Climb Every Mountain. Here are 10 beginner hikes that Maria and the von Trapp family would love.
10. Chirico Trail (Poo Poo Point) With a stunning view of Mt. Rainier and a well-kept trail, Poo Poo Point offers a beautiful and easy hike to a parasailing launchpad and great view at the top. 3.8 miles, 1760 ft. elevation gain Tips: Pack a lunch and watch the action at the parasailing launch pad at the top. Bring kids! The view at the top is especially good for kids afraid of heights because it is more of a rolling hill at the top instead of a drop-off cliff. 8. Margaret's Way We did this hike at the end of winter, so we ran into snow after a bit of climbing, turning the trail into a magical winter wonderland. Green, green, green-- what the trail doesn't offer in view, it more than makes up for in beautiful scenery and trees. 5.5 miles, 1500 ft. elevation gain Tips: The trailhead is a bit confusing, but it starts at the Squak Mountain Lodge and goes through parking and camping areas before really getting to the trail (you're not on the wrong path, just keep going!). 6.Little Si + Boulder Garden Loop Together these trails make for a great day hike and allow you to enjoy huge boulders as well as magnificent views. (together) 7.2 miles, 2100 ft. elevation gain Tips: Around 0.2 miles in, duck off the trail to a small ridge that has a nice view and preview of the view from the top. Read signs and make sure you know where you are going, as there are multiple break off points to other trails! 4. Bridal Veil Falls Bridal Veil Falls is a stunning view (scroll over image to see the view) for such a short trail. About 1.5 miles into the Lake Serene trail, the path forks and leads you up to the glittering, misting, 100 ft. rock face of waterfall. 4 miles, 1000 ft. elevation gain Tips: Be prepared for stairs. If you are feeling really unstoppable, do Bridal Veil Falls on the way up or down from Lake Serene! | 9. Rattlesnake Ledge Rattlesnake is a not-too-tough climb with a great view at the top. Great for beginners and kids, the trail is popular and well kept, making for a safe and beautiful way to get outside and enjoy the PNW! 4 miles, 1160 ft. elevation gain Tips: Go in the morning to get parking and avoid trail traffic. Pack a snack or lunch for the top to enjoy alongside the view! 7. Oyster Dome Located in Bellingham, the Oyster Dome trail has both beautiful forests of trees and great views of the San Juan Islands. 5 miles, 1900 ft. elevation gain Tips: Go on a clear day for the best view of the water. Do Chuckanut Drive while you're here for more spectacular views of the bay! 5. Twin Falls Twin falls has been one of my favorites since I was little. An easy hike, the trail is perfect for a day when you don't feel like climbing a mountain, but still want to get outdoors. The falls are beautiful and it's a great hike to take with a group of friends! 3.5 miles, 500 ft. elevation gain Tips: Last summer part of the trail was washed out, so we had to drive up a little ways to an alternate trailhead that led us down to the falls. If you want to see the falls but try a new trail, check it out! Also, make sure you see all the waterfalls... there are three! |
3. Snow Lake
I've hiked Snow Lake in the Fall, Spring, and Summer-- all of which were absolutely gorgeous. While the lake at the top is glamorous, I love the views and the surroundings on the way up too. Stretches of the trail are green, while others are filled with rocks and you can see down the side of the mountain, which makes for stunning colors and contrast. Dipping your feet in the lake is heaven after the hike, and the water is crystal clear.
7.2 miles, 1800 ft. elevation gain
Tips: You can also follow the signs for a quick detour to visit Source Lake, a cool lake that I once happened upon by accident (read the signs well). If you are going to wade in Snow Lake, beware of very slippery rocks!
I've hiked Snow Lake in the Fall, Spring, and Summer-- all of which were absolutely gorgeous. While the lake at the top is glamorous, I love the views and the surroundings on the way up too. Stretches of the trail are green, while others are filled with rocks and you can see down the side of the mountain, which makes for stunning colors and contrast. Dipping your feet in the lake is heaven after the hike, and the water is crystal clear.
7.2 miles, 1800 ft. elevation gain
Tips: You can also follow the signs for a quick detour to visit Source Lake, a cool lake that I once happened upon by accident (read the signs well). If you are going to wade in Snow Lake, beware of very slippery rocks!
2. Ape Caves
Just AWESOME. If climbing through caves is on your bucket list, Ape Caves is the place to do it. Armed with a headlamp, fleece leggings, and adventurous friends, you will climb under, through, and over the rocks in the longest lava tube in the continental US. The lower cave can be done with kids in about an hour, while the upper cave consists of climbing over 27 boulder piles and scaling an 8 foot high lava fall. The upper caves finish by opening up to a trail with wildflowers that you will hike back down to get to the car.
Around 2.4 miles for the upper cave, highest point (exit of cave) is elevation 2450 ft.
Tips: It is chilly down there-- wear warm clothes. When I go next time, I think I might wear some light gloves, both for the cold and to protect your hands while climbing over rock piles. Definitely wear a headlamp as there are times you will want both hands for climbing and it is pitch black without your own light. Bring extra batteries/flashlights just in case! Be prepared to scale the 8 foot wall (only one foothold and slippery) in the middle... there was a rope there when I went through but my brother said it wasn't there when he went!
1. Lake Serene
My #1 favorite. So many amazing memories on this trail, and I always want to go back. The views are breathtaking. The lake at the top is so clear (also freezing), and it's so much fun to go swimming after the long hike. There's no way I could capture the beauty of this trail in photos, so you will just have to go and see for yourself. Seriously. Go.
8.2 miles, 2000 ft. elevation gain
Tips: Wear a swimsuit so that you can take a dip at the top! A little ways in, there is a stopping point with a little waterfall you can play in (different than Bridal Veil Falls) and big rocks to climb and sit on for lunch! There is also a little Mexican restaurant in Gold Bar called La Hacienda that I love to go to for dinner on the way home!
My #1 favorite. So many amazing memories on this trail, and I always want to go back. The views are breathtaking. The lake at the top is so clear (also freezing), and it's so much fun to go swimming after the long hike. There's no way I could capture the beauty of this trail in photos, so you will just have to go and see for yourself. Seriously. Go.
8.2 miles, 2000 ft. elevation gain
Tips: Wear a swimsuit so that you can take a dip at the top! A little ways in, there is a stopping point with a little waterfall you can play in (different than Bridal Veil Falls) and big rocks to climb and sit on for lunch! There is also a little Mexican restaurant in Gold Bar called La Hacienda that I love to go to for dinner on the way home!