@patoutside
PNW shoulder season day hike checklist
15 items
- 01Waterproof rain shell, taped seams
- 02Synthetic or wool base layer, no cotton
- 03Waterproof pants with full side zips
- ··12 more entries
111500
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.
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
5. Wallace Falls and Wallace Lake Loop
06
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.
07
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.