SW Washington Hikes
Silver Star | 7 miles | 2100 ft of elevation gain | Expansive forests, hillside meadows, abundant wildflowers, rock formations. Path is rocky at times. A great snowy hike in the winter!
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Big Huckleberry Mountain | 11 miles | 2700 ft of elevation gain | A pretty secluded trail with an incredible variety of wildflowers (May/June) and a long ridge to the top with alternating view of nearby by snowy peaks.
Indian Race Track to Red Mountain Lookout | 7 miles | 1600 ft of elevation gain | Huckleberries! Lots of lakes and meadows. The "Race Track" is an old seasonal gathering place for local tribes. Red Mountain is cool and, on a less foggy day than when I visited, has some great views.
Stagman Ridge | 11 miles | 2300 ft of elevation gain | Pushing the bounds of "SW WA" here but if you can make it to this south-of-Klickitat (Adams) trail, it's worth the drive. Absolutely stunning meadows, ridges, forests, and views, and Lookingglass Lake is gorgeous. One of my all-time favorite hikes.
Thomas Lake Trail | 7.5 miles | 1000 ft of elevation gain | I’m sure this trail is fantastic any time of year but I went in mid-October and the reds, oranges, and yellows were popping! Lots of lakes. No mosquitos in October!
Siouxon Trail | 15 miles | 3000 ft of elevation gain | A long forested trail along a creek with plenty of waterfalls. Lots of ways to do this trial, though fire damage has complicated getting there a bit.
Trapper Creek to Soda Peaks | 10.5 miles | 3000 ft of elevation gain | A steep, shady, quiet trail along the southern edge of the Trapper Creek Wilderness with a perfect payoff on a hot day: a beautiful mountain lake to swim in.
Three Corner Rock | 5 miles | 1300 ft of elevation gain | A relatively short hike tucked away in Skamania County, accessible from Washougal River Rd. My one attempt was icy (I wouldn’t recommend it!) but I’d like to return in summertime.