Hey hikers! This blog post is going to focus on some of my favorite trails designated into categories based on my experience hiking them. To preface, these trails will be in their most pristine conditions during the summer season which starts around May and lasts until early October. Always check trail reviews on All Trails for updates regarding trail safety before embarking on your next adventure!
Favorite Hikes in Oregon:
- Black Butte Summit – Sisters, OR https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/black-butte-trail
Central Oregon is the place that initially sparked my love for the outdoors and got me outside to enjoy the wonders that Oregon has to offer. I did this trail this summer after having always driven past it while staying nearby on various vacations over every summer of my life. This hike is a beast when it comes to elevation, but boy are the views worth it.
Hike with the best waterfall:
- Wahclella Falls – Cascade Locks, OR https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/wahclella-falls-trail-436
The gorge is home to several stunning waterfalls that are sure to make the drive worth it. This hike in particular is an easy/moderate trail with great trail markings. I would categorize this specific out and back hike as a low risk/ high reward hike that is perfect for a sunny day.
Favorite hike I’ve ever done:
- Seven Sacred Pools & Soldiers Pass – Sedona, AZ https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/soldier-pass-trail
The landscapes found along this trail were incredibly unique to any other trail that I have seen before. The rocks and desert colors create a meditative environment that cultivates a spiritually-rewarding experience that any and all hikers can appreciate.
Favorite hike in Europe:
- Lake Braies – Sudtirol Region, Italy https://www.alltrails.com/trail/italy/south-tyrol/lago-di-braies
I wish that I could have spent days exploring around this region of Italy, and this hike helped me fall even more in love with Northern Italy and what the Italian Alps have to offer. A true hub for anyone that appreciates natural beauty, you will find some of the most stunning alpine beauty on this hike around Lago di Braies.
Hikes worth doing at least once:
- Dog Mountain – Skamania County, WA https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/dog-mountain-trail-147
- Trail of Ten Falls – Silver Falls State Park, OR https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/trail-of-ten-falls-loop
- Birthing Cave – Sedona, AZ https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/birthing-cave-trail
- Mirror Lake – Mt. Hood National Forest, OR https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/mirror-lake-trail-664
- Fern Canyon – Redwood National Park, CA https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/fern-canyon-loop-trail
All of these trails listed above are trails that I have done within the past three years and are constantly on the front of my mind when I think of some of my favorite trails. All from different areas around the Pacific Northwest and beyond, I can safely say that these hikes are worth it for the various views that you will find along the way.
Hikes that are on my bucket list:
- Mt. Rainier Loop Trail/ “Wonderland” Trail – Rainier, WA https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/wonderland-trail
- South Sister Summit – Sisters, OR https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/south-sister-trail
I plan on doing both of these hikes sometime this summer when the weather is nicer. Both of these hikes show off quintessential breath-taking views of the Pacific Northwest beauty. While they are on the more advanced side compared to the other hikes on this list, I think that these challenges will push me to my full capabilities as a hiker and outdoorswoman. I recommend looking at the comments on the All Trails links to find more details about trail safety and special gear that may be needed in order to be successful on these trails.
Are there any trails that I missed? What other recommendations do you have for iconic trails in the Pacific Northwest (and beyond)?
Kayla Magura's Blog 
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