you have to drive around 10 miles up a bumpy dirt road, once off the main road. Low-clearance vehicles can make it but high clearance vehic...

Built in the 1930's, the Tilly Jane A-Frame sits on the North side of Mount Hood at around 6,000ft. The cabin is very popular during winter months as it is located only 1,000ft below the tree line and offers beautiful snowshoeing, hiking, skiing and snowboarding opportunities, yet is also a popul...

Head to Rooster Rock State Park off exit 25 on I-84 E in the Columbia River Gorge. Park at the west end of the park.There are multiple paths at the west end of the park heading south to I-84. If you go too far west, you will hit water. Pick one of these paths which lead to the edge of the freeway...

The Vista House located in the Columbia River Gorge offers those looking to photograph the night sky without traveling long distance from Portland the opportunity to do so. Vista House is just far enough away from Portland's light pollution to allow you to capture enough stars on a clear night.T...

After getting your back country permit from a park ranger, you can park your car and head up Zigzag Mountain. There's a tiny 'parking lot' (lot of dirt) where you park that's right by the trailhead. The hike up to the campsites is roughly 4 miles, and it is all uphill. Not only are you surrounde...

This river may be a bit under the radar at the moment but not for long.  This section doesn't have the big fish, that the main fork of the Hood River does but it will keep you busy with modest active trout perfect for a 3 or 5 weight rod in the summer time and a dry fly.   It's a great beginner &...