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40 Best Hiking Trails near Bend Oregon
Multiple wilderness areas and national forests full of hiking trails surround Bend, Oregon. You don’t have to wander far from town to find great views of mountains, forests, lakes, and unusual landscapes. With over 150 trails to choose from nearby, we’ve narrowed this blog down to the top 40.
Enchanted Valley Backpacking
Known as the “Valley of 10,000 waterfalls”, Enchanted Valley is a beautiful backpacking destination in the Olympic National Park featuring the Enchanted Valley Chalet. The trail follows the bright blue Quinault River through old-growth forests and features trees up to 1,000 years old. The forest is so impressive it reminded us of Redwood National Park.
What You Need to Know About Larch Hikes in Washington
In late summer, you’ll begin to hear whispers of the “larch march” among outdoor communities in Washington. This march, also known as larch madness, is any hike that features our beloved larch trees.
Where to Camp in the Olympic National Park
Camping on the Olympic Peninsula is a beautiful way to spend your vacation time. Most campgrounds are densely forested and near Washington’s most pristine lakes, beaches, and trails.
Bioluminescent Kayaking in Washington State
Imagine kayaking through a glowing sea of stars. That’s what it’s like to go on a bioluminescent kayaking tour! Each paddle brings more sparkles, and it’s such a magical experience.
Crystal Mountain’s Flying Raven Adventure Course
There is more to explore during the summer months at Crystal Mountain than the gondola. They now have the Flying Raven Adventure Course! The course is set amongst evergreen trees, above a babbling brook and, at first glance, it looks like a setting for a tranquil treehouse. Look closer and you’ll notice suspended log bridges, rickety steps, and obstacles between the trees.
How to Tide Pool in the Pacific Northwest
Tide pooling is an essential part of visiting the coast in the Pacific Northwest. If you can find a good location and visit at low tides, you’ll have hours of free entertainment on your hands. Below is everything you need to know to start tide pooling!
All You Need to Know About the Goldmyer Hot Springs
Goldmyer Hot Springs was everything we hoped for and more. It’s a natural geothermal hot spring cared for by the Northwest Wilderness Programs, a nonprofit organization established in 1976 to protect this area. The hot springs are so idyllic that soaking there felt like a dream. Move this activity to the top of your Pacific Northwest bucket list!
Silver Falls State Park: Everything You Need to Know
The Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park is the most beautiful trail we’ve hiked in Oregon so far. Visit and you’ll quickly lose count of the waterfalls you’ll see, get to admire lush rainforests, and icy blue rivers. Spend one to two days here to enjoy everything the park, and surrounding towns, have to offer.
Mount Rainier Timed Entry Reservations Explained
Mount Rainier National Park is piloting timed entry requirements in 2024. Due to a heavy increase in visitation and damage to park ecosystems, the park is hoping timed reservations will improve the visitor experience by reducing traffic, waiting times, and negative impacts on trails.
Best Activities on the Oregon Coast
There are stunning sights all along the Oregon Coast, including some of the Pacific Northwest’s best beaches, coastal hikes, and tide pools. Find out when and where to do each here, along with other unique activities, such as visiting the Sea Lion Caves, lighthouses, and more.
25 Stunning Hikes on the Oregon Coast
There are so many beautiful hikes along the Oregon coast. Wander inland and you’ll find towering waterfalls and summits or stick to the coastline for the best seaside views.
Oregon Coast Road Trip Guide (1-6+ Day Itinerary)
We’ve spent years exploring the Oregon coast, and it’s still a place we go back to at any chance we get. It’s beautiful, fun, and so relaxing. This itinerary is best for those wanting a road trip — seeing ALL the best sights and staying in different towns every night.
Dry Camping in Washington: What, Where, and How
Dry camping goes by many names: you’ll also hear it called dispersed camping, wild camping, and boondocking. Simply said, it’s camping outside of designated campgrounds — meaning you’re finding legal spots to park overnight and camp, usually in national forests or on BLM land.
How to Camp on the Alvord Desert
It’s surprising that the Alvord Desert isn’t better known. It’s like the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah but located in the Pacific Northwest. Near the southeastern tip of Oregon, the desert is nestled at the base of the Steen Mountains, near natural hot springs, and has miles of desert to explore and camp — truly an overlander’s paradise!
Olympic National Park: Best Hikes, Itinerary, and Sights
Covering 922,641 acres, the Olympic National Park is so large and diverse! The park has seven distinct ecosystems, including glaciated mountains, rainforest, and the coast. There is something for everyone to enjoy here, and there is so much to see. We recommend staying between two and seven days near the park.
The Ultimate Cascade Loop Itinerary
The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile road trip through some of Washington’s most gorgeous scenery. As it circles through the Cascade Mountains, it’s the best way to explore the North Cascades National Park. This trip can be completed in one to five days, with epic hikes, waterfalls, and cute towns along the way.
Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary (From Locals)
At 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands far above the surrounding Cascade Mountains. It’s so distinct that locals refer to it as “the mountain” and have an unofficial motto: “Live like the mountain is out.” We recommend spending between one and five days near the park and suggest erring on the side of more time if you enjoy hiking and scenic drives.
5 One-Day Washington Waterfall Road Trip Guides
Washington state is known for its stunning natural beauty, and one of our favorite ways to experience it is through a scenic road trip. With many waterfalls scattered throughout the state, a day trip spent exploring them is a must-do activity.
How to Thru-Hike the Enchantments
Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the Enchantments are home to arguably Washington State’s most beautiful lakes and mountains. The region has over 700 lakes, grand waterfalls, and rugged mountains.
