Every part of Washington is beautiful, but there really is something special about the Columbia River Gorge. We’re incredibly lucky to share this area with Oregon, and in fact, some of the gorge’s best hikes can be found on the Washington side. And since this part of the state tends to show the first signs of spring, we thought we’d suggest a few hikes you can enjoy as early as April.
- Dog Mountain Trail
Shawna McDonald / alltrails.com
Katherine Eileen / alltrails.com This hike is absolutely gorgeous, but it isn’t for beginners. The 6-mile trek has high elevation gains, and parts of it are downright steep and narrow. That being said, these views are absolutely worth breaking a sweat for.
- Falls Creek Falls Trail
Candace Moon / alltrails.com
Mary Red Crow / alltrails.com Most of the Columbia River Gorge’s waterfalls are located on the Oregon side, but not this beauty. The 5-mile Falls Creek Falls Trail is located near Carson, and it’s a must-see for any nature lover.
- Hamilton Mountain Trail
Dennis Rahajaan / alltrails.com
Jake Van Winkle / alltrails.com Unlike the previous two trails on this list, Hamilton Mountain is slightly more off-the-beaten path (although we recommend going on a week day in the summer, if you can). The 5-mile trail is located near the tiny town of Stevenson.
- Beacon Rock Trail
Danielle Philippe / alltrails.com
Kathy Metcalf / alltrails.com Speaking of Stevenson, that’s where you’ll want to head if you’d like to check out Beacon Rock State Park. The Beacon Rock Trail is only a mile in length, and despite a steep climb, most beginners can handle it easily. And the views from the top will take your breath away more than the climb.
- Cape Horn Loop Trail
Dawn K / alltrails.com
Peter Blair / alltrails.com The Cape Horn Loop is a 7-mile trek offering sweeping views of the western edge of the gorge, and it’s stunning in any season. Considering its length, this one also isn’t recommended for beginners, although if you pace yourself, you’ll be able to complete it.
There’s nothing like a good exhilarating hike, particularly in the PNW. Do you have a favorite spring trail in Washington?
Shawna McDonald / alltrails.com
Katherine Eileen / alltrails.com
This hike is absolutely gorgeous, but it isn’t for beginners. The 6-mile trek has high elevation gains, and parts of it are downright steep and narrow. That being said, these views are absolutely worth breaking a sweat for.
Candace Moon / alltrails.com
Mary Red Crow / alltrails.com
Most of the Columbia River Gorge’s waterfalls are located on the Oregon side, but not this beauty. The 5-mile Falls Creek Falls Trail is located near Carson, and it’s a must-see for any nature lover.
Dennis Rahajaan / alltrails.com
Jake Van Winkle / alltrails.com
Unlike the previous two trails on this list, Hamilton Mountain is slightly more off-the-beaten path (although we recommend going on a week day in the summer, if you can). The 5-mile trail is located near the tiny town of Stevenson.
Danielle Philippe / alltrails.com
Kathy Metcalf / alltrails.com
Speaking of Stevenson, that’s where you’ll want to head if you’d like to check out Beacon Rock State Park. The Beacon Rock Trail is only a mile in length, and despite a steep climb, most beginners can handle it easily. And the views from the top will take your breath away more than the climb.
Dawn K / alltrails.com
Peter Blair / alltrails.com
The Cape Horn Loop is a 7-mile trek offering sweeping views of the western edge of the gorge, and it’s stunning in any season. Considering its length, this one also isn’t recommended for beginners, although if you pace yourself, you’ll be able to complete it.
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