Tough hikes & really tough hikes (easier day climbs)
If you are the kind of person build for the great out doors these are for you, otherwise you may want to call for backup when you are finished here, these hikes are likely to hurt a little. Definite pain association, a possible tear of pain or drop of blood, some experience necessary. Usually a difficult hike/ride or endurance training required prior. These are the trips that for some reason very much worth the effort.
And for those that really want something special we have two types for you all intermixed, there are 'tough hikes' and really tough hikes'.
And for those that really want something special we have two types for you all intermixed, there are 'tough hikes' and really tough hikes'.
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'.
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. Don't be the "tough guy/girl" and just go out and do one of these hikes without any training or with a gut the size of a watermelon, you won't make it far before you will be in trouble. If you are in good shape and are the knuckelhead that decides to take on some of these tougher hikes/trips then you will want to bring a first-aid kit, someone just may need it. And please don't blame us if your day ends up in the emergency room (we may see you there.)
Need help on how to train for
hiking?
page under 'out of the PNW'.
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. Don't be the "tough guy/girl" and just go out and do one of these hikes without any training or with a gut the size of a watermelon, you won't make it far before you will be in trouble. If you are in good shape and are the knuckelhead that decides to take on some of these tougher hikes/trips then you will want to bring a first-aid kit, someone just may need it. And please don't blame us if your day ends up in the emergency room (we may see you there.)
Need help on how to train for
hiking?
Tough hikes
Little Annapurna - Washington
16.2 miles/5040 gain/summit elevation 8440/Off of Icicle creek road toward the end of Icicle Canyon out of Leavenworth East side of HWY 2. Take road 7601 just to the right of Bridge Creek campground to the second parking area. From here you hike 1100ft in 2.5 miles, then it starts up. You will finish out your remaining gain of 3940 over 5.6 miles passing several lakes and many a rock. This area is known as the Enchantments, the land of 1,000 waterfalls. Note because of the area permits are required and be prepared for snow any time of the year. This is one you want to spend the night on. So worth the trip, stars out here are like no other. Green Trails map Enchantments.
Mt Baring - Washington
9 miles/3900ft gain/summit elevation 6,125/Cascades, off of HWY 2. This is a tough one, you want to definitely be prepared for this, You must know what you
are doing, its a beautiful ride, but a long painful one if you haven't got a clue. If you need a good challenge this is it!
are doing, its a beautiful ride, but a long painful one if you haven't got a clue. If you need a good challenge this is it!
Chikamin Peak - Washington
18 miles/4526ft gain/summit elevation 6,926/Start at Mineral creek trailhead, Cascades Washington off of HWY 2. Follow directions in information for the
Glacier and Chikamin lakes hike, then veer off to the summit of Chikamin which is 2mile round trip off of the hike route. Chikamin Peak lies just south of
Chikamin Lake and is a relatively easy ascent on snow and talus. The steepest snow can be avoided by staying on talus but the ascent is quicker and more
pleasant on the snow (bring an ice axe). From the first tarn in Chikamin Lake basin, ascend a snow finger just west of the east peak of Chikamin. Don't be
mislead by topo maps that label the peak as the heathery ridge west of the true summit.
Glacier and Chikamin lakes hike, then veer off to the summit of Chikamin which is 2mile round trip off of the hike route. Chikamin Peak lies just south of
Chikamin Lake and is a relatively easy ascent on snow and talus. The steepest snow can be avoided by staying on talus but the ascent is quicker and more
pleasant on the snow (bring an ice axe). From the first tarn in Chikamin Lake basin, ascend a snow finger just west of the east peak of Chikamin. Don't be
mislead by topo maps that label the peak as the heathery ridge west of the true summit.
Glacier and Chikamin Lakes - Washington
16 miles/3,381ft gain/5781 summit elevation/ start at Mineral Creek trailhead, Cascades Washington off of HWY 2. From the junction of Mineral Creek Trail (FST 1331) and the PCT, follow the PCT south about one half of a mile to a semi flat area at 5300'. Locate a path leading north through a minor saddle in Chikamin ridge. The path mains a short elevation gain before descending steeply through open meadows and rock. It is a bit hard to follow in places but the terrain is generally easy and the idea is to make a mile long descending traverse to 4700' and Glacier Lake. This is a nice lake of the beaten path, but a thousand feet above another lake and several small tarns offer even more rewards. From the outlet of Glacier Lake, follow a path along the north shore to a talus slope. Ascend the talus keeping near the lake shore. Once above the talus, the path can once again be found following the south side of a stream. Continue up this path to a divide. Here the path traverses the right side of a buttress with some occasional scrambling as it ascends to Chikamin Lake. Once at Chikamin Lake it is revealed through a small plaque that the path is the Chikamin Trail, built in memory of a Robert Peck 1940-1967. The trail has not been maintained and I have found no reference to it (I have not checked a USGS map).
Ingalls Peak - Washington (South)
11 miles/3600 gain/summit elevation 7,652/south peak elevation 7,640 & east peak elevation about 7,500/Stewart range, Eastern Washington in the Teanaway area. This 3 peak summit has become a popular area due to its excellent rock and easy access.
Hoodoo Peak - Washington
11 miles/4500 gain/summit elevation 8,464/lake Chelan - Sawtooth Wilderness. This is one you will want to do late in the season due to late snow coverage. It starts out on switchbacks - no warm up time at all and you just keep going from there with lots of elevation gain and great hands on scrambling. With many this trip will take 2 days and to enjoy the views and take it all in... you might want to. But we tackled it in one. This wouldn't be one for the kiddies, definitely for someone with a little know how and
experience. Green Trails map Buttermilk Butte 83, Prince Creek 115.
experience. Green Trails map Buttermilk Butte 83, Prince Creek 115.
Mailbox Peak - Washington
5 miles total/4041 gain/summit elevation 4841/Cascades, I-90 Corridor - Mailbox is an ugly little place that we all don't like to go, but must. The best reference I've heard, is that its like cough medicine - "its nasty, but its good for you". One of the signs for the trial reads "Mailbox Peak Trail is a very steep, wet, unmaintained, difficult, challenging trail. It is 2.5 miles one way to the top and gains 4,000 feet in elevation. Search and rescue teams are frequently called to this trail to assist distressed hikers. Please respect your own ability." It really doesn't take too long before you want to quit, but don't. It does have its pretty points, truth is Mailbox is one of the better tough training routes around. It will really put in perspective your condition and pain tolerance levels. Before heading out to do anything else tough - go here first... "its nasty BUT, its good for you". And when you get there, don't forget to read and sign the book inside the mailbox. There have been some pretty amazing stories and people that have been up there. I think the last book I saw in there was "Green Eggs and Ham", good times. Green Trails map Snoqualmie Pass #206 trailhead C4-C5
Munra Point - Oregon
2 miles (that means 1 mile up and one back) /2,110 gain/summit elevation apx 2,000/Columbia Gorge - The official trail starts off exit 40 off HWY 84 also the Wahclella falls exit. Walk back up the paved entrance road and turn left at the gorge trailhead sign 400, walk the concrete bridge and over the creek. You will find your way in as you parallel the highway, enjoy this section... you'll be glad to be back here. About 3 tenths of a mile in the trail forks off to the left... this is where you go, and its all up from here. Before leaving the main trail, make sure you have your shoes tied, pack zipped and finished watering the plants... there aren't many, if any, good places to stop on the way up. You will quickly find yourself scrambling up rock, roots and trees. This one is appropriately placed here, you'll get good and dirty. Though it is a 3.5 rating don't let the 3 part make you worry any less. This is a tough little hike, definitely not for the faint hearted or the aerobically challenged. On a good day this little jaunt is tough, I won't even try it on an ugly or questionable day, that's just a bit risky. However... with that said... it is a fun little adventure with panoramic views of the gorge. Great for a needed quick afternoon caloric butt burn. Don't forget to thank Malcolm at the end.
Lemah One - Washington
4560 elevation gain/summit elevation 6,960/start at Mineral creek trailhead Cascades Washington, off of HWY 2, and follow directions for Glacier and
Chikamin Lakes hike, Lemah one is 2 miles round trip off the hike trail. Lemah One is the lowest of the summits of Lemah Mountain. My original plan was to
ascend to a gully that would allow a descent to the Lemah Glacier. When I arrived at the gully I found it melted out and very loose and decided I would have to settle for the summit of Lemah One rather than the main peak. From Chikamin Lake traverse around the lake on its east and north shore to near the Chikamin-Lemah saddle then ascend somewhat steep heather and talus until directly below the rocky summit. The last ten feet is class 4, so watch your step.
Chikamin Lakes hike, Lemah one is 2 miles round trip off the hike trail. Lemah One is the lowest of the summits of Lemah Mountain. My original plan was to
ascend to a gully that would allow a descent to the Lemah Glacier. When I arrived at the gully I found it melted out and very loose and decided I would have to settle for the summit of Lemah One rather than the main peak. From Chikamin Lake traverse around the lake on its east and north shore to near the Chikamin-Lemah saddle then ascend somewhat steep heather and talus until directly below the rocky summit. The last ten feet is class 4, so watch your step.
Really tough hikes (climbs for sure)
Camp Muir - Washington (summer)
4788 gain/summit elevation 10,188/Cascades, Mt Rainier National Park East, a stopping point to the summit of Mt Rainier. This can be done in a good long day. Elevation is an issue, drink lots of water. If there is snow on the fields, make sure you bring crampons and an axe as back up to whatever means of travel. The snow fields and weather change very rapidly, one day you start in deep powder snow, the next to sheer ice miles long. Green Trails map Mount Rainer East #270 trailhead C1240
Mount Defiance - Oregon
12 miles/5000ft gain/4960 summit elevation/ Columbia River Gorge near Starvation Creek State park off of HWY 84. This one got moved from 4 drops to a 5 dropper and blood is in the mix. Give yourself one good long hard day for this and a bucket of beer for when you get back this is painful. You will want to plan for plenty of nutrients cuz you gonna need em! I don't know anyone in their right mind to want to do this climb just for the hell of it, this sucked. Very good trainer for some of those bigger mountains you are wanting to tackle, but that would be the only reason to do this climb. I kid you not when I say that this thing is only for those who are in excellent shape and skilled in painful climbing. This will suck you in, chew you up and spit you out like there is no tomorrow. If you can do this and recover quickly you can tackle most anything. Am I stupid enough to do it again, probably... but not this year.
Enchantments - Washington (summer)
24 miles/7500gain/summit elevation 8,520/Stewart range, Eastern Washington in the Enchantments. The Enchantments are also known as the place of 1,000 waterfalls, and a rock climbers paradise. Many a rock to play on in this area. However note that snow stays late in the season here, so make sure you are plenty prepared. Unless you are an absolute animal you will want to take a couple days to do this trip. You can start at the parking lot at the end of road 7601 out of Bridge Creek campground and end off the main Icicle canyon road #76. However you will need to park a car there in advance, or your hikin or hitch hikin back. Green Trails map The Enchantments # 209S trailhead C4628 (for more information on how we do this over a few days see notes under adventures).
