pnw day hikes, ranked by view per mile of pain

Order is the point. Instagram count didn't factor in, if it did Mailbox would be #1 and it isn't.

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1. Rattlesnake Ledge

4 mi. RT, 1,160 ft gain. Best ratio here by a mile, also the most crowded trailhead in the state by 8am. Go weekday or don't complain.

2. Poo Poo Point via Chirico Trail

Paragliders off the summit and a full Rainier view for a moderate climb, 7.5 mi. RT, ~1,600 ft gain. Chirico over the old trail every time.

3. Colchuck Lake

Steep and rough near the top, but a turquoise glacial lake under Dragontail keeps the ratio in its favor. 9 mi. RT, 2,300 ft gain.

4. Heather-Maple Pass Loop

Docked a spot for the drive alone, North Cascades Highway is 2+ hours from Seattle before you even lace up. 7.2 mi. loop, ~2,000 ft gain.

5. Wallace Falls and Wallace Lake Loop

6. Mount Si

Valley and Rainier views are real but you're earning them at a rate worse than half this list. 8 mi. RT, 3,150 ft gain.

7. Mailbox Peak (old trail)

Notoriously punishing, and the view at top is good, not this good. Take the new trail if you must, or do Si instead and save your knees.

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