Hiking is a perfect activity no matter what the season. But, picking a trail that is to your desired mile length and in a close proximity to your location can sometimes be overwhelming. Especially in the PNW, when there are over 1,000 trails to choose from. Listed below are the top 10 hiking trails varying in length but all with breathtaking views. So grab your friends, family, or fluffy friends and get ready for a fun-filled outdoor adventure. #10- Toketee FallsLocated on the North Umpqua River in Douglas County, Oregon, Toketee Falls is a beautiful, famous waterfall that is only a 0.8 mile hike to get to. Just take a quick up and down jaunt through the old-growth forest, and then you arrive at the breathtaking 120-foot waterfall. The falls is about an hour long drive from Roseburg, Oregon. #9- Skyline Trail LoopThis trail has all of the 360 views that you can think of; subalpine lakes, rushing waterfalls, wildflower-filled meadows, glacier snowfields, & incredible mountain views. It is a 5.5-mile roundtrip hike (perfect for intermediate hikers!) located about 77 miles southeast of Tacoma, Washington at Mt. Rainer National Park. It is tucked on the southern shoulder of the park in a location called Paradise. Make sure to check the road conditions if you are planning to go during autumn or springtime. The trail does require you to pay an entrance fee if you don't have an annual pass. Even though the trail loop is only 5.5 miles, the elevation gain is nearly 1,500 ft. There are several detours during the hike, giving you a chance to look at different scenery spots and monuments. #8- Poo Poo Point TrailOverlooking the Issaquah Valley, Lake Sammamish, and on a clear day, Mt. Baker, Poo Poo Point is a 7.2 round-trip trail with 1,850 ft. of elevation gain. It offers beautiful sunset views, and when trying to get to the top you have to wind your way through deciduous and coniferous forests, with the occasional small creeks. Right before getting to the top, there is a three-way junction. Past that, it is just a mile further to get to the top of the point. Para and hang-gliders take a shortcut through the Chirico Trail instead, because they are able to get to the top to glide on the launching pads quicker. Although Chirico Trail is a quicker path by 3.4 miles, the incline is rapid and greater than the Poo Poo Point trail. This is a great hike for all seasons, dog-friendly, and perfect if you live in Issaquah because it's only 5 minutes away! #7- Misery Ridge Loop HikeThis beautiful, rocky hike is located in Smith Rock Lake Park, Oregon, and is only a 3.7 mile loop with 915 ft. elevation gain. Misery Ridge is a popular place to come if you are into rock climbing, biking, running, or if you simply just like looking at pretty views. It features a wrapping river, and prime-time to go is between May through October. During the summer months, it is advised that you go bright and early, because during the middle of the day it gets very hot. Misery Ridge is about 30 minutes north of North bend, in the high desert of central Oregon. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This is a great hike if you are looking for a day trip and want to enjoy the ridged mountains and clear river scenery. #6- Lake 22Lake 22 trail loop is personally one of my favorite hikes that has a breathtaking view of an alpine lake, while seeing refreshing waterfalls and walking through the old-growth forest. It is about 5.7 miles round-trip, with an 1,466 ft. elevation gain. The trail's difficulty rating is moderate, but can be sometimes challenging during the winter time, because of avalanche warnings. Located near Granite Falls, Washington, on Mountain Loop Highway, this destination is perfect for swimming during the summer months. I have gone to Lake 22 both during the summer and winter months, and I believe that the scenery is more remarkable during the winter, giving you that winter wonderland feel. If you are going to go during the cold months, make sure you wear sturdy snow boots, bundle up, and be cautious for avalanche warnings. #5- Colchuck LakeThe view of Colchuck Lake is like no other. The lake is very clear, with different shades of blue bouncing off of it from the sunlight. Above the lakes are the Dragontail and Colchuck peaks, slightly conjoining together. The trail is 8 miles round-trip, with a steep elevation gain of 2,280 ft., highest point being 5,580 ft. During several spots along the way different views open up, allowing you to really take in the scenery. This is a perfect hike for a day trip during any season. There are campsites also located all along the lakeshore, but you have to keep in mind that these sites are managed under a strict regime with different guidelines. It is located in the Central Cascades in the Leavenworth area. Leavenworth is an adventure in itself, and if you were visiting I would highly recommend checking out Colchuck. It is a bit of a more difficult hike, but in the end, you will agree that it was worth it. #4- Rattlesnake LedgeThis popular summer trail has a jaw-dropping panoramic view overlooking Mount Washington and Mount Si. It is about 5.3 miles round-trip, with an elevation of almost 1,500 ft. It is a great hike to have lunch at when you get to the top, but make sure you watch your step because the edge of the cliffs can be a bit intimidating if you aren't a fan of heights like me. It is about an hour and a half away from Seattle, Washington. Make sure you get there early because it does get busy during the middle of the day. #3- Palouse FallsDuring the last ice age, the Missoula Floods swept over eastern Washington, creating some of the most beautiful scablands that we visit today. The Palouse falls is the best waterfall to check out in Washington, and has still remained intact from the glacial floods. It is a one mile round-trip hike, located near Kahlotus. The most beautiful time to go is right before sunset, so you can time the perfect picture. #2- Lighthouse PointThis trail is a photography hotspot that shows off it beautiful beaches and woodlands. It is a moderately difficult hike, being 2.6 miles round-trip. Views of the Deception Pass bridge. Whidbey Island, and sometimes seals playing in the water are some scenic highlights. It is located right on the conversion of Fidalgo and Whidbey Island. If you do decide to go, you have to purchase a $10 day pass or $30 annual pass to enter Deception Pass State Park. Since the hike isn't too long, afterwards you can always find a cute café or restaurant to explore to extend your adventure for the day. #1- Mt. PilchuckLocated in the North Cascades, hikers every year flock to this location for the panoramic views and historic restored fire lookout. It is a 5.4 round-trip mile hike where you are able to see Mt. Rainer, Mt. Baker, and the Olympics from the shelter lookout at the top. If you are a beginner hiker, you want to make sure that you prepare for this incredibly high elevated trail, especially if going during the winter months. Pilchuck is near Granite Falls, Washington, pretty similar to hike #4 on this list. This is definitely one of those hikes that you want to wake up early for, but in the end the view will all be worth it. Author: Morgan Jacobson
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