Backpacking
These are multi-day trips varying from easy to difficult. Many can run through and make the hike quicker however due to terrain, scenery or other factors you may want to take more time to cover these areaa. Be sure to check with the local ranger station for updates on conditions in the area.
Special notes:
Each page is listed with trips mainly in Oregon as well as Washington state. Some trips are located in other areas, these will be noted at the bottom of each
page under 'out of the PNW'. Each trip is rated on a scale of 1 - 5, (1 is easy, while 5 is tough if not really tough)
Disclaimer - Any of the information provided is not in itself complete. There very well could be changes to routes, conditions as well as possible closures. Please check with the local ranger station prior to your trip to verify your route. We in no way take responsibility for any injuries, losses or changes on your trip. It is up to each individual to take responsiblity for their actions. Our listings are aimed at getting you excited to do something more than you have done. To get you out of your routine of couch sitting and movie watching.
Need help on how to train for hiking or for backpacking?
page under 'out of the PNW'. Each trip is rated on a scale of 1 - 5, (1 is easy, while 5 is tough if not really tough)
Disclaimer - Any of the information provided is not in itself complete. There very well could be changes to routes, conditions as well as possible closures. Please check with the local ranger station prior to your trip to verify your route. We in no way take responsibility for any injuries, losses or changes on your trip. It is up to each individual to take responsiblity for their actions. Our listings are aimed at getting you excited to do something more than you have done. To get you out of your routine of couch sitting and movie watching.
Need help on how to train for hiking or for backpacking?
Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Talapus - Spirit - Defiance/Thompson - Washington
30 miles/5040 gain/summit elevation 8440/Alpine Lakes Wilderness area - Northern Cascade mountains, Washington state.The trip is off the south-west corner of the designated Wilderness area. Take the I-90 corridor to exit 45 hang a left under the freeway (heading north) then right (northeast) up road 9030, trailhead at the end of the road. Do this multi day, or all in one (but it's quite long) Day 1 - to base camp near Island lake (4200), hitting Talapus (3360) and Olallie (3500ft) lakes along the way. Hike out to Rainbow lake (4300), Blazer lake (4300)and Mason lakes (4200)(apx 10 miles). Day 2 - up Mt Defiance (5584) and down to Thompson lake (3600) and back (apx 10 miles). Catching Lake Kulla Kulla (4000) on the way back. Day 3 - hike out, catching Pratt (3400) and possibly Lower Tuschohatchie lake (3400) on the way down (apx 9.3 miles). Approximately 30 miles total in 3 days. Green Trails map Bandera # 206 trailhead F10-E10 or Alpine Lakes Wilderness by ALPS.
Wonderland Trail - Washington
3300 loss & gain/elevation 2300-5600/93 total round mountain miles/Mt Rainier National Park. This is a wonderful, beautiful, long trail. There are many stop and start points so you can do the trail in sections, in and out or prepare a little and go for the gusto. Some spots are more treacherous during the winter than others, so be very prepared. Even Spring time conditions should be treated as though Winter were still there, so bring your ice axe. Because you are dealing with a trail around a very large angry mountain you need to make sure you are very prepared for any occasion. Because it is so long of a trip, usually about 9 to 14 days, make life a little easier and plan food drops, this will lighten your load and give you something to look forward too. It is definitely a must do in your life, well worth the effort. Green Trails map Mount Rainier East # 270 & Mount Rainier West #269 trailhead wherever you want to get on - the trail loops all the way around Mt Rainer.
Not in the PNW - but amazing enough to try out.
Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim - Arizona
23.5 - 28+ miles one way/canyon floor elevation top 7260/floor 2480/ 6,084 loss/gain/Grand Canyon Arizona. Not for the novice... kinda hot in July and cool in the winter. This trail is starting from the North Kaibab trailhead to Cottonwood then back out by way of Indian Garden to Bright Angel trailhead or something like that. We will be doing this in a 5 day route... look for details next year kinda missed it this year. Read the info and stories under Grand Canyon
Napali Coast - see Kalalau trail, Kauai - Hawaii
(see Napali for the 8 mile short version.) Some of the most beautiful trail you will see. No permit needed to do the 4 miles to the falls, however you do need one to go past the beach. This may take up to a year to process permits so start early Not exactly one to bring kids on. This trail is very slick and dangerous even when dry. Clay, rock and water is what you are treading. This will be the toughest 11 miles you will possibly ever do, NOT A DAY HIKE. You will have
river/stream crossings, mud, cliffs and major exposure at times. Depending on the time of year these can be very treacherous do to monsoon rains. Please do your research before you ever attempt this trail. But if you are up for a
challenge this is definitely one for you.
river/stream crossings, mud, cliffs and major exposure at times. Depending on the time of year these can be very treacherous do to monsoon rains. Please do your research before you ever attempt this trail. But if you are up for a
challenge this is definitely one for you.
