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The Best Hikes

  • Turtleback Mountain Preserve (Orcas Island): Turtleback Mountain runs the length of much of Orcas Island's west side and offers the best hike in the San Juans. The views from the top of the mountain take in everything that makes the San Juans memorable.

  • Trails out of Hurricane Ridge (Olympic National Park): Hurricane Ridge is the most easily accessible alpine region of Olympic National Park. From here and nearby Obstruction Peak, several hikes will give you a glimpse of a breathtaking part of the Olympic wilderness.

  • Hall of Mosses Trail/Hoh River Trail (Hoh River Valley): Whether you're up for a short walk in the woods or a multi-day backpacking trip, this is the best place to experience the Olympic Peninsula's famed rainforest. Don't forget your rain gear.

  • Chain Lakes Loop Trail (Mount Baker): This 9-mile trail circling Table Mountain is one of the state's most awe-inspiring and rewarding hikes. With streams, lakes, cliffs, meadows, huckleberries, and plenty of views, this trail packs in everything that makes the Mount Baker area special.

  • Maple Pass Loop Trail (North Cascades Scenic Highway): Along the North Cascades Scenic Highway, you won't find a more rewarding hike. The trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet from Rainy Pass to a ridge with an astounding view of mountains both near and far.

  • Trails out of Sunrise (Mount Rainier National Park): The Sunrise area, on the northeast flanks of Washington's Mount Rainier, has fabulous, unobstructed views of both the mountain and Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the contiguous 48 states. From Sunrise, pick from more than a dozen trails of different lengths heading to viewpoints and lakes.

  • Beacon Rock Trail (Columbia Gorge): Although this hike is less than 2 miles long, it makes up for the short length with its steep pitch. In fact, much of the trail is on metal stairs bolted to the sheer cliff face of Beacon Rock, a massive monolith. The view from the top stretches for miles up and down the Columbia River.


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    Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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    Frommer's Washington State, 6th Edition Frommer's Washington State, 6th Edition

    Author: Karl Samson
    Pub Date: March 24, 2008
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