Hikes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

High Rock is high, indeed. This viewpoint soars above the surrounding region of the South Cascades, giving you the best view you can find in the area! The views are truly panoramic and the trail to reach them isn’t that difficult. At 5.1 km in length and with moderate elevation gain, it’s a suitable trail for most skill levels and for active families. You’ll climb up Sawtooth Ridge to a fire cabin, where you can relax and savor the sightlines.

Expect heavy traffic on this hike, making a visit during the week or early in the morning a good choice. Most of the trail is wide, save for a few skinner sections. That being said, no part of the trail is highly exposed.

Hidden Falls via Tarbell Trail is a moderate 17.5 km hike in Yacolt Burn State Park. This hike features waterfalls, but longer adventures on the Tarbell Trail can take you very far and through changing scenery. In this section, you’ll stroll through a very lush forest, check out multiple waterfalls, and explore clear-cut areas that open up your view. There are a few steep sections where poles would be helpful. These sections may be too steep for younger children.

The trail lacks shade in the clear-cut areas and can get quite hot, so prepare accordingly if you’re hiking on a sunny day. Long pants are also recommended for short sections with poison ivy in the bushes- staying on the trail is a must!

The Ape Caves Trail takes you into a lava tube discovered in 1951. The tubes were created by an eruption of nearby Mount St. Helens. At 4.0 km long, this trail is the longest continuous lava tube in the continental United States and the third-longest lava tube in North America. Nearly 200,000 people hike through the tube each year, making this a very popular spot to explore. The hike itself is quite easy and is suitable for all ages, although those who are claustrophobic may want to evaluate whether this is the right trail for them.

The caves are open between April and October and reservations are required to visit the cave. You’ll need one reservation per vehicle. Make your reservation on the official site.

This guide describes the route through the Lower Cave. The Upper Cave requires about 2 more hours and a bit of scrambling to complete.

The Mount Adams South Climb is the least technical approach, leading you to the summit over the course of 17.5 km and over 2,042 m of elevation gain. While this is the least challenging way up Mount Adams, it’s still best taken on by experienced adventurers with the proper gear: ice axes, crampons, mountaineering boots, and supplies to sleep overnight at Lunch Counter if they’re attempting the hike over two days instead of one. While this hike can be done in a day, doing it over two allows you to attempt the summit in the morning when the snow is firm.

Dogs are allowed on this trail but very likely won’t be able to summit with you, so we recommend leaving them at home if you intend to make a summit attempt.

Panther Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades over a mossy slope in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The hike to the viewpoint for the falls is extremely easy and quick, making it possible to enjoy for most adventurers. The trail is a mere 0.5 km long and is nearly flat. The trail is well maintained and offers a great viewing deck for the falls.

The signage for this hike is poor, but it’s not hard to find your way. Download the GPS track to help find the trailhead if you need to.

Lewis River Falls Trail is a delightful hike in every way. The trail is in great condition, the scenery is immaculate, and despite the heavy traffic, visiting on a weekday or early morning/late afternoon can score you some solitude. There are also multiple access points for this route to shorten or lengthen it. This guide covers the 13.8 km from the Crab Creek Trailhead to the Upper Lewis River Falls, which is a moderate trip.

You can start from the Lower Falls Campground to shorten your trip a bit if desired. You can also hike further to Taitnapum Falls.

Dog Mountain Trail is one of the most sought-after hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. This 10.5 km loop trek is considered hard, with a straight-up stair stepper climb required. More experienced hikers often find it to be very manageable, but beginners may find it quite demanding. However, the changing scenery and foliage make for a highly enjoyable trip well worth the crowds. Expect heavy traffic and come prepared for a very windy summit.

The hike begins with temperate and high-desert flora, but it gives way to a cool rainforest and then vibrant flower-filled meadows with mountain views. Make sure you have your passes in order (see Insider Tips) and arrive early to secure a spot in the parking lot.

Beacon Rock Trail takes you through Beacon Rock State Park to an awesome viewpoint over the Columbia River Gorge. This 2.4 km out and back route is less of a hike in the classic sense and more of a pleasant walk with a gentle, consistent incline. The route is paved or on a boardwalk, making it a nice choice for those who prefer even footing. It does tend to get busy in the summertime, but visiting later in the day or in the spring and fall should earn you a quieter trail.

There is a fee to access the parking area for this hike, or you can use a Discover Pass.

The view from Mount Saint Helens is a stunning sight, and it should be on the hiking list of every campable adventurer. The Monitor Ridge approach is challenging, but it requires no technical climbing skills. This approach is just over 12.9 km long and requires 1,397 m of vertical gain. It’s important to plan your hike in the summertime on a day that’s as clear as possible. Weather can make this route decidedly less friendly, so you won’t want to be hiking it in snow, rain, or the relentless wind that can howl at the summit. On the flip side, the trail can be a bit loose when it’s very dry, so just watch your footing.

Bring microspikes and poles and certainly wear good boots. Prepare for the summit wind- goggles and a buff will be lifesavers.

The Johnston Ridge Observatory has one of the best views of Mount Saint Helens you can earn without climbing anything. This very quick and simple walk takes you through the observatory over a half-mile with almost no elevation gain. Part of the trail is wheelchair accessible and the entire path is very family-friendly. If you want to experience the beauty of Mount Saint Helens with as little work required as possible, this is definitely the way! While you observe, you can learn about the history of the volcano, including the deadly eruption that occurred in 1980.

There are restrooms at the observatory but no other amenities are available. Lodging, gifts, and food are available in nearby communities.

Three Corner Rock is a unique formation atop a hill that overlooks all the big ones: Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Saint Helens. It’s a moderate hike at 6.1 km but the views are what you’d expect of a much more demanding trek. This hike sees moderate traffic and is best done on a clear day when the views are the best.

This trail is well-graded and generally well-kept. Some logging has occurred around the trail in recent years but this doesn’t detract too much from the overall experience.

There is another route to Three Corner Rock that clocks in at 14.5 km roundtrip with 579 m of elevation gain. This route follows the PCT. The route described in this guide is shorter, more direct, and easier.

The hike to Moulton Falls on Lewis River Trail is an easy hike suitable for all skill levels and ages. This 8.5 km out and back trail is a good choice year-round, and it’s shared by walkers, runners, and bikers. You’ll walk along a mossy cliff with the river beside you, having the chance to relax at viewpoints and benches on the way. It’s peaceful but also offers the chance to adventure a little if you take side trails to Big Tree Falls or up the Bells Mountain Trail to a nice viewpoint.

This trail is multi-use, so remember to share it and keep dogs leashed at all times.

The 5.3 km loop hike around Takhlakh Lake and the Takh Takh Meadows is a unique hike in the best ways. You’ll climb up an old lava flow for views of Mount Rainier, a uniquely southwestern Washington experience. The hike doesn’t tend to be very busy despite its lovely views.

This trail is rated as easy and is suitable for all skill levels and ages. The trail begins near the campground, so it’s a great choice for those camping here already, but you can also book a spot if you’re planning on visiting to make a weekend out of it. You can also fish in the lake if that interests you.

Ape Canyon Trail is well worth the effort from anyone in the area. This hike takes you through a wonderful section of old-growth forest (one of the few remaining stands near Mount Saint Helens) atop a butte with excellent views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.

The hike is rated as hard with 635 m of elevation gain to complete, but it’s fairly gradual in its gain. Small children may find it too long or difficult, but older, active families often enjoy this hike. We recommend completing this hike in the late spring and early summer when the wildflowers are in bloom for the best experience.

This trail does get quite busy so we recommend visiting on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid some of the crowds.

Spirit Falls is a stunning sight. The falls are tucked into the forest off the beaten path, hidden in the moss of the trees until you’re right in front of them. The falls are gorgeous in the warmer months, but they’re especially impressive when they’re surrounded by crystalline white in the winter.

The hike to the falls is about a mile long, but there are different routes there that may differ in length and elevation gain. While the hike is very short, it’s very steep and descends a slick talus slope. This makes the hike unsuitable for kids and demands careful footing from adults. There are also sheer drop offs near the falls, so we recommend keeping a safe distance from the edge.

The paths to the falls cross private property and are subject to closure at the discretion of the landowners.

The hike to Hamilton Mountain is a spectacular trip that captures the best of the Columbia Gorge. Admire snow-capped peaks, changing foliage, the deep blue river, and multiple waterfalls, including Rodney Falls. This is a hard hike, but it’s worth the extra bit of work for beginners. The trip comes in at 12.9 km with 697 m of elevation gain.

This trail can be done either as an out and back or as a loop. This route guide follows the loop, which is a touch longer but offers more varied scenery. While the trail is generally quite well-maintained, poles might be helpful for the elevation gain. You likely won’t need a GPS track for this route as the junctions are very well signed.

The Lakes Trail is a popular pick for backpackers destined for the Mount Margaret Backcountry, but the out and back hike along the upper shore of Coldwater Lake is an ideal day hike for those exploring the region. This hike is 141.6 km long, but it can be shortened if you want an easier, faster adventure. Pack a picnic or grab the paddleboards if you want to continue the fun after your hike.

This trail is subject to overgrowth and occasionally is blocked by blowdown. We recommend long pants and a spirit of adventure.

Packwood Lake’s glassy reflection is one we could stare into for an entire afternoon. With an island of trees adorning the mountain-reflecting lake surface, it’s a great place to kick back after a hike. This trail is also a top pick early in the season. Packwood Lake tends to thaw sooner than other lakes at the same elevation.

This hike is moderately difficult at 19.3 km long with 562 m of elevation gain. There are camping and fishing spots along the lake and the forest you’ll hike through is beautiful. It’s all you need for a perfect day out in the PNW!

The hike to Hamilton Mountain is a gorgeous trip that captures the best of the Columbia Gorge. Admire snow-capped peaks, changing foliage through the seasons, the river down below, and multiple waterfalls, including Rodney Falls. This is a hard hike, but it’s worth the extra bit of work for beginners. This out and back approach is shorter than the Hamilton Falls and Rodney Falls loop, but it’s a bit harder on the knees.

While the trail is generally very well-maintained, poles might be helpful for the elevation gain, especially on the way down. Expect heavy traffic on this hike.

Windy Ridge Trail is true to its name, but it could also be called Windy Scenic Trail. This trail is an easy trip suitable for all skill levels. While you’ll need the windbreaker, the views are worth it. Our section of this route is only 1.0 km long and takes you up to the Harmony Lake Viewpoint. You can go all the way across the ridge to the Smith Creek Trail, which is about a 24.1 km hike in total.

The drive to this hike is spectacular, too. You’ll have some excellent views from the car windows, so enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

This route sees moderate traffic. The footing can be a bit rough, with the trail consisting of rocky gravel. Additionally, note that the road to this trail is not always accessible when it’s snowy out. Plan this hike for the summer months.