5 Overnight Backpacking Trips in the Pacific Northwest
Hi guys! So today I wanted to throw together a quick list of my favorite overnight backpacking trips in the PNW. All these hikes could alternatively be good day hikes, but if you’re looking for an absolutely gorgeous one night trip, these are my recommendations! All would be good options for first time backpacking trips, but pay attention to the milage, elevation gain and difficultly rating; your fitness level will ultimately determine what would be the best option for you (I’m happy to help you figure that out! Just send me an email). Each hike listed has a slideshow of a few pictures, hiking distance, elevation gain, a few notes and then links for the full blog posts for each trip plus a link for trail info and directions. For all of these hikes you will need a NW Forest Pass. If you have any recommendations be sure to drop them in the comments below! Happy trails!
Gem Lake, Washington
Driving Time: Seattle (50 minutes away), Portland (3 hours, 15 minutes away)
Distance: 11 miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 2,700 feet
Difficulty: moderate/difficult
To know: You will see two stunning lakes on this hike, the very popular Snow Lake and then Gem Lake. The hike up to Snow Lake is incredibly popular, sometimes there are literally lines to get up the trail. Due to this I recommend starting this hike VERY early in the morning before the crowds arrive. If you can’t, just be mentally prepared for hundreds of people on the trail but once you get past Snow Lake the crowds thin considerably.
Link for blog post/more pictures
Link for trail details and directions
Canyon Creek Meadows, Oregon
Driving Time: Portland (3 hours away), Seattle (5 hours, 45 minutes away)
Distance: 7.5 miles, lollipop loop
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Difficulty: easy/moderate
To know: This is a GREAT option for a first time backpacking trip. The elevation gains are gradual and the meadow is tucked right under the peak of Three Fingered Jack. In the summertime there are wild lupines blooming and there are water sources year round. Be sure to bring sunscreen, as the meadow doesn’t have a lot of shade and you’ll be hiking through a section of forest that was destroyed in a forest fire.
Link for blog post/more pictures
link for trail details and directions
Winchester Fire Tower, Washington
Driving Time: Seattle (2 hours 50 minutes away), Portland (5 hours, 40 minutes away)
Distance: 3 miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Difficulty: easy/moderate
To know: You will need either a 4WD vehicle or experience driving on terrible forest service roads to get to this trailhead (this was easily one of the worst forest roads we’ve ever navigated). The hike begins between the Twin Lakes (first picture) and steeply ascends uphill until you reach the fire tower. The fire tower is first come, first serve, but if you can’t get a spot inside there are a few places to set up a tent at the summit (like we did). The hike is only 1.5 miles up, so you can take your time with the climb and stop often to enjoy the views of the surrounding Cascade Range.
Link for blog post/more pictures
link for trail details and directions
Marmot Pass, Washington
Driving Time: Seattle (2 hours 35 minutes away), Portland (3 hours, 45 minutes away)
Distance: 11.5 miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
Difficulty: difficult
To know: Starting at the Upper Big Quilcene Trail, this hike will take you through a gorgeous PNW forest up into the alpine overlooking the Olympic Range. This hike is very popular, and after the 3 mile mark you’ll be hiking mostly in the sun without any shade, so I recommend starting this hike as early in the morning as possible. The campground sits below Marmot Pass, so you should definitely set up camp first to secure a spot and then hike up to see the views after. You’ll also be treated to lots of friendly marmots popping out of the rocks to say hello!
Link for blog post/more pictures
link for trail details and directions
Paradise Park, Oregon
Driving Time: Portland (1 hour 25 minutes away), Seattle (4 hours, 10 minutes away)
Distance: 9 miles, lollipop loop
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Difficulty: moderate
To know: Starting at the Timberline Lodge you’ll head north on the scenic Pacific Crest Trail where you’ll immediately have amazing views of the mountains to the south. The hike will take you down across glacial rivers and then up into the alpine of Wy’east. This hike has very little shade, so be sure to pack the sunscreen. Once you are up in the Paradise Park area, there are tons of places to pitch a tent and camp out as well as a few good water sources.